Emergency Dentist in South Lake Union, Seattle
In Pain? Call Us First.
Common Dental Emergencies We Handle
- Severe or persistent tooth pain
- Cracked, broken, or chipped tooth
- Knocked-out (avulsed) tooth
- Lost or loose filling, crown, or bridge
- Abscess or facial swelling
- Bleeding that does not stop
- Trauma to the mouth, jaw, or teeth
- Damage from grinding or clenching that suddenly worsens
- Pain or pressure from a recently placed restoration
Not Sure If It’s an Emergency? Call Anyway.
Some dental problems can wait until the next routine opening. Others get worse (and more expensive) by the hour. The fastest way to know which category you are in is to call (206) 362-9110 and let our team triage. We will tell you honestly whether you need to come in today, tomorrow, or whether home care plus a regular appointment is the right call.
Treat the following as urgent and call immediately:
- A knocked-out adult tooth (act in the first 60 minutes for the best chance of saving it)
- Severe pain that prevents sleeping, eating, or working
- Facial swelling, especially swelling that involves the eye or extends down the neck
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing related to a dental infection (go to the ER first)
- Trauma involving fractured jaw, head injury, or significant bleeding (go to the ER first)
What to Do Before You Arrive
Knocked-out tooth
Pick the tooth up by the crown (the part you chew with), not the root. Rinse gently with clean water if it is dirty. If you can, place it back in the socket and bite gently on gauze. If not, store the tooth in milk or in your saliva (do not let it dry out) and head straight to our office.
Cracked or broken tooth
Rinse with warm water. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling. Save any broken fragments. Avoid chewing on that side.
Lost crown, bridge, or filling
Bring the restoration with you if you have it. Avoid chewing on that side. Over-the-counter dental cement is fine as a temporary measure, but call us so we can see you and place it properly.
Severe pain or abscess
Over-the-counter pain relievers help short-term. Warm saltwater rinses can ease discomfort. Do not place aspirin directly on the gum. Do not delay the call. Untreated dental infections can spread quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I be seen?
In most cases, the same day if you call early. We hold time in our schedule for emergencies and triage every call so the most urgent cases are seen first.
Are you open on Saturdays for emergencies?
Yes. We are open Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM and accept same-day emergency appointments during those hours.
Do you treat patients who are not already established with your practice?
Yes. We welcome new patients for emergency care. Many patients become long-term patients of the practice after a positive first emergency visit.
How much does an emergency dental visit cost?
Cost depends on what is happening and what treatment you need. We will give you a clear estimate before any work begins. Most PPO dental plans cover emergency exams and treatment.
Do you take my insurance for emergencies?
We are in-network with most major PPO dental plans, including the dental plans used by Microsoft, Google, and Amazon employees. We file claims on your behalf.
Will you give me antibiotics over the phone?
In most cases, no. Dental infections need to be evaluated in person to identify the source and choose the right treatment. We will get you in as quickly as possible.
What if my emergency is after hours?
Call (206) 362-9110 and follow the after-hours instructions on our voicemail. We respond as soon as we are able. For severe situations involving the airway, jaw fracture, or major bleeding, go to the emergency room first.
Will I see one of your dentists, or a substitute?
You will be seen by Dr. Popek or Dr. Vanderpool, the same dentists who handle the rest of our patient care.
Same-Day Care and What to Expect
Open When You Need Us
We hold time in our schedule each day for same-day emergencies and triage every call so the most urgent cases are seen quickly. Because we are open Saturdays from 8am to 2pm, you are not stuck waiting through a long weekend for help, something most downtown dental practices cannot offer.
What to Expect When You Arrive
Quick assessment. We take you back as soon as possible, gather a brief history, and check vitals if needed. The goal is to relieve your pain and stabilize the situation first.
Targeted exam and imaging. Your dentist examines the area and takes a focused digital X-ray to confirm what is happening. You will see what we see.
Pain relief and stabilization. Most emergency visits include immediate steps to control pain and protect the tooth, such as local anesthetic, a temporary crown or filling, antibiotics if indicated, or a root canal access if the tooth requires it.
Clear plan for the next steps. Before you leave, you will know what we did today, what comes next, and what it will cost. If you need a follow-up appointment, we will book it before you walk out.
After-Hours Emergencies
Call (206) 362-9110 and follow the instructions on our voicemail for dental emergencies. We respond as soon as we are able and will get you in first thing when the office reopens. If the situation involves significant bleeding, jaw fracture, head injury, or breathing or swallowing problems related to a dental infection, please go to the nearest emergency room.
