Emergency Dentist Washington, DC
Here to Help Your Hurting Smile
We understand that dental emergencies rarely happen when it’s convenient—they normally happen out of nowhere and when you least expect them. The good news is that our team is here to help you when a dental disaster strikes. As the capital of the United States, the District of Columbia attracts many business travelers, political affiliates, and tourists. Whether you are international, domestic, or local, we are here to help you if you need emergency dental treatment while you are in Washington, DC. To learn more or schedule an emergency appointment, just reach out today!
Why Choose Washington DC Dentistry for Emergency Dentistry?
- Friendly Team That Prioritizes Patient Comfort
- Same-Day Dental Emergencies Welcome
- Insurance-Friendly & Financing Available
I Need a Checkup & Cleaning I am Worried About Gum Disease I Have a Cavity or Broken Tooth I am Missing One or More Teeth I Want to Enhance My Smile I Want a Straighter Smile I Have Jaw Pain View Our Services
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
Here’s a quick breakdown of how our office can assist patients in Washington, DC with dental emergencies:
- Call Our Office – Once you’ve realized that you’ve hurt your smile, don’t hesitate to call us and describe what happened. We’ll let you know when you should come in, even if it’s that very same day, and provide you with first-aid tips in the meantime.
- Attend Your Emergency Visit – Once you’re here, we can quickly begin getting to the bottom of the issue. If you’re dealing with any pain or discomfort, Dr. Kham will be sure to relieve it.
- Get Your Smile Back on Track – Depending on your emergency, we’ll put together a custom treatment plan that resolves the issue, cures your pain, and sends you on your way with a happy, healthy smile. If any follow-ups are needed, we’ll be sure to help you schedule those.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies come in all shapes and sizes, and even if you aren’t dealing with any outright pain, you shouldn’t neglect contacting us for assistance. However, in the meantime, you can see what dental emergencies we can treat below:
Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry
Whether you’re visiting us for treatment for a small chip or a serious fracture, you’re likely wondering the same thing: How much will it cost? While we can’t provide you with a price estimate here, we can share whether dental insurance providers typically cover a portion of it and other helpful information on the topic. So, read on!
Every Dental Emergency is Different
The reason we can’t provide you with an estimate of the cost of emergency dentistry in Washington, DC here is that there isn’t a flat fee. Instead, we need to consider the type of dental injury you’ve sustained, how severe the damage is, and which treatment is needed to restore your healthy, pain-free smile. Once we have all of this information, we can share the cost as well as the different financial solutions that are available at our office.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
Many dental insurance providers cover between 50% and 80% of the cost of tooth-colored fillings, dental crowns, and other restorative treatments. Some even cover the cost of one emergency exam each year! So, it pays to be familiar with your available benefits. If you aren’t, don’t worry – our financial coordinators can help you navigate the ins and outs of your coverage.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
Don’t have dental insurance? That’s okay – you can make the cost of your treatment more affordable by:
- Signing Up for Flexible Financing – We work with both Cherry and CareCredit at our office. So, you don’t have to pay the entire cost upfront. Instead, you can break it up into smaller monthly chunks.
- Joining Our Washington DC Dentistry Dental Savings Program – When you join, you get immediate access to the benefits, including a 10-20% discounts on treatments completed at our office.
If you’d like more details on either of these financial solutions, including how to sign up, give us a call.
Taking Care Of Your Smile Can Save You Money
Oftentimes, patients who are worried about the price are tempted to take the “wait and see” approach. However, this usually leads to the opposite outcome: higher costs. After all, the more time that passes, the worse the root of the problem gets. The worse the root of the problem gets, the harder it is to treat. So, if you suspect that something is wrong, it benefits your smile and your wallet to call us right away.
We also need to mention here that many common dental injuries are preventable. The key is prioritizing the right habits. A few examples include brushing your teeth twice a day, wearing a nightguard if you grind/clench your teeth while you sleep, and scheduling a dental visit every six months.
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
Even relatively mild dental injuries can be quite painful. The good news is that there are several steps you can take to protect your smile from harm. With this in mind, keep reading to learn both what you should and what you should NOT do to reduce your chances of experiencing a dental emergency.
Schedule a Dental Visit Twice a Year
During your biannual dental visits, we take X-rays and complete a visual exam to ensure that oral cancer, tooth decay, gum disease, and damaged restorations are caught (and addressed!) as soon as possible. We also use your routine visits to provide a cleaning, removing built-up plaque and tartar in the process. This helps keep your teeth and gums healthy, reducing your risk of dental damage in the process.
Brush and Floss Consistently
Sometimes, patients brush for 30 seconds and call it a day. However, this won’t remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria. You need to brush your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste for two full minutes each morning and evening. Additionally, you should floss, rinse with mouthwash, and clean your tongue daily.
Stick to a Nutritious Diet
Although delicious, ice cream, chocolate chip cookies, and other sweet treats can quickly lead to tooth decay. That’s why dentists are always encouraging patients to be mindful of their intake of added sugar! At the same time, you should do your best to incorporate foods into your diet that are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, like seasonal fruits and vegetables. Doing so will benefit your oral and overall health.
Wear a Mouthguard
Certain sports, like football, require a mouthguard. But what if you like to play tennis, ride your bike, or run to stay active? Do you still need to wear one? The short answer is “yes.” After all, your mouth needs to be protected if a rogue ball accidentally hits you in the jaw or you fall. The good news is that our emergency dentist in your area, Dr. Kham, can have a custom one made for you so it’s the appropriate thickness for the activity and fits comfortably.
Break Harmful Habits
Of course, we also need to mention what you should NOT do. We advise against biting your nails, chewing on ice cubes, or using your teeth as tools to open things. It’s also important to quit smoking since doing so can lead to several issues, including delayed healing, bad breath, and oral cancer.
Important reminder: If you’ve had difficulty quitting habits like these in the past, let us know! That way, we can share helpful recommendations, including what has worked for our patients over the years.