Livewell Dental treatment room in Fairfax Station, VA

320+

5 Star Reviews

Emergency Dentistry in Fairfax Station, VA

Same-day appointments for urgent dental pain

No double-booking. One patient. Full attention.

We fix the emergency and address what caused it

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703-690-0102

Dental Emergencies Shouldn't Derail Your Life

A dental crisis has a way of hitting at the worst possible moment. A cracked tooth the morning of an important meeting. A throbbing abscess that kept you up all night. A crown that came off before a weekend event. Whatever the situation, the last thing you need is a practice that can't fit you in until next week.

At Livewell Dental, we hold space for urgent cases because we understand that dental pain isn't something you schedule around. Northern Virginia patients, whether they've been coming to us for years or are walking through our door for the first time, get seen quickly, treated thoroughly, and sent home with a clear picture of what comes next.

We also believe that emergencies are rarely random. Most of the time, something in the mouth has been quietly building toward that moment. Part of how we handle urgent care is making sure the underlying cause gets addressed so you're not back in the same situation in six months.

Learn About Our Comprehensive Care Approach

See How We Prevent Problems Before They Start

Dr. Chris Kim consulting with a patient at Livewell Dental

If You Need Us Today, We're Here

Sharp, throbbing, or constant pain that came on without warning. Swelling in the gum, jaw, or face. Pain that wakes you up at night or does not respond to over-the-counter medication.

A crack, chip, or full break from an impact, a fall, or biting down on something hard. If the tooth is knocked out completely, keep it moist and get here within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving it.

A painful, swollen bump on your gum, sometimes with a foul taste or pus. This is an active infection. Left untreated, it can spread to the jaw, the neck, or worse. Do not wait for it to go away on its own.

A crown that came off, a filling that fell out, or a restoration that cracked. The exposed tooth underneath is vulnerable to decay, sensitivity, and further damage with every meal you eat on it.

A tooth that shifts when you press on it or feels different when you bite down. This can signal trauma, advanced gum disease, or bone loss around the root. The earlier it is evaluated, the more options you have.

Persistent bleeding from the gums, a recent extraction site, or an injury. If pressure and time have not stopped it, you need professional evaluation to rule out a complication or clotting issue.

Quick Relief Before You Come In

These measures manage discomfort temporarily. They are not a substitute for treatment.

Pick it up by the crown, never the root. Rinse gently if dirty, do not scrub. Place it back in the socket if you can, or keep it in milk or saliva. Get to us within 30 minutes.

Rinse your mouth with warm water. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling. Do not chew on that side. Call us immediately.

Do not pop, squeeze, or drain it yourself. Rinse with warm salt water to draw the infection toward the surface. Pain may come and go, but the infection will not resolve on its own. This needs antibiotics and treatment.

If you have the crown, try to place it back on with a small amount of toothpaste or denture adhesive as a temporary hold. Avoid chewing on that side. Call us so we can recement or replace it before the exposed tooth is damaged further.

Fold clean gauze into a firm pad and bite down on it with steady pressure for 15 to 20 minutes without checking. Keep your head elevated above your heart. Do not rinse, spit forcefully, or use a straw as this disrupts clotting. If pressure over 30 minutes does not slow the bleeding, call us or go to an emergency room.

Do not wiggle or test it further. Eat only soft foods and chew away from that side. There is no at-home intervention that stabilizes a loose tooth. The sooner it is evaluated, the more options remain on the table.

Here's why urgent cases are uncommon among our regular patients

Dr. Chris Kim performing a dental procedure at Livewell Dental

Comprehensive Risk Assessment

At every visit, Dr. Kim evaluates tooth structure, existing restorations, and bite patterns to identify what's under stress before it fails.

Advanced Technology & Surgical Techniques

High-resolution imaging and precision instrumentation mean faster recovery, less post-procedure discomfort, and restorations that hold up.

Attention to Function & Aesthetics

Every restoration, whether a single crown or a full-mouth case, is designed to work correctly in your bite and look natural in your smile.

One-Patient-at- a-Time Focus

No double-booking. When you're in the chair, you have Dr. Kim's complete focus. That translates directly to better care and fewer complications.

Emergencies Don't Wait. Neither Do We.

Every hour you wait with an abscess, a broken tooth, or severe pain, the situation gets harder to manage. We see urgent cases the same day, handle everything in-house, and make sure you leave knowing exactly what happened and what comes next.

No referrals. Dr. Chris handles root canals, extractions, and restorations in the same visit
Same-day appointments with one patient at a time, you get his full attention, not whoever is free
Fellow, Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), the training and tools to manage what walks in the door

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What counts as a dental emergency?

Any situation causing significant pain, visible damage, swelling, or that affects your ability to eat or speak comfortably qualifies as an emergency. Broken teeth, dental abscesses, lost crowns or bridges, and severe tooth pain all warrant same-day attention. When in doubt, call us and describe what's happening.

Can I come in if I'm not an existing patient?

Yes. We accept new patients for emergency appointments. If you're in the Northern Virginia area and dealing with urgent dental pain, call us directly and we'll do our best to get you in the same day.

What if my dental abscess comes with facial swelling?

Significant facial swelling alongside a dental abscess can indicate the infection is spreading beyond the tooth. This requires urgent attention. If you're experiencing swelling affecting your eye, jaw, or neck, go to an emergency room immediately and let them know it's dental in origin.

How do you handle pain during an emergency procedure?

We use local anesthesia for all emergency procedures, and sedation options are available for patients who are anxious or in significant discomfort. We won't rush through an emergency visit and we won't start working until you're comfortable.

What should I do if a tooth gets knocked out?

Pick the tooth up by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently without scrubbing. If possible, place it back in the socket or keep it submerged in milk or saliva. Call us immediately. The window for saving a knocked-out tooth is narrow, typically under an hour, so speed matters.