What Counts as a Dental Emergency in Bellingham, WA?

We hear this question more than almost any other. Someone calls our office in discomfort and the first thing they say is "I'm not sure if this is actually an emergency." The truth is, if something is hurting badly enough for you to consider calling us, that's already a good enough reason to reach out.

At Local Dentist Bellingham, we'd rather you call and find out it's something minor than wait on something that needs immediate attention. That said, it helps to have a clearer picture of what kinds of situations truly can't wait, which ones need attention soon but aren't quite as urgent, and which ones are safe to monitor until your next scheduled visit. Let's walk through all of it.

‍

Situations That Need Immediate Care

These are the situations where we want you to contact us right away. Waiting even a day or two can make things significantly worse.

• A knocked-out tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies there is. If a tooth gets completely knocked out, there's a real window of opportunity to save it, but that window closes fast. Handle the tooth by the crown rather than the root, rinse it gently without scrubbing, and try to keep it moist by placing it back in the socket or storing it in milk while you make your way to us as quickly as possible.
• Signs of a dental abscess or infection need to be taken seriously right away. An abscess is a pocket of infection that can spread to surrounding tissue, your jaw, and in serious cases beyond. If you're noticing swelling in your face or jaw, a fever, a bad taste in your mouth that won't go away, or a pimple-like bump on your gums, please call us immediately. Dental infections don't resolve on their own.
• Severe unrelenting tooth pain that's keeping you up at night or making it hard to function is your body telling you something is wrong. This level of pain usually points to something that needs to be addressed right away rather than managed with over the counter medication and wishful thinking.
• Significant bleeding that won't stop following an injury or a recent procedure is another situation that warrants an immediate call to our office.

Related: How to Find a Reliable Bellingham Emergency Dentist When You Need One

‍

‍

Situations That Need Attention Soon

These issues aren't quite as immediately dangerous as the ones above, but they still need to be addressed promptly. Putting them off tends to turn a manageable problem into a much bigger one.

• A cracked or broken tooth can worsen with chewing and may expose the inner layers of the tooth to bacteria, which can lead to infection. Even if you're not in serious pain, we'd like to see you within a day or two.
• A lost crown, filling, or bridge leaves the underlying tooth vulnerable. The tooth can become sensitive and decay can set in quickly without that protection in place. Over the counter dental cement can serve as a temporary fix, but please don't let it become a long-term solution.
• A chipped tooth depends on the severity. A small cosmetic chip might not be urgent, but if the chip is large or sharp enough to cut your tongue or cheek, we want to see you soon.
• Moderate tooth pain that's been hanging around for more than a day or two is worth getting checked out even if it's not debilitating. Tooth pain that doesn't go away on its own is usually trying to tell you something.

Related: Walk-In Dentists in Bellingham, WA: Quick Care When You Need It

‍

‍

Situations That Can Wait for a Scheduled Visit

Not every dental concern needs same-day attention. These situations are worth addressing but don't require you to drop everything.

A minor chip that isn't causing pain or sharp edges, mild sensitivity to hot or cold that comes and goes, a slightly loose wire on braces, or a low-grade ache that responds well to over the counter pain relievers can typically wait until we can get you in during normal scheduling. When you call us, we'll ask a few questions to help figure out which category your situation falls into.

Related: What to Expect from an Emergency Dentist in Bellingham, WA

‍

‍

When in Doubt, Just Call Us

We mean this sincerely. Our team is here to help you figure out how urgent your situation is, and a quick phone call is always the right first step. We won't make you feel like you're overreacting, and we won't turn you away if you need to be seen. Being available for our patients when things go wrong is one of the most important things we do.

If you're dealing with something that feels wrong, contact us today. You can also learn more about the care we provide on our about page. We're always glad to hear from you, and we'll help you figure out the right next step together.

‍

Reference:

Signs and Symptoms of a Tooth Infection Spreading to the Body — Medical News Today

‍

Related: 

• Walk-In Dentists in Bellingham, WA: Quick Care When You Need It
• How to Find a Reliable Bellingham Emergency Dentist When You Need One
• What to Expect from an Emergency Dentist in Bellingham, WA

‍