What should I do in a dental emergency in Auburn, WA?

Call your dentist immediately. Most dental emergencies — severe tooth pain, a knocked-out tooth, a broken crown, or a dental abscess — require prompt professional care. At A2 Dental in Auburn, WA, we reserve time in our schedule for urgent care appointments so you’re never left waiting days when something goes wrong. While you’re waiting to be seen, the steps you take in the first hour can make a real difference in the outcome.

What counts as a dental emergency?

Not every dental issue is an emergency, but some situations genuinely can’t wait. Contact us right away if you’re experiencing:

• Severe or throbbing tooth pain that doesn’t subside
• A knocked-out tooth (time is critical — ideally treated within 30–60 minutes)
• A cracked or broken tooth with sharp edges or exposed nerve
• A lost crown or filling that’s causing pain or sensitivity
• Swelling in your jaw, gums, or face — possible sign of infection
• Bleeding that won’t stop after a tooth extraction or injury

If you’re experiencing facial swelling, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or a high fever alongside dental pain, go to the emergency room — these can be signs of a spreading infection that needs immediate medical attention.

What to do for a knocked-out tooth

A knocked-out permanent tooth has the best chance of being saved if you act within 30 minutes. Here’s what to do:

1. Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part), not the root.
2. If it’s dirty, gently rinse with water. Do not scrub or use soap.
3. Try to place the tooth back in the socket if possible and hold it gently in place.
4. If reinsertion isn’t possible, store the tooth in milk or between your cheek and gum to keep it moist.
5. Call A2 Dental immediately and come in as quickly as possible.

What to do for a severe toothache

Severe tooth pain is often a sign of an infection, a cracked tooth, or an exposed nerve. While you wait for your appointment:

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce inflammation
• Take over-the-counter pain relief (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) as directed
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling
• Avoid very hot, cold, or sweet foods that can worsen sensitivity

Don’t put off severe tooth pain. What starts as a toothache can progress to an abscess or infection that spreads to surrounding teeth and bone.

What to do for a broken or chipped tooth

If you’ve broken a tooth:

• Save any pieces of the tooth if possible
• Rinse your mouth gently with warm water
• Cover any sharp edges with dental wax or a piece of sugar-free gum to protect your cheek and tongue
• Call us — even a chip that doesn’t hurt right away can expose the tooth to decay or fracture further

Urgent dental care in Auburn, WA

A2 Dental provides urgent dental care for Auburn patients and the surrounding area. If you’re in pain or dealing with a dental emergency, don’t wait for a routine opening — call us directly and let us know what’s happening. We’ll get you in as quickly as we can.

You can also contact us online to request an urgent appointment. We’re here when you need us most.