Emergency Dentistry in Spokane, WA

• Damaged Teeth or Gums
• Severe Mouth Pain
• Bleeding and Swelling
• Cracked and Missing Teeth
• Fillings That Have Fallen Out

Why Spokane Families Choose Summit Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

When a dental emergency happens, having a trusted dental home can make all the difference. At Summit Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Lopez understands that patients seeking emergency care are often anxious, uncomfortable, and looking for answers. Our team is committed to providing compassionate care, clear communication, and timely treatment to help relieve pain and restore your smile.

Patients choose Summit Family and Cosmetic Dentistry because of our:

• Compassionate, patient-centered approach
• Simple financing and payment options
• Modern diagnostic technology
• Comfortable office environment
• Honest treatment recommendations
• Convenient Spokane location for families and individuals

What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?

It is not always easy to know whether a dental concern requires immediate attention or if it can wait for a standard business-hour checkup. As a rule of thumb, if you are experiencing severe pain, uncontrolled bleeding, structural trauma to a tooth, or signs of an active bacterial infection, you should seek immediate care.

Here are the most common situations treated during emergency appointments with Dr. Lopez:

• Severe, Throbbing Toothaches: Deep, persistent pain often points to an infection reaching the nerve of the tooth, requiring urgent evaluation and possible root canal therapy.
• Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Teeth: A completely dislodged tooth requires urgent intervention. Replanting the tooth within 30 to 60 minutes offers the highest chance of saving it.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Structural fractures can expose sensitive inner dentin and nerves, leading to sharp pain and potential infection.
• Lost Dental Fillings or Broken Crowns: Exposed tooth structure is vulnerable to bacteria and extreme temperature sensitivity, requiring quick restoration.
• Abscesses or Facial Swelling: A pimple-like bump on the gums accompanied by facial swelling or fever signals a serious bacterial infection that can spread if left untreated.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Lacerations or deep cuts to the tongue, cheeks, or gums caused by physical trauma.

Immediate First-Aid Steps Before You Reach Our Office

Handling a Knocked-Out Tooth

Always handle the tooth by its upper chewing surface (the crown), never touching the delicate root tissue. If dirty, rinse it gently with plain water without scrubbing. Try to slip the tooth back into its socket if possible. If it does not slide in smoothly, submerge the tooth in a small container of cold milk or keep it inside your cheek to preserve the living cells until you reach our practice.

Managing Severe Pain and Swelling

Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to clean the area and draw out fluids. Apply a cold gel ice pack to the outside of your cheek or jaw in 10-minute intervals to reduce tissue inflammation and numb discomfort. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can help manage pain until Dr. Lopez evaluates your mouth.

Why You Should Never Ignore Tooth Pain

Tooth pain is your body’s way of signaling that something isn’t right. While discomfort may come and go, ignoring it can allow an underlying problem to become more serious.

Pain may be caused by:

• Deep tooth decay
• An infected tooth
• A cracked tooth
• Gum disease
• Trauma
• A damaged restoration

Seeking care early may help preserve more of your natural tooth while reducing the need for more extensive treatment later. Call (509) 466-1200 at the first sign of a problem.

What to Expect During Your Emergency Appointment

Dental emergencies can feel stressful, which is why our team focuses on making your visit as comfortable and straightforward as possible.

During your appointment, Dr. Lopez will:

• Discuss your symptoms
• Examine the affected area
• Take digital X-rays if needed
• Diagnose the source of the problem
• Explain your treatment options
• Focus first on relieving pain and protecting your oral health

Some emergencies can be fully treated during the initial visit, while others may require additional restorative care after the immediate issue has been addressed.

Preventing Future Dental Emergencies

While accidents can’t always be avoided, many dental emergencies are preventable with healthy habits and routine dental care.

To help protect your smile:

• Visit your dentist for regular exams and cleanings.
• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss every day.
• Wear a mouthguard during sports.
• Avoid chewing ice and hard candies.
• Don’t use your teeth to open packages.
• Replace damaged fillings or crowns promptly.
• Address small cavities before they become larger problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I crack a tooth after office hours?

If you crack a tooth after hours, rinse your mouth with warm water to clear debris, collect any broken tooth fragments, and apply a cold compress to your cheek to prevent swelling. Call our office at (509) 466-1200 and follow the emergency telephone instructions to reach our team for guidance.

Should I go to an emergency room or a dentist for a dental emergency?

For tooth-related issues like severe toothaches, chipped crowns, or knocked-out teeth, visiting Dr. Lopez is ideal. However, if your injury involves a broken jawbone, severe facial swelling that restricts breathing, or continuous, uncontrollable bleeding, go straight to the nearest hospital emergency room.

How much does an emergency dental visit cost in Spokane, WA?

The cost of an emergency visit depends on the specific diagnostics and treatment required to resolve your issue. Our team accepts most major dental insurance plans, provides transparent fee estimates before performing procedures, and offers flexible financing arrangements through CareCredit to keep urgent care accessible.

Can Dr. Lopez replace a lost crown during an emergency appointment?

Yes. Thanks to our advanced CEREC single-visit technology, Dr. Lopez can design, craft, and permanently bond a fresh porcelain crown during your emergency appointment, eliminating the need for temporary restorations or follow-up visits.

Stop Dental Pain in Its Tracks: Contact Us Immediately

At Summit Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Lopez and our compassionate staff are here to protect your smile when unexpected accidents or severe pain strike. We treat you with the kindness, gentleness, and respect you expect from a true neighborhood practice.

Experiencing a dental emergency right now? Call our Spokane dental practice immediately at (509) 466-1200. Let Dr. Lopez gently relieve your pain, restore your smile, and help you get back to your life with total confidence!