Emergency Dentist — Leesburg, VA

Urgent Dental Care You Can Rely On

No one ever plans on a dental emergency, but you can be prepared by having an emergency dentist’s number in your phone just in case. This way, should you develop a toothache, or your child suffers a dental injury, then there is no delay in getting the care they need. At All Smiles Leesburg, we offer same-day and even weekend appointments for emergency dentistry in Leesburg, VA, ensuring that if a patient is in pain, they won’t be for long. Give us a call to set up your next appointment!

Why Choose All Smiles Leesburg for Emergency Dental Care?

  • Weekend Dental Emergency Appointments and Walk-Ins Available
  • Skilled & Compassionate Dental Team
  • Same-Day Care in State-of-the-Art Dental Office

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Woman listening to emergency dentist in Leesburg
  • Call and schedule a same-day appointment: Start by calling our team and we’ll let you know exactly what to do next. If this involves coming to see us, we’ll go over first-aid so you can be as comfortable as possible ahead of your appointments. We welcome same-day visits, walk-ins, and have office hours on weekends, so don’t hesitate to call!
  • Get examined by our experienced dentist: McBryde has just about seen it all, so you can trust her to provide a highly comprehensive exam and capture digital X-rays if needed to determine the source and severity of your dental emergency. If you are in pain, we’ll get you relief as soon as possible.
  • Review your findings with us one-on-one: After performing your exam, we’ll be better able to treat your symptoms and prevent your emergency from getting worse. You’ll always be informed of the cost estimates of your care before beginning any phase of your treatment.
  • Get the professional care from our friendly team: Whether you need to have a dental filling, crown, root canal therapy, tooth extraction (wisdom tooth or otherwise), or something else, our office will work quickly to get your relief and your oral health back to normal.  

The Most Common Dental Emergencies

It’s easy to panic in the initial moments after you realize you’re experiencing a dental emergency, but know that you don’t have to deal with things alone. There are a few things you can do ahead of your appointment to improve your condition. If you believe you are experiencing any of the following, do not hesitate to give our office a call.

Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry

man missing tooth for cost of emergency dentistry in Leesburg

Naturally, emergency dental care comes with a price. It’s important to be aware of the costs involved before you agree to any sort of treatment. Sometimes only a minor filling will be required, but in other situations, treatments such as root canal therapy may be necessary. At All Smiles Leesburg, the cost of emergency dentistry in Leesburg will be explained to you ahead of time so you know what to expect when the time comes for payment.

Every Dental Emergency is Different

tooth with first aid kit for cost of emergency dentistry in Leesburg

Believe it or not, visiting your emergency dentist is relatively inexpensive. During your appointment, our team will evaluate the extent of your condition and determine which treatments are necessary to get your smile back on track. Since every case is unique, it’s impossible to provide an accurate cost estimate until you come in for an exam.

However, some common solutions for dental emergencies include root canal therapy, extractions, dental crowns, and TMJ treatment. We will explain our findings and the recommended treatment plan, plus provide a cost estimate in advance so there won’t be any surprises! 

Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money

woman at dental checkup for cost of emergency dentistry in Leesburg

Not every dental emergency is entirely avoidable. Although some happen because of accidental injuries, the majority are the result of unchecked infection or damage. Fortunately, you can keep your smile healthy and save thousands of dollars over the years by investing in routine dental checkups.

On top of that, you can avoid breaking the bank by visiting our team as soon as you notice something wrong with your oral health. Taking care of a problem right away will help you avoid needing more expensive and extensive treatment later on.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?

dental insurance for cost of emergency dentistry in Leesburg

The good news is that most dental insurance plans offer some level of coverage for emergency situations. At least one yearly emergency exam is typically fully covered, while common services associated with hurting teeth like root canal therapy, extractions, and dental crowns are eligible for 50-80 percent of coverage. Of course, every policy is unique which is why you should confirm the details with your insurance provider before committing to anything. Our team is more than happy to help with this process if needed!

Another Option for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable

dental plan for cost of emergency dentistry in Leesburg

Don’t have dental insurance? No problem, you still have access to an emergency dentist in Leesburg! We offer flexible financing through CareCredit or Sunbit. These third-party financiers offer patients low-to-no interest payment plans. Contact us to learn more!

