Emergency Dentistry in Federal Way, WA
Dental emergencies can happen at any time, often without warning. At 253 Dental Care, we understand that quick, skilled care can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Our emergency dentistry services are designed to provide immediate relief from pain, protect your oral health, and restore function as quickly as possible. We keep time available in our schedule for urgent cases so you can get help when you need it most.
Common Dental Emergencies We Treat
From sudden injuries to severe pain, our team is equipped to handle a wide range of dental emergencies.
Broken or Lost Fillings
A broken filling can expose your tooth to bacteria, increasing the risk of decay or infection.
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Prompt Repair - Replaces the damaged filling to protect tooth structure.
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Tooth-Colored Materials - Matches your natural enamel for a seamless look.
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Decay Prevention - Seals off the tooth to stop further damage. |
Knocked-Out Teeth
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, quick action is essential.
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Keep Moist - Place the tooth back in its socket or in a container of milk.
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Handle Carefully - Hold by the crown, never the root, and avoid scrubbing tissue.
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Act Quickly - Best chance of saving the tooth is within the first hour. |
Chipped or Broken Teeth
A chipped or broken tooth can worsen over time if not addressed.
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Collect Pieces - Save any fragments you find.
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Clean the Area - Rinse gently with warm water.
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Restoration Options - Bonding, veneers, or crowns to restore strength and appearance. |
Severe Tooth Pain
 Intense toothaches often signal underlying problems such as decay, infection, or injury.
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Diagnosis - Pinpoint the cause using advanced imaging.
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Pain Relief - Immediate measures to manage discomfort.
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Definitive Treatment - May include fillings, crowns, or root canal therapy. |
Dental Abscesses
A dental abscess is a serious infection that requires urgent care.
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Drainage - Removes the infection to prevent spread.
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Antibiotic Therapy - Supports healing and reduces bacterial load.
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Follow-Up Care - Often includes root canal treatment to restore the tooth. |
Excessive Oral Bleeding
Heavy bleeding from the mouth is often caused by soft-tissue injuries to the lips, cheeks, tongue, or gums.
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Initial Care - Rinse with saltwater and apply moist gauze.
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Pain Control - Over-the-counter medication for comfort.
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Professional Attention - Necessary if bleeding persists. |
Cracked Tooth Repair
Cracks in a tooth can be invisible but cause significant discomfort or lead to infection.
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Assessment - Detects extent of damage using dental imaging.
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Stabilization - Temporary measures to protect the tooth.
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Permanent Restoration - Crowns or bonding to restore strength. |
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While not all dental emergencies can be avoided, many can be prevented with the right precautions.
FAQs
What should I do if I knock out a tooth?
Handle the tooth by the crown, rinse gently, and place it back in the socket if possible. If not, store it in milk and see a dentist within an hour for the best chance of saving it.
Is a chipped tooth always an emergency?
Not always, but even minor chips should be evaluated promptly to prevent worsening damage or sensitivity. Restorations like bonding or veneers may be recommended.
How do I know if my tooth pain is an emergency?
Severe, persistent pain—especially when accompanied by swelling, fever, or visible damage—should be treated as an emergency to prevent complications. Treatment may involve root canal therapy or other restorative solutions.
Can an abscess go away on its own?
No. An abscess is a bacterial infection that requires professional treatment. Left untreated, it can spread and lead to serious health complications, often requiring root canal treatment or extraction. |
