Call the office
- Severe or lasting toothache
- A knocked-out or loose tooth
- A cracked or broken tooth
- Swelling in the gums or cheek
- An injury to the mouth, lip or tongue
- Something stuck between your teeth that you cannot remove
Dental emergency
Dental emergency? Call us now.
Tooth pain, a cracked or lost tooth, swelling or trauma: call Virginia Dental Care in Arlington, VA and the team will triage your symptoms and tell you the next step.
915 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA 22203
Open Mon-Thu: 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
New patients and emergencies welcome
Is it a dental emergency?
Know who to call.
Most dental emergencies need a call to the dentist. A few symptoms need a hospital first. Not sure? Call us and we will help you decide.
Call 911 or go to the ER
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Swelling that is spreading toward the eye, neck or throat
- Bleeding you cannot control
- A head injury, fainting, or a suspected broken jaw
After you are safe and cared for, call us so we can plan any dental follow-up.
What to do right now
Simple steps until you reach us.
These are first steps only. Call the office so the team can tell you what to do next.
Knocked-out tooth
Handle it by the crown, not the root. If it is not painful, try placing it back in the socket or hold it between your cheek and gums. If not, put it in milk. Call right away.
Lost tooth guideCracked tooth or bitten lip
Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Keep any broken pieces and call the office.
Cracked tooth guideToothache or object stuck
Gently floss to clear debris. Do not put aspirin on your teeth or gums, and never use a sharp object on your teeth. Call so we can triage your symptoms.
Toothache guideSwelling or trauma
Apply a cold compress and call the office. If swelling spreads, or breathing or swallowing is affected, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Emergency dentistry
What happens when you call
Clear next steps, without the guesswork.
For urgent pain, swelling or trauma, calling is faster than booking online. The office confirms the exact appointment time.
- 01Tell us what happened
Describe your symptoms, when they started and any injury.
- 02We triage
The team helps determine the right next step and timing for you.
- 03Exam and X-rays
When needed, we examine the area and take images to find the cause.
- 04Your options, explained
We review treatment choices clearly, and we always try to save the natural tooth when possible.
Office hours
When we are here.
Monday to Thursday
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Closed Friday through Sunday.
Outside office hours
For severe symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest ER. If it is not life-threatening, call us when the office opens.
Find us
915 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA 22203, near Ballston, Clarendon and Courthouse.
After the emergency
Treatment options we may discuss.
Dentists prioritize saving natural teeth whenever possible. Depending on the cause, your options may include the following.
Root canal therapy
Saves a severely decayed, infected or fractured tooth by removing the damaged nerve tissue inside it.
Learn moreCrowns and bridges
Custom-fitted, permanent restorations to repair severely damaged teeth or replace missing ones.
Learn moreTooth extractions
When a tooth cannot be restored, removing it ends infection and helps prevent an abscess from spreading.
Learn more
Prevent the next one
Small habits, fewer emergencies.
Many dental emergencies can be avoided. A few simple habits lower your risk of a cracked or broken tooth.
- Wear a mouthguard during physical activity
- Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy
- Never cut or tear objects with your teeth
- Keep up with regular checkups so small problems are caught early
Meet your dentist
Dr. Vineetha Vijayakumar, DMD, MDS, MPH
Dentist, Orofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Medicine SpecialistCare led by Dr. Vineetha Vijayakumar, with a focus on oral wellness, orofacial pain, TMJ disorders, dental sleep medicine, and comprehensive dentistry.
Read the full profile
Financing and insurance
Total financial transparency.
Ask about membership savings, financing, major payment methods and HSA/FSA cards before starting treatment.
In-house membership
A simple savings plan for patients without traditional dental insurance, with preventive care such as routine exams, professional cleanings and needed digital diagnostic X-rays included under the plan terms.
Flexible payment options
Ask the office about Cherry financing, major credit and debit cards, personal checks, cash, and using HSA or FSA debit cards for medically necessary dental care.
Insurance support
We do not accept Medicaid payments. However, we're happy to provide you with financing options prior to your appointment.
Questions
Dental emergency FAQ
What counts as a dental emergency?
Tooth pain, a cracked or broken tooth, a lost tooth, swelling, an injury to the mouth, or something stuck between your teeth that you cannot remove. If you are unsure, call (703) 276-1010 and the team will help you decide.
Do you see emergencies and new patients?
Yes. Virginia Dental Care welcomes new patients and emergencies. Call so the team can triage your symptoms and advise the next step. The office confirms the exact appointment time.
What are your hours, and what if it happens on the weekend?
The office is open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and closed Friday through Sunday. For severe symptoms such as trouble breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or swelling that is spreading, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If it is not life-threatening, call the office when it opens.
What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?
Call the office right away. Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root. If it is not painful, you can try placing it back into the socket or holding it between your cheek and gums. If that is not possible, place it in milk, which can greatly improve the chances of saving the tooth.
Can I put aspirin on a painful tooth?
No. Do not put aspirin on your teeth or gums, and never use a sharp object on your teeth. Gently flossing can clear food stuck between teeth. Call the office and ask what is appropriate for you.
Do you accept insurance or offer financing?
Virginia Dental Care does not accept Medicaid payments. The office is happy to provide financing options before your appointment, including an in-house membership plan, Cherry financing, major credit and debit cards, personal checks, cash, and HSA or FSA cards.
Where is the office?
915 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA 22203, near Ballston, Clarendon, Virginia Square, Courthouse and Rosslyn.
In pain? Call now.
Call the office so the team can triage your symptoms. You can also request an appointment online, and the office confirms the exact time. For trouble breathing or swallowing, call 911.
Arlington dental care
Find us near Ballston and Clarendon.
Virginia Dental Care
915 N Quincy St
Arlington, VA 22203
915 N Quincy St
Arlington, VA 22203
Mon-Thu: 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
Fri-Sun: Closed
Get directions
Fri-Sun: Closed