Emergency Dentistry Solutions
During a dental emergency, the first response for most people is panic. The second may be feeling unsure of how to respond. For Ellington dentistry patients of Zahner Dental, we are here to help whenever you need us most – including emergency dental appointments. In most cases, we’re able to see patients on the same day they call us, but one of our team members will also walk you through first aid and pain management over the phone to ensure your comfort and safety until you reach our office. If you experience a dental emergency, contact our team right away if you’re in need of urgent dental care. We’ll get you into our office right away to relieve pain and renew your oral health.
Common Dental Emergencies
The most important thing to remember during a dental emergency is that your safety and comfort are our top priorities. If you think your oral health concern requires urgent intervention, it likely does. Some of the most common dental needs we treat with emergency appointments include:
- Severe toothache or dental sensitivity
- Lost tooth or dental restorations
- Damaged tooth or dental restoration
- Broken or bent partial or full denture
- Soft tissue lacerations
- Infection in the gums or soft tissue
If you ever believe your oral health emergency may be life threatening, proceed to your nearest emergency room or contact emergency services right away. One of our skilled dentists will be happy to work with your medical team to repair any damage to your smile.
What to Do at Home During a Dental Emergency
Many patients want to know what to do at home during a dental emergency. When you call our team, we’ll walk you through at-home care, but some of the things you can do to care for your smile at home include:
- Clean the area around the damaged tooth with cool water, and clean off any large parts of the tooth with cool water
- Do not brush or rub the tooth as you may remove healthy soft tissue that will aid in reattachment or healing
- If there is bleeding, apply pressure with gauze or clean cloth
- Use an ice pack at 20 minute intervals (20 on/20 off) to reduce pain, prevent swelling, and slow blood flow
- Take aspirin and other pain relievers as directed, but do not apply them directly to the tooth as this could cause damage
Preventing Dental Emergencies
The best way to keep your smile whole, healthy, and free from pain is to maintain a thorough preventive dentistry routine. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss at least once a day, and visit our Ellington dentistry practice two times a year for dental checkups and professional teeth cleanings. Some other things you should keep in mind to avoid dental emergencies include:
- Do not chew on ice, fingernails, pen caps, or other hard objects
- Do not use your teeth as tools to open packages and crack nuts
- Do wear a mouthguard if you grind and clench your teeth at night
- Do use a sportsguard as directed while participating in athletic competitions or practices
Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry
If you have a dental emergency, paying the bill is the last thing that should be on your mind; however, it’s normal to worry about the amount you’ll have to pay. Various factors affect the cost of emergency dentistry in Ellington, but we strive to keep our services affordable for everyone, even if money is tight. Our priority is to stop your pain, and then find the solution you need to rehabilitate your smile without breaking the bank.
Every Dental Emergency is Different
No two dental emergencies are identical, so it’s impossible to have a pre-determined fee for urgent services. A cookie-cutter treatment plan just won’t work. Therefore, the cost of your treatment depends on many factors, like the complexity of the situation and the procedure required. Although every case differs, common treatments include:
- Dental crowns
- Tooth extractions
- Periodontal therapy
- Root canal therapy
- TMJ therapy
After examining your smile and learning more about your situation, your emergency dentist in Ellington will create a personalized plan. We’ll provide you with an estimate, and a member of our team will explain the fees. You’ll know exactly what you’ll have to pay before committing to anything.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
Most dental plans can be used to offset the cost of your treatment. Although your benefits may not cover the entire amount, your dental insurance can be used to lower the fees of certain steps in your treatment, like the consultation, imaging, or restorations. After reaching your deductible, your insurance can cover up to 80% of the expenses. We will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize your coverage.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
Besides using your dental insurance, we offer various financial solutions to accommodate everyone’s budget, including:
- Traditional Methods: Our office accepts cash, checks, and credit cards.
- Membership Plan: Benefit from reduced rates for common services after a membership fee.
- Third-Party Financing: Pay for your care in monthly installments using a third-party financing company, like CareCredit.
We will take the time to explain all your options, so nothing stands in your way of saving your smile.
Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money
You can’t always stop a dental emergency from occurring, but there are several steps you can take to lessen your risk of one. Most emergency visits result from an underlying problem that wasn’t treated, like a cavity. You can ensure there aren’t any dental concerns lingering in your mouth by seeing your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. Keep your teeth and gums healthy in between your regular appointments by brushing and flossing daily.
Besides keeping your mouth clean, protect it from avoidable damage. Wear an athletic mouthguard if you play sports and don’t use your teeth as tools. It’s best to keep any inedible objects out of your mouth, including your fingernails. With a strong oral hygiene routine, preventive steps, and a healthy diet, you can avoid an unplanned trip to an emergency dentist.
Emergency Dentistry FAQ’s
Dental emergencies can be incredibly surprising! Do you know what to do if one occurs? Are you wondering about what really is a dental emergency? At Zahner Dental, we want all of our patients to have the information they need to stay healthy. That’s why we’ve provided the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about dental emergencies. Keep reading to learn more!
What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?
You’re probably wondering what exactly counts as a dental emergency. The easiest way to tell is if you’re experiencing pain that takes away from your normal day to day tasks. This can include toothaches, broken teeth, cracked teeth, lost teeth, and more. If you do experience a toothache out of nowhere, try to floss around the area to remove any food debris that may be causing irritation. If your pain persists, call our office for treatment.
Should I Visit the Dentist or the ER?
In many cases, it’s best to visit our office because we specialize in oral healthcare, providing all of the treatments you need to get out of pain and back to smiling. However, there are some problems that require an emergency visit, including: issues with breathing, jaw injury, uncontrollable bleeding, deep facial wounds, and any other potentially life-threatening instances. These problems may even require general medical attention, which is why you should go to the ER right away.
When Should Dental Emergencies Get Treated?
Dental emergencies are called emergencies for a reason—they require urgent care! Unlike other medical conditions that can get better with time, dental problems will only get worse. For example, a lost tooth can be replanted if you visit our office immediately but waiting can result in the need for an artificial replacement. If you’re uncertain that you’re having an emergency, it’s always better to call our office to find out!
When Do I Need a Root Canal?
Root canal therapy is one of the most important emergency dentistry services we have to offer because it can prevent your tooth from needing extraction. One of our expert emergency dentists can use this treatment to carefully remove any infected or decayed tissue from inside of your tooth while keeping it intact. After, they will strengthen and protect it to prevent additional pain and damage from occurring.
How Much Will My Dental Emergency Cost?
Because there are so many different types of dental emergencies that can occur, the cost of your treatment can vary. The best way to get a specific price estimate is to visit our office. We will carefully examine your smile and the issues affecting it before recommending the best treatment option. Our front desk staff is always ready to help with any insurance or payment questions you may have!
If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our office to speak with one of our experts!
