Emergency Dentistry

When you arrive, we explain what may be causing the problem, review your treatment options, and make sure you understand the next steps. If you feel anxious about dental treatment, we can slow the pace and walk you through the process so you know what to expect.

When Should You Seek Emergency Dental Care?

Some Dental Problems Need Attention as Soon as Possible. Contact SmileWorx If You Are Experiencing Symptoms Such as:

• Severe or persistent tooth pain
• A chipped, cracked, or broken tooth
• A tooth that has been knocked loose or knocked out
• A lost filling or crown
• Dental swelling or signs of infection
• Bleeding that does not stop
• Pain or swelling that makes it difficult to chew

If swelling is making it difficult to breathe or swallow, or if you are experiencing a serious medical emergency, seek immediate medical attention first.

How We Triage Dental Emergencies

When you call SmileWorx with an urgent dental problem, our team asks about your symptoms to understand the situation and determine how quickly you should be seen.

For many urgent cases, we reserve same-day appointment availability. Dr. Olga Spivak may use a focused examination, dental X-rays, and a review of your medical history to identify the source of the problem and recommend appropriate treatment.

Our goal is to address the immediate concern while also considering the long-term health of the tooth.

Common Dental Emergencies We Treat

Dental emergencies can range from sudden pain to injuries involving the teeth and gums. SmileWorx provides care for a variety of urgent dental concerns.

Severe Toothaches

A severe toothache can have several possible causes, including decay, inflammation, infection, or damage to the tooth. An examination can help determine the cause of the pain and the appropriate treatment.

Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth

A damaged tooth may expose sensitive inner layers or weaken the remaining tooth structure. Treatment depends on the location and extent of the damage.

Knocked-Out or Loose Teeth

Dental trauma can loosen a tooth or knock it completely out of its socket. These situations should be evaluated as quickly as possible, particularly when a permanent tooth has been knocked out.

Lost Fillings or Crowns

A missing filling or crown can leave the underlying tooth sensitive or vulnerable to further damage. We can evaluate the tooth and determine whether the restoration can be repaired, replaced, or temporarily stabilized.

What Should I Do If a Permanent Tooth Is Knocked Out?

A knocked-out permanent tooth requires prompt attention.

Handle the tooth by the crown, which is the part normally visible in the mouth. Avoid touching the root. If possible, keep the tooth moist in milk or saliva and contact a dentist immediately.

Do not scrub or aggressively clean the root. Acting quickly may improve the chances of successfully treating the tooth.

What to Expect During an Emergency Dental Visit

Your emergency dental visit begins with a focused evaluation of the problem. Depending on your symptoms, this may include dental X-rays or other imaging.

Dr. Olga Spivak will explain what she finds and discuss the treatment options with you before proceeding.

Emergency Treatment May Involve:

• Local anesthesia to help control discomfort
• Stabilizing a loose or injured tooth
• Repairing or temporarily protecting a cracked or broken tooth
• Reattaching or replacing a restoration when appropriate
• Cleaning and protecting damaged tooth structure
• Medication when clinically appropriate to manage infection, swelling, or discomfort

The exact treatment depends on the cause and severity of the problem.

Before you leave, our team will explain home-care instructions, warning signs to watch for, and whether you need a follow-up appointment.

Will My Dental Emergency Be Fixed in One Visit?

Some dental emergencies can be treated during the initial appointment, while others require multiple stages of care.

For example, a tooth that has experienced significant trauma may first need to be stabilized. Additional treatment, such as root canal therapy or a dental crown, may be recommended later depending on how the tooth heals and whether the nerve becomes damaged or infected.

Our priority is to address the immediate problem and then develop a plan for restoring the tooth's health, strength, and function whenever possible.

What Can I Do Until I Reach the Dentist?

A Few Simple Steps May Help Protect Your Mouth Until You Can Be Evaluated:

• Rinse gently with warm water if your mouth is injured or irritated.
• Apply a cold pack to the outside of your face to help manage swelling.
• Keep a knocked-out permanent tooth moist in milk or saliva and avoid touching the root.
• Cover a sharp edge on a broken tooth with dental wax or sugarless gum if needed to protect your cheek or tongue.
• Avoid chewing on the injured or painful area.

These measures are temporary and do not replace professional dental care.

When Should I Go to the Emergency Room Instead of the Dentist?

Most toothaches, broken teeth, lost restorations, and other dental problems are best evaluated by a dentist.

However, seek emergency medical care if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly worsening swelling that may obstruct your airway, uncontrolled bleeding, or any other serious medical concern.

Once the immediate medical emergency is under control, SmileWorx can help address the related dental problem.

Emergency Dental Care in Vienna, VA

You should not have to guess what to do when a dental problem suddenly becomes painful or urgent. SmileWorx provides emergency dentistry in Vienna, VA, for patients dealing with toothaches, dental injuries, broken teeth, lost restorations, and other urgent concerns.

Dr. Olga Spivak and our team will evaluate the problem, clearly explain your options, and help you determine the appropriate next step.

If you are experiencing a dental emergency, call SmileWorx today to schedule an urgent dental appointment.

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