If swelling makes it hard to breathe or swallow, or bleeding will not stop, call 911 or go to an emergency room right away.
Children's Dental Emergencies in Seattle
Children chip, loosen and knock out teeth in falls and sports, and they get toothaches too. Dr. Jaime Lee sees patients of all ages, including children with a dental injury or toothache, at Smile Art on First Hill.
What should I do if my child hurts a tooth?
Call (206) 325-7200 right away and tell our team your child's age and what happened, since baby teeth and adult teeth are handled differently. If your child has a head injury, or swelling that makes it hard to breathe or swallow, call 911 or go to an emergency room.
What can I do until I see Dr. Lee?
For first-aid steps, we share the American Dental Association's guidance, quoted word for word:
"For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that's not possible, place it in between your cheek and gums, in milk, or use a tooth preservation product that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Then, get to your dentist's office right away."
"For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between the teeth. Do not put aspirin on the aching tooth or gum tissues."
"If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress."
Source: American Dental Association, MouthHealthy, "Dental Emergencies".
What are common dental emergencies in children?
Falls, playground accidents and sports cause most chipped, loosened and knocked-out teeth in children. Toothaches are often caused by cavities in baby teeth. Children may also bite their lip or tongue during a fall.
What happens after the visit?
Dr. Lee explains how to watch the injured tooth and when to come back for a check. For baby teeth, she also explains how the injury might affect the adult tooth developing underneath.
What happens at a child's emergency visit?
Dr. Lee examines the injured or painful tooth, takes X-rays if needed, and explains what she finds to you and your child. When a child needs care outside a general dental practice, she explains why and helps arrange a pediatric specialist.
Related care: Children's dental care.
How much does an emergency visit cost?
The cost depends on the exam, any X-rays, and the treatment the tooth needs. Smile Art accepts all PPO dental plans, and our team will gladly verify your benefits before your appointment. For out-of-pocket expenses, we offer straightforward financing options through CareCredit, Cherry, and LendingClub.
PPO insurance
Smile Art accepts all PPO insurance.
Contact the office with your plan details to ask about coverage and network participation.
Coverage depends on the treatment provided and your individual PPO plan.
Third-party financing
Available through:
- CareCredit
- Cherry
- LendingClub
Financing is subject to the provider’s approval and terms.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Lee see children for emergencies?
Yes. Dr. Lee sees patients of all ages.
What if a baby tooth is knocked out?
Baby teeth are handled differently from adult teeth. Call the office and Dr. Lee will advise you.
Should I bring a tooth that was knocked out?
Yes. Follow the ADA steps above and bring the tooth with you.
What if my child bit their lip or tongue?
The ADA steps above cover a bitten lip or tongue. Call the office if bleeding continues or the cut looks deep.
Where is our Seattle dental office?
Smile Art is at 901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030, Seattle, WA 98104. We welcome new patients from Seattle and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Smile Art by Dr. Jaime Lee901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030
Seattle, WA 98104
Seattle, WA 98104
HoursMonday–Thursday, 8:00am–4:00pm
Phone(206) 325-7200
The Cabrini Medical Tower garage entrance is at 1010 Marion St. The building entrance is on Boren Ave; Dr. Lee is in Suite 1030. Parking for a Smile Art visit does not require validation. Directions to the garage. Check posted rates when you park.