No one plans to have a dental emergency, but accidents do happen! It can be hard when you’re in the thick of it to think clearly enough to get the help you need. The first thing to do is to try to remain calm; a few deep breaths can go a long way. Then, the very next step is to call an emergency dentist. If you don’t know where to start, don’t worry! We’ve put together these 5 questions to ask yourself when seeking help so that you can have peace of mind knowing you’re getting the best care available to you. Keep reading to learn more.
Question #1: Where Are They?
When it comes to dental emergencies, timing plays a major role in treatment options. If a tooth is knocked out, for example, it’s important to be seen within an hour or so or else the tooth itself is no longer viable. That means you’ll want to find someone close by. If you can find someone within 15 minutes from you, that’s a great place to start.
Question #2: What Are Their Hours?
Accidents can happen at any point in time, but depending on their office hours, your dentist may or may not be available to see you. If you have a toothache at dinner, for example, you need to find a dentist who has extended evening hours.
Also, because it’s important to be seen as soon as possible, you’ll need to ask about same-day appointments. Many dentists who provide emergency services also include this kind of availability, but it’s not guaranteed.
Question #3: Do They Take Your Insurance?
Dental insurance plans are not all created equally. While most offer at least some coverage for emergency care, the details will vary. Not all dentists will take all forms of insurance, either. That means it’s important to know whether the dentist you’re going to takes your insurance. If you don’t find out first, you could end up responsible for the entire cost of your treatment!
Question #4: Who Do They Treat?
If you’re a parent and your child is the one with the emergency, you probably need to take them to a different dentist than you would see. Some dentists have extended education and training to handle the unique oral health concerns for certain age groups, like children versus adults. It’s important to know that the dentist will be equipped to properly treat your issue specifically.
Question #5: What Sedation Do They Offer?
Depending on the extent of the damage you’re dealing with, you might want to inquire about what sedation options your dentist provides. Even if your particular situation doesn’t require surgical intervention, if you’re anxious because you’re in severe pain, then sedatives can help keep you calm and comfortable. It’s much more effective to treat patients who are relaxed and still than ones who are tense and miserable!
All of these questions can help you narrow down your search so that when the time comes, you’ll know who to turn to. Now you can handle an otherwise stressful situation with the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’ve made an informed decision that’s best for your oral health needs.
About the Practice
The husband-wife dental team at Bowdental of Evanston offers a wide array of services onsite, including emergency dentistry with same-day appointments. They’ve had comprehensive training and have treated patients of all ages. If you’re in the middle of an emergency, they’re here to help! You can contact us on the website or by calling (847) 512-3786.