Sometimes tooth pain can wait. Other times, it’s a real emergency. A dental emergency usually means something is badly hurt, infected, or bleeding. If you have a cracked tooth, knocked-out tooth, or swelling in your face or jaw, don’t wait—get help right away.

Pain that won’t go away or keeps getting worse is also a sign you need fast care. The sooner you get help, the better your chances of saving the tooth and stopping the pain.

Should You Go to the ER or a Dentist?

If you have trouble breathing, a high fever, or severe swelling that spreads to your neck or eye, you should go to the emergency room. Hospitals like Overlake Medical Center in Bellevue are ready to handle serious infections or injuries.

But if your emergency is mostly in the mouth—like a broken tooth or lost filling—it’s better to call a dentist. Dentists have the right tools to fix the problem quickly. ERs can stop pain, but they don’t usually treat teeth.

Urgent Signs You Should Call a Dentist Right Away

Knowing when to call a dentist helps you act fast. Here are some clear signs:

  • Knocked-out tooth (especially for kids or young adults)
  • Cracked or chipped tooth with sharp edges or pain
  • Toothache that keeps you from sleeping or eating
  • Gum swelling or bleeding that doesn’t stop
  • Lost crown or filling with pain or sensitivity

If any of these happen, look for a Bellevue emergency dentist who can see you right away.

Local Dental Help in an Emergency

Bellevue has great options when you need urgent dental care. Clinics like Kirkland Cornerstone Dental offer emergency appointments for both new and current patients. If your regular dentist is closed, they’ll still try to help.

You can also check with the King County Oral Health Program. They can help you find a clinic that takes emergency patients and offers sliding-scale payment if you don’t have insurance.

Why Fast Action Matters

A knocked-out tooth can sometimes be saved—but only if you see a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes. A cracked tooth can get infected if not treated quickly. Infections in the mouth can also spread to other parts of the body if ignored.

Fast care means less pain, fewer problems later, and often lower costs. Waiting too long can turn a small issue into a bigger one.

Tips for What to Do Before You Get Help

If a tooth gets knocked out, hold it by the top (not the root) and gently rinse it. Try to put it back in place or keep it in milk until you get to a dentist.

For pain, rinse with warm salt water and take over-the-counter medicine. If there’s swelling, use a cold pack on your cheek. These steps help until you can get professional care.

Emergency Support Beyond Business Hours

Some dentists offer after-hours care or weekend hours. If your emergency happens late or on a holiday, call the office—many have recorded messages with instructions or emergency numbers.

Overlake Medical Center’s Emergency Services are open 24/7, but remember that ERs aren’t dental specialists. Try calling a dental clinic first if the problem isn’t life-threatening.

Your Bellevue Emergency Dentist Is Close By

When you need help fast, a trusted Bellevue emergency dentist makes all the difference. At Kirkland Cornerstone Dental, we offer same-day emergency visits whenever possible. We care about your comfort and do our best to relieve pain right away.

We serve patients from Bellevue, Kirkland, and surrounding neighborhoods. Our team handles everything from broken teeth to serious infections with care and speed.

Stay Ready, Just in Case

Dental emergencies can happen anytime. Keep your dentist’s number saved in your phone. Have a small dental kit at home with salt, pain relievers, and gauze. And teach your kids what to do if something happens at school or during sports.

With the right support and a plan in place, you’ll know exactly what to do when a dental emergency strikes. And we’ll be here when you need us most.