Dental emergencies are stressful, painful, and rarely happen at a convenient time. Whether you have woken up with a throbbing toothache, cracked a tooth during lunch, or suffered a sports injury, waiting days for an appointment simply isn't an option.
At Smile Now Dental, we understand that when you are in pain, you need answers and relief immediately. Dr. Thomas Pham and our dedicated team on 172nd St NE prioritize dental emergencies for patients across Arlington, Smokey Point, Lake Stevens, and the surrounding communities. We provide a calm, judgment-free environment designed to diagnose the problem quickly and get you back to feeling like yourself.
At Smile Now Dental, we understand that when you are in pain, you need answers and relief immediately. Dr. Thomas Pham and our dedicated team on 172nd St NE prioritize dental emergencies for patients across Arlington, Smokey Point, Lake Stevens, and the surrounding communities. We provide a calm, judgment-free environment designed to diagnose the problem quickly and get you back to feeling like yourself.
What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?
Not sure if your situation warrants an immediate call? It is always better to be safe than sorry. You should contact us right away if you experience any of the following:- Severe, Throbbing Toothaches: A relentless toothache that keeps you awake or isn't helped by over-the-counter medication is often a sign of a deep infection or nerve damage.
- Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Tooth: Time is critical here. If you get to our office within 30 to 60 minutes, there is a much higher chance Dr. Pham can successfully reimplant the tooth.
- Broken, Cracked, or Chipped Teeth: Especially if the break is painful, exposes the inside of the tooth, or leaves sharp edges that cut your tongue or cheek.
- Lost Crown or Filling: This leaves the vulnerable inner layers of your tooth exposed to bacteria, food, and temperature changes, which can cause severe sensitivity and further decay.
- Dental Abscess or Swelling: A pimple-like bump on your gums, facial swelling, or a foul taste in your mouth are signs of a serious infection that requires immediate treatment to prevent it from spreading.
What to Do While You Wait
If you are experiencing an emergency, call us immediately at (360) 386-9727. Until you can get to our Arlington clinic, follow these grounding steps to manage the situation:- For a Knocked-Out Tooth: Pick it up by the crown (the chewing surface), never the root. Rinse it gently with water if it's dirty, but do not scrub it. Try to place it back in the socket, or keep it moist in a small container of milk or your own saliva.
- For a Toothache: Rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm saltwater. Use dental floss to gently remove any food caught between your teeth. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen, but never put crushed aspirin directly on your gums, as this can cause chemical burns.
- For Swelling: Apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a towel to the outside of your cheek for 20 minutes at a time to keep swelling down.
Comprehensive Solutions Under One Roof
When you arrive at Smile Now Dental, our first goal is to eliminate your pain. From there, Dr. Pham utilizes advanced digital X-rays and 3D CT imaging to pinpoint the exact cause of the emergency. Because we offer a full suite of services—including root canal therapy, porcelain crowns, and gentle extractions—we can usually resolve the underlying issue right here in our office, saving you the hassle of a referral.FAQs
What should I do if my tooth is knocked out?
Time is critical! Handle the tooth only by the crown (the top part), not the root. Rinse it gently with water if it's dirty, but do not scrub it. Try to reinsert it into the socket if possible. If you can't, place it in a container of milk or your own saliva and get to our Arlington office immediately. We have the best chance of saving the tooth if treated within one hour.
Can I go to the hospital ER for a toothache?
In most cases, a hospital ER cannot treat dental issues like toothaches or broken teeth; they will likely only provide pain medication and refer you to a dentist. It is best to call Smile Now Dental first. However, if you have severe facial swelling impacting your breathing, high fever, or trauma to the jaw/head, please go to the ER immediately.
Do you offer same-day emergency appointments?
Yes, we prioritize patients experiencing pain or dental trauma. We do our very best to schedule same-day appointments for emergencies during our business hours. Please call us as early in the day as possible so we can accommodate you.
How can I manage dental pain until my appointment?
While waiting for your visit, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can help reduce swelling and numb the area. Avoid applying aspirin directly to the gums, as this can cause tissue damage.
Disclaimer: Please note that the provided information above is based on general knowledge, and it's always recommended to consult with Dr. Thomas Pham or our dental team for personalized advice and recommendations regarding your or your child's specific dental needs and conditions.
Book Now
Please fill out the form below, and someone from our team will get in touch with you as soon as we can to schedule your appointment.
