^{Emergency dentistry}

Know what needs care right now.

Trying to figure out if this is a dental emergency? Use this quick guide to see what needs same-day care, what can wait a day or two, and what you can just keep an eye on.

Call Now: (206) 225-2882 Book an Urgent Visit Online

Same-day visits when possible
We accept most PPO plans

Call now: these need care today

Call (206) 225-2882 now for any of these.

• Severe pain that over-the-counter medication isn’t touching
• A knocked-out tooth. Getting to a dentist within the hour gives the tooth the best chance. See the steps to save a knocked-out tooth
• A dental abscess: swelling in the gums or face, especially with fever or a bad taste
• A broken tooth with the nerve exposed (sharp pain when air or cold hits it) See what to do for a broken or chipped tooth
• Facial swelling that’s spreading toward the neck
• Bleeding from the mouth that won’t stop
• Call now for any of these.

Call us within a day or two

These need attention, but they can usually wait for the next available appointment.

• A dull, persistent ache See what helps a toothache before your appointment
• A lost filling or crown that isn’t painful
• A minor chip with no pain
• An adult tooth that feels loose

What you can usually just watch

Keep an eye on it. If it starts to hurt or gets worse, move it up to “call us soon.”

• Mild sensitivity to hot or cold
• Slight gum irritation
• A small chip with no pain at all

When in doubt, call us

If you’re still not sure, call us and describe what’s happening. A real person will ask a few quick questions and tell you how urgently you need to come in.

Is it a dental emergency, or an ER visit?

The ER can treat swelling, bleeding, and jaw injuries, but they can’t treat the tooth itself. Go to the ER first for facial trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, or swelling with a fever that’s making it hard to breathe or swallow.

If you need the ER, your nearest emergency room [NEEDS REAL LINK/NAME FOR SEATTLE LOCATION] is the closest to our office. For everything else, call our emergency dentist in Seattle and we’ll get you in.

^FAQ

Common questions

What if I call and it turns out not to be an emergency?

That’s fine. We’d rather take a quick look than have you wait out something that turns out to be serious.

Does an emergency visit cost more than a regular visit?

An emergency exam is priced like any exam plus X-ray, typically $115 to $165 before insurance. We’ll confirm the cost before you’re seen.

Can a toothache really be a dental emergency?

Yes, especially if the pain is severe, sudden, or comes with swelling or fever.

Should I go to urgent care instead of the ER?

Urgent care clinics generally aren’t set up to treat dental injuries. For a true emergency, call us first and we’ll tell you if the ER is the better move.