If you’ve experienced a knocked out tooth, cracked or chipped teeth, severe gum bleeding or any other dental emergency, the sooner you seek treatment, the less damage it will likely cause. Knowing who to call in an emergency situation can give you peace of mind and provide the help you need without delay.
A common misconception is that only the emergency room at a hospital or urgent care facility can treat a dental emergency. While ER doctors can treat some symptoms, such as pain or bleeding, they are not trained to handle dental emergencies and will only temporarily alleviate the discomfort. A qualified emergency dentist can quickly and effectively diagnose your problem, provide treatment, minimize complications and help you restore a healthy smile.
Dental emergencies are largely preventable with twice-daily brushing, daily flossing and regular visits to your dentist. Dental cleanings every six months can also catch problems like cracks and cavities before they become more serious. However, even the best of us can encounter some unexpected dental issues that require urgent attention. When that happens, emergency dentistry services are available to provide prompt and effective care.
What Does Emergency Dentistry Cost?
Urgent dental care costs a bit more than your standard visit to the dentist, but that extra cost is worth it for the convenience of having immediate access to expert care. You’re paying for the dentist’s knowledge, extensive experience and high-quality modern equipment that can ensure you receive the best care when you need it most.
In addition to minimizing pain and preserving your teeth, seeking emergency dental care can also save you money in the long run. For example, dental infections that go untreated can spread to the bone, jaw and bloodstream and lead to systemic illnesses such as heart disease or diabetes. However, if you see your dentist immediately after a dental infection, they can easily cure the problem and avoid further damage.
Similarly, dental restorations