Dental problems rarely wait for a convenient time. A toothache can start on a Friday night, and a cracked tooth can happen at a Saturday soccer game. If you need a dentist open on Saturday, we are here for you.
At Blake Nelson, DDS, we offer emergency dental appointments on Saturday and Sunday. This post explains what counts as a dental emergency, what to do first, and how we can help.
Is Blake Nelson, DDS open on Saturday and Sunday?
Yes. We are open on Saturday and Sunday for emergency dental appointments. Call us at (336) 760-1277 and we will help you get in as soon as possible.
Weekend appointments are for urgent problems. For routine visits like cleanings and checkups, we see patients during our weekday hours.
What counts as a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is a problem that needs care soon to relieve severe pain, stop an infection, or save a tooth. These problems often qualify:
- A severe toothache that does not go away
- A knocked-out tooth
- A cracked or broken tooth
- A lost filling or crown that causes pain
- Swelling in your gums or face
- Pain from a wisdom tooth
You usually do not need the emergency room for most of these. A dentist can treat a broken tooth, a lost tooth, and pain from a cavity, wisdom tooth, or lost filling.
What should you do first in a weekend dental emergency?
Call us first. We will listen to what is happening and tell you whether you need to come in right away.
- Call our office at (336) 760-1277.
- Stay calm and rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Follow the first-aid steps below for your problem.
- Gather your information. Bring a list of your medicines and your dental insurance card, if you have one.
- Come in. We will take care of you as soon as you arrive.
What first-aid steps can you take at home?
The American Dental Association (ADA) shares simple steps for common emergencies. You can read the full list on the ADA’s MouthHealthy website.
- Knocked-out adult tooth: Keep the tooth moist at all times. If you can, place it back in the socket without touching the root. If not, hold it between your cheek and gums or put it in milk; then get to the dentist right away.
- Cracked tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water. Put a cold compress on your face to help with swelling.
- Toothache: Rinse with warm water and gently floss to remove any food stuck between your teeth. Do not put aspirin on the tooth or gums.
When should you go to the emergency room instead?
Go to the hospital if you have trouble breathing or swallowing. The ADA advises hospital care in these cases. Also seek immediate help if your face swells after a toothache, if bleeding will not stop, or if you think you broke your jaw. You can read more in this DentaQuest guide to dental emergencies.
If you are not sure, call us. We will help you decide what to do next.
What happens at a weekend emergency appointment?
An emergency visit focuses on easing your pain and treating the urgent problem first. Here is what you can expect:
- We ask about your symptoms and health history.
- We examine your mouth and may take X-rays to see what is causing the problem.
- We explain what we found and go over your options.
- We treat the problem or relieve your pain, and we plan any follow-up visits you need.
Some problems, like a broken tooth, may need more than one visit to fully repair. If dental anxiety makes emergencies feel harder, tell us. We can talk with you about ways to help you feel more comfortable.
How can you prevent a dental emergency?
You can lower your risk by protecting your teeth every day. The ADA recommends a few simple habits:
Wear a mouthguard for sports and other activities.
Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy.
Use scissors, never your teeth, to cut things.
Regular checkups also help. We can find small problems early, before they become painful.
Call Us for Weekend Emergency Dental Care in Winston-Salem
A dental emergency is stressful, but you do not have to face it alone. Call Blake Nelson, DDS at (336) 760-1277 for Saturday or Sunday emergency care. We are located at 3066 Trenwest Drive in Winston-Salem.
