Dental emergencies can often feel unsettling or overwhelming, especially if they happen when you least expect them. However, if there’s ever an urgent issue with your pearly whites, you’ll need to seek treatment right away to improve your chances of saving your smile. Since you’ll have to act fast, it’s best to have a plan prepared ahead of time, which should include where you’ll go for dental care. Read on to learn a few tips on how to find an emergency dentist so that you can get the treatment you need at a moment’s notice!
Picking the Right Dentist in an Emergency
The dentist you go to for urgent care should also be the same professional you visit for your regular checkups and cleanings. Not only will you be familiar with them and know who to turn to, but they’ll also have your dental and medical history on hand in case of an emergency. However, if an urgent situation occurs and they aren’t nearby, you’ll have to find another practice to visit. When looking for an emergency dentist, you can save yourself time and stress by considering the following factors:
- Location: You’ll want to get dental treatment within 30 minutes or an hour of an incident, so you’ll want to choose a dentist that’s close by.
- Experience: Look at the dentist’s background (either through Google or their website) to check out their experience and if they’re members of professional organizations like the American Dental Association.
- Reviews: Consider reading up on what other patients have to say about their practice and care.
- Specialized services: If you’re feeling anxious or scared, pick a dentist that offers sedation dentistry. If you have a broken or damaged denture, choose a dentist who can address the specific issue.
- Insurance: The last thing you’ll want to worry about is your dental treatment expenses. Look for an emergency dentist who accepts insurance plans or offers alternative financing options, like CareCredit, to make your payments manageable.
What If You Can’t Find an Emergency Dentist?
If you aren’t able to reach your dentist by phone, you might be able to leave a voicemail that can direct you to a reliable dental practice nearby. You may also schedule an appointment at a later time if your emergency can wait. However, you should head straight to a local ER if you experience any of the following conditions:
- Bleeding that has persisted for longer than 10 minutes
- A broken or dislocated jaw
- Swelling in the mouth that makes it difficult to breathe or swallow
By choosing the right emergency dentist, you can be well-prepared before an urgent situation arrives. Consider these few factors in your search, and you won’t have to worry about how you’ll get the dental care you need when the time comes.
About the Author
Dr. Herbert T. Hudson is a member of several organizations like the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. He graduated from the Louisville School of Dental Medicine and has delivered outstanding care for well over three decades. He offers a wide range of advanced and comprehensive services, including sedation and emergency dentistry. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call 910-295-2750.