Tooth pain doesn't check your calendar first.
As your emergency dentist in Washington, DC, we treat the problems that can't wait for a routine appointment: severe tooth pain, broken or knocked-out teeth, swelling, and infections that need same-day care. We hold room in our schedule for urgent visits, so a bad morning doesn't have to turn into a bad week.
Here's how an urgent visit works with us. You'll be seen, examined, and told exactly what's going on before anything happens to your tooth. Then we relieve the pain and plan the repair.
What counts as a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is any problem involving serious pain, swelling, bleeding, or a damaged tooth that needs same-day treatment rather than waiting for your next checkup.
Not sure whether it can wait? Call (202) 894-2923 and describe what you're feeling. We would rather tell you it can hold until tomorrow than have you push through a night of pain.
Process
Same-day appointments.
We offer same-day urgent care, and you do not need to be an existing patient to get it. Plenty of people meet their dentist on their worst tooth day. If this is your first visit with us, we'll keep the paperwork out of your way until the pain is handled. We're also open Saturday mornings.
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First, we find the actual cause.
Pain is a poor map; the tooth that hurts isn't always the tooth with the problem. CBCT 3D imaging and intraoral scanning let us see teeth, roots, bone, and joints in detail that a standard X-ray can't show, so the diagnosis rests on evidence. You'll see the images too, and you'll understand why we recommend something before you say yes.
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Then we treat it, often in one visit.
Root canal therapy performed with rotary instruments and 3D imaging, extractions when a tooth can't be saved, tooth-colored fillings, and porcelain crowns are all handled in our office. Because we offer CEREC same-day crowns, a broken tooth can often leave with a permanent restoration instead of a temporary one.
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Comfort is part of the treatment.
Nitrous oxide sedation is available if the anxiety is half the battle. We also use laser dentistry across the practice, which often means less bleeding, less post-op discomfort, and faster healing than traditional approaches.
Insurance, Payment, and Membership.
We accept most major PPO dental insurance plans, including Delta Dental, United Healthcare, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, Aetna, MetLife, Guardian, United Concordia, Humana, and more. For care beyond insurance, we offer CareCredit, Sunbit, and Proceed Financial, plus our in-house DCStylishSmile Membership — a flat annual fee that covers preventive care and gives members a meaningful discount on everything else.
Join the WaitlistPatient Stories
In their own words.
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I was previously hiding my smile. Dr. Bukai explained my treatment plan in layman’s terms and made me feel more and more comfortable. My new crowns are AMAZING. Dr. Bukai is like Michelangelo.
Max B. -
Three dentists before Dr. Bukai couldn’t find a solution. Dr. Bukai had one right away. One single visit, no extra costs, no sales pitches. No pain during and after. His human sensibility to know what to do — and his continued dental education — did not hurt in my case either.
Michael M. -
Dr. Bukai and his staff are always very accommodating especially when I have an issue with my teeth. Whenever I consider going to a dentist that is closer to me I always remember their service and tell myself, “Nah! Why should I want to do that!"
Brenda M.
We think of our patients differently. Here, you're a member: someone we get to know and care for through every chapter of your life.
We’d love to welcome you in. Saturday appointments available. Insurance welcome. And for those without coverage, our in-house membership plan keeps care accessible.
Proudly serving patients from Foggy Bottom, Dupont Circle, Georgetown, Farragut Square, and across the DC metro area.
Emergency dentistry FAQs
How much does an urgent visit cost?
It depends on what's wrong and what it takes to fix it, so we won't quote a number before we've examined you. What we can promise is that you'll know the cost and your choices before treatment starts. CareCredit, Sunbit, and Proceed Financial can spread payments out, and our in-house membership plan makes care more affordable for patients without insurance.
How quickly can I be seen?
The same day, in most cases. As an emergency dentist in Washington, DC, we keep time in the schedule for urgent visits, including Saturday mornings. Call (202) 894-2923 as early as you can, and we'll find the soonest opening.
I've never been to your office. Can I still come in?
Yes. We treat first-time patients when something urgent brings them in. Bring a photo ID and your insurance card if you have one, and we'll take care of the rest.
What should I do with a knocked-out tooth?
Pick it up by the crown (the part you chew with), not the root. If it's clean, try placing it gently back in the socket; if that isn't possible, keep it moist in a cup of milk and get to us within the hour if you can. A tooth replanted quickly has a real chance of surviving.
Will I need a follow-up visit?
Sometimes. Urgent care solves the immediate problem, and certain repairs, like a crown after root canal therapy or an implant after an extraction, take a planned next step. We'll map that out before you leave, and nothing moves forward without your say-so.
Visit us in Washington, DC.
Open Saturdays for your convenience
Address
2021 K Street, Suite 202
Washington, DC 20006
Hours
Opening Soon! Planned Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8AM – 4PM
Saturday: 7AM – 12PM
