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Emergency Dentistry

We reserve time in the schedule for urgent and emergency visits. If you have a broken tooth, pain, swelling, infection, or dental trauma, call the office at (301) 301-3148. We will see you as quickly as possible. 

Because extractions, root canals, bone grafting, implants, and milled crowns are all handled in this office, an emergency usually does not mean being sent somewhere else. Sedation is available, including nitrous oxide and deeper sedation with a board-certified anesthesiologist in-office.

What this includes:

  • Severe or persistent toothache
  • Broken, chipped, or cracked teeth
  • Knocked-out (avulsed) teeth
  • Lost or broken crowns, fillings, and bridges
  • Dental abscess and oral infection
  • Swelling of the face, jaw, or gums
  • Soft tissue injuries to lips, gums, cheeks, and tongue
  • Post-operative complications
  • Dental trauma
Sad exhausted tired young woman suffering from toothache pain

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you handle dental emergencies?

Yes. Call the office at (301) 301-3148. We reserve time in the schedule for urgent visits: broken teeth, severe pain, swelling, infection, and dental trauma.

Severe or worsening pain, a knocked-out or badly broken tooth, swelling of the gum, face, or jaw, bleeding that will not stop, and injuries to the lips, cheeks, or tongue. Infection and swelling are the most time-sensitive, because they can spread. If you are unsure, call and describe it rather than deciding on your own whether it can wait.

Monday through Thursday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Friday 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Call (301) 301-3148 as early as you can on the day you need to be seen.

Time matters more than anything else here, and the first hour is critical. Pick the tooth up by the crown, not the root, and do not scrub it. If you can, place it back in the socket and hold it there; if not, keep it in milk or saline (not water) and bring it with you. Call (301) 301-3148 on your way.

Often, yes. Because crowns, inlays, and onlays are designed and milled in this office, a broken tooth can frequently be restored in one visit instead of temporized and rescheduled. If the fracture extends into the nerve or below the gumline, treatment may need more than one stage, and Dr. Kary will explain what is involved before starting.

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication taken as directed, a cold compress on the outside of the face, and avoiding very hot, cold, or sweet foods. Do not put aspirin directly on the gum, which burns the tissue. Pain that fades is not evidence the problem resolved, so keep the appointment.

Treat that as urgent and call immediately. Swelling means infection is spreading beyond the tooth. If swelling is affecting your breathing, your ability to swallow, or your vision, or if you have a high fever, go to an emergency room rather than waiting for a dental appointment.

It is urgent but usually not an emergency, unless there is significant pain. Keep the crown if you still have it and bring it in. Avoid chewing on that side, keep the area clean, and call so we can get you in before the exposed tooth becomes sensitive or decays further.

No. Call (301) 301-3148 and describe what is happening. Bring a photo ID, your insurance card if you have one, and a list of your current medications. If you have recent X-rays from another office, having them sent over helps but should not delay you calling.

Most dental plans cover an emergency exam and imaging, then cover the treatment itself at whatever rate applies to that procedure. We submit claims on your behalf, in-network or out-of-network, and you get a written estimate before treatment beyond the exam. Financing through Cherry and Sunbit is available for larger unplanned treatment.

Schedule an Appointment

You can also call or text (301) 301-3148 to schedule.
New patients: please allow 60 to 90 minutes for your first visit.

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Practice Hours:

  • Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Saturday 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM