Dental Emergencies

If you have ever suffered a dental emergency—toothache, broken tooth, or swelling—then you know how troublesome it can be. Fortunately, your compassionate dentist in Seattle, WA makes time for dental emergencies. Additionally, the entire team at Phinney Ridge Dental rallies to get you into our office as soon as possible. We never want you to “hang in there” and hope for the best. We are here to relieve your tooth pain. 

Dental Emergencies

Our approach to treating dental emergencies starts with a quick assessment, then pain relief, and finally, saving your smile—and we want to accomplish these goals in short order.

Common dental emergencies that we treat at Phinney Ridge Dental include:

  • Tooth pain
  • Jaw pain
  • Jaw swelling
  • Lost tooth or restoration
  • Tooth or restoration knocked out or loosened
  • Soft tissue injuries

If you notice tooth sensitivity that does not improve, we would prefer that you call us sooner rather than later. We want to treat your issue before the real pain sets in. Additionally, if your situation is not mentioned in the list above, we still encourage you to contact our office. 

Emergency Dental Care At Phinney Ridge Dental

The first step to getting tooth pain relief is to contact our dentist’s office in Seattle, WA. A member of our team will assess your symptoms and make the best determination for your oral health and well-being.

If you have a small chip in your tooth that is not causing pain, we may schedule you to come in soon, but this may not constitute a dental emergency. However, your peace of mind factors into our assessment as well.

In addition to treating your dental emergency as soon as possible, a team member will also provide instructions to hold you over until your emergency dental care appointment—rinsing your mouth or the proper way to handle a knocked-out tooth, for example.

At Phinney Ridge Dental, we are with you every step of the way during your emergency dental situation. 

Preventing Future Dental Emergencies 

While there are many common dental emergencies, root canal infections probably take the top spot. A root infection means the root and pulp of your tooth are infected and need root canal therapy to relieve the pain and save the tooth.

Root canal therapy finds your emergency dentist numbing the area around the infected tooth and gently removing the pain-causing root and pulp. We close with a temporary filling and later fit your tooth with a white filling or quality dental crown.  

A tooth crown is a hollow cover—tooth-shaped and sturdy—that goes over your weakened tooth. It creates a buffer between that tooth and your bite impact. This prevents cracks and breakage.

The best way to lower your risk for this type of dental emergency is to brush and floss twice each day and visit your dentist regularly for dental exams and teeth cleanings. These habits also lower your risks for cavities and gum disease.

Of course, if you play sports, we always recommend wearing the proper face gear or mouthguard to protect your teeth from injury. And if you grind and clench your teeth, remember to always sleep with your nightguard in!

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