The last thing you’d want to experience is a broken, infected, or knocked-out tooth. However, not every dental emergency can be avoided, and you’ll need to get immediate treatment when a situation like this occurs. Do you have a plan for what to do if you require urgent care for your teeth? If you don’t, here are several important tips on how to find an emergency dentist as quickly as possible to preserve your smile!
Picking the Right Emergency Dentist
Preferably, your emergency dentist should be the same professional you visit for your dental checkups and cleanings every six months. This will provide you the familiarity of who to ask for help when an urgent situation arises. They’ll also have your medical history, dental records, and insurance information available so that you can focus mainly on receiving the necessary care to save your teeth.
If you don’t have a regular dentist you visit biannually, you’ll need to have a plan set in place in case you need emergency treatment. Knowing what to consider in a dental professional can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run. Here’s what you should look for in an emergency dentist:
- Location: You’ll need to get dental treatment within 30 mins to an hour of an urgent incident, so you’ll want to find someone close by.
- Experience: Take a look at the dentist’s background (via Google or on their website) to check their experience and if they’re members of professional groups like the American Dental Association.
- Specialized services: If you have a broken denture or other restoration, be sure to pick an emergency dentist who provides the appropriate treatments to help.
- Insurance: Check if your chosen dental professional accepts dental insurance that can help make your emergency treatment more convenient. You don’t want to worry about the cost of your visit when you require immediate care.
- Reviews: Look at other patients’ reviews about your dentist to see what they said about their experience, that way you have a better idea of what to expect.
What To Do If I Can’t Find an Emergency Dentist
If you aren’t able to find an emergency dentist, then you should consider visiting your local ER instead. This is especially important if you’re experiencing life-threatening conditions, such as a dislocated or broken jaw, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and bleeding that hasn’t stopped in 10 minutes. Though there may not be dentists on staff, the medical professionals can alleviate your discomfort and get you in touch with a dental practice that can provide the treatment you need.
Knowing which emergency dentist to visit before an urgent situation strikes can save you an incredible amount of time and stress. Keep these few tips in mind when choosing one, that way you’re well-prepared for when urgent dental care is needed!
About the Author
Dr. Dean Levy earned his dental degree from the Boston University School of Dental Medicine. He’s also a proud member of several groups like the Massachusetts Dental Society and the American Dental Association. He offers numerous advanced and all-inclusive services, including root canal therapy and tooth extractions. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call 617-350-7474.