Helping Patients Find Weekend Emergency Dentists near El Paso, TX

When Is a Dental Issue an Emergency?

Many dental procedures are scheduled weeks or months in advance. Cleanings and even minor treatments to fill cavities can be scheduled during regular business hours on days that are convenient to your schedule.

A dental emergency is any dental problem that places your oral health and even your overall health in danger. Symptoms of a dental emergency often include bleeding and oral discomfort or pain. Some dental problems, such as a knocked-out tooth, are obvious emergencies, while other serious problems may be less obvious.

If you notice that something feels off about your bite or have concerns about oral pain that lingers, you may require urgent dental treatments to restore your oral health. Calling our weekend dentist can help you understand if your symptoms require prompt treatment.

Main Causes of Dental Emergencies

A dental emergency can often result from an accident. Sports injuries, car collisions, and falls can lead to one or more dislodged teeth, chipped teeth, gum lacerations, and other serious dental problems that require urgent care.

Lingering dental problems can become a dental emergency. Tooth decay can progress through the outer layer of the tooth, known as the enamel, before reaching the softer dentin beneath. As tooth decay reaches deeper within a tooth, the bacteria can begin to reach the tooth’s inner pulp. The vulnerable tissue, nerves, and blood vessels within a tooth can quickly become infected, requiring emergency treatment.

Poor oral hygiene habits can lead to a dental emergency. The buildup of plaque and tartar can greatly increase the risk of someone developing gum disease or tooth decay. By brushing twice a day, flossing, and regularly using a therapeutic mouthwash, you can reduce the risk of developing serious dental problems that can cause a dental emergency.

Lastly, Genetics can play a significant role in dental emergencies by predisposing individuals to certain conditions that make teeth and gums more vulnerable to damage or disease. Some people inherit weaker enamel, making their teeth more susceptible to decay and fractures.

Genetic factors can also influence gum health, with conditions like aggressive periodontitis being more common in families with a history of the disease. Additionally, genetic predispositions to certain systemic conditions, such as diabetes, can impact oral health by increasing the risk of infections and complications, which might escalate into dental emergencies if not managed properly.

Benefits of Weekend Emergency Dentistry

Oral health problems can quickly become serious health problems. An advanced infection can spread to the jawbone tissue underneath and possibly enter the bloodstream. If you are experiencing symptoms of a dental emergency, you do not have time to wait.

While many dental offices are closed on weekends, we stay open so you do not have to visit an emergency room. A trip to the hospital could be financially costly, and hospitals may not have the tools and training to do more than stabilize you so you can visit a dentist at a later time.

Weekend emergency dentistry allows you to treat your dental problems so it does not return. Once our weekend emergency dentist treats your emergency, you can have peace of mind in knowing that your oral health is restored.

Weekend dental emergency treatments can reduce your recovery timeline by addressing the underlying causes of your symptoms in a timely and effective manner. Depending on the type of treatment you undergo, you may only need a day or two of rest because you can return to work.

If you have concerns about missing much time from work, you can minimize your recovery timeline by taking prompt action to address your dental problems as soon as you notice the symptoms of a dental emergency.

The Dental Emergencies You Need To Know

There are many common dental emergencies that can require a visit to an emergency dentist. Some dental emergencies are more common than others.

• Root canal infection: Once an infection reaches the inner portion of a tooth, the infection can spread quickly. An emergency dentist can gently drill to the source of the infection before cleaning and sanitizing the center of your tooth. Once the infection has been removed, your weekend dentist can restore lost tooth structure using a special material before sealing the tooth.
• Impacted molar: An impacted molar occurs when a tooth is unable to fully emerge through the gums, often due to lack of space, causing it to remain partially or completely trapped in the jaw. Treatment typically involves surgical extraction to prevent complications like infection, pain, or damage to adjacent teeth.
• Chipped tooth: A chipped tooth is a common reason why someone visits the dentist on the weekends. It is important to address a chipped tooth because the broken enamel can quickly become infected. One common restorative treatment for a chipped tooth uses tooth-colored fillings that restore strength and structure to your tooth.
• Advanced tooth decay: Advanced tooth decay can compromise your oral health. One common symptom of an advanced cavity is significant and persistent oral pain. Unaddressed tooth decay can lead to a root canal infection and other serious problems. Your weekend dentist can gently remove decayed enamel before restoring your tooth using dental fillings (a strong composite resin), inlay, onlay, or dental crown.
• Periodontitis: Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in this country. Periodontitis can lead to bleeding gums, oral discomfort or pain, and other serious dental problems.

A weekend dentist can examine your symptoms to determine the best treatment for your dental emergency. By promptly addressing your emergency, you can be restored to optimal oral health.

What Happens During Weekend Dental Treatments?

