What to do if you have a dental emergency on the weekend
It goes without saying that emergencies are unexpected - and they’re just as likely to occur on a weekend than a weekday.
If you experience a dental emergency on the weekend, you might start to panic thinking that your dentist won’t be available - but thankfully, dentists are used to having to deal with unexpected emergencies any day of the week.
A dental emergency can cover a wide range of dental problems, including a knocked-out tooth, extreme toothache, or a broken or chipped tooth requiring urgent attention. If you’re unsure whether it’s best to see an emergency dentist or take a trip to the emergency room, check out our blog post Emergency Dentist VS Emergency Doctor: Who Should I See?
In this article, we look at the steps you should take if you experience a dental emergency over the weekend, including how to deal with a few different dental emergencies.
When can you see an emergency dentist?
Firstly, you’ll need to have a consultation with an emergency dentist. During this consultation, your dentist will be able to assess the severity of your condition and advise on when you can have your appointment.
If your dentist determines that your dental problem requires immediate attention, you can book a same-day dental appointment - even over the weekend - in order to have the issue addressed as quickly as possible.
Given the fact that many kids and adult sports matches take place over the weekend, it’s easy to see why weekend dental emergency appointments are necessary - unfortunately, a lost tooth can be an unwanted side effect of rough play on the field. In these types of situations, many people will assume they have to go to their local emergency department seeing as it’s the weekend - but in fact, the best option is to contact your dental clinic to arrange a same-day appointment.
Is it ok to leave a chipped or broken tooth?
If you or a family member has suffered a chipped or broken tooth over the weekend, you may have been unaware that emergency dental appointments were available and think you need to wait until Monday to arrange a visit.
However, as mentioned above, weekend appointments for dental emergencies are available at National Dental Care and DB Dental practices, so you should contact your local practice immediately for a consultation and advice.
Can a cracked tooth be saved?
If treated early, your dentist will usually be able to save your cracked tooth relatively easily. However, if a chipped or cracked tooth is left untreated, this can lead to a range of issues including:
- Pain and discomfort
- Tooth decay
- Discolouration
- Permanent tooth sensitivity
- Tooth abscesses
- Infection
- Tooth loss
What’s more, an infection as a result of a cracked tooth can lead to more serious health problems. Infections develop due to bacteria entering the crack and spreading, leading to the formation of a tooth abscess - a pocket of pus and bacteria.
An abscess can cause an infection which, in turn, can spread to other parts of the body and even enter the bloodstream.
In addition, a cracked tooth can cause serious nerve damage, eventually resulting in the need for a root canal or removal of the damaged tooth.
It’s also important to remember that the longer a cracked tooth goes without treatment, the more complex and costly the solution is likely to be - so it’s important you contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Have your dental problems treated over the weekend with National Dental Care
If you’re dealing with a dental emergency on a Saturday or Sunday, rest assured that your local National Dental Care or DB Dental practice is here to help.
By contacting your local dental clinic for a consultation, we can assess the severity of the situation and advise on the best course of action, including making a same-day appointment if required. Find your nearest National Dental Care dentist now.
Concerned about the cost of an emergency dental appointment? Check out our blog post, How Much More Expensive is Emergency Dental?