What counts as an emergency versus waiting for normal hours?

Severe pain, bleeding that won't stop, swelling, a knocked-out or significantly broken tooth, and infection signs (fever, facial swelling) are emergencies. Mild sensitivity or a small chip without pain can wait a day or two.

What if the emergency happens at night?

Call our main line for after-hours guidance. Urgent situations can be directed to a hospital ER; we follow up the next morning.

Do I need antibiotics?

Sometimes, for active infection — but always combined with treating the source. Antibiotics alone don't cure dental infections.

Will you save the tooth?

We always try. Time is the biggest factor — knocked-out teeth have the best chance within the first hour. Even cracked or infected teeth can often be saved with prompt care.

Emergency Dentist in Ellensburg, WA — Same-Day Appointments

Quick Answer

A dental emergency needs attention within 24 hours. Central Washington Dental Care reserves same-day slots every day for emergencies — knocked-out teeth, severe pain, broken teeth, swelling, and trauma. Call (509) 933-3300 immediately.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency

Call us today if you have:

Knocked-out (avulsed) tooth
Severe, persistent toothache
Cracked, broken, or fractured tooth
Abscess or facial swelling
Lost filling or crown causing pain
Soft tissue injury with bleeding
Loose or displaced tooth after injury
Broken denture or orthodontic appliance

Go to the ER first if you have:

Uncontrolled bleeding
Facial swelling affecting breathing or swallowing
Jaw fracture
Head trauma

Once the medical side is stabilized, call us for the dental follow-up.

What to Do Right Now (By Situation)

Knocked-Out Tooth

Pick up by the crown (not root)
Rinse gently with milk or saline for 10 seconds
Try to reinsert into the socket, or store in cold milk
Call us immediately — within 30–60 minutes gives the best chance of saving it

Severe Toothache

Rinse with warm salt water
Floss gently to remove trapped debris
Ice on the outside of the cheek
Ibuprofen as directed (never aspirin on the gum)
Call us the same day

Cracked or Broken Tooth

Rinse with warm water
Apply gauze with pressure for bleeding
Ice on the cheek
Save any broken pieces in milk
Call for a same-day appointment

Abscess (Pimple on Gum, Swelling, Fever)

This is serious. Infection can spread. Call immediately. Avoid squeezing or pressing on the bump.

Lost Filling or Crown

Try to slip a lost crown back over the tooth with toothpaste or over-the-counter dental cement (not superglue)
For a lost filling, use sugar-free gum or dental cement as a temporary cover
Call within 1–2 days

How We Handle Emergencies

Call our line. Describe the situation.
Rapid triage. We determine urgency, give first-aid guidance, and schedule you.
Same-day exam. Digital X-rays, diagnosis, treatment plan with costs.
Treatment. Often done in the same visit. For complex cases, we stabilize and schedule follow-up.
Insurance handling. We verify benefits and bill directly.

Common Emergency Treatments

Tooth reimplantation or splinting
Emergency fillings
Root canal therapy
Crown placement (same-day in many cases)
Extraction when a tooth can't be saved
Drainage and antibiotics for abscess
Bonding for chips
Temporary repairs to stabilize you

Cost

Emergency exam: typically $75–$150. Treatment is billed separately based on what's needed. Most dental insurance covers emergency exams and necessary treatment. We verify benefits and discuss costs before proceeding.

If you don't have insurance, we offer in-house payment plans and CareCredit financing.

Related Services

Tooth Pain Broken or Chipped Tooth Extractions Sedation Dentistry

In a dental emergency? Same-day care in Ellensburg.

Emergency Dentist in Ellensburg