Emergency Dentist in Burien, WA
Immediate Same-Day Care Available
Severe tooth pain, swelling in the gums or face, or a tooth loosened by a fall rarely arrives at a convenient time. When the problem starts inside the tooth, waiting can allow infection to spread and may reduce the chance of keeping your natural tooth. Knowing where to go and what to expect can make a stressful day easier to manage.
Burien Endodontics treats emergencies that begin in the tooth, including infection, cracked teeth, and traumatic injuries. Dr. Matthew Tomala has 15 years of endodontic experience, completed his postgraduate endodontic training at the University of Washington, and teaches there as an affiliate assistant faculty member. Our goal is to relieve your pain and preserve your natural tooth, and you can read more about emergency endodontic care before you call.
When a Tooth Problem Counts as an Emergency
Not every dental concern needs same-day attention, but certain symptoms signal that the inside of a tooth may be involved. These are the signs we see most often in emergency visits.
- Severe pain that keeps you awake or does not ease with over-the-counter medicine
- Swelling in the gums, cheek, or jaw, or a bump on the gums that drains
- A tooth knocked out, pushed out of position, or loosened by an injury
- A cracked or broken tooth that hurts when you bite or release
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold that becomes constant
Pain that comes and goes can still point to a problem inside the tooth, so it is reasonable to call even if your symptoms seem to improve for a few hours.
Why Start With an Endodontist
Endodontists are dentists with additional years of advanced training in diagnosing tooth pain and saving natural teeth, according to the American Association of Endodontists. Because our work centers on the pulp, nerves, and roots inside the tooth, we can often identify the source of pain quickly. You do not need a referral from your general dentist to call us.
Expert Care When You Need It Most
Specialized root canal therapy and endodontic treatment delivered with precision and compassion.
- Board-certified endodontists with advanced training
- Advanced microscopic techniques for optimal outcomes
- Same-day emergency appointments available
- Pain-free procedures with modern anesthesia options
What to Expect at Your Emergency Visit
When you call (206) 402-5147, our team asks about your symptoms and works to find the earliest appointment. At the visit, we perform a localized exam and take diagnostic images, including a CBCT scan when it helps us see the tooth and surrounding bone in three dimensions. We then discuss treatment options, including non-surgical root canal therapy when the pulp is infected or inflamed.
Local anesthetic is used so you stay comfortable during treatment. Where appropriate, laser technology supports disinfection, pain management, healing, and a reduction in inflammation. For injuries such as a displaced or knocked-out tooth, early care may help us avoid the need for a root canal, and our page on traumatic dental injuries explains what we evaluate. Your records are 100% digital, which makes it simple to share findings with your general dentist afterward.
Infections, Cracks, and Abscesses
Several emergencies we see have a different cause but a similar urgency. An infected tooth can form an abscess, and our team provides tooth abscess drainage when swelling and pressure need relief. A cracked tooth may need prompt evaluation to learn how deep the crack extends, which is covered on our cracked teeth page.
What to Do Until Your Appointment
A few simple steps can help while you wait. Rinse gently with warm salt water, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek, and take over-the-counter pain medicine exactly as the label directs. Keep your head elevated when lying down, and avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks.
If a tooth has been knocked out, handle it by the crown and avoid touching the root. Rinse it gently with milk or saline if it is dirty, and place it back in the socket if you can. If not, keep it in milk and come to us right away, because time matters.
When to Go to the Emergency Room Instead
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if swelling affects your breathing or swallowing, if facial swelling spreads with a fever, or if you have a head injury or bleeding that will not stop. After those concerns are handled, call us so we can treat the tooth itself.
Hours, Location, and Insurance
We are open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, at 118 SW 160th Street in Burien. Our front office checks your benefits and files claims on your behalf, and our software shows your estimated insurance portion in real time. You can review accepted insurance plans before your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Dental Care in Burien
Emergency Dental Care Reviews from Burien Patients
Trust Burien Endodontics When Pain Cannot Wait
Dr. Tomala earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Michigan State University and a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. He completed an Air Force general dentistry residency, served as a general dentist in Japan, and then earned his postgraduate endodontic training and Master of Science at the University of Washington. He is a member of the American Association of Endodontists, the Washington State Association of Endodontics, the American Dental Association, the Washington State Dental Association, and the King County Dental Society.
If you are in pain, please call (206) 402-5147 or use our contact form, and our team will help you find the soonest appointment.