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

Father helping son prevent dental emergencies in Leesburg

A few daily practices can all but eliminate your risk of a dental emergency, including the following tips below. While this includes practicing good brushing and flossing, did you know that you can harm your smile if practicing oral hygiene in the wrong way? Our office is here to help you prevent dental emergencies before they happen – not only will this help you save money on future dentistry, but it can save you a lot of unnecessary discomfort and time spent in the dental chair.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Patient smiling while visiting emergency dental office in Leesburg

Visiting the dentist twice a year for exams and cleaning is one of the most effective ways to prevent dental emergencies for a few reasons. Not only does it give our office a chance to examine your mouth for potential issues on a regular basis, but we can perform detailed cleanings to remove plaque and tartar before they can cause cavities or infections. Be sure to contact our office as soon as possible if you notice any out-of-the-ordinary symptoms.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Habits at Home

Mother and son brushing their teeth together

Brushing and flossing at home are vital to keeping your smile healthy in between professional checkups. Brush twice a day and floss at least once a day to avoid plaque buildup and consider using an oral rinse for an even more thorough cleaning. When brushing, be sure not to brush too hard – for reference, you only need to hold your toothbrush with two fingers to keep your teeth clean. When flossing, don’t force or snap the floss – gently slide it up, down, and around your tooth to clean off plaque and food debris.

Watch What You Eat

Woman eating a healthy bowl

An untreated cavity can trigger an infection without professional attention. Additionally, acidic and sugary beverages like soda and sports drinks can break down enamel, leaving you with weakened teeth and more sensitivity. Avoiding very hard, sticky, or chewy foods is also recommended. To reduce your risk for dental emergencies, keep your diet balanced and incorporate fruits, vegetables, dairy products, lean proteins, and whole grains into your meals as frequently as possible.

Wear a Mouthguard

Emergency dentist in Leesburg holding a mouthguard

There are types of mouthguards you should consider to protect your smile from chips and cracks – athletic mouthguards (or sportsguards) and nightguards.

Sportsguards are generally reserved for those who play contact sports like football, basketball, hockey, and other activities where the risk for injury is high. Alternatively, if you have a teeth grinding and clenching habit while you sleep, a nightguard can be worn throughout the night to prevent cracks or chips to your enamel.

Use Tools to Open Packages, Not Your Teeth

Woman chewing on a pen and smiling

It’s never safe to use your teeth for tasks better suited for dedicated tools. For example, don’t use your teeth to trim your fingernails or open packages. Additionally, if you have a bad habit of chewing on pens and pencils, try to replace it as soon as possible. These habits can easily lead to a cracked tooth that requires emergency treatment to resolve.

Dental Emergency FAQs

How long can a restoration be temporarily attached?

Temporary restorations are designed to last for the time it takes for the new one to be made, which is typically two weeks. In that time, you’ll need to make a few adjustments to your day-to-day routine, including sticking to softer foods and not chewing on that side of your mouth.

How should I sleep with tooth pain?

If you’re struggling with a serious dental injury, then you can trust that our team will make every effort to see you the very same day for treatment. However, there are some cases where you can wait a day or two for an appointment, which is typically the case if your tooth just started hurting. In that case, it can be helpful to have a few tips on how to sleep with tooth pain. First, we recommend sticking to soft foods during dinner that aren’t acidic, sugary, or spicy. Second, take an OTC pain reliever about 30 minutes before bed to help ease your discomfort. Third, keep your head elevated while you sleep by propping yourself up on some pillows.

Will my toothache go away on its own?

Since toothaches often stem from serious oral health issues, like cavities, the answer is “no.” In fact, if your once painful toothache has completely gone away, then it may actually be the result of something even more serious: the infection “killing” the nerve of the tooth. That’s why we recommend scheduling an appointment with our Leesburg emergency dentist when the symptoms first arise. The sooner we intervene with the necessary restorative care, the sooner we can restore your pain-free smile!

Should I visit the emergency room first for dental emergencies?

It’s quite common for patients to go to the ER seeking treatment for a painful toothache, knocked-out tooth, or another serious dental injury. However, hospitals don’t usually have dentists on-staff, which is why we only recommend going there if you are having trouble breathing, swallowing, or controlling the bleeding.

What does throbbing tooth pain mean?

Oftentimes, throbbing tooth pain is due to an infection or serious inflammation within the tooth. However, it could also be the result of a crack that is allowing air and bacteria to enter the sensitive inner area where the pulp is. In short, we recommend scheduling an appointment with our team so we can pinpoint the exact cause and put a plan in place to fix it!

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Toothaches

Is my toothache a dental emergency?: Many dental problems can lead to toothaches, some of which are more significant than others. The issue is dental problems have a tendency to develop even with no pain present, which means when pain appears, you should not put off professional care. If you notice severe or chronic pain, you have facial swelling, or these symptoms are also accompanied by a fever, call our office immediately.

