Acting quickly after a dental emergency can reduce pain, prevent infection, and sometimes even save a tooth. However, what you do before you see the dentist also matters.
Our services at Northwest Dental Services & Denture Implant Center in Tacoma and Lakewood, Washington, include same-day emergency visits. It’s part of our commitment to your smile and your oral health.
Here’s how our team recommends you handle the most common dental emergencies safely on your way to see us.
“Toothache” may seem too mild a word to describe the often excruciating nerve pain caused by cavities, gum infections, or problems with the tooth root.
If you’re hit with sharp, shooting, or throbbing dental pain, we recommend you call the office for a same-day visit. Rinsing your mouth gently with lukewarm water and flossing to remove food particles may help reduce pain before you reach the office.
An over-the-counter pain reliever can help dull the pain but won’t solve the problem. Persistent pain may indicate infection, decay, or nerve inflammation that requires immediate attention.
If an adult tooth gets knocked out, time is critical. Ideally, reimplantation by the dentist should occur within 30-60 minutes. However, don’t consider it too late to try if you don’t meet that deadline.
You may be able to protect the tooth’s viability with a few simple pre-evaluation steps. For instance, handle the tooth only by the crown, and avoid touching the root. Rinse away loose debris gently with milk or plain water. Never scrub the tooth.
If possible, reinsert the tooth gently into the socket (root side down) and hold it in place with light pressure. If that’s not possible, store the tooth in milk or tuck it inside your cheek until you reach our office. Your dentist will determine the best treatment option based on the type of injury and the tooth’s condition.
Rinse your mouth with warm water, saving any tooth pieces you can find. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Avoid eating until you’ve seen our team. Broken teeth can expose nerves and increase your risk of infection, so prompt treatment is key.
For a lost crown or filling, avoid chewing on that side to keep the area clean. You can temporarily place a small piece of sugar-free gum or dental cement (available at most pharmacies) in the cavity.
Don’t try to glue it back yourself, since adhesives can damage the tooth further. If possible, bring the crown or filling along for your emergency dental visit.
Cleanse the area with lukewarm water and apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to stop bleeding. Depending on the injury site, a cold compress to the jaw, cheek, or lips may help reduce swelling.
If bleeding is heavy or doesn’t slow dramatically/stop within 15 minutes, go to the nearest emergency room or call us for immediate guidance.
At Northwest Dental Services & Denture Implant Center, we know dental pain can’t wait. Our team provides compassionate, same-day emergency care to relieve pain and protect your smile.
Whether it’s a broken tooth, intense toothache, or soft tissue injury, we’ll help you feel comfortable again fast. Schedule a same-day visit by calling our office in Tacoma or Lakewood, Washington.
