Brushing and flossing twice daily protects your grin by removing plaque and bacteria that contribute to common dental problems like cavities, gingivitis, and injuries. However, there’s no guarantee that you won’t have a dental emergency despite practicing proper preventative care.
If you’re having an urgent problem, getting help quickly can often make a world of difference when saving your smile. Unfortunately, many people don’t know who to call or where to go for their issues. Continue reading to learn 3 questions to ask yourself to guide your search for a quality emergency dentist!
Factor #1: Are They Close?
If you’ve developed an emergency, like a lost or broken tooth, it’s important to be seen by a professional right away. There’s a chance it could be placed back in the socket, but it’s only viable for about an hour.
Plus, your mouth is susceptible to additional damage until your unexpected issue is addressed, so the sooner you make an appointment, the better. One fast and easy way to look for emergency dentists near you is to perform a basic internet search. This typically results in a list of potential providers you can filter based on distance to your location. Ideally, try to find someone within a 10-minute drive so you can get there quickly.
Factor #2: Do They Offer Multiple Services?
Some dental issues, like persistent or severe toothaches, can potentially have multiple causes. If you’re unsure of the culprit, you should seek a practitioner who offers a wide array of services. Offering multiple types of treatments ensures that they’ll be able to assist you in some capacity regardless of the reason for your visit.
Unless you already know the cause of your emergency and how to treat it, it’s often best to seek a skilled general practitioner who offers various procedures to meet a variety of needs. For instance, tooth-colored fillings can repair cavities, but if your pearly white is already infected, you may require a root canal so it’s best to find someone who offers both.
Factor #3: Is Financing Available?
When you’re in pain or injured and need help, the last thing you want to have to worry about is how much you’ll pay for the services required to save your smile. However, many people exist on a tight budget and have no choice but to prioritize finances.
Dental insurance plans are ideal for preventing sudden problems but tend only partially to include services required to treat them. For instance, routine checkups are 100% covered but root canals, dental crowns, and other major procedures typically have 50% to 80% coverage. Finding a provider offering other payment options, like flexible financial packages, can help make emergency care more affordable.
Once you find a provider, contact them to schedule a same-day appointment so you don’t have to wait for relief from your dental emergency!
Meet the Author
Dr. Aliana Henkin has nearly 20 years of experience helping families build and maintain their most beautiful, healthy smiles. She earned her doctorate from the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, focusing on restorative services, implants, and oral surgery. Today, she’s an active member of several professional organizations to hone her skills and knowledge, including the American Dental Association. She provides a full array of services and offers same-day emergency appointments to handle urgent issues quickly. You can request an appointment on the website or call (862) 260-4116.