Dental emergencies never check your calendar first. A sudden toothache, a cracked tooth during dinner, or a swollen gum can derail your day and make it hard to think about anything else. The good news is that most dental emergencies are treatable, and quick action can protect your smile and your health. Use this guide from The Avenue Dental Group in Spokane to understand what to do right now—and what to expect when you visit us for urgent care.
Is it a Dental Emergency?
As a rule of thumb, anything that causes moderate to severe pain, bleeding that won’t stop, or swelling should be evaluated promptly. Tooth fractures, knocked-out teeth, lost fillings or crowns, injuries to the lips or tongue, and painful abscesses are all reasons to call right away. Even if the discomfort feels “tolerable,” infections can progress quickly, so it’s smart to get on our schedule as soon as possible.
Severe Toothache: First Steps at Home
Rinse gently with warm water to flush away food debris. If you suspect something is wedged between teeth, carefully use floss to remove it—never use sharp objects. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help, but avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums because it may burn the tissue. If the tooth is temperature-sensitive or throbbing, a cracked tooth or deep cavity could be the culprit. Call us to arrange an evaluation; delaying care can allow decay or a fracture to worsen.
Broken, Chipped, or Cracked Tooth
Save any broken pieces if you can and bring them with you. Rinse your mouth and tooth fragment with water. If the area is sharp, cover it with sugarless gum or orthodontic wax to protect your tongue and cheek. Cracks vary widely—from superficial enamel craze lines to deeper cracks that reach the nerve. The sooner we see you, the better our chances of preserving the tooth with a bonding, onlay, or crown. For deeper fractures that involve the nerve, we may recommend root canal therapy to relieve pain and save the tooth.
Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Tooth
For adult teeth, time is critical. Pick up the tooth by the crown (chewing surface), not the root. If dirty, briefly rinse with saline or milk—do not scrub or remove tissue fragments. Try to reinsert it gently into the socket and bite on clean gauze to hold it in place. If that’s not possible, keep the tooth moist in milk or a tooth preservation kit until you arrive. When you call, tell us it’s an avulsed tooth so we can be ready. Primary (baby) teeth should not be replanted because it can harm the developing permanent tooth underneath; we’ll examine and advise on next steps.
Knocked Loose (Subluxated) Tooth
If a tooth is pushed out of position but not fully out, avoid biting on it and call immediately. We’ll assess the ligaments and bone with an exam and X-rays, then gently reposition and stabilize the tooth if needed. Early treatment improves outcomes and reduces lingering sensitivity.
Lost Filling or Crown
It’s common for older restorations to loosen. If a crown comes off, clean the inside and attempt to place it back on the tooth using a tiny amount of temporary dental cement from a pharmacy—this protects the tooth until we can bond it properly. Avoid using superglue, which can damage enamel and gums. If a filling falls out, keep the area clean and avoid sticky or sugary foods. We’ll restore the tooth to seal out bacteria and prevent sensitivity.
Dental Abscess (Infection)
Signs include persistent throbbing pain, swelling, a pimple-like bump on the gums, bad taste, or fever. Abscesses are infections and can spread if not treated—this is not a “wait and see” situation. Call us urgently. We’ll drain the infection if necessary and recommend root canal therapy or, in some cases, extraction. Antibiotics can support healing, but definitive dental treatment is what resolves the source of the infection. If you experience facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or fever with malaise, seek emergency care immediately.
Soft-Tissue Injuries
Lip, cheek, or tongue cuts can bleed heavily because the area is very vascular. Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze for 10–15 minutes. Use a cold compress on the outside of the face to reduce swelling. If bleeding doesn’t slow or if the cut is deep and may require sutures, head to urgent care; we’re happy to coordinate follow-up for dental concerns.
Pain Control: What Helps and What to Avoid
- Cold compresses: Apply on-and-off (10 minutes each) to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Over-the-counter medication: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help; use as directed and consider alternating when appropriate unless your physician has advised otherwise.
- Avoid heat and alcohol: These can increase swelling and mask symptoms that need attention.
- Skip topical aspirin on gums: It can chemically burn soft tissue and won’t fix the problem.
What to Expect at Your Emergency Appointment
We start with a focused conversation: where it hurts, when it started, and what makes it better or worse. Next, we take any necessary X-rays or 3D images and perform tests to pinpoint the cause—percussion, temperature response, and bite assessments. Then we’ll explain your options clearly. If you need immediate relief—such as smoothing a sharp edge, placing a sedative filling, stabilizing a loose tooth, or beginning root canal therapy—we do everything we can at the same visit. You’ll leave with a plan and transparent costs, including insurance estimates and financing choices if you’d like them.
Preventing Future Dental Emergencies
While not all emergencies are avoidable, many are. Keep up with routine exams and cleanings so we can catch cracks, cavities, and loose restorations early. Wear a custom nightguard if you clench or grind—this protects enamel and existing dental work. For sports, a well-fitted mouthguard significantly reduces the risk of chipped or knocked-out teeth. Finally, avoid using teeth as tools to open packages and be cautious with very hard foods like ice or unpopped popcorn kernels.
When a Tooth Can’t be Saved
Sometimes the best option is extraction—severe fractures below the gumline, vertical root cracks, or advanced infection can make saving a tooth unrealistic. If that’s the case, we’ll discuss comfortable removal and immediate options to replace the missing tooth. Depending on your situation, that might include a same-day temporary, a dental implant plan, a bridge, or a partial denture. Our goal is to minimize time without a functional smile and map the fastest path back to comfort and confidence.
How Fast Should You be Seen?
Very urgent issues—trauma, avulsed teeth, severe swelling, or uncontrolled bleeding—require same-day attention. Significant pain, broken teeth, and lost crowns should be seen as soon as possible. If your symptoms worsen or you develop fever or swelling that spreads toward the eye, neck, or floor of the mouth, seek emergency medical care; then we’ll coordinate definitive dental treatment.
Peace of Mind Starts With a Plan
Emergencies are stressful, but you’re not alone. Knowing the first steps to take and having a dental team you can call makes all the difference. Store our number in your phone and share it with family members so you’re prepared.
Need Help Now?
Don’t wait and hope the pain passes—most dental emergencies get easier to treat and less costly when handled early. Call Us Today to reach The Avenue Dental Group in Spokane. We’ll guide you through the next steps and work quickly to relieve your pain and protect your smile.