No one ever expects to experience a dental emergency, but they are common. 1 in 6 Americans will suffer an oral health emergency this year. When the unexpected strikes, you need a dentist in a hurry. Don’t panic! Here’s what you can expect during your appointment.
Emergency Dentist VS Hospital ER
Your first thought might be to head to the closest hospital, but that’s rarely the best idea. Although hospital emergency rooms can treat life-threatening issues, they aren’t equipped to handle dental problems. At most, they can prescribe pain medications or antibiotics, but they can’t treat the underlying problem.
Unless you’re having a medical emergency, it’s better to contact your dentist. They’ll get you into the office quickly to provide the care you need to stop your pain and save your smile.
Dental Examination and Imaging
After arriving at your dentist’s office, they will review any changes to your medical history or medications. Your dentist will perform a visual examination and learn more about your situation. The dental staff will take a digital X-ray of your mouth for your dentist to get a complete picture of your oral health.
Pain Management
Your dentist can give you pain medication to manage your discomfort. If you require any treatment, they may administer a local numbing agent to block any pain.
Treatment Plan
After your examination and reviewing your X-ray, your dentist will explain your treatment plan. Depending on your situation, it may include:
- Dental Splint: A dental splint can be used to stabilize a dislodged or knocked-out tooth.
- Root Canal Therapy: A root canal is performed to treat an infection deep within a tooth.
- Dental Bonding: A composite resin can fix minor issues, like a lost filling, tooth decay, or a chipped tooth.
- Dental Crown: An all-ceramic restoration can be bonded over a tooth to protect it from additional damage. It can be used to fix a broken or decayed tooth quickly.
Review Payment Options
Your dental team will review your payment options to keep your treatment affordable, which may include:
- Traditional Payments: Cash, personal checks, and credit cards can be used to pay for emergency dentistry.
- Dental Insurance: Your dental insurance may cover some of the expenses for your consultation, X-rays, or medically necessary treatments.
- Financing: You can pay any out-of-pocket expenses using a monthly payment plan through a third-party financing company, like CareCredit.
Time is of the utmost importance. Don’t wait to contact your dentist. They’ll provide the compassionate care you need to make a difficult situation easier.
About Dr. Chung Chien Hsia
Dr. Hsia earned his dental degree from the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine and has regularly continued his training to provide up-to-date services, like nitrous oxide sedation and implant dentistry. He is a proud member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and many other professional organizations. Request an appointment through his website or call (214) 617-9134.
