If you have sudden tooth pain, swelling, or a broken or knocked-out tooth, call us right away at (703) 420-5250. We make room in the schedule for patients who are hurting, and we’ll tell you what to do on your way in.
Dr. Ghorab is trained in dental trauma, so broken and knocked-out teeth can often be treated right here in Shirlington.
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water and gently floss to remove anything stuck. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed on the package. Don’t put aspirin directly on your gums. Call us. A bad toothache is often a sign of infection that needs treatment, sometimes a root canal.
Swelling in your gum, cheek or jaw can mean an infection called an abscess. Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek and call us right away. Don’t try to pop a bump on your gum.
Pick it up by the crown (the top), never the root. If it’s dirty, rinse it gently with milk or water, but don’t scrub it. If you can, place it back in the socket and bite gently on a clean cloth. If not, put it in a cup of milk and come in immediately. The first hour matters most for saving the tooth.
Keep the crown if you have it, avoid chewing on that side, and call us. Pharmacy dental cement can cover the tooth temporarily, but don’t use household glue.
Try floss gently. Don’t use sharp objects like pins or knives. If it won’t come out, call us.
Cover a poking wire with orthodontic wax or a small piece of sugar-free gum and call your orthodontist or us.
If you have swelling that makes it hard to breathe or swallow, a high fever with facial swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, or a serious jaw or head injury, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 first. Once you’re stable, we can take care of your teeth.
If you’re not sure, call us. As a rule, severe pain, swelling, bleeding that won’t stop, a knocked-out adult tooth, or a broken tooth that hurts all need prompt care. A small chip that doesn’t hurt or a slightly sensitive tooth can usually wait a day or two, but call us anyway so we can decide together.
The first step is usually an emergency exam and X-ray to find the problem. From there, we’ll relieve your pain and explain your options before any further treatment. Most insurance plans cover part of emergency care, and we’ll check your benefits quickly.
Kids fall, play sports and bite things they shouldn’t, so dental injuries are common. If a child knocks out a baby tooth, don’t try to put it back in, as that can damage the adult tooth underneath. Call us so we can check the area. If a child knocks out an adult tooth, follow the same steps as for adults: hold it by the top, keep it in milk, and come in right away.
Many emergencies are treated with root canals, crowns, bonding or extractions. See those pages for more on what to expect.
Dr. Ghorab is trained in dental trauma, including broken and knocked-out teeth. Our office is easy to reach from anywhere in Arlington, with a private side entrance and simple parking, so you’re not wandering a big building while you’re in pain.
Call us as soon as possible. We’ll do everything we can to see you quickly.
Severe pain, swelling, bleeding that won’t stop, a knocked-out tooth, or a broken tooth that hurts.
Yes. You don’t need to be an existing patient.
Hold it by the top, keep it in milk, and get to us within the hour if you can.
Most plans cover part of emergency care. We’ll check your benefits.
Book online in about a minute, or call us at (703) 420-5250. New patients are always welcome.
