Emergency Dentist in Moses Lake, WA
Dental emergencies do not wait for convenient timing. A broken tooth, severe toothache, knocked-out tooth, or lost crown can happen any time, and when it does, prompt care makes a real difference in the outcome.
Dr. Nick Smith, DDS, and the team at Moses Lake Family Dentistry offer same-day emergency dental appointments. The fastest way to reach us when you are in pain is to call directly: 509-765-4351. A team member will pick up, assess your situation, and get you scheduled as quickly as possible. Do not use the online form for a dental emergency. Call.
Call 509-765-4351 right now. Do not use the online form. Call us directly for the fastest response.
When to Call Us Immediately
If you are experiencing any of the following, call 509-765-4351 now and come in the same day:
- Severe or throbbing tooth pain
- A tooth that has been knocked out or partially dislodged
- A broken or cracked tooth with sharp edges or exposed nerve
- A dental abscess (swelling, pus, fever, or a pimple-like bump on the gum)
- A lost filling or crown that is causing pain or sensitivity
- Soft tissue injury to the gums, cheeks, tongue, or lips
- A loose permanent tooth
- Severe swelling in the jaw or face
If you have facial swelling that is spreading, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or a high fever alongside dental pain, go to the nearest emergency room. These can be signs of a spreading infection that requires immediate medical attention beyond what a dental office provides.
What to Do While You Wait
While you are waiting to come in, the following steps can help protect your tooth and manage discomfort.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently with water if it is dirty. Do not scrub it or remove any tissue attached to the root. Keep it moist by placing it back in the socket if possible, or in a container of milk, or between your cheek and gum. Call us immediately. A knocked-out permanent tooth has the best chance of being saved if it is reinserted within 30 to 60 minutes.
Severe Toothache
Rinse your mouth with warm water and floss gently around the painful tooth to check whether trapped food is contributing to the discomfort. Do not place aspirin directly on the gum tissue around a painful tooth. Over-the-counter pain relievers taken as directed can help manage discomfort until you reach our office.
Broken or Cracked Tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water. If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze. If the broken piece is available, bring it with you. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Call 509-765-4351 right away.
Lost Filling or Crown
A lost filling or crown exposes the tooth underneath to temperature, pressure, and bacteria. If you still have the crown, do not try to recement it yourself with household adhesive. Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can be used to protect the area briefly until you can come in. Call us to schedule as soon as possible.
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a sign of infection. Do not ignore it and do not try to pop or drain it yourself. Rinse with warm salt water to provide some temporary relief. Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed. Call our office immediately. Dental infections can spread and require prompt treatment.
What Happens at an Emergency Appointment
When you arrive, Dr. Smith will examine the affected area and take any necessary X-rays to understand the full extent of the problem. He will explain clearly what is happening, what your options are, and what each option involves.
The priority at an emergency visit is to address your pain and stop the problem from getting worse. Depending on what we find, treatment options may include:
- Tooth-colored filling to restore a broken tooth
- A temporary or permanent crown
- Root canal therapy to save a tooth with an infected or damaged pulp
- Extraction if the tooth cannot be saved
- Drainage and antibiotic treatment for an abscess
If the procedure needed is complex or if sedation would help you feel more comfortable, we discuss that before starting. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is available at our office for patients who would like it.
The Cost of Emergency Dental Care
We will not ask you to commit to any treatment without explaining the cost first. Emergency visit costs vary based on what care is needed. The exam and X-rays are typically less expensive than people expect. The cost of any procedure performed depends on the type and complexity of treatment.
We accept Delta Dental and many other insurance plans. Our team contacts your insurer quickly to check coverage. Cherry financing is also available for patients who need to spread costs over time. Do not let cost uncertainty stop you from calling. We will work through the financial side with you directly.
Avoiding Future Dental Emergencies
Some dental emergencies are not fully preventable, but many are. Regular checkups every six months allow Dr. Smith to catch cracks, failing restorations, and decay before they become emergencies. Wearing a custom mouthguard during contact sports protects teeth from impact injuries. If you grind your teeth at night, a nightguard protects against the kind of slow cracking that can eventually cause a tooth to fracture unexpectedly.
If it has been more than six months since your last exam, call 509-765-4351 to schedule a checkup. Prevention is consistently less expensive and less disruptive than emergency treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Dentistry
What counts as a dental emergency?
Any situation involving severe pain, injury to a tooth, dental abscess, significant bleeding, or a lost restoration that is causing discomfort is a dental emergency. If you are not sure whether your situation qualifies, call us at 509-765-4351. A team member will ask a few questions and let you know how urgently you need to be seen.
Can I go to an urgent care center for a toothache?
Urgent care centers and emergency rooms can prescribe antibiotics and pain medication for dental infections, but they cannot treat the dental problem itself. You will still need to see a dentist to address the underlying cause. If you are in pain, call Moses Lake Family Dentistry directly at 509-765-4351 for same-day care.
What if my emergency happens outside office hours?
For life-threatening emergencies, severe facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or high fever alongside dental pain, go to the nearest emergency room. For other dental emergencies outside office hours, call 509-765-4351 and leave a message. Our team returns calls as quickly as possible and will get you scheduled at the earliest available time.
Will my dental insurance cover emergency care?
Most dental insurance plans include some coverage for emergency exams. Coverage for any procedures performed at that visit depends on your plan. Our team will check your benefits and explain your coverage before we proceed with treatment.
Do not wait with dental pain. Call 509-765-4351 now to reach our team and get same-day care scheduled.