Emergency Dental Care
Emergency Dentist in Spokane Valley
In the event of a dental emergency, you should not hesitate to contact us right away at (509) 926-6261 for a same-day appointment. Our office hours are Monday to Wednesday from 7AM-5PM and Thursday from 7AM-4PM. If you are calling outside of these hours or we are unable to answer the phone, please leave a message and we will be sure to return your call promptly.
What is a Dental Emergency?
In the event of a dental emergency, it is essential to seek immediate treatment to prevent further damage. This may include stopping bleeding, saving a tooth, treating a severe infection, or relieving severe pain. Life-threatening infections or abscesses in the teeth should be treated as a medical emergency; you should contact your dentist immediately. If your dentist is unavailable, visit the nearest urgent care facility for assistance.
If any of the following statements apply to you, you are having a dental emergency and should contact us immediately.
- I have a tooth knocked out.
- My tooth has been chipped or cracked.
- My mouth is bleeding and won’t stop.
- I’m in extreme pain or am experiencing severe swelling in my gums, mouth, or jaw.
- I have a toothache and swelling in my cheeks or face.
- My jaw is injured.
- My teeth are extremely sensitive and the sensitivity will not subside.
- My tooth is loose or out of alignment.
Cost of a Dental Emergency
Dental emergencies follow the same payment guidelines that apply to regular dental care. To view a comprehensive list of our accepted insurance providers, forms of payment, and other payment-related information, please visit our financial page.
Financial and Insurance Information
Home Care for Dental Emergencies
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What if my tooth gets knocked out?
- Pick up the tooth by the top (crown), NOT by the root—do not touch the root.
- Rinse the tooth very gently with only water, no soaps or chemicals. Do NOT scrub the tooth.
- If possible, place the tooth back into the socket. Gently push it in with your fingers then hold it in place while trying to bite down.
- If you can’t place the tooth back into the socket, put it in a container with milk.
- Contact your dentist right away—the faster you act, the more likely it is that your tooth will be able to be reimplanted.
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What can I do to stop the bleeding in my mouth?
- Wash or sanitize your hands before doing anything.
- If available, use gloves to reduce direct contact of the wound
- Apply pressure to the affected area.
- Resist the urge to check the wound while applying pressure, as this may prolong the bleeding
- After bleeding has stopped, to reduce the chance of infection gently clean the wound regularly.
- If bleeding is persistent, please contact Spokane Valley Dentistry to get the necessary attention.
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What if I have a chipped or cracked tooth?
If you have a chipped or cracked tooth, contact your dentist right away. Chipped teeth that aren’t painful can usually be smoothed out or filled in at a regular dental appointment. A cracked tooth typically indicates that there’s damage to the inside of the tooth, as well as the outside. If your tooth is cracked please follow these steps, after contacting your dentist.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water
- Apply a cold compress to minimize swelling
- Take acetaminophen (not aspirin) to alleviate pain
- Do NOT apply any pain medication—including Orajel—directly to the gums, as it can damage gum tissue
