Just about the last thing anyone wants to be faced with is a broken tooth or some other dental emergency. But when it happens, there’s nothing better than having a first-rate urgent care dentist in your corner. At North Bend Dental Care in North Bend, Washington, Dr. Chris J. Allemand understands that dental emergencies are rarely expected and require immediate attention. That’s why he offers as-needed urgent appointments to patients from North Bend and other communities east of Seattle.

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What qualifies as a dental emergency?

Dental emergencies include any acute mouth injury or pain that you can’t easily or successfully alleviate or remedy on your own. Some of the most common dental emergencies that Dr. Allemand sees in his office include:

  • Fractured, cracked, or chipped teeth
  • Tooth pain and infections: Including wisdom teeth
  • A missing crown or filling
  • A permanent tooth that’s been knocked out
  • A permanent tooth that’s been forced out of position, or loosened
  • Gum pain, swelling, or abscesses
  • Injuries or cuts to lips, gums, tongue, or other soft tissues

If you’re having a dental emergency during normal office hours, call Dr. Allemand’s office immediately. If your emergency happens outside of these hours, head directly to your local urgent care center or emergency room.

Can I save a tooth that has been knocked out?

If you or your child has had a permanent tooth accidentally knocked out, getting in to see Dr. Allemand as soon as possible can make the difference between saving the tooth, or having to fill the empty space with an implant or bridge.

Before you reach the dental chair, it’s important to take proper care of the tooth.

If it’s dirty, rinse it gently in water. Then, if you can, gently place the tooth back in its socket to keep it moist. Don’t push it down into the root, however, as you may inadvertently damage the tissues required for bone reattachment.

If you can’t place the tooth in its own socket, try holding it in your mouth, between your cheek and gums. The important thing is to keep it moist. Wrapping the tooth in gauze and immersing it in cow’s milk will also work.

What can I do for a cracked tooth?

Cracked teeth are more common than you might imagine, and they’re often caused by chewing ice, using your teeth to open something, or biting down on hard food like candy or popcorn kernels. If you think you’ve got a fractured tooth, you can start injury care by rinsing your mouth with warm water. Use an ice pack or cold compress to reduce any localized swelling, and take ibuprofen — not aspirin — if you require immediate pain relief.

As soon as you can, call Dr. Allemand’s office to make an urgent care appointment. He’ll be able to assess the extent of the fracture and determine the best approach for treatment. Although minor fractures can usually be smoothed or restored, moderate fractures may need a crown.