Dental emergencies can be very stressful, however, it can be challenging to know what to do when you are experiencing pain. If you aren’t already established with an emergency dentist, you will want to find one quickly, but what kind of qualities should you look for? Read on to learn more about emergency dentistry and the characteristics you should consider as you are making your choice.
How Do You Find an Emergency Dentist?
If you have an urgent dental issue, you should give a nearby dentist a call right away. Most dentists set aside time for their emergency visits during their normal hours, so you are likely to see them on the same day as your emergency. If the dental office isn’t open, try to give them a call anyway. Their voicemail may offer instructions in case you have an emergency. This could include the phone number of a local emergency dentist who is on-call.
If you can’t find an emergency dentist but have an urgent emergency, head to your local emergency room. They likely won’t have the equipment or medical staff to treat your issue, but they can help with certain things by providing pain relief and infection control methods until you can see a dentist for treatment.
What Should You Look for in an Emergency Dentist?
There are several factors to consider when choosing an emergency dentist:
• Location: When experiencing a dental emergency, you don’t want to travel all the way across town. Ideally, you should see someone within 30 minutes of where you live if possible.
• Same-Day Appointments: It’s always best to have an emergency addressed as soon as possible, so try to schedule with someone who offers same-day emergency visits.
• Dental Insurance: If you have dental insurance, it pays to know which local emergency dentists are in-network or accept your insurance plan. If you don’t have insurance, look for one with other financial options so your treatment will be affordable, like CareCredit financing.
If you have a dental emergency, don’t wait. Give a local dentist a call, even if the time isn’t convenient. You will be all fixed up in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Tariq Shiyah is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for more than 20 years. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, he’d be happy to take a look. He offers same-day appointments for emergency patients. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in St. Johns, visit his website or call (904) 287-0033.