Urgent visits and injuries
A knocked or broken tooth, a toothache that won't settle, a bump to the mouth. Call us first and we will tell you what to do on the way in.
We keep time open for urgent visits during office hours when we can, but we cannot promise a same-day visit. After hours the phone goes to voicemail, which we check first thing the next morning. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
Call us first, during office hours
Voicemail is checked each morning
In a life-threatening emergency, call 911
- Swelling that spreads to your face, eye or neck, trouble breathing or swallowing, a serious blow to the head, or bleeding that won't stop needs emergency care now. Go to an emergency room or call 911. If a tooth is knocked out or broken, call our office right away.
What counts, and what to do first
Call us as you go. These are the first steps, not a replacement for advice.
- 01
Step 1: A baby tooth is knocked out
Do not put it back. Press gently on gauze to stop the bleeding and call us.
- 02
Step 2: An adult tooth is knocked out
Hold it by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently, try to place it back in the socket, or keep it in milk, and call us at once.
- 03
Step 3: A tooth is broken or chipped
Rinse with water, keep any pieces in milk, use a cold cloth for swelling and call us.
- 04
Step 4: A toothache or swelling
Rinse with warm water, ask your child's doctor or a pharmacist what is safe to give for pain and call us. Swelling that spreads is an emergency.
How an urgent visit works
Call first
Sade or Dr. Yates will tell you what to do and whether to come in or go to an emergency room.
At the visit
A look, an X-ray only if it is needed, and care to settle the problem. Further treatment is explained before it starts.
After hours
This office is not a 24-hour facility. Leave a message, and if it cannot wait, go to an emergency room.
How it is billed
You get an estimate in advance when it is safe to wait for one.
How fees work
Questions about urgent visits and injuries
What counts as a dental emergency?
A knocked-out tooth, a broken tooth, swelling and pain that is getting worse, or bleeding that will not stop. Swelling in the face, eye or neck, or trouble breathing or swallowing, means an emergency room or 911.
Will you see my child today?
We try to keep time open during office hours, but we cannot promise it. Call first and Sade will tell you.
What if it is the weekend?
Leave a message. If your child has swelling that spreads, trouble breathing or swallowing, or bleeding that will not stop, go to an emergency room or call 911.
Provided by a pediatric dentist
Dr. Linda Yates, DDS, pediatric dentist, licensed in Alaska. Her training and board are on her profile.