Dental emergencies happen all the time, and there are times when you will need a dentist open on Saturday or outside normal office hours.
However, finding the right dentist over the weekends, especially on Sundays in the US, might be quite challenging, as most clinics are closed then.
So, what can you do to get the assistance you need?
This article takes a closer dive into the topic by covering:
- What is a dental emergency, and how to react during these emergencies
- How to find a dentist on weekends near you
- Understanding the average cost of emergency dentists over the weekend
- Tips for finding the best dentist on Saturday or Sunday
Find a Dentist Open On Weekend in US
Finding a dentist open on weekend is crucial, especially when dealing with a dental emergency. It would be prudent to note that most dentists schedule their appointments in advance, not unless it is an emergency.
Most people prefer to have their procedures done over the weekend. This is contributed by factors such as:
- These are their ‘free’ days, away from school and work, meaning they don’t have tight schedules.
- Having a procedure over the weekend gives them ample time to heal before resuming their regular weekday schedules.
This means that having a walk-in during these days may be challenging, as you may need help finding a dentist in the US available to assist you.
However, emergency dental cases are an exception. This means if you require urgent dental care, you may be considered for treatment.
But what does a dental emergency consist of, anyway?
Understanding a Dental Emergency
A dental emergency generally requires immediate attention from a dental care provider to help alleviate pain, and swelling, prevent further damage and save a tooth (or your teeth).
Dental emergencies can happen anytime, and knowing what constitutes a dental emergency and how to handle it is crucial.
Here are some instances that can guide you on when to see an emergency dentist, including on Sundays:
- Severe toothache: Severe toothache could indicate an abscess, cavity, or any other dental problem requiring immediate attention.
- Broken or chipped tooth: A broken or chipped tooth can be a painful experience that can leave your tooth prone to infections. It is essential to seek immediate treatment to prevent further damage.
- Knocked-out tooth: If you have a tooth that has been knocked out, it is important to seek immediate dental attention to try and save it. The quicker the reaction, the higher the chances of saving the tooth.
- Loose or dislodged tooth: A dislodged tooth can be a sign of an infection or a serious injury. Seeking urgent oral care assistance is crucial in saving the tooth.
- Bleeding gums: Bleeding gums are a serious oral issue, regardless of the cause. If not treated immediately, it can cause further damage, including leading to tooth loss.
- Dental abscess: A dental abscess is a bacterial infection that causes various dental concerns, including fever, severe pain, and swelling. It is important to seek urgent dental treatment to prevent the infection from spreading.
- Dental trauma: Trauma to the mouth or jaw can lead to serious dental problems and may require immediate attention to prevent further damage.
Generally, when you experience a sudden worrisome shift in your mouth’s functionality accompanied by symptoms such as pain and swelling, it is important to seek dental care, even on weekends.
However, while most dental problems may require urgent medical attention, not all dental issues are considered emergencies. Here are some instances that you may experience that may not pose a significant risk that would force you to seek an emergency dentist:
- Mild toothache: If not accompanied by other symptoms like fever, swelling, or bleeding, a mild toothache may not warrant being classified as a dental emergency. However, scheduling an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible is still important to help diagnose the underlying causes.
- Lost crown or filling: Losing your dental crowns or fillings can be an uncomfortable experience, but it is not an emergency as long as there isn’t severe pain or bleeding involved.
- Teeth whitening: Teeth whitening and other cosmetic dental procedures are not considered dental emergencies. It is important first to schedule an appointment with your dentist beforehand.
In this video, made by Smiles Dental Group, Doctor Alex Yeh names the most common types of dental emergencies their origins and what should we do if we are suffering from one of them:
What to do During a Dental Emergency
Dental emergencies can occur at any time. However, everything you do during this period is crucial, even before getting professional dental care. In case you experience any of the symptoms above categorized as a dental emergency, here are some simple tips that you can follow:
- Call your dentist: The first thing to do is contact your regular dentist. If they are open on Saturdays or weekends, they might slot you in for emergency care. If they are not available, find a dentist in the US that offers emergency services.
- Control the bleeding: If you are bleeding, it is important to control it by applying pressure to the affected area with a clean cloth.
- Save a knocked-out tooth: If you have a knocked-out tooth, it is advisable that you try and save it. You can do so by rinsing it with water, placing it back in the socket, and holding it in place with a gauze or clean cloth. If you cannot put it back in the socket, you should place the tooth in a milk container and seek urgent dental care.
- Manage pain: If you experience persistent severe pain, you should try using over-the-counter pain relievers. However, if bleeding is involved, you should avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Aspirin, which can increase bleeding.
- Avoid DIY treatments: In case of a dental emergency, do not try to fix the problem yourself, as you might only make it worse. The most you can do is to try and save a knocked-out tooth and manage pain or bleeding.
In this video, doctor Jennifer K. Kallio explains what to do in case of a dental emergency:
How Can I Find A Dentist Open On Saturday Near Me?
If you are experiencing a dental emergency on a Saturday or Sunday, you need to find a dentist open on weekends in the US. Not all dentists operate on weekends; if they do, they mostly handle pre-scheduled patients.
However, you can still find a dentist on Saturday or Sunday near you that can offer emergency dental care. Here are some simple ways you can follow to enable you to find a dentist open on Saturday near me:
- Ask your regular dentist: If your regular go-to dentist may not operate over the weekends, you can still reach out to them. They may make an exception for an emergency case or provide you with recommendations to a colleague that’s open over the weekend.
