Call the dental office
During office hours, call (703) 455-5555. Tell us what is hurting or broken, when it started, and whether you have swelling or a fever. You can describe it in your own words. If you're unsure how urgent it is, say so and we'll help you work that out.
If the office is closed, listen to the recorded message and select the emergency option to reach Dr. Maiurano's after-hours number. She will return the call as soon as she can with instructions. If you cannot reach us and need urgent care, seek emergency medical care as appropriate. Do not wait for a callback if you have any of the medical emergency signs above.
If you're nervous about treatment as well as worried about the tooth, tell us when you call. We can talk about what would help you feel more comfortable. Our dental anxiety page explains how to share your preferences; please call first for an urgent problem.
Toothache or dental pain
- Rinse gently with warm water.
- Use dental floss carefully if food may be caught between the teeth.
- Do not place aspirin on the tooth or gum; it can injure the tissue.
- Use over-the-counter pain medicine only as directed on the label and only if it is safe with your health conditions and other medicines.
- Call the office. Pain that improves temporarily can still need treatment.
Knocked-out permanent tooth
Call a dentist immediately and aim to be seen within 30 minutes. If more time has passed, still seek care right away; the tooth may still be saveable.
- Pick up the tooth by the crown, the part normally visible in the mouth. Do not touch the root.
- If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water. Do not scrub, dry, or wrap it in tissue.
- If possible, place the tooth back in the socket without forcing it and hold it there gently.
- If it cannot be replaced, keep it moist in milk or an emergency tooth-preservation product.
- Bring the tooth with you. Do not leave it soaking in ordinary tap water.
Do not put a knocked-out baby tooth back into the socket. Call a dentist so the child and the area can be examined.
Broken or cracked tooth
- Rinse with warm water to clean the area.
- Use a cold compress on the face if there is swelling.
- If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze or cloth.
- Save any pieces you can find and call the office as soon as possible.
- Avoid chewing on the injured tooth.
Lost crown or filling
Call the office, keep the area clean, and avoid chewing on that side. If a crown came off, keep it and bring it with you. Do not use household glue to reattach dental work.
Broken denture or partial
Do not wear an appliance that is sharp, unstable, or causing injury. Keep all the pieces and call with a description of the damage. Bring the appliance and every piece to the appointment. Some repairs can be completed in the office; others must go to a dental laboratory and take longer.
Bitten lip, tongue, or cheek
Clean the area gently with water and use a cold compress. Seek urgent medical care if bleeding is excessive, will not stop, or the injury is severe.
Before you leave for the office
Bring any tooth, crown, filling, denture piece, or other dental work that came loose. Bring a current medication list if the office may not already have it. If you are unsure whether to eat, take medication, or attempt a temporary repair, ask during the call rather than guessing.
Reliable emergency references
These instructions are consistent with patient guidance from the American Dental Association and the American Association of Endodontists. Online information cannot diagnose your individual situation; call for professional guidance.