What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?
Some dental issues need immediate attention, while others can wait for a regular appointment. If you’re unsure whether your situation is urgent, it’s always better to call and ask—we’d rather check in with you than have you suffer unnecessarily. Situations that typically require emergency care include:
- Severe, persistent tooth pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain relief
- Knocked-out or broken teeth from accidents or sports injuries
- Lost fillings or crowns that expose sensitive tooth structure
- Uncontrolled bleeding in your mouth from trauma or injury
- Facial swelling that affects your ability to swallow or breathe
- Abscesses or infections that cause fever or spreading pain
Even symptoms that seem minor—like a slightly loose tooth or persistent sensitivity—can signal bigger problems. When you reach out to our Spokane Valley office, we’ll help you determine the right timing for your visit and guide you through any immediate steps you can take at home.
Why Fairview Dental for Emergency Dentistry in Spokane Valley?
Choosing where to go during a dental crisis matters. At Fairview Dental, you’re not just another appointment—you’re someone we’re genuinely committed to helping. Our emergency dentistry approach combines quick access with thorough care, ensuring you don’t have to choose between speed and quality.
Dr. Robert Wilder brings extensive experience in handling everything from straightforward extractions to complex trauma cases. Because we’re a trusted local practice rather than a revolving-door clinic, you’ll recognize familiar faces whether you’re here for preventive care or an urgent situation. Our conveniently located Spokane Valley facility means you can reach us quickly when every moment counts. Our team works hard to accommodate same-day appointments whenever possible.
Your Emergency Visit: From Call to Treatment
The moment you contact us, we start working to ease your stress. When you call about an emergency dentistry in Spokane Valley, we’ll ask a few questions to understand your situation and provide guidance on what to do until you arrive. Once you’re here, we move efficiently without making you feel rushed.
Your emergency visit typically includes a focused examination to identify the source of your problem, digital imaging to reveal what’s happening beneath the surface, and a clear explanation of your treatment options. Dr. Robert Wilder takes time to ensure you understand what’s going on and what solutions make sense for your situation. Whenever possible, we provide immediate relief—whether that means addressing an infection, stabilizing a damaged tooth, or managing pain—so you leave feeling significantly better than when you arrived.
Managing Common Dental Emergencies
Different emergencies require different approaches. For a knocked-out tooth, time is critical—try to keep it moist and get to our office within an hour for the best chance of saving it. If you’ve cracked or broken a tooth, rinse your mouth gently and save any pieces you can find. Severe pain often signals an infection or exposed nerve, and we can provide antibiotics or other interventions to address the root cause.
Lost crowns or fillings leave your tooth vulnerable, so even if pain isn’t severe, these situations need prompt attention to prevent further damage. When dealing with bleeding, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze. For swelling, a cold compress on the outside of your face can help while you’re on your way to see us. Our team is always available to walk you through these steps over the phone.
Preventing Future Dental Emergencies
While accidents happen, some emergencies are preventable. Regular checkups with our comprehensive general dentistry team help catch problems like weak teeth or developing infections before they become urgent. If you participate in contact sports, a custom mouthguard provides significant protection. Avoiding the habit of chewing on ice, hard candy, or other tough objects can reduce your risk of developing cracks and fractures.
If dental anxiety keeps you from routine visits—which can lead to emergencies down the road—ask about our sedation dentistry options. Staying proactive with your oral health is the best defense against unexpected problems.
Get the Emergency Care You Need Today
Don’t let dental pain or injury control your day. Whether you’re facing a clear emergency or just worried about something that doesn’t feel right, the Fairview Dental team is here to help. Reach out through our contact page or visit our Spokane Valley office directly—we’ll fit you in as soon as possible and help you find relief.
Learn more about our practice and approach on our about us page, or explore our full range of dental services. Your comfort and health matter to us, and we’re ready to prove it when you need us most.
