Can a dental emergency wait until morning?

Some can, some cannot. A knocked-out tooth, severe swelling, or uncontrolled bleeding should not wait. Call our 24/7 emergency line and we will advise you on whether you need immediate treatment or can wait until our next clinic opening.

Is a cracked tooth an emergency?

If the crack is causing significant pain, sensitivity, or if you can see the inner tooth structure, it should be treated urgently. A minor cosmetic chip may be able to wait for a scheduled appointment. Call us and we will help you assess the situation.

5 Signs You Need an Emergency Dentist in Spokane Right Now

Dentist examining a patient showing warning signs of a dental emergency

Not every dental problem is an emergency, but some absolutely are. Knowing which signs demand immediate attention can mean the difference between a straightforward fix and a serious health crisis. Here are the five most critical warning signs that you need to see an emergency dentist in Spokane right now.

#1 Severe or Worsening Tooth Pain

A toothache that is severe, throbbing, or getting worse over hours is your body telling you something is wrong. Possible causes include deep decay reaching the nerve, a dying tooth, or an abscess forming. Over-the-counter painkillers may dull it temporarily, but they will not fix the cause. If your toothache has lasted more than 24 hours or is escalating in intensity, call us immediately. Delaying treatment can allow infection to spread, leading to far more serious, and expensive, problems.

Toothache relief

#2 Swelling in the Jaw, Gums, or Face

Swelling is one of the most serious signs of a dental emergency. It typically indicates infection, often a dental abscess. If you notice swelling in your gums, jaw, or face, especially if accompanied by fever, difficulty swallowing, or a bad taste in your mouth, seek emergency dental care immediately. A dental infection can spread to the bloodstream (sepsis) or airway if left untreated. Do not attempt to treat facial swelling at home.

Dental abscess treatment

#3 A Knocked-Out or Loose Adult Tooth

A knocked-out adult tooth is one of the most time-critical dental emergencies. You have approximately one to two hours to maximize the chance of saving the tooth. If a tooth has been knocked out: handle it by the crown, rinse gently, try to reinsert it, or store it in milk. Call us immediately. If a tooth is very loose or displaced but still attached, avoid touching it and call right away, we may be able to stabilize it.

Knocked-out tooth guide

#4 Bleeding That Will Not Stop

Minor bleeding from the gums after brushing is usually not an emergency. However, if you have oral bleeding that continues for more than 15 minutes despite applying firm pressure with clean gauze, it requires urgent attention. Post-extraction bleeding, trauma-related bleeding, or spontaneous gum bleeding that will not stop should all be assessed by an emergency dentist. Call us and apply continuous pressure while you are on your way.

#5 A Visible Dental Abscess or Pus

If you see a pimple-like bump on your gums, notice pus draining from around a tooth, or taste something foul in your mouth, you likely have a dental abscess. This is a serious bacterial infection that will not resolve on its own. An abscess requires professional drainage and typically a course of antibiotics. Call us immediately, abscesses can escalate quickly and become a medical emergency if the infection reaches the bloodstream or airway.