A dental emergency can be a stressful experience. The good news is that at Heck Family Dentistry of Lawrence, you have kind, knowledgeable dentists to turn to when the unexpected happens. Our dentists can often see you same-day for tooth extractions and root canals, getting you out of pain after only one appointment. We use state of the art technology and sedation dentistry to keep you calm and get you fast relief from tooth pain.
Dental emergencies often leave people feeling alarmed and overwhelmed, which is why it’s so important to know how to handle them beforehand. Should you find yourself with a dental emergency, here’s what you should do:
No one definition properly describes all dental emergencies, but in general, you should take persistent oral pain, noticeable dental damage, and any other symptoms that distract you from daily life or cause you to worry as warning signs that something is wrong. The issue might be due to prolonged dental decay or a sudden accident. You’ll need to follow certain steps to take care of your teeth before it’s time for your appointment. Here are some of the most common dental emergencies we treat.
Some dental emergencies can be dealt with relatively quickly while others require more complex treatments. The cost of your emergency care is going depend largely on your unique circumstances, which is why an estimate is only provided after we have had a chance to examine your mouth in person. Below are a few things to keep in mind when considering the cost of emergency dentistry, including the numerous factors that go into the final price as well as strategies for making treatment affordable.
The initial emergency visit will be relatively inexpensive. We will examine your teeth and gums before putting together a treatment plan to repair the damage and stop your pain as quickly as possible. How much the treatment itself costs is a separate matter; an estimate can only be given once we’ve evaluated the damage and diagnosed the problem. Root canal therapy, tooth extractions, dental crowns, and TMJ treatments are just a few examples of emergency services that we offer. No matter what our recommendations are, we’ll always take the time to explain why certain procedures are necessary. We’ll also give you the relevant cost information up front so that you can start planning ahead.
Most of the time, your dental insurance provider will have some form of coverage for dental emergencies. This might include playing for a single emergency examination each year as well as paying between 50% and 80% of the cost of most treatments associated with urgent care. Not every insurance plan is the same, though, so talk to your insurance provider before beginning treatment. We can get in touch with them directly for you to clarify the kind of coverage that you’re eligible for.
Accepting dental insurance is not the only way that we help families fit emergency dental care into their budgets. CareCredit financing lets you pay in a series of monthly payments with little to no interest. The payment schedule can be customized depending on your own financial situation. Call us today if you have further questions about paying for emergency dental care.
Some dental emergencies simply cannot be avoided, being the result of a sudden accident. However, there are also a lot of emergencies that can be prevented simply by taking proper care of your mouth. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups all substantially lower your risk of cavities and gum disease, meaning you could end up saving thousands of dental dollars simply by preventing oral health issues from occurring in the first place.
When an emergency does occur, do not waste any time in scheduling an appointment. Damaged and infected teeth never get better on their own, and delaying treatment could make the problem more severe; an issue that could have been solved with a filling could eventually result in an extraction. Treating dental issues while they’re still small isn’t just easier; it’s also much less expensive.
Still curious about emergency dentistry? For any specific concerns, please don’t hesitate to call us and speak to one of our friendly staff members. However, if you have a busy schedule, or you just like doing your own research, we’ve included the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about dental emergencies below. Read on to learn more!
If you’re having an emergency that is potentially life-threatening, you should always go to an urgent care facility for medical attention. These injuries include jaw fractures, deep facial wounds, difficulty breathing, and uncontrollable bleeding. For other dental emergency, like a broken or knocked out tooth, it’s best to visit our office. Emergency rooms can give you medication but you will probably need to visit a dentist for emergency treatment.
While there is absolutely no substitute for proper emergency treatment, there are some steps you can take to provide yourself with temporary relief. There are over the counter pain medications to make yourself more comfortable, and you can use a cold compress to numb pain. However, if you’re in a real bind, used tea packets and crushed garlic have properties that can ease discomfort and sensitivity.
Unfortunately, dental emergencies don't just go away. The pain may stop for a while but the issue will worsen the longer it is left untreated. Getting to the dentist quickly may save your natural tooth and prevent you frm needing more expensive treatment in the future. It is also important to note that some dental infections can be life-threatening. Don't wait for relief. Call us today or book online anytime.
While the pain may come and go, that does not mean the problem went away. The pain may come back even worse than before. Getting to the dentist quickly is critical to treat the cause of your toothache and prevent more damage to your teeth.
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