As dental professionals, it is our job to not only prevent and treat dental problems, but also to help you understand how to manage them when they do occur. Understanding the difference between a urgent dental care and something that can wait can make a big difference when it comes to your comfort, treatment options, and financial costs.
Recognizing a dental emergency and acting quickly can help you avoid more serious or even life-threatening complications. Taking simple steps at home can often help relieve pain and minimize damage until you can seek professional care.
In the event of a dental emergency, you can usually count on your regular dentist to be available and set aside time during business hours to see patients with urgent concerns. In addition, many dentists have after-hours phone numbers and/or emergency contact facilities to assist patients. Visiting an emergency dental clinic can be another option if your dentist is not immediately available, and these specialized offices are designed to handle dental emergencies.
Generally speaking, a dental emergency can be defined as any problem that requires immediate or rapid treatment to alleviate severe pain and/or risk of infection. A toothache is a common example, but other conditions that may warrant an emergency appointment include uncontrolled bleeding, facial or jaw trauma, and a knocked-out or broken tooth.
While dental emergencies aren’t always easy to cope with, they can be avoided by incorporating good oral health practices and scheduling routine visits to the dentist. These appointments can help identify minor issues, such as cavities or cracks, before they escalate into emergencies.
What to do in a Dental Emergency
The first step is always to call your dentist’s office, as they will be best equipped to handle your situation and determine whether or not it qualifies as an emergency. If it is nighttime, a weekend, or holiday, and your dentist’s office isn’t open, you can visit an emergency dental clinic, which are staffed by dental professionals who are trained to handle urgent situations.
It is important to recognize a dental emergency because if you wait, the issue will likely get worse and possibly lead to severe pain or other health complications. For example, if you have a severe toothache or have lost a tooth, it is important to get prompt care so that the issue can be resolved before it progresses.
Many dental insurance plans cover emergency treatment, and it is important to inquire about coverage for your specific situation while receiving care. After your visit, you can then review your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) to find out about any covered expenses and how much your deductible or copayment is. You can then submit your itemized receipt and treatment details to your insurance provider to be reimbursed for covered expenses. If you do not have dental insurance or are unable to pay for your visit upfront, there are alternative financing options that can offer affordable monthly payments and interest-free periods.