- Search online: A simple online search can provide you with a list of dental practices in your area that are open on Saturdays or Sundays. You can also use online search directories such as ZocDoc or Yelp to find dentists with weekend hours.
Using Google map directories is also another important consideration. Whenever you key in “dentists near me” on your search tab, you will get a list of dental clinics in your area. Most of these facilities input their work hours and days. Look for a dental clinic with an “open” tag and contact them.
- Check with your dental insurance provider: Your dental insurance provider may be available to respond to your queries, including over the weekends. Reach out to them and ask for a list of dentists in your area, covered by your insurance plan, and are open on Saturdays or Sundays.
- Ask for recommendations: The good old word of mouth is another good way to find dentists open on Saturdays near you. Ask your family, friends, or network if they know any good dentists that operate on weekends. You can easily get good recommendations.
- Look for emergency dental clinics: Most dental clinics that offer emergency dental care are usually open over the weekends. Look for emergency dentists near you, and you can easily find one that can provide urgent dental assistance.
Dentists On Saturday Who Make House Calls
If you need urgent dental care on weekends but cannot make it to a clinic, a house-call dentist may be a more convenient solution.
Dentists who make house calls on Saturdays might not be easy to find, but you can still find some near you. They are ideal for patients who cannot leave their homes or cannot travel to the dental clinic.
House-call dentists can provide various services, including extractions, routine checkups, cleanings, and emergency dental care. Moreover, some house-call dentists may specialize in offering certain services, such as orthodontic, cosmetic, or restorative dentistry.
Regardless of your dental needs, you can still find a dentist who can come to you and offer the required services.
To find a dentist that makes house calls, you can start by inquiring from your regular dentist. Perhaps they also offer such services. However, if they don’t, they might be well-suited to recommend a colleague that does.
You can also find a good dentist on Saturdays who offers house calls through an online search, going through directories, or contacting your insurance provider. Asking for recommendations from your network may also prove helpful in your search.
However, it would be prudent to note that a house-call dentist can be more expensive than visiting a dental clinic. Besides paying their dental fees, there may be additional expenses like convenience and travel expenses.
Does Emergency Dental Care Cost More On Weekends?
Emergency dental clinics may have a standard or fixed pricing structure, regardless of the day or time you seek treatment. However, some dentists may charge extra on weekends compared to regular office hours.
Dental care over the weekends may cost more because of various reasons, including:
- A premium may be added to the dental services as compensation for the dentist working outside their regular business hours.
- Some dental insurance plans may have higher copays or deductibles when seeking emergency care on weekends or outside regular office hours. This means that even if the insurance company may assist in paying for the services, you may be required to pay extra out of pocket.
To be on the safe side, it is always important to plan and be in the know. This means knowing what your insurer may pay for, especially during emergency dental cases and over the weekends.
Moreover, getting good dental insurance coverage is advisable, as the cost of a dentist without insurance is often high.
Considerations When Choosing A Weekend Dentist
When seeking emergency dental care or you need a dentist on the weekend, choosing a qualified dentist to provide the care you need is still essential. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when choosing a weekend dentist:
- Availability: The dentist should be available on weekends and during emergencies. Ensure to check their hours of operation and availability.
- Location: Look for a dentist that is conveniently located near you.
- Services offered: Ensure that the dentist provides the services you require and has the qualifications and experience in the field. You should determine whether you need an orthodontist or dentist, depending on the services you seek.
- Cost: The total payable cost of the services that you seek is a crucial consideration. Moreover, inquire whether the dentist accepts your insurance or if they have payment options.
Final Thoughts
Finding a dentist that works on weekends is possible, but finding the best dental care provider might be challenging. If you have a dental emergency, it is important to seek a dentist that is conveniently near you and offers their services even on Saturdays or Sundays.
Nevertheless, finding a qualified, experienced dentist in the US is a critical consideration, even during emergencies or on weekends. This is because your mouth is a sensitive part of your body and should only receive superlative dental care from the best.
FAQ
You may need the services of a dentist open on Saturday if you experience a dental emergency that causes severe tooth pain, swelling, and bleeding. Dental appointments on Saturdays and weekends are also ideal for people with busy weekday schedules.
Not all dentists are open on Saturdays, but many dental practices offer weekend hours or emergency services to accommodate patients needing care on weekends.
Dentists open on Saturdays may offer a range of services, including routine dental checkups, emergency dental care, restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and orthodontic treatments.
Not all dental procedures may be available on Saturdays, as some may require specialized equipment or the presence of additional dental staff.
Many dentists who are open on Saturdays do accept dental insurance. However, it is important to check with the dental clinic or dentist in advance to confirm if they accept your dental insurance. Moreover, it is also important to check on their insurance policies and coverage for weekend services.
Sources
- Emergency preparedness: a survey of dental practitioners. (1986). Retrieved 26 April 2023, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3457855/
- Medical emergencies in the dental office. (1993). Retrieved 26 April 2023, from https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=Medical+Emergencies+in+the+Dental+Office&publication_year=2000&
- Injured Tooth: What Should I Do? (2023). Retrieved 26 April 2023, from https://www.colgate.com/en-in/oral-health/dental-emergencies-and-sports-safety/injured-tooth-what-should-i-do
- Dental Emergencies (2023). Retrieved 26 April 2023, from https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/complications/emergencies/index.asp
