Experiencing a Dental Emergency? Call Us for Prompt, Compassionate Care
Dental pain can disrupt your day and leave you unsure of what to do next. At Pickens Family Dentistry, we’re here to help with compassionate emergency dental care for patients in Vancouver, Washington, and the surrounding communities.
Whether you’re experiencing a persistent toothache, a broken tooth, or an unexpected dental concern, call our office promptly. Our team will listen to your symptoms, help you determine the next steps, and arrange an appointment as soon as possible. Your comfort matters, and we’ll work to identify the problem, relieve your pain, and help you feel at ease.
Is It a Dental Emergency?
You don’t have to figure that out on your own. If something hurts, feels unusual, or has been damaged, call us for guidance—even if you’re unsure how serious it is.
Reasons to contact our team promptly include:
- Severe, persistent, or worsening tooth pain
- A knocked-out, loose, or displaced permanent tooth
- A cracked or broken tooth
- Swelling in your gums, face, or jaw
- A lost filling or crown that leaves your tooth painful or exposed
- An injury to your gums, lips, or other tissues inside your mouth
Trouble breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or a suspected broken or dislocated jaw requires immediate medical attention. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
What to Expect at Your Emergency Appointment
Our first priority is to understand what’s happening and help you feel comfortable. We’ll examine the affected area and take any necessary X-rays to identify the cause of your symptoms.
Your dentist will explain the findings, discuss treatment options and costs, and answer your questions. Depending on your needs, we may begin treatment that day or arrange additional care. We’ll also explain how to care for the area at home and whether follow-up appointments are needed.
What to Do Before You See Us
Call our office first for guidance specific to your situation. These steps may help while you arrange care.
Chipped Tooth
You might feel pain and sensitivity if a tooth fragment is accidentally broken off. In such cases, you must visit the dentist immediately.
Here’s what to do. If feasible, retain the broken fragments of your tooth. Keep these pieces in a milk container.
If you experience discomfort, apply a cold compress or take over-the-counter pain relievers. Contact our clinic; we can repair your tooth using dental bonding or veneers. Our experts know how to relieve your pain quickly.
Broken Jaw
It is impossible to bear the pain of a broken jaw. If anyone in your family is experiencing such pain, consider it as an emergency. Advise them not to speak or move the jaw. Avoid chewing or swallowing.
Right after your jaw is fractured or dislocated, keep it closed to prevent movement and discomfort. Then, head straight to a hospital’s emergency department.
Lost or Knocked Out Tooth
If you can locate the tooth that has come out, immediately place it back in the socket. Pick up your tooth, keep it in a glass of milk, and come and see us. Immediately call our office. If it’s after hours, press the button to be connected to the emergency on-call dentist.
The quicker you treat a tooth that has been cracked, chipped, or fallen out, the more likely it is to look natural and remain strong. But if left untreated, you may face severe pain or discomfort.
Severe Toothache
Severe toothaches can happen for many reasons. Try taking over-the-counter pain medication to help with the swelling or pain. It should help you with the pain until you call us and schedule an appointment for that day or the next day.
If a over-the-counter pain medication does not mitigate the pain, you can take Tylenol and ibuprofen alternating them, which is much more effective. Don’t exceed the recommended dosages instructions on the bottles. Call for immediate emergency dental care. Proper dental care is critical during emergency treatment.
If you have a severe toothache that comes and goes, it might indicate a serious underlying issue or infection. You should not ignore this type of toothache.
It is important to seek dental care promptly. Ignoring the pain could lead to further complications. Reach out to us to schedule an examination and consultation appointment for the following day.
Need a Second Opinion?
If you’ve been advised to have a major dental procedure and want to better understand your options, we’re happy to provide a second opinion. We’ll review your concerns and explain our recommendations so you can make an informed decision.
If you have urgent symptoms, seek prompt care while arranging any additional consultation.
Call Pickens Family Dentistry for Emergency Dental Care
You deserve clear answers and a team that takes your discomfort seriously. Contact Pickens Family Dentistry in Vancouver, WA, and let us help you take the next step toward relief.
