Weekend emergency dental care in Richmond: when pain can’t wait

Is a dentist open on the weekend in Richmond?

Many dental offices close Friday afternoon and reopen Monday. We are open Saturdays from 9am to 3pm for cleanings, crowns and same-day emergency visits. Call first so we can make room and tell you what to expect. New patients are welcome.

Our full schedule is Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, 9am–3pm. Learn more on our Saturday dentist page.

Where should I go for a weekend dental problem?

When it happens	What to do
Friday night or Saturday morning	Use first aid overnight, then call us when we open Saturday at 9am
Saturday before 3pm	Call us right away for a same-day visit
Saturday after 3pm or Sunday	Use first aid and call us Tuesday morning. Go to the ER for any danger sign.
Any time, with spreading swelling, fever, trouble breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding or a possible broken jaw	Go to the ER or call 911

How do I know if my tooth pain is an emergency?

Some problems need to be seen the same day. Others can wait a few days without harm. These signs mean you should be seen as soon as possible:

• Constant, throbbing tooth pain that keeps you awake
• A swollen gum, a pimple-like bump on the gum or a bad taste that won’t go away
• Swelling in your cheek or jaw
• A tooth that is cracked, broken or knocked loose
• A knocked-out adult tooth

These can usually wait for a regular appointment: mild sensitivity to cold, a small chip with no pain, or a lost filling that does not hurt. Our post on when it’s safe to wait goes into more detail.

What happens if I wait too long?

Most dental problems get worse, not better, when left alone. Pain that comes and goes can mean the nerve is dying, and the pain may stop even while infection keeps spreading. A tooth that could be saved with a root canal this week might need an extraction a month from now. And an infection that reaches the face or neck can become a medical emergency.

That doesn’t mean every toothache needs the ER. It means you should get the tooth checked at the next chance you have, and watch closely for danger signs while you wait.

What can I do at home until I can be seen?

For a toothache

• Rinse with warm salt water (about half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water).
• Floss gently around the tooth in case food is stuck.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as the label directs, if it is safe for you.
• Hold a cold pack on the outside of your cheek, 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off.
• Sleep with your head raised on an extra pillow.

For a broken tooth or lost filling

• Save any pieces and rinse your mouth.
• Cover sharp edges with sugar-free gum or dental wax.
• Chew on the other side and avoid very hot, cold or sweet foods.

For a knocked-out adult tooth

Time matters most. A knocked-out tooth has the best chance if it is put back within about an hour. Hold it by the crown, rinse it briefly if dirty, and gently put it back in the socket. If you can’t, keep it in milk. If we are closed, go to the ER right away rather than waiting for us to open.

What not to do

• Don’t put aspirin or pain pills directly on the gum.
• Don’t try to pop or drain a swollen bump on your gum. See why popping a gum abscess is risky.
• Don’t use heat on a swollen face.
• Don’t assume pain that suddenly stops means the problem is gone.

What happens at a Saturday emergency visit?

We start by finding the cause of the pain with an exam and X-rays. Then we explain your options and the cost before doing anything. Depending on the problem, we can often:

• Relieve pain from an infected tooth by starting root canal treatment
• Remove a tooth that can’t be saved. Read more about emergency tooth extraction. For what happens during and after, see when emergency extractions are necessary.
• Place a temporary filling or protect a broken tooth
• Re-cement a crown that came off, if it is still usable

Treatment is done with local anesthetic to numb the area. Our new patient limited exam with a panoramic X-ray is $49, and other prices are on our dental prices page. We accept most PPO plans and offer financing through Cherry, Sunbit and CareCredit. In-network plans include UnitedHealthcare, Guardian and Ameritas.

How can I lower the chance of a weekend emergency?

Many weekend emergencies start as weekday warnings. A tooth that is a little sensitive, a filling that feels rough or a gum that bleeds can be checked on a Tuesday or Wednesday before it flares up. Regular exams and cleanings also catch cavities and cracks while they are small. If you play sports, a custom sports guard helps protect against broken and knocked-out teeth.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• American Dental Association – MouthHealthy