Emergency Dentist in Shoreline: What To Do Before You Get to the Office

Dental emergencies don’t exactly pencil themselves into your schedule. Whether it’s a sudden toothache, a chipped front tooth, or swelling that seems to come out of nowhere, these situations can be stressful—and they don’t always happen during convenient hours. At Mountain to Sound Dental in Shoreline, WA, we’re here when you need us. But what should you do before you make it through our doors?

Here’s how to handle common dental emergencies until you can get professional care:

Toothache or Swelling

A persistent toothache often signals an infection or damage beneath the surface. If your face is swelling, it could be an abscess—meaning you’ll want to act quickly.

What to do now:

• Rinse gently with warm salt water.
• Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers, but don’t put aspirin directly on your gums—it can cause burns.
• Avoid hot or very cold foods until we can take a look.

Broken, Chipped, or Knocked-Out Tooth

Time is critical here—especially with knocked-out teeth.

What to do now:

• For a knocked-out tooth, handle it by the crown (not the root), gently rinse it, and try to place it back in the socket if possible. If not, store it in milk or saliva.
• For chipped or broken teeth, save any fragments you can and rinse your mouth with water.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.

Lost Crown or Filling

It may not always feel like an emergency, but exposed tooth structure can be sensitive and at risk of damage.

What to do now:

• If you can find the crown, clean it and try to temporarily place it back with dental adhesive or toothpaste.
• Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
• Call us as soon as possible for a permanent fix.

When to Call Mountain to Sound Dental

If you’re in pain, bleeding, or worried about a change in your bite or tooth position, we want to hear from you. Even if it seems minor, quick action can prevent a small issue from becoming a major one, saving you time and money. Our team will walk you through what to do and get you seen as soon as possible—often the same day.

Emergency Dentist in Shoreline, WA

At Mountain to Sound Dental in Shoreline, we understand that emergencies are never convenient—but we aim to make them manageable. Dr. Megan Jones, Dr. Abigail Mazon, and Dr. Brian Mills provide prompt, compassionate care so you can get relief fast and protect your smile long-term. Give us a call and let us help you get relief and the right treatment—fast.

Image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0

Categorised in: Emergency Dentistry