Liberty University students
A dental emergency during the semester
A cracked tooth before a presentation or a toothache that won't quit during finals. We hold same-day slots and answer the phone 24/7, about ten minutes from campus.
Dental emergencies never wait for a convenient week. When one hits and your dentist is hours away back home, here's exactly what to do, and how fast we can help.
First, the fast advice
- Knocked-out tooth. Handle it by the crown, rinse gently, and if you can, place it back in the socket. If not, keep it in milk and call us immediately. This one is genuinely time-sensitive.
- Severe toothache. Rinse with warm salt water, floss gently to clear any trapped food, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed. Then call so we can find the cause.
- Cracked or broken tooth. Save any pieces, rinse your mouth, and use a cold compress on your cheek for swelling. Avoid chewing on that side until we see you.
- Lost filling or crown. Keep the crown if you have it. Avoid the tooth and call, the sooner it's protected, the less can go wrong.
- Facial swelling. Swelling can signal an infection that needs prompt care. Call us right away, and if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, go to the ER.
How we get you seen
Call 540-315-3725 at any hour. Our phones are answered around the clock, so even a middle-of-the-night call reaches a real person who can talk you through what to do and get you on the morning schedule. We keep same-day slots open during office hours precisely for moments like this.
Cost, when money is tight
We'll get you out of pain first and tell you the cost honestly. If you don't have insurance, the Virginia Dental Club takes 20 percent off, and financing can spread a larger repair into monthly payments. A dental emergency shouldn't force you to choose between your health and your budget.
For the full rundown of symptoms and first-aid steps, see our emergency dentistry hub. If the culprit turns out to be a wisdom tooth, here's what that involves.
Reviewed by Dr. Jihoon Kim, DDS, July 2026
Common questions
Frequently asked
- What counts as a dental emergency?
- Severe or throbbing tooth pain, a knocked-out or pushed-out tooth, a cracked or broken tooth, a lost filling or crown, swelling in the gum or face, or bleeding that won't stop. If it's keeping you from sleeping, eating, or studying, call us. When in doubt, call and we'll tell you whether it needs same-day attention.
- Can you really see me the same day?
- We hold same-day emergency slots during office hours, Monday to Friday. Call in the morning and we do our best to get you in that day. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, so a 2 a.m. panic still reaches a real person who can guide you and get you on the schedule.
- My tooth got knocked out playing intramurals. What do I do right now?
- Pick it up by the crown, not the root, and gently rinse off dirt without scrubbing. If you can, slip it back into the socket and bite softly on clean gauze. If you can't, tuck it in a container of milk (or your own saliva) and call us immediately. A knocked-out tooth is one of the few true time-sensitive dental emergencies, so minutes matter.
- I'm broke and don't have insurance. Can I still be seen?
- Yes. We'll get you out of pain first and be upfront about the cost. The Virginia Dental Club takes 20 percent off, and we offer financing so an emergency doesn't wreck your budget. Getting you comfortable comes first.
- How far is it from campus?
- We're at 1934 Thomson Drive, about a ten-minute drive from Liberty, with free parking at the door. If you don't have a car, a quick rideshare gets you here.
In pain right now?
Call 540-315-3725. Our phones are answered 24/7, and we hold same-day slots during office hours.