How you should handle a toothache: Start by using dental floss to remove any food debris that may be stuck in between your teeth. If this does not help, try rinsing your mouth out with water and brushing. You can also take over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen to get relief or apply a cold compress to your cheek if swelling develops. Do not try to pop an abscess on your own if one appears.

How we treat toothaches: We’ll need to examine your tooth a bit closer to confirm which treatment will best address your concerns. For example, tooth decay could require dental fillings or dental crowns, while infections would mean root canal therapy is necessary. In severe cases, the toothache could be due to a major infection or serious decay, both of which could trigger the need for an extraction if no other options are available.

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings

Learn More About Gum Disease Treatment

Chipped Tooth

Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency?: Chipped teeth are not typically a dental emergency when the chip is minor. With that said, do not put off treatment if your tooth is chipped as it can easily break down further without professional treatment. This can make your tooth more susceptible to decay.

How you should handle a chipped tooth: Do your best to locate portions of your tooth so you can bring them to our office. If your chipped tooth is sharp, you can place dental cement onto it to prevent accidentally cutting your gum tissue or other oral structures.

How we treat chipped teeth: More often than not, small chips to teeth can be fixed with a tooth-colored composite resin. However, if the chip is quite noticeable, you may want to use a veneer instead for better esthetics.

Learn More About Cosmetic Bonding

Learn More About Veneers

Cracked Tooth

Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency?: Minor damage to teeth is not usually a dental emergency, but more serious cracks need to be handled right away. Additionally, cracks that extend beneath the gum line should be handled by a dentist as soon as possible. Keep in mind tiny cracks could be present if you notice pain while biting down but notice no damage. In either case, you should call us so we can examine your mouth closer.

How you should handle a cracked tooth: Avoid chewing on anything hard until you’re seen by our office. Take painkillers as needed and apply a cold compress to your face if swelling appears. You can do this for up to 10 minutes at a time. Remove for an additional 10 minutes and repeat the process for up to one hour.

How we treat cracked teeth: When damage is relatively minor, bonding and/or tooth-colored composite resin can fill in the damage and restore the shape of your tooth. When damage is more severe, a dental crown could repair it. If the tooth is too damaged, we may need to extract it (this is always considered a last resort).

Learn More About Cosmetic Bonding

Learn More About Dental Crowns

Very Sensitive Teeth

Are very sensitive teeth a dental emergency?

It’s common for teeth to feel sensitive to things that are hot or cold. However, sometimes sensitivity is the result of thin enamel or a cavity. If you notice distracting, lingering, or sharp tooth sensitivity, give us a call so we can take a look.

How you should handle sensitive teeth:

Until you see us for your visit, avoid eating or drinking things that are particularly hot, cold, spicy, acidic, or sugary. Practice thorough oral hygiene and drink plenty of water. If needed, over-the-counter pain relievers can help to manage discomfort.

How we treat tooth sensitivity:

We will need to take a look at your smile to determine the cause of your sensitivity and the best way to address it. We may recommend specialized dental products, prescription toothpaste, fluoride treatment, or a dental filling. Other treatments include gum disease therapy and root canal therapy.

Learn More About Fluoride Treatments

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings

Learn More About Nightguards for Bruxism

Learn More About Gum Disease Therapy

Learn More About Root Canal Therapy

Knocked-Out Tooth

Is a knocked-out tooth a dental emergency?

A knocked-out tooth is an urgent dental emergency that needs to be addressed immediately. Give us a call right away. For the best chance of saving your tooth, it’s important that you seek help from a dentist within an hour of the injury.

How you should handle a knocked-out tooth:

Start by locating your knocked-out tooth. Remember to only touch the crown when you’re picking it up. Avoid the root, and gently rinse your tooth with warm water, but don’t scrub off any remaining tissue. If you can, place your tooth back into the socket. If you cannot, keep it between your cheek and gums, or placed it in a container of milk or saliva. Your tooth needs to stay moist until you get to the practice, but don’t use water. This can damage the root surface cells of the tooth.

How we treat knocked-out teeth:

If you’re able to make it to the office in time, we will do our best to reimplant the tooth. Your emergency dentist will do this by carefully positioning it back into the socket and splinting it to the neighboring teeth so it can begin the healing process. If your tooth cannot be saved, we can discuss tooth replacement options, like dental implants.

