Have you developed an urgent oral issue, like a severe toothache or a dislodged restoration, but are unsure how to get emergency assistance? In many cases, getting the right help quickly can make all the difference in saving your smile.
But if you don’t already have an emergency dentist, you might feel unsure about how to find someone who can address discomfort or offer the necessary procedures needed to fix the root problem. Continue reading to learn 3 questions you can ask a potential provider to help determine whether they might be able to meet your unique needs!
Question #1: Do They Provide Same-Day Visits?
There are many potential reasons you might require emergency dental care. Whether you’ve sustained an injury that broke or dislodged a tooth or restoration, or developed severe tooth decay that resulted in a painful infection, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
This is because oral issues usually don’t resolve themselves. In fact, the longer the issue remains untreated, the more likely you are to experience additional aches, injuries, decay, or disease. Finding an emergency dentist who reserves time for same-day visits for urgent situations means you won’t have to wait long to be seen. The sooner you contact your provider, the sooner they can schedule a time to see you to identify the issue and provide the necessary services to help alleviate any associated aches.
Question #2: Do They Offer a Complete Menu of Services?
Every oral emergency is unique to you and your circumstances, meaning that the treatment plan must be similarly tailored to meet your individual needs. Some dentists who focus solely on certain services, such as cosmetic dentistry or root canals, may not have the equipment and materials needed to identify the underlying cause of your dental dilemma or the capacity to treat it.
Seeking a provider who offers a wide variety of services, such as tooth-colored fillings, dental crowns, root canals, extractions, replacement teeth, and sedation options, helps ensure they’ll have suitable procedures to treat the problem, whatever it is.
Question #3: Are There Different Payment Options Available?
The last thing you want to have to worry about in the middle of a dental emergency is whether you can afford the services needed to mend your grin. Although dental insurance can often help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for exams and X-rays, there’s no guarantee that your visit will be covered.
Thankfully, many dentists offer different payment options, including flexible payment plans through third-party financers like Cherry and CareCredit. These low- to no-interest packages allow you to divide your total invoice into more manageable installments if your application is approved.
Asking these types of questions can help you find a provider who can address your dental emergency to help safeguard your smile!
Meet the Author
Dr. Steven Sokolik has 10+ years of experience helping families build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, and today, he is a trusted member of the American Dental Association. His compassionate approach is paired with advanced technology to deliver a complete menu of services, including emergency visits and dental sedation, to meet your unique needs under one roof. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (319) 524-1477.