Emergency Dentistry

Emergency Dentist in Sterling, Virginia

Emergency Dentist in Sterling, Virginia

Dental emergency? Call us now: (703) 215-9636 Same-day, evening and early morning appointments available. After-hours details on our recorded message.

Same-Day Emergency Dental Care in Sterling, VA

When a dental emergency strikes, every minute matters. At Sterling Dental Center, Dr. Thomas Bursich and our team are prepared to see emergency patients the same day — Same-day, evening and early morning appointments — so you spend less time in pain so you can get back to your life.

We serve Sterling, Ashburn, Herndon, Reston, Great Falls, and all of Northern Virginia. Whether you’ve cracked a tooth, lost a filling, a crown fell out, developed a sudden abscess, or are dealing with severe tooth pain you can’t ignore, call (703) 215-9636 right now. Our recorded message includes after-hours emergency contact information so you’re never left without guidance.

Is Your Situation a True Dental Emergency?

Not every dental problem requires an immediate trip to our office — but many do. As a general rule, if you are experiencing severe pain, swelling, bleeding that won’t stop, or trauma to your mouth or jaw, treat it as an emergency and call us immediately.

Some situations look worse than they are. A mouth injury can produce a lot of blood because of the high density of blood vessels in the oral tissues, but the underlying damage may be minor. Conversely, a dull, persistent toothache can signal a deep infection that spreads quickly without treatment.

Situations that typically require same-day emergency care:

  • Tooth knocked out (avulsed tooth) — time is critical; replantation is most successful within 30–60 minutes.
  • Severe or throbbing toothache.
  • Dental abscess or swelling in the jaw, face, or gums.
  • Broken tooth with sharp edges or exposed nerve.
  • Mouth or jaw injury from a fall, collision, or accident.
  • Lost filling or crown causing embarrassment or difficulty eating.
  • Soft-tissue lacerations (cuts to the tongue, cheek, or lips).

Situations that are urgent but not always same-day emergencies:

  • Chipped tooth with no pain or exposed pulp.
  • Lost or broken veneer or orthodontic retainer.
  • Mild, intermittent tooth sensitivity.
  • Loose dental crown that is not painful.

If you are unsure, call us anyway. Our team will ask a few quick questions and tell you exactly how soon you need to be seen. There is no reason to suffer or guess.

What to Do Before You Reach Our Office

Taking the right steps in the first few minutes can save a tooth and reduce your pain.

If a tooth is knocked out: Pick it up by the crown (never the root), rinse it gently with water, and try to reinsert it into the socket. If that is not possible, store it in milk or between your cheek and gum. Call us immediately — replantation success drops sharply after one hour.

If you have a toothache or abscess: Rinse with warm salt water. Over-the-counter ibuprofen can reduce inflammation. Do not place aspirin directly on the gum — it can cause tissue burns. Call us to get on the schedule the same day.

If a tooth is broken: Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply gentle pressure with gauze if there is bleeding. Save any large broken pieces and bring them to your appointment.

If you have a lost filling or crown: Dental cement from a pharmacy can temporarily re-seat a crown. Avoid chewing on that side until you are seen.

Common Dental Emergency Treatments We Provide

The right treatment depends on the nature and severity of your emergency. Dr. Bursich and our associates will examine you, take any necessary X-rays, and recommend the most appropriate care to relieve your pain and protect your long-term oral health.

Emergency treatments we commonly perform include:

  • Emergency tooth extraction — when a tooth cannot be saved and must be removed to prevent the spread of infection.
  • Root canal therapy — to remove infected pulp, eliminate pain, and preserve the natural tooth.
  • Porcelain dental crown — to restore a severely broken or cracked tooth after stabilization.
  • Dental bonding or composite filling — for chipped or fractured teeth.
  • Dental bridge or implant consultation — when a missing tooth must be replaced.
  • Abscess drainage and antibiotic treatment — to control infection before definitive restoration.
  • Soft-tissue repair — for lacerations to the gums.
  • Digital Xrays or CT Scan to provide better diagnosis of the issue and treatment.

Some emergencies can be resolved in a single visit. Others require a follow-up appointment to complete the final restoration once the tooth has stabilized and any infection has cleared. We will walk you through your full treatment plan and timeline before we begin.

Meet Your Emergency Dentist

Dr. Thomas Bursich, DDS and his caring team has been providing dental care to the Sterling and Northern Virginia community for over 15 years. He is known for his calm, patient-first approach — especially with anxious patients and those who have avoided the dentist for years. Even in a high-stress emergency, Dr. Bursich and caring his team take the time to explain what is happening, what your options are, and what to expect.

Our practice also includes Dr. Azim Rabiei, Dr. Rumika Imdad, Dr. Sneha Tammareddy, Dr Vladimir Soyfer and Dr. Khashayar Changi — a team of experienced clinicians ready to provide skilled emergency care when you need it most.

Insurance & Payment for Emergency Dental Care

We accept most major dental insurance plans. Our front desk team will verify your benefits before treatment begins so there are no surprises. If you do not have insurance, ask us about our affordable payment options and financing plans — a dental emergency should not go untreated because of cost concerns.

We also offer a New Patient Special that may apply to your initial emergency exam. Call (703) 215-9636 for details.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Dentistry

What counts as a dental emergency?

Any situation involving severe pain, significant swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, a knocked-out tooth, cracked tooth, crown or filling that falls out or trauma to the mouth or jaw qualifies as a dental emergency. When in doubt, call us — we would rather reassure you over the phone than have you wait too long on something serious.

We strongly recommend calling ahead so we can prepare for your arrival and minimize your wait time. Same-day appointments are available. Call (703) 215-9636 and our team will get you in as quickly as possible.

We prioritize emergency patients and typically see them the same day. Evening hours are available on select days — call for current availability and after-hours guidance.

Keep the tooth moist (in milk or saliva), handle it only by the crown, and call us immediately. Successful replantation is most likely within 30–60 minutes of the injury.

Most dental insurance plans include some coverage for emergency exams, X-rays, and basic treatment. Our team will check your specific benefits before any treatment so you know your out-of-pocket costs upfront.

Yes. A dental abscess is a serious infection that can spread if left untreated. We treat abscesses as urgent cases and will see you same-day to drain the infection, provide antibiotic treatment, and discuss your restoration options.

Serving Sterling, VA and All of Northern Virginia

Sterling Dental Center is conveniently located at 2 Pidgeon Hill Drive, Suite 370, Sterling, VA 20165 — easily accessible from Ashburn, Herndon, Reston, Great Falls, and surrounding Northern Virginia communities.

Office hours: Monday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm | Tuesday 7:00 am – 4:00 pm | Wednesday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm | Thursday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm | Friday 8:00 am – 3:00 pm

Phone: (703) 215-9636

Do not wait through a dental emergency. Call Sterling Dental Center at (703) 215-9636 and we will get you the urgent care you need — the same day.