Emergency Dental Care in DC
A cracked tooth. A tooth knocked out during a game. Pain that keeps you up all night. A dental emergency rarely waits for a good time. What you do in the first minutes can make a real difference.
Here is how to tell if you have a dental emergency, what to do right now, and how to get seen at DC Pearls today.
Signs you need urgent dental care
DC Pearls treats these dental emergencies:
- Severe toothache. Persistent pain that does not respond to over-the-counter medication. It could point to an infection, a cracked tooth or an abscess that needs attention right away.
- Broken or cracked tooth. This can come from trauma, biting something hard or weakened enamel. Exposed inner tooth structure is open to infection and more damage.
- Knocked-out tooth. This one is time-sensitive. The best outcomes happen within 30 minutes.
- Lost filling or crown. Exposed tooth structure can cause sensitivity and more damage.
- Dental abscess. Swelling, fever and throbbing pain signal a serious infection that can spread if untreated. An abscess needs drainage and antibiotics. Do not delay care.
- Broken braces or wires. These can cause irritation or pain and need a proper repair.
What to do right now
If a tooth is knocked out. Keep it moist. Place it in milk or between your cheek and gum. Do not scrub the root. Get to us within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.
If you have a severe toothache. Rinse with warm salt water. Take ibuprofen for pain. Never place aspirin directly on your gums. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek.
If a tooth breaks. Save any pieces. Rinse your mouth with warm water. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Cover any sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum.
If a filling or crown comes out. Bring the crown with you if you still have it. Your dentist may be able to re-cement it the same day.
If a brace wire is poking you. Cover it with dental wax for now. Then come in so the appliance can be repaired properly.
Then call DC Pearls at (202) 750-8718.
How DC Pearls handles emergencies
- Emergency slots every day. Most patients are seen within hours of calling.
- Specialists under one roof. Endodontists, oral surgeons and general dentists work in the same office. You avoid referral delays when you need urgent care.
- Instant digital imaging. Your dentist can find the problem and start treatment right away.
- Comfort options. Sedation options keep you comfortable during treatment.
- Hours that flex. Urgent cases can be seen before and after regular hours when needed. Saturday appointments are available.
- Insurance help. DC Pearls accepts most PPO plans and files claims on your behalf.
Your next step
If you are in pain now, call (202) 750-8718. See what emergency dental care at DC Pearls covers. For a non-urgent visit, book online or contact us. We are at 2440 M Street NW, Washington DC.
Dental emergency questions answered
Keep it moist in milk or between your cheek and gum. Do not scrub the root. Get to us within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.
Emergency slots are held every day, and most patients are seen within hours of calling. Saturday appointments are available.
Rinse with warm salt water. Take ibuprofen for pain. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. Never place aspirin directly on your gums.
Come in, and bring the crown with you if you still have it. It may be possible to re-cement it the same day.
Ready to book? Book your appointment online or call (202) 750-8718.