Dental Emergencies Happen. Here’s What to Do First.
Tooth pain doesn’t wait. Neither should your care.
Dental emergencies can be unpredictable, painful, and stressful. Whether you’ve cracked a tooth at dinner or woken up with sudden swelling, one thing’s for sure — you need answers fast. At Westphalia Dental Implant Center Falls Church, we offer same-day emergency dental appointments because getting relief shouldn’t take days of waiting.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how to identify a dental emergency, what to do right away, and why timing matters when it comes to saving your tooth (and your peace of mind).
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
It’s not always obvious whether your dental issue requires immediate care — but here are some signs you should call us right away:
You’re experiencing:
- Severe or persistent tooth pain
- Swelling in your gums, face, or jaw
- A knocked-out, cracked, or broken tooth
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop
- Signs of infection (bad taste, pus, fever)
- Injury to the gums, lips, or tongue
- Lost fillings, crowns, or temporary restorations causing discomfort
If it hurts, it’s worth calling. It’s always better to be safe — and early treatment can often prevent further damage.
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What To Do Before You Get to the Office
While you’re getting in touch with our team, here are a few things you can do at home to stay comfortable and protect your tooth:
For a knocked-out tooth:
- Don’t scrub it. Gently rinse it off and try to place it back in the socket.
- If that’s not possible, keep it in milk or inside your cheek (but not in water).
- Come in within 30–60 minutes for the best chance of saving it.
For swelling or infection:
- Rinse gently with warm salt water
- Apply a cold compress
- Do not apply aspirin directly to the gum — it can cause burns
- Don’t ignore fever or spreading pain — these may indicate an abscess
For cracked or broken teeth:
- Rinse with warm water to keep the area clean
- Use dental wax or sugarless gum to cover jagged edges
- Avoid biting down on that side until seen
Why Same-Day Emergency Care Matters
Delaying treatment — even by a day — can lead to bigger problems. A simple crack can turn into a root infection. A knocked-out tooth can become nonviable. A mild infection can become life-threatening if it spreads.
That’s why we reserve time every day for emergencies and offer evening and Saturday hours. We also provide oral sedation for anxious or complex cases.
Our in-house capabilities mean we can:
- Perform root canal therapy the same day
- Extract non-restorable teeth without sending you elsewhere
- Start pain relief and antibiotic therapy immediately
- Use Cone Beam CT to diagnose with complete accuracy
We’re here to fix the issue — not just patch it.
Your Emergency Dentist in Falls Church — and Beyond
Whether you're in Falls Church, Annandale, Merrifield, Seven Corners, or nearby, we’re here when it counts. Dr. Chung and our team provide fast, compassionate, judgment-free emergency care when you need it most.
We never want a patient to feel like they’re being rushed, dismissed, or handed off between providers. You’ll be seen by a doctor who listens — and builds a plan you can trust.
Don’t Wait and See — Call and Be Seen
Tooth pain isn’t something to “tough out.” If something feels wrong, trust your instincts and call us. You’ll speak to a real person — and we’ll do everything we can to get you seen quickly and comfortably.