Dental Emergency

Regardless of how many precautions we take to protect our teeth, dental emergencies can still occur. Knowing what to do and how to handle a dental emergency can help you save time and money while also reducing the amount of discomfort you experience. West Valley Dental has many dental emergency services available to you at any time. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have a dental emergency. The quicker we get you in our office, the better off your tooth restoration will be. Below we have listed some of the most common emergencies and what you can do in each situation. 

If you experience a major life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately. 

If you’re not careful, a knocked-out tooth can happen at any time. Still likely, you don’t do everything you can to safeguard your teeth when participating in physical activities. If you knock out your tooth, please locate it and inform us as soon as possible. Apply a cold compress to the tooth socket and keep the tooth moist. The best way to do this is by putting it in a cold glass of milk or keeping it inside of your cheek. You can take any over-the-counter pain medication such as Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help relieve any pain you are feeling. If you get to our office quickly enough, the dentist will most likely be able to restore your original tooth.

One of the most painful dental emergencies is a chipped or fractured tooth. Immediately apply a cold compress to help with any swelling and take over-the-counter pain medication that works for you. Locate the missing portion of the tooth and try to place it back in your mouth if possible. Use a bandana or a handkerchief to bite down on the broken piece, securing it in place. If you cannot place the broken piece back in your mouth, keep it moist and call our office as soon as possible. We can immediately assess your repair choices and eliminate any pain you may be experiencing. If the tooth is irreparable, many restorative and cosmetic procedures are available to correct chipped teeth. 

An abscessed tooth is a dental infection that starts in the gums and spreads to the tooth socket, causing various complications in the tooth’s root. The infection forms a pus-filled socket around the gum line that goes deeper than you might think. You may have an abscessed tooth if you are experiencing gum inflammation, toothache, or severe discomfort around your gum line. Be sure to get in touch with our office as soon as possible to assist you in treating the infection and preventing further complications.

Another dental emergency is a lost dental crown or bridge. If you lose a dental crown or bridge, call our office right away. Similar to a lost tooth, save the dental crown or bridge. We may be able to put it back in place. Remember to practice good oral hygiene and avoid sticky, chewy, or hard foods while waiting for your dental appointment. Poor oral hygiene or inappropriate foods can cause damage to where the tooth sat.  

There are a variety of other dental emergencies that may occur. Each dental emergency is unique, and Dr. Hsue should evaluate each case. Excessive bleeding in your gums and teeth, lost dental crowns or bridges, biting your tongue, tissue tearing in your mouth, and many other things. West Valley Dental is here to assist you with any dental issues you may be experiencing. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have a dental emergency and are in Tukwila, Washington.