Weekends are a time for relaxing and having fun. What nobody ever thinks about during these two, much-anticipated and cherished days, is having to go to the dentist.
Nonetheless, dental emergencies can happen anytime — including the weekend. This article explores how to manage a weekend dental emergency.
Stop and Assess the Situation
First, don’t panic. Instead, assess the situation and take steps to address it at home until you can be seen by the dentist. Here are a few ideas.
- For a knocked-out tooth, time is of the essence. You will want to find the tooth and rinse it off. Place it back into the socket or in a glass of milk until you can see the dentist.
- Toothaches can be treated at home until you can be seen. Rinse with salt water and take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce the pain.
- A lost crown can leave an area in your mouth exposed. Cover it with sugar-free gum or dental wax until you can get to the dentist. If you have the crown, bring it with you.
The more prepared you are for a weekend dental emergency, the easier it will be to handle.
Call Your Dentist
Once you assess your situation, call your dentist. If you are dealing with a true dental emergency during business hours, your dental team will arrange their schedule to ensure you can get the care you need when you need it.
If it is after hours or over the weekend, call your dentist anyway. Most will have a voicemail or answering service that will give you the next steps to take. Sometimes this will involve doing a few things at home or, if needed, the dentist can meet you at the office.
Dealing with a serious or life-threatening emergency? Call 911 or go to your local emergency room for treatment.
What is Considered a Dental Emergency?
Many patients may feel as though they have an urgent issue that requires immediate attention, but that is not always the case. Below are a few true dental emergencies:
- A knocked-out tooth
- Severe, unbearable tooth pain
- Uncontrolled bleeding after a dental procedure or injury
- Facial swelling
- Fractured jaw
A few non-emergency issues that can often be handled with a next-available dental appointment include:
- A chipped tooth
- A loose filling or dental crown
- Gum discomfort
- Toothache
Addressing these issues sooner rather than later will ensure that these non-urgent issues don’t turn into something urgent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go to an ER for my tooth pain?
Most local emergency rooms do not have dentists on staff. They may be able to provide you with pain medication or antibiotics if needed until you can see the dentist, but they will not be equipped to specifically treat the tooth.
What are warning signs that a tooth infection has spread?
If you believe you have a tooth infection and are experiencing any of the following symptoms, this is a medical emergency — high fever, dizziness, lightheadedness, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, confusion, and digestive problems. Go to your local emergency room right away.
Have a Weekend Dental Emergency?
Emergency dental appointments with Dr. Donald Miller of Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry can be scheduled 24/7 by booking online since we fully understand that dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them. Or, contact Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry office at 203-255-6878.