Helping Patients Find Weekend Emergency Dentists near Fort Worth, TX

What Constitutes a True Dental Emergency?

Minor dental problems are often treated through scheduled appointments. When someone needs a teeth cleaning, minor cavity treatment, or routine exams, those matters are generally not urgent. A dental emergency is different. Any situation that places your oral health and overall health in jeopardy requires immediate medical attention.

Common examples of dental emergencies include:

• Severe toothache: Intense dental pain often indicates the presence of a serious infection or advanced tooth decay.
• Broken or chipped tooth: A tooth that is cracked or broken due to injury or biting down on something hard.
• Knocked-out tooth: A tooth that has been completely dislodged from the mouth due to trauma can be restored when prompt action is taken.
• Loose tooth: A permanent tooth that is loose or has shifted from its position should be looked at by an emergency dentist as soon as possible.
• Abscessed tooth: A severe infection at the root of the tooth or in the gums, which can cause swelling, fever, and pain, requires urgent dental treatment to stop the spread of the infection.
• Lost or damaged restoration: A filling or crown that falls out can leave the tooth exposed and vulnerable. An emergency dentist can stabilize the tooth so you can schedule an appointment with your prosthodontist.
• Bleeding gums: Persistent bleeding that does not stop requires treatment from a weekend dentist in Fort Worth. Bleeding gums can result from an accident, gum disease, or another cause.
• Soft tissue injury: The soft tissues of the lips, gums, and tongue are highly vascular. Any cuts to these areas require immediate attention to bring the bleeding under control.
• Impacted wisdom tooth: A wisdom tooth that is stuck beneath the gums and can cause pain, swelling, and infection. Third molars can create a wide range of dental problems, from advanced tooth decay to dental crowding and gum disease.

Common symptoms of a dental emergency include severe pain that doesn't go away, significant swelling in the mouth or face, bleeding that doesn't stop, and the sudden loss of a tooth. Other signs might include intense sensitivity to hot or cold, an abscess or visible pus around a tooth or gum, or a tooth that feels loose or has shifted.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of a dental emergency, you can contact our office on the weekend so we can promptly address your dental problems. You do not have to have an appointment. We gladly accept walk-in patients. For your safety, we advise that you do not drive yourself if you are experiencing a dental emergency.

Common Causes of Dental Emergencies

Lingering dental problems can lead to dental emergencies that require Sunday dentistry. When tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues are not treated promptly, they can cause infections, extensive cavities, and the need for urgent dental treatments.

Tooth decay can reach the sensitive inner portion of a tooth. When bacteria enter the pulp, the infection can spread quickly, causing serious discomfort and placing the patient’s oral health in jeopardy.

Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in this country. Mild gum disease is known as gingivitis. More advanced gum disease (periodontitis) can lead to gum tissue recession and increased tooth sensitivity. Moderate to severe gum disease can lead to a dental emergency that requires a visit to our weekend dentist.

Accidents like falls or a hit to the face can dislodge a tooth or cause a serious laceration inside the mouth that requires emergency treatment. These types of injuries often lead to intense bleeding, which can be difficult to control and may require immediate medical attention. If not treated promptly, these injuries can result in complications such as infection or permanent damage to the oral structures.

No matter the cause of your dental emergency, our weekend dentist can quickly diagnose the cause of your dental problems before beginning treatment. Your comfort will always be a top priority for our dental team. Our dentist can administer local anesthesia so you are comfortable throughout your treatment.

Weekend Dentistry: Why It’s Worth It

There are many benefits to weekend dentistry. The main benefit of undergoing weekend dentistry is the restoration of your oral health. Dental problems can place your overall health in jeopardy. If you are experiencing dental problems and oral discomfort, you likely are unable to focus on work and other important matters. Our weekend dentist can help you experience relief from your dental problems by fully addressing the cause of your dental emergency.

Weekend dentistry is also convenient. Rather than having to make an appointment or waiting in line at an emergency room, you can have your dental problems promptly treated soon after you arrive at our Fort Worth office. Once your treatment is complete, recovery time is often minimal, meaning you’ll miss few, if any, days from work.

Weekend dentistry also has the benefit of reducing the chances that you will require more invasive procedures. In many cases, you can reduce the need for tooth extraction by addressing root canal infections and other issues before they compromise the need for removing a tooth. If tooth extraction is needed, you can become a candidate for one of several effective tooth-replacement options, including dental implants and crowns.

By addressing dental emergencies on the weekend, you not only minimize the discomfort and potential complications but also preserve your oral health by preventing the escalation of issues that could lead to more invasive procedures. Acting promptly on a weekend can be crucial in maintaining your natural teeth and avoiding extended treatments, ultimately leading to a quicker and more comfortable recovery.

