Stephen A. Rodgers, DMDFamily Dentistry

Emergency Dental Care

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Experiencing a dental emergency? Call us immediately — we offer same-day emergency appointments.

(425) 483-9000

We Are Here When You Need Us Most

Dental emergencies can happen at any time — a sudden toothache, a knocked-out tooth, a broken crown. When they do, prompt treatment can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. At Stephen A. Rodgers, DMD Family Dentistry, we make every effort to see emergency patients the same day they call.

If you are experiencing a dental emergency, please call our office immediately at (425) 483-9000. If your emergency involves uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or a broken jaw, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room right away.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

Any dental problem that requires immediate treatment to stop bleeding, relieve severe pain, or save a tooth is considered a dental emergency. When in doubt, call us — we would rather hear from you and help you decide than have you suffer unnecessarily or lose a tooth that could have been saved.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Knocked-Out Tooth

  1. 1Pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface) — never touch the root.
  2. 2Gently rinse the tooth with water if dirty. Do not scrub or remove any tissue.
  3. 3If possible, reinsert the tooth into the socket and hold it in place by gently biting down on a clean cloth.
  4. 4If reinsertion is not possible, keep the tooth moist in a glass of milk or between your cheek and gum.
  5. 5Call us immediately and get to our office within 30–60 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.

Severe Toothache

  1. 1Rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water.
  2. 2Gently floss to remove any food or debris that may be causing pressure.
  3. 3Take an over-the-counter pain reliever (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) as directed — do not place aspirin directly on the gum.
  4. 4Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
  5. 5Call our office right away — severe tooth pain is often a sign of infection that requires prompt treatment.

Cracked or Broken Tooth

  1. 1Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
  2. 2Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face to minimize swelling.
  3. 3If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth.
  4. 4Save any broken tooth fragments if possible.
  5. 5Call us immediately — even if the tooth does not hurt, a crack can worsen quickly.

Lost Filling or Crown

  1. 1If a crown has come off, try to slip it back over the tooth. Dental cement or toothpaste can be used temporarily to hold it in place.
  2. 2Avoid chewing on the affected side.
  3. 3If the exposed tooth is sensitive, apply a small amount of clove oil with a cotton ball for temporary relief.
  4. 4Call our office to schedule a repair appointment as soon as possible.

Dental Abscess

  1. 1Rinse with a mild saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 oz of water) several times a day to draw out infection and relieve pain.
  2. 2Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed.
  3. 3Do not attempt to pop or drain the abscess yourself.
  4. 4Call us immediately — a dental abscess is a serious infection that can spread if left untreated.

Soft Tissue Injury (Lip, Tongue, Cheek)

  1. 1Rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution.
  2. 2Apply firm but gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to control bleeding.
  3. 3Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
  4. 4If bleeding does not stop within 15–20 minutes, go to an emergency room.
  5. 5Call our office to let us know what happened so we can advise you further.

Preventing Dental Emergencies

While not all dental emergencies can be avoided, many can be prevented with consistent care and a few simple precautions:

  • Visit our office every six months for exams and cleanings to catch problems early.
  • Wear a custom mouthguard during contact sports and physical activities.
  • Wear a night guard if you grind or clench your teeth while sleeping.
  • Never use your teeth to open packages, bottles, or other objects.
  • Avoid chewing on ice, hard candies, or other very hard foods.
  • Address tooth pain or sensitivity promptly — small problems become big ones quickly.

Dental Emergency?

Call us now. We offer same-day emergency appointments and will do everything we can to see you right away.

(425) 483-9000

Office Hours

  • Monday7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Tuesday7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Wednesday7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Thursday7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • FridayClosed
  • SaturdayClosed
  • SundayClosed

After-hours emergencies: please call our number and follow the prompts for emergency instructions.

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Not an Emergency?

Schedule a routine appointment with Dr. Rodgers at your convenience.

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