Emergency Dentistry
We’ll Stop Your Pain Quickly
Although you may think it will never happen to you, 1 in 6 Americans faces a dental emergency each year. Whether it’s a toothache or lost filling, you need care right away. When you experience a dental emergency after hours, you may think the only option you have is to wait until our office opens up on Monday morning. However, for our patients of record, we can almost always provide emergency care right away. We strive to see all patients on the day they call.
How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies often occur without any warning, such as from trauma or an injury; however, other problems had previous red flags, like leaving a cavity untreated. No matter the cause, the most important thing you can do is to pick up the phone. Let one of our skilled dental professionals know your concern, and we’ll walk you through any first aid or pain management techniques you can use over the phone. Depending on your specific situation, we’ll create a customized treatment plan to save your smile.
Toothaches
A toothache is never normal. In fact, it often indicates an infection that may require a root canal to treat. While you wait for your appointment, use an over-the-counter pain reliever to help with your discomfort.
Chipped/Broken Tooth
Broken or chipped teeth can often be saved with cosmetic bonding or a dental crown. Unfortunately, severe cases may require extraction. We’ll discuss your options during your appointment. In the meantime, keep your tooth clean and avoid placing pressure on it. Apply a cold compress if you have any swelling.
Knocked-Out Tooth
In some cases, we can save a knocked-out tooth if you act fast. Hold it by the crown and rinse it with water before trying to place it back into the socket. If you aren’t successful, put it in a cup of milk or water.
Lost Filling/Crown
Never try to fix a broken restoration on your own. Instead, keep your tooth clean and don’t chew with it until after we’ve replaced the crown or filling.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
Many dental emergencies can be avoided by taking some precautions and limiting your risk for unnecessary damage, such as:
- Always wear a sportsguard during any athletic activity
- Don’t chew on ice, fingernails, or other hard items
- Wear a protective guard if you suffer from nighttime teeth grinding or clenching
- Brush your teeth two times a day with fluoridated toothpaste and floss at least once each day
- Visit our office every six months for regular checkups and teeth cleanings
Cost of Treating Dental Emergencies
There’s no set amount you can expect to pay because the cost is determined by your specific treatment plan. We’ll provide you with an estimate and discuss your payment options. We will work on your behalf with your insurance to reduce the amount you need to pay. If there’s a remaining balance, we accept several payment options to keep your treatment affordable, including CareCredit.
If you’re not sure your situation constitutes an emergency, please contact our Medina, OH team, and let us help you make the right treatment decision. If you need a same day appointment, don’t wait to call our office.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
If you or a loved one have a dental emergency, do you know what to do? If you’re like many people, you likely have several questions. You don’t want to lose valuable time trying to figure out your next step. Instead, it’s best to calm down and contact our office right away. While you wait for your appointment, here are the answers to a few of the most common questions we hear to help ease your anxieties during this stressful time.
Should I go to the hospital?
When an emergency strikes, your first instinct might be to head to the hospital; however, this may not be the best option. Most emergency rooms can’t treat the underlying dental issue. In fact, the most they can do is prescribe antibiotics or pain relievers. Instead, it’s often best to call your dentist. They can treat the root cause of the problem to stop your pain and restore a healthy smile. If you suspect a broken jaw or have a medical emergency, like a head injury, go to the emergency room first. We’ll be here for you after you’re released.
Can I wait to see my dentist?
No one has time in their day for an unplanned trip to their dentist. You might be tempted to wait to see your emergency dentist until you have more flexibility in your schedule. Although this is a convenient solution, it could lose your tooth.
As with any emergency, time is of the utmost importance, even if you aren’t experiencing any pain. We know your time is valuable, which is why we embrace the latest technologies to reduce the length of time you’re in the dental chair without compromising the quality of your treatment. We offer convenient office hours to make it easy to get in for an appointment the same day.
How much does an emergency visit cost?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a set fee for emergency dentistry because the cost is determined by your specific treatment plan, such as if you need a root canal. We will provide you with an estimate during your consultation and discuss the fees associated with your treatment. A member of our team will explain your payment options, like traditional methods or using third-party financing. You’re given the funds you need to pay for your treatment without worrying about a large bill.
Can I use my dental insurance to pay for my treatment?
Every dental insurance policy differs, but most plans include emergency services to lower the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket. Our office accepts both in-network and out-of-network patients. We will work on your behalf with your insurance carrier to file the necessary forms, so you have one less thing to worry about. A member of our team will explain how your benefits are being used to pay for your treatment and if you owe a remaining balance. We will help you find the solutions you need to rehabilitate your smile without breaking the bank.