Treatment Options for Common Dental Emergencies

One common dental treatment that requires the services of a weekend dentist is a root canal infection. The root canals are narrow, small tubes that contain blood vessels, nerves, and soft tissue. When bacteria reach the vulnerable center of a tooth, the infection can spread quickly.

Once the problem has been diagnosed, the first step is to numb the tooth using local anesthesia. Once the patient is comfortable, a special tool is used to make a small hole in the tooth. Once an opening has been made, your dentist can use special tools to remove the infected material and clean out the center of the tooth.

Once the tooth has been cleaned and sanitized, the opening can be sealed using a restoration like an inlay or onlay. Following a root canal treatment, patients are instructed to rest for the remainder of the day and possibly the next. Any sudden onset of discomfort during recovery should be reported to the dentist who performed the treatment.

The removal of advanced tooth decay requires the use of a special drill to remove any enamel that is no longer healthy. Once the areas of decay have been removed, the dentist can prepare the surface of the treated tooth to receive fillings or another type of restoration. Treating cavities generally does not require recovery time. Fillings do not last forever and will eventually have to be replaced.

Chipped teeth can be treated using dental fillings that can be color-matched to blend in with the natural shade and luster of your teeth. The composite resin is blended to achieve the right color before being placed on the damaged tooth. The process is also known as dental bonding. Before the composite resin is placed, the tooth needs to be thoroughly cleaned. The bonding material is typically hardened using a special blue light.

A dental abscess is typically treated by draining the pus and addressing the underlying infection. The dentist may perform an incision to allow the pus to escape, followed by cleaning the area thoroughly. Antibiotics are often prescribed to eliminate the infection and prevent it from spreading. In some cases, if the abscess has caused significant damage to the tooth, a root canal may be necessary to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth.

If the tooth is too damaged to be saved, it may need to be extracted to prevent further complications. A lost tooth can be replaced using a dental implant and crown or another restoration. Regular follow-ups are essential to ensure the infection has cleared and the area is healing properly.

Tips for a Healthy Recovery

Before you leave our dental office open on Saturday, you will be given detailed instructions on what to do and not do while you recover. Following these instructions is crucial to ensuring healing and preventing complications. These instructions often include advice to avoid strenuous activities and to keep your head elevated to minimize swelling.

Cold compresses applied to the outside of the face can help reduce swelling and numb any discomfort. Pain management is also essential. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen can help. If prescribed, take any antibiotics as directed to prevent infection.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is key, but you should be gentle around the treated area. Rinsing with a warm saltwater solution can help keep the area clean and promote healing. Vigorous rinsing should be avoided. Soft foods and plenty of fluids are recommended. Hot, spicy, or crunchy foods that could irritate the area.

Smoking and alcohol should be avoided as they can interfere with healing. Follow-up appointments with your dentist help your dentist monitor your recovery. If you notice any signs of complications, such as excessive swelling, persistent pain, or signs of infection, contact your dentist immediately.

Why Are Most Dental Offices Closed on Weekends?

Are dentists open on weekends? If you ever need urgent dental care on the weekends, you may be surprised to learn that the majority of dental practices are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. The main reason for this is that dentists prefer to work normal business hours so they can have evenings and weekends off. Some dental practices do not have the patient base to stay open more than four or five days per week.

This arrangement may be convenient for dentists and their dental teams, but this shortage of weekend dentists can pose problems for people who experience a dental emergency on a weekend. Our office serves patients on Saturdays and Sundays because we understand that some urgent matters cannot wait.

By offering emergency treatments to walk-ins in Fort Worth, we can help patients recover more quickly while receiving the treatments they need to restore their oral health. Since our hours are unconventional and require dentists and dental hygienists to work on days they normally would have off, we price our services accordingly.

You can expect to benefit from the latest dental technology available. Our weekend dentistry practice will make you our top priority from the minute you arrive. We strive to create a comfortable and welcoming environment for every patient. Our experienced team is committed to providing personalized care tailored to your specific needs.

Emergency Dental Service

Dental emergencies can arise suddenly, bringing pain and distress that demand swift attention. Whether you're dealing with a severe toothache, a cracked tooth, or another urgent dental issue, it's crucial to seek professional help right away.

Our network of local emergency dentists in Fort Worth is prepared to manage a variety of dental emergencies, ensuring you receive the care you need promptly. To schedule an appointment with a Saturday dentist in Fort Worth, visit our provider search page.

If you need urgent assistance in Fort Worth or have any questions, call 1-833-624-1382 or reach out online. Our dedicated team is here to connect you with the right local dental office and provide the support you need.