Learn More About Dental Bridges

Learn More About Dentures

Learn More About Dental Implants

Lost Filling or Crown

Is a lost filling or crown a dental emergency?

Both fillings and crowns are long-lasting, but they eventually need to be replaced. If one of your restorations falls out, give us a call. Even if you don’t feel any pain, it still needs to be repaired quickly to prevent further decay or damage.

How you should handle a lost filling or crown:

If you can, find the restoration and rinse it off. Try to put it back into its place using dental wax. If you can’t keep it in a small container and bring it with you to your appointment. Until then, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and drink plenty of water to keep the area clean.

How we treat lost fillings or crowns:

If your crown or filling is still in good shape, we may be able to put it back. However, we will also take the time to determine why the restoration came out in the first place. This way, we can take the proper steps to keep this from occurring again. In other cases, we may need to replace your old filling or crown with a new one.

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings

Learn More About Dental Crowns

Broken Denture

Is a broken denture a dental emergency?

Damaged dentures can harm the gums, soft tissues, jaw, and remaining teeth. This issue should be treated as a dental emergency. Give us a call right away to schedule an emergency visit.

How to handle a broken denture:

You shouldn’t wear a denture that is broken, you don’t want to accidentally injure your smile or worsen the damage. Never try to repair a broken denture at home with super glue or other household items, as they aren’t biocompatible and can make you sick.

How we treat broken dentures:

The treatment for your dentures will depend on how severe the damage is. Sometimes, we can use composite resin to fill in a small chip or crack. In other cases, the denture will have to be readjusted to fit properly. However, we may need to fit you for a brand-new denture if yours is too damaged to be repaired. This is also a good opportunity to consider another tooth replacement option, like dental implant dentures.

Learn More About Dentures

Learn More About Dental Implants

Loose Permanent Tooth

Are loose permanent teeth a dental emergency?

Teeth can become gradually loose over time or as a result of an injury. If your teeth are loose, then they are at risk of falling out, even if they don’t hurt. This is an urgent dental emergency and should be brought to our attention as soon as possible.

How you should handle a loose permanent tooth:

Give our office a call right away. Avoid touching your tooth and eating anything particularly hard or sticky. Don’t brush or floss at this time, but you can clean your mouth by swishing warm water around.

How we treat loose permanent teeth:

We will do our best to save your loose tooth with a dental splint or another treatment. If we can’t, we may need to extract it and discuss tooth replacement solutions, like a dental bridge or implants.

Learn More About Tooth Extractions

Learn More About Dental Implants

Learn More About Gum Disease Therapy 

Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue

Is an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue a dental emergency?

Cuts to the mouth can be quite alarming, as they can bleed quite a bit. They are most common in people who participate in sports. Usually, this type of issue can be resolved on your own at home, but a dentist can also help if needed.

How you should handle an injury to the gums, lips, or tongue:

Start by cleaning the area gently with water to wash away food debris and/or bacteria. Apply pressure with a clean washcloth or a piece of gauze until the bleeding stops. Next, use an ice pack or cold compress to reduce swelling and numb discomfort.

How we treat injuries to the gums, lips, or tongue:

If necessary, your dentist can stitch the wound and help to keep the area clean. If you are unable to control the bleeding, you should go to your local emergency room.

Jaw Pain

Is jaw pain a dental emergency?

Jaw pain isn’t usually an urgent dental emergency, but it can easily interfere with your everyday life and eventually lead to oral health issues. This is something that you should bring up so we can take steps to reduce your discomfort.

How you should handle jaw pain:

Until you see us for an appointment, use over-the-counter pain relievers as directed to manage discomfort. Cold compresses can also help. However, if you think that you may have dislocated or broken your jaw, you should head to your local emergency room. We’d be happy to take a look at your smile afterward.

How we treat jaw pain:

Bruxism treatments with a custom-made mouthguard can help to prevent jaw pain. If your wisdom teeth are what’s causing your pain, we can work with you to have them extracted. If you need to go to the emergency room first, we’d be happy to help fix damaged or lost teeth once you have been discharged.

Learn More About Nightguards for Bruxism

Learn More About Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Something Stuck Between the Teeth

Most of the time, this problem can be resolved on your own at home. Rinse your mouth with water to soften the object. Carefully use floss to attempt to dislodge the debris. Never used a toothpick, tweezers, or another sharp object to try to get something out from between the teeth. You could end up accidentally pushing it in deeper or damaging the soft tissues of your mouth. If you’re struggling to get it out on your own, give us a call.