Emergency Dentistry

General Dentistry located in Seattle, WA

Emergency Dentistry services offered in Seattle, WA

You can’t plan for a dental emergency, but you can prepare for one by choosing a dentist who prioritizes your oral health in case of an accident. Hanbit Chi, DDS, and Sarah Park, DDS, are experienced dentists who offer emergency dentistry services at Alki Dental in Seattle, Washington. Whether you suffer a sudden broken tooth or infection, the team can immediately get you in for an appointment. Call the West Seattle office or book an appointment online to learn more.

What is emergency dentistry?

Emergency dentistry focuses on problems with your oral health that can’t wait for a regular appointment. Dental emergencies often require same-day appointments or a visit to the dentist within the next day. 

How do I know if I need emergency dentistry?

If you’re trying to decide whether to schedule an emergency appointment with the team, look for the following dental emergency warning signs:

  • Facial swelling
  • Severe tooth pain
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Extreme gum pain
  • Tooth loss
  • Cracked tooth

You should also schedule an emergency visit if you feel a rush of foul-tasting liquid in your mouth. This is a telltale sign of a ruptured abscess. The team may need to perform a root canal to ensure your tooth remains intact and healthy.

What happens during a dental emergency?

The first step in any dental emergency is to schedule a visit with Alki Dental. The team can walk you through how to preserve your teeth and manage any pain you’re experiencing before you come in for your appointment. 

Certain types of emergencies they can treat at the office include:

Knocked-out teeth

If your tooth falls out during an accident, it’s essential to seek emergency dental care. The best way to preserve the tooth is to place it back in its socket until you're seen at the office. However, if you can’t reattach the tooth, preserve it in a cup of milk or saliva.

Tooth infection

A tooth infection occurs when harmful bacteria invade the center of your tooth, called the pulp. The pulp is filled with blood vessels and nerves, so an infection can be extremely painful. If you’re experiencing extreme tooth pain, take over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medication to relieve your pain and swelling before your emergency visit.

Cracked restoration

A cracked crown, bridge, denture, or dental implant can make chewing impossible. If possible, bring the cracked pieces of the restoration to the appointment. The team can then determine whether they should cement it back in place or fit you for a new restoration.

Broken tooth

Repairing a broken tooth depends on the size of the crack. If a large portion of your tooth breaks, try to locate the missing piece and place it in a cup of milk or saliva. At your emergency appointment, the team can decide whether they can reattach the piece or fit you for dental restoration instead.

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t wait. Call Alki Dental or book a visit online today to schedule an appointment.