While most weekday dentists recommend or require appointments, our office gladly accepts walk-ins. We understand that no one plans to have a dental emergency. If you are able to call ahead to describe your symptoms, that can help us prepare for your arrival, but we can also attend to your needs as soon as you arrive.

When you arrive at our weekend dentistry office, a member of our team will alert our dentist. The first step is to diagnose the cause of your symptoms. The information you provide will be important for determining the cause of your discomfort. Our dentist may conduct a visual inspection of your teeth and gums, using advanced imaging to diagnose your dental emergency.

Most dental treatments require the application of local anesthesia that numbs the nerves around the injured tooth. Our weekend dentist can use local anesthesia to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the treatment. Depending on the type of dental emergency you are experiencing, the dentist may use a drill to remove tooth decay, sutures to stitch lacerations, gentle tooth extraction, or another safe and effective treatment to restore your oral health.

Following your treatment, the dentist will provide details on the steps you need to complete to recover. Recovery time can vary significantly, largely depending on the procedure that was performed. You may be prescribed antibiotics and directed to avoid strenuous activities for a set period of time.

Why Do Most Dentists Close on Weekends?

Are dentists open on weekends? If you have ever needed emergency dental treatment on the weekends, you may be surprised to learn that the majority of dental offices in El Paso are not open on weekends. Depending on the number of patients an office serves, their office may only be open four or five days a week during normal business hours.

Dentists often prefer to work during normal business hours so they can take off evenings and weekends. This might be a convenient timeframe for dentists and their employees, but it does not help people who require emergency dental work on weekends.

That’s where we come in. Our emergency dental services are available on weekends because we understand that a medical emergency cannot wait. We understand that there is a demand for weekend dentistry in El Paso, so we offer emergency treatment options on days when most dental offices are closed.

Recovery Tips Following Your Treatment

Recovering after emergency dental treatment is crucial to ensuring proper healing and preventing further complications. First, follow all post-treatment instructions provided by your dentist, including taking prescribed medications like antibiotics or pain relievers. Rest is essential. Avoid strenuous activities for at least 24 hours to allow your body to focus on healing.

Maintain oral hygiene, but do so gently. Brush your teeth carefully, avoiding the treated area, and rinse your mouth with a saline solution or an antibacterial mouthwash as recommended by your dentist to reduce the risk of infection. Stick to soft foods for a few days and avoid eating anything that is too hot, cold, or hard. Eating anything hard could irritate the treated area.

Applying an ice pack to the outside of your cheek can help reduce swelling and numb the area to alleviate pain. Make sure to follow a schedule with ice application — typically 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off. Staying hydrated is also important, but avoid using a straw if you have certain procedures like tooth extraction performed. Suction can dislodge any blood clots, particularly if you had an extraction.

Monitor the healing process closely. If you notice any unusual symptoms, such as persistent pain, excessive swelling, or signs of infection like pus or fever, contact your dentist immediately. Don’t miss any scheduled follow-up appointments.

Follow-up appointments are crucial for ensuring your recovery is on track. If you experience any new swelling or discomfort, contact your dentist immediately. While post-procedure complications are uncommon, it is always better to address any symptoms promptly to avoid further issues.

Tips for Reducing Your Risk of Developing Serious Dental Problems

If you want to reduce your risk of developing a dental emergency, it is important to understand the main causes of dental emergencies. Lingering oral problems are a major cause of dental emergencies. When tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems are not addressed, they can become serious health risks.

When tooth decay reaches the softer inner portions of the tooth, an infection can spread rapidly and compromise the health of the tooth. Advanced tooth decay often causes significant discomfort or pain.

Root canal infections often result from untreated cavities. Addressing tooth decay early on is very straightforward and minimally invasive. Consider visiting your dentist twice a year to catch these minor dental problems before they cause a serious emergency.

Poor oral hygiene habits can also lead to gum disease and other problems that can lead to serious dental emergencies. The standard for good oral hygiene habits is to brush twice a day and to floss daily. Using a good therapeutic mouthwash can also help you maintain optimal oral health.

Accidents account for a significant number of dental emergencies. Although accidents cannot always be prevented, wearing appropriate protective gear, such as helmets and mouthguards, can greatly reduce your risk of injuring your teeth or gums when playing sports.

Emergency Dental Service

Dental emergencies can happen at any time, causing significant pain and distress that require prompt action. If you're experiencing a severe toothache, a cracked tooth, or any other urgent dental issue, getting professional help quickly is essential.

Our network of emergency dentists in El Paso is equipped to handle a wide range of dental emergencies, ensuring you receive the necessary care without delay. To make an appointment with a qualified emergency dentist in El Paso, visit our provider search page.

Stop worrying about how to find dentists near me open on Saturday. For immediate assistance in El Paso or if you have any questions, call 1-833-624-1382 or contact our office online. We’re here to guide you through the process and connect you with the best local dental care.