Is It a Dental Emergency? What to Do for a Toothache, Broken Tooth or Knocked-Out Tooth

A dental emergency is any problem involving severe pain, swelling, bleeding that will not stop, or a tooth that has been knocked out, loosened or badly broken. These need same-day care. Minor issues, like a small chip with no pain or a lost filling without sensitivity, can usually wait a few days for a regular appointment.

Emergency or Can It Wait?

When something goes wrong with your teeth, the hardest part is often knowing how fast to act. Use these lists as a quick guide.

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• A knocked-out permanent tooth
• A tooth that is loose or pushed out of position after an injury
• Severe or throbbing tooth pain that keeps you up at night
• Swelling in your gums, face or jaw
• A cracked or broken tooth with pain or sharp edges
• Bleeding from the mouth that will not stop with pressure

Call to schedule within a few days

• A small chip with no pain
• A lost filling or crown with little or no sensitivity
• Mild sensitivity to hot or cold that comes and goes
• A dull ache that over-the-counter pain relief controls

Knocked-Out Tooth: What to Do in the First 30 Minutes

A knocked-out adult tooth has the best chance of being saved if you see a dentist within about 30 to 60 minutes.

1. Pick the tooth up by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root.
2. If it is dirty, rinse it gently with milk or water. Do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue.
3. If you can, gently place it back in the socket and bite down on a clean cloth to hold it there.
4. If it will not go back in, store it in a small container of milk or a tooth preservation kit.
5. Call Lighthouse Dental right away and come straight in.

Do not try to reinsert a knocked-out baby tooth, since this can damage the permanent tooth developing underneath. Call us instead.

Broken or Cracked Tooth

Rinse your mouth with warm water, save any pieces of the tooth, and apply a cold compress to your cheek if there is swelling. Avoid chewing on that side. Depending on the size of the break, we may repair the tooth with a filling, bonding or a dental crown.

Severe Toothache

Rinse with warm water and floss gently to remove anything trapped between your teeth. A cold compress on the outside of your cheek can ease pain and swelling, and over-the-counter pain relievers taken as directed on the label can help until your visit. Never place aspirin directly on your gums, since it can burn the tissue. A severe, throbbing toothache often signals an infected nerve, which may need a root canal to save the tooth.

Swelling or a Dental Abscess

Swelling in your gums or face can be a sign of a dental abscess, which is a serious infection. Call us right away. Go to a hospital emergency room immediately if swelling makes it hard to breathe or swallow, spreads toward your eye or neck, or comes with a high fever.

Lost Filling or Crown

Keep the crown if you have it and bring it with you. Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can protect the tooth for a short time, but avoid chewing on that side and call to schedule a visit soon. Do not use household glue.

What If It Happens After Hours or on a Weekend?

Our office is open Monday and Wednesday from 9am to 6pm, and Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8am to 5pm. If a dental emergency happens in the evening or over the weekend, use the first-aid steps above and call us as soon as we open. For breathing or swallowing problems, swelling spreading toward your eye or neck, uncontrolled bleeding, or a possible broken jaw, go to the nearest emergency room.

What to Expect at Your Emergency Visit

At Lighthouse Dental, we offer same-day and walk-in emergency dental care during office hours. Your visit typically includes:

1. A focused exam and digital X-rays to find the source of the problem.
2. Immediate steps to relieve your pain.
3. A clear explanation of your treatment options and costs.
4. Treatment the same day whenever possible.

Our goal is always to save your tooth, but if it cannot be saved, we can perform same-day tooth extractions. One patient shared that after calling with an emergency, they were seen by the dentist within two hours, with treatment planned and completed right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I walk in without an appointment?

Yes. We prioritize dental emergencies during office hours. Calling ahead helps us get ready for you and shortens your wait.

Do you see children for dental emergencies?

Yes. We provide children's dentistry and are experienced in helping kids stay calm during urgent visits.

Is a toothache always an emergency?

Not always. A toothache becomes an emergency when the pain is severe, keeps you up at night, or comes with swelling or fever, which can signal infection.

Do you accept insurance for emergency visits?

Yes. We work with most dental insurance plans and bill your insurance as a courtesy. CareCredit financing is also available.

In Pain? We Can See You Today

Lighthouse Dental is located at 3205 NE 78th St, Suite #11, in the Hazel Dell neighborhood of Vancouver, WA, close to Salmon Creek, Minnehaha, Walnut Grove and Felida. Call (360) 576-3570 or schedule your appointment online.