Why Would Someone Need An Emergency Dentist?
Emergencies can strike when we least expect them to, that’s just the nature of emergencies. When dental emergencies happen, it can be confusing to know who you need to contact. Should you contact your regular dentist? An Emergency Room or Urgent Care Center? 911? Depending on the severity of your dental emergency will usually be the determining factor of who you need to call.
If you’ve called your dentist office on a regular day for a regular checkup, you know that the chances of you getting in within the hour (let alone the same day) are slim to none. This can be frustrating when you run into dental emergencies. It is because of this that many people make the assumption to call or visit an emergency room or urgent care center. Unless you are in an accident that has caused more than just dental damage or you have excessive bleeding, you probably won’t need to visit an emergency room. Emergency rooms are not equipped to deal with dental emergencies and cannot perform tooth extractions. So save your time and your money by contacting an emergency dentist near you.
When To Contact Your Emergency Dentist
Emergency dentists are around to help you when an emergency strikes. Here are just some of the reasons that you would want to visit your emergency dentist. This list includes, but it not limited to:
- Knocked Out Teeth
- Loose Tooth
- Chipped, Broken, Or Cracked Teeth
- Tissue Injury & Facial Pain
If you’re still not sure if you are dealing with a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact your local emergency dentist or you can ask yourself this series of questions:
- Are you in severe pain?
- Have you lost any teeth? Are any teeth loose?
- Are you bleeding from the mouth?
- Have you been hit in the mouth or face?
- Is there swelling or knots in your gums?
If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, you will need to see an emergency dentist as soon as possible. Your emergency dentist will also be able to tell you if you require more care from another medical professional.
Will My Emergency Dentist Perform Tooth Extractions?
Since many of us do not have much experience with emergency dentists, we are unsure of what type of dental work they are able to provide for us. One question many people want to know is if they can perform tooth extractions, the answer is yes. Your emergency dentist will be able to perform a wide variety of tooth extractions depending on your needs. Just like a regular dentist can. Tthe tooth extractions your emergency dentist can perform are:
- Common Tooth Extractions
- Surgical Tooth Extractions
- Wisdom Teeth Extractions
What Does An Emergency Dentist Service Cost?
Since dental emergencies strike at any time, it’s important to know how much they can end up costing you. While prices can vary among dentists, common procedures like root canals and having cavities filled generally cost the same across the board.
Root Canals –
When a tooth becomes infected, that infection spreads to the gums and nerves surrounding the tooth. An infected tooth can be one of the most painful things you’ll experience. Emergency root canals do happen and they end costing the patient around $700-$900 for a front tooth, $800 – $850 for a bicuspid, and $1000 – $1200 for a molar.
Tooth Extractions –
If a tooth becomes fractured or infected, it needs to be removed. Emergency non-surgical tooth extractions can cost anywhere from $75 – $300. When anesthesia is required it can cost between $200 – $600.
Dental Crowns –
Though usually not an emergency procedure, depending on the severity of the accident you may need an emergency crown. Porcelain crowns require two visits and cost about $1200 – $1500. Metal Crowns can cost between $1,200 and $1,400 per crown.
Talk to you insurance provider to see what is covered by your insurance in the case of a dental emergency and what is not covered. Even if your insurance covers all potential dental emergency costs it is important to take steps to prevent emergency dental visits from happening. By brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, and visiting your dentist twice a year, you can avoid needing major dental overhauls and hopefully, dental emergencies in the future.
