Emergency Dentistry – Auburn, WA

Same-Day Care Right When You Need It

Man in need of emergency dentistry holding his cheek

1 in 6 Americans will experience a dental emergency this year, and if you or a family member happen to be part of this unlucky group, the last thing you want to do while someone is in pain is have to go online and search for help. Instead, just put Auburn Dental Smiles’ number in your phone right now. Our expert dentists are ready to provide same-day care for those dealing with toothaches and dental injuries, so patients in need can get the relief they deserve right away thanks to comprehensive emergency dentistry in Auburn, WA.

Why Choose Auburn Dental Smiles for Emergency Dentistry?

Same-Day Emergency Appointments
Friendly Team Led by Husband & Wife Dentists
General & Specialty Procedures Performed Under 1 Roof

How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies

Woman in need of emergency dentistry holding cheek in pain

The best thing you can do if you even think you have a dental emergency is call our dental office. After you describe your situation to our team, we’ll let you know what to do next and schedule an immediate appointment if needed. Before you’re able to reach us, there are a few ways you can take control during some of the most common dental emergencies:

Toothaches

A toothache can have many causes, so it’s wise to floss and rinse around the area first to dislodge any pieces of food that might be stuck. If this doesn’t help, go ahead and take an OTC medication. For swelling, apply an icepack to the face in 10-15-minute increments.

Learn About Root Canals

Chipped/Broken Teeth

Closeup of smile with chipped front tooth

Gently rinse the mouth with warm water and use gauze or a clean towel to apply light pressure if there is bleeding. Recover any pieces of the tooth that you can find to bring to our dental office. If needed, cover the remaining tooth with some sugarless gum if it has a jagged edge.

Learn About Tooth Extractions

Knocked-Out Tooth

Time is of the essence in this situation, as we have the best chance of replanting a tooth if you come to see us within an hour or so of it being dislodged. Pick up the tooth while only touching the crown (the normally visible part), and make sure it stays wet to keep it alive. You can do this by holding it under your tongue or placing it in a container with milk or saltwater.

Lost Filling / Crown

Woman with lost dental crown covering her mouth

While this type of issue might not be painful initially, you should still come see us relatively quickly for a repair before your tooth develops damage or an infection. Before that, cover the tooth with some sugarless gum or try to place the restoration over it (using toothpaste if needed to serve as a temporary adhesive).

Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies

It’s true that dental emergencies can happen at just about any time, but the good news is there are ways you can effectively reduce your risk for one on a regular basis. At Auburn Dental Smiles, our goal has always been to make prevention a priority, ensuring you can avoid dental problems before they happen. We encourage you to read some of our most useful preventive steps below to keep your smile healthy and protected going forward.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Emergency dentist in Auburn performing a checkup

Visit Auburn Dental Smiles for checkups and cleanings at least twice a year. These appointments allow us to take care of small issues before they can become big emergencies, including cavities, gum disease, and oral infections. Keep in mind that those who currently have or are recovering from gum disease should be visiting more often, ideally three to four times a year. We recommend bringing your child in for their first visit by the age of one or within six months of their first tooth erupting.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene At Home

Woman brushing teeth to prevent dental emergencies in Auburn

You aren’t going to visit our office every day for a cleaning (even though we’d love to see you), which means you’ll have to keep up with brushing and flossing at home every day. To keep oral bacteria from damaging your teeth and gums, brush at least twice a day using a fluoridated toothpaste for at least two minutes at a time. Floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food debris from the sides of teeth as well.

Stick to a Nutritious Diet

Be very careful when chewing particularly hard or sticky foods, such as hard candies or popcorn. While we can’t stop you from indulging, you’ll want to use caution if you choose to as they can easily cause a tooth to crack or chip if biting down the wrong way. A much better alternative to eating these foods would be to have meals that are conducive to a healthy smile. Try adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet, both of which contain nutrients that keep the mouth healthy and carry a lower risk for fracturing teeth.

Wear a Mouthguard

A green mouthguard designed to prevent oral injuries

Wear a mouthguard whenever you play sports (contact or otherwise). One of the leading causes of dental emergencies is playing sports without the right protective gear. With a custom-made mouthguard available at our office, you can not only give your smile the best protection possible, but make wearing your mouthguard more enjoyable thanks to its supreme comfort!

Never Use Your Teeth as a Tool

Woman using teeth to cut a piece of tape

Don’t chew on hard things like ice, pens, pencils, fingernails, etc. These habits can erode and even crack your teeth after enough time. We also strongly recommend using the right tool to complete a tasks and not your teeth, whether it’s to open packages or remove tags from clothing. Go grab the scissors or a box cutter instead!

Cost of Treating Dental Emergencies

Woman at dental office for emergency dentistry holding cheek

When it comes to dental emergencies, acting fast is best for both your teeth and your wallet. Allowing us to treat a problem early will give us more options, many of which will be less expensive compared to waiting and allowing the issue to worsen. Before we provide any treatment, we’ll also discuss the cost and how we can use your insurance and financing to ensure that everything is affordable.

Dental Emergency FAQs

Dental emergencies often come unexpected, so it’s understandable that you have some unanswered questions. Here are the answers to some of the most common queries we receive about dental emergencies in Auburn. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for below, don’t worry. Give us a call and we’d be happy to answer your questions and schedule you for an urgent appointment.

Will My Toothache Go Away on Its Own?

Toothaches generally don’t go away on their own, so it is best to schedule a checkup with a dentist just to make sure nothing serious is going on. There are many reasons why you could be experiencing tooth pain, so you’ll want to rule them out as soon as you can. By doing so, you may be able to catch an underlying issue before becoming more severe.

How Should I Sleep with Tooth Pain?

It can be difficult to get quality sleep when you’re dealing with a toothache. Until you’re able to see an emergency dentist in the morning, keep your head elevated. This will prevent blood from rushing to your head and intensifying your toothache. Additionally, take over-the-counter medication as needed and avoid foods that are particularly acidic, cold, or hard before bed. A cold compress can also help to dull some of your discomfort.

Should I Visit the Emergency Room First for Dental Emergencies?

Most emergency rooms aren’t able to address dental emergencies effectively. However, there are three main exceptions where the ER is a better option. You should head to the ER if you have experienced a jaw fracture or dislocation, serious cut or lacerations to the face or mouth, or an abscess or infection that’s swollen to the point of affecting breathing or swallowing. In pretty much all other circumstances, the dental office is the best place to be when faced with a dental emergency.

Can I pop a dental abscess on my own?

You should never attempt to pop a dental abscess on your own. Always get in touch with a dentist right away as either a tooth or gum abscess is considered a dental infection and is therefore an emergency. Popping the abscess will only expose your mouth to more bacteria and irritate the area more. Additionally, putting off treatment can allow the infection to spread within the mouth and to other areas of the body, including the neck, throat, and head.

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