What Should I Do If I Have a Dental Emergency Over the Holidays?

The holidays are a time for family, food, and celebration—but they can also be a time when unexpected dental emergencies strike. Whether it’s a cracked tooth from a holiday treat, sudden tooth pain during a family gathering, or a knocked-out tooth during a backyard football game, knowing what to do—and where to turn—is critical.

At Watson Family Dental, we understand that dental emergencies rarely happen during convenient hours. That’s why we provide prompt, compassionate care when you need it most. Whether you’re experiencing severe pain, swelling, trauma, or bleeding, we’re here to help Watson, LA, families get through the holidays without missing a beat—or a smile.

Common Dental Emergencies During the Holiday Season

Dental problems don’t take time off—and during the holidays, your risk may even increase. With sugary foods, crunchy snacks, packed travel schedules, and limited access to your regular dental team, issues can sneak up quickly.

Here are some of the most common dental emergencies we treat around the holidays:

• Severe toothache that won’t go away
• Broken or chipped teeth from biting hard foods or accidents
• Knocked-out tooth (avulsion) from falls, sports, or trauma
• Lost fillings or crowns, especially while eating sticky sweets
• Abscesses or swelling, often related to untreated infections
• Soft tissue injuries, including lacerations to gums or cheeks

Any of these situations may require immediate dental care. Left untreated, even minor pain can develop into a more serious infection or permanent damage.

Time-Sensitive Treatment Matters

In dental emergencies, time is everything. For instance, a knocked-out tooth may only be saved if it’s reinserted within 30 minutes to an hour. Swelling from an abscess can lead to life-threatening infections if ignored. Early treatment also increases the chance of saving your natural teeth and avoiding more extensive procedures later.

That’s why we urge patients to call us immediately if they experience:

• Persistent bleeding that doesn’t stop with pressure
• Intense pain that interferes with daily function
• Facial swelling or difficulty opening the mouth
• Trauma to the mouth, jaw, or face
• Signs of infection such as pus or fever

We will assess your situation, determine the next steps, and provide you with after-hours emergency protocols when needed. In some cases, we may recommend seeking immediate care at a hospital emergency room—especially if there is facial trauma or signs of a spreading infection.

Emergency Dental Care at Watson Family Dental

Our team is committed to providing urgent dental care when you need it, including same-day appointments whenever possible. Dr. Eades and the team offer emergency assessments and treatments designed to stop pain, control damage, and lay the groundwork for full recovery.

Our emergency services may include:

• Diagnostic imaging to assess damage
• Pain relief and swelling control
• Tooth reattachment or temporary restorations
• Antibiotic therapy for infections
• Follow-up care plans for long-term solutions

We prioritize patient comfort, using gentle techniques and clear communication to make a stressful time feel more manageable. You can rest easy knowing you’re in trusted hands with a team that genuinely cares about your health and peace of mind.

Don’t Wait—Call Us First

If you experience a dental emergency over the holidays in Watson, LA, don’t wait until regular business hours. Call Watson Family Dental immediately so we can assess the urgency of your situation and guide you on what to do next. We’ll let you know if we can see you on the same day or provide steps to stabilize the situation until you’re in the chair.

We also recommend adding our emergency contact information to your phone now so you don’t have to search during a crisis. When time is of the essence, being prepared makes all the difference.

Smile Through the Holidays—Even When the Unexpected Happens

Dental emergencies don’t have to ruin your holidays. At Watson Family Dental, we’re proud to be the trusted emergency dental care provider for families in Watson and the surrounding areas. We’re here to help you handle urgent situations with compassion, precision, and speed—so you can get back to what really matters: celebrating the season with those you love.

Need emergency dental care? Call Watson Family Dental right away—we’re ready to help you smile again.