What to Do in Case of a Dental Emergency After Office Hours

Dental problems don’t always wait for regular office hours. Sudden pain, an accident, or unexpected damage to your teeth can be stressful - especially if you’re living in a new country or are unsure where to go for help. Knowing what to do in advance can make a difficult situation much easier to handle.

This article explains when dental care is urgently needed, what steps you can take after hours, and where residents in and around Leiden can turn for emergency dental care.

When Is a Dental Issue an Emergency?

Not every dental problem requires immediate treatment, but some situations should not be postponed until the next working day. You should seek urgent dental care if you experience:

• Severe toothache that does not improve with pain relief
• A knocked-out, broken, or severely loosened tooth
• Swelling of the face, jaw, or gums
• Bleeding in the mouth that does not stop
• Signs of infection, such as pain combined with fever or swelling
• Dental trauma caused by an accident or fall

In these cases, prompt treatment can relieve pain, prevent complications, and sometimes save a tooth.

What You Can Do After Hours

If your own dentist is closed and you have a dental emergency, it’s important not to ignore the problem.

Practical steps include:

• Do not delay, worsening pain or swelling may indicate infection
• Avoid self-treatment such as placing medication directly on the gums or tooth
• Rinse gently with lukewarm water if there is bleeding or debris
• Store a knocked-out tooth in milk or saliva and seek help immediately

Emergency Dental Care in the Leiden Area

For people living in Leiden and the surrounding area, emergency dental care outside regular opening hours is provided by:

SpoedPoli Leiden Simon Smitweg 14, 2353 GA Leiderdorp (Opposite Alrijne Hospital Leiderdorp) 0900 – 8602 (always call first) info@tandartsspoedpraktijk.nl

This emergency dental clinic is available for urgent dental problems when regular dental practices are closed.

Dental Trauma: What to Know

Dental trauma often occurs during sports, accidents, or falls. Acting quickly can significantly improve the outcome.

If a tooth is knocked out:

• Handle it by the crown, not the root
• Do not scrub or clean the tooth
• Keep it moist (preferably in milk)
• Seek emergency dental care immediately

For broken teeth or jaw injuries, avoid chewing on the affected side and get professional help as soon as possible.

Being Prepared

Living abroad can make healthcare systems feel unfamiliar. A few simple preparations can help:

• Save the emergency dental number in your phone
• Know where the nearest emergency dental clinic is located
• Wear a mouthguard during contact sports
• Do not postpone regular dental check-ups

Final Thoughts

Dental emergencies can be painful and unsettling, but knowing what to do - and where to go - makes a real difference. If you live in or around Leiden, emergency dental care is available when you need it most, even outside office hours. Acting quickly helps protect your oral health and gives peace of mind during stressful moments.