Emergency Dental Services in Marysville, WA

Everyone wants to avoid emergencies, and dental emergencies are no exception. But it’s important to acknowledge that they can happen at any time and knowing what to do and who to call can help reduce the stress and provide the best care for your teeth. At Dentistry in Marysville, we cater to dental emergencies and provide emergency appointments to attend to any urgent needs you may have. Our emergency dentist Marysville is dedicated to providing timely, professional, and compassionate care with a full range of treatment options available.

What is a Dental Emergency?

According to the American Dental Association, a dental emergency is defined as anything “potentially life-threatening and requiring prompt medical attention” that causes tissue bleeding, swelling, severe pain, or infection. Knowing what constitutes a dental emergency can help you decide when to seek professional treatment.

Our doctors and staff at Dentistry at Marysville are trained and experienced in attending to dental emergencies and providing the necessary care. We can help diagnose the issue and provide treatment that will help reduce pain and restore your oral health. We will help alleviate any pain or bleeding and offer advice on any necessary follow-up care.

Types of Dental Emergencies

Knocked-Out or Broken Tooth

A tooth can get knocked out or broken from a physical injury, fall, or other trauma. One of the most common ways is sports accidents where the patient is not wearing a mouth guard. A nasty fall or physical fight can also cause a tooth to break or be knocked out. An exposed nerve can cause severe pain and sensitivity, as well as infection, making it a dental emergency. Go to the dentist as soon as possible and bring the tooth with you in a cup of milk. You can also bite on a clean cloth or gauze to minimize bleeding as you travel to get immediate care.

Severe Toothache

If you have a severe toothache that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter pain relievers and is accompanied by fever, swelling, or pus coming from the gum, then you may have an infection that requires immediate attention. This can be caused by a cavity or crack in the tooth, abscess or infection, gum disease, and other issues. An emergency dentist Marysville can provide the necessary care to diagnose and treat the cause of the pain and get you on the road to recovery.

Bleeding and Swollen Gums

Bleeding, swollen, and painful gums can be a sign of gum disease or infection. This is often accompanied by bad breath and sometimes pus coming from the gums. Remember, we are not referring to the small pink spots that occur after brushing your teeth. If you have any of these symptoms, or if the bleeding or swelling does not stop after a few days, contact us for an emergency appointment.

Abscessed Tooth

An abscessed tooth usually appears as a pimple-like bump on the gum. It is caused by an infection in the tooth’s root and can be accompanied by a fever, a bad taste in the mouth, and swollen lymph nodes. You may also notice tooth sensitivity, swelling gums, and a toothache. An abscess may indicate an infection, so it is important to seek professional care as soon as possible.

Broken Crowns, Fillings, or Braces

Crowns, fillings, and braces are dental appliances meant to improve your oral health and teeth appearance, but they can sometimes get damaged and require repair. However, not all damaged dental appliances require immediate care. If you experience any pain or discomfort, bleeding, lost parts, or if the appliance is causing irritation to your mouth, then you should seek emergency care. If not, you can simply schedule a follow-up appointment to get the appliance repaired.

Swollen Mouth or Jaw

If you have a swollen jaw or mouth, it could indicate an infection or abscess. This can be very serious and needs to be attended to immediately. In some cases, this could be life-threatening and requires prompt medical attention. Swelling of the mouth or jaw can also indicate an allergic reaction, so it is important to seek medical help right away.

What is NOT a Dental Emergency?

Not all dental issues require emergency care. If you have a chipped or broken tooth that is not causing any pain and does not affect your ability to speak, eat, or chew, then you can usually wait until regular operating hours for dental care. You should also not seek emergency care if you just have a minor toothache or sensitivity. Instead, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers, try warm saltwater rinses, and schedule an appointment with the dentist at your earliest convenience to get proper treatment.

If you think you need cleaning, teeth whitening, or cosmetic dentistry treatments, then these are not considered dental emergencies and should be addressed during regular operating hours. It’s important to know which is and is not a dental emergency so as not to interfere with emergency care for those who truly need it. Give us a call, and we’ll help assess your situation.

What To Do in Case of a Dental Emergency

First and foremost, remain calm. Staying calm will help you think clearly and better assess the situation. Then, consider whether your issue is an emergency or if it can wait until normal business hours. If it’s an emergency, call an emergency dentist Marysville right away. We offer fast and reliable emergency care for all kinds of dental issues, including letting you know what you need to do in the meantime to minimize any discomfort.

Additionally, avoid biting or chewing on the affected area, as this could worsen your condition. If you lost or damaged an appliance, make sure to save any parts that you find so that the dentist can more easily repair them. In some cases, it’s also a good idea to apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth or jaw to reduce swelling and discomfort.

Finally, bring a list of any medications you are taking to help us provide the best possible care. Try to recall the exact time you first noticed the issue, as this will also help our emergency dentist Marysville determine the best course of treatment.

How to Avoid a Dental Emergency

While some dental issues are out of your control, there are certainly a lot of preventable situations. Below are some tips on how to avoid dental emergencies:

• Practice good oral hygiene, brushing at least twice a day for two minutes and flossing daily.
• Get regular dental check-ups and cleanings.
• Stop or limit tobacco and alcohol use.
• During sports activities, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and mouth.
• If you have braces, avoid eating sticky or hard foods.
• Eliminate any bad habits like grinding, chewing ice, and biting your fingernails.

Contact our emergency dentist Marysville

Dentistry at Marysville understands that dental emergencies can happen at any time. If you have a dental emergency, contact us, and we will help you through it. You can also visit our website to set an emergency appointment or ask any questions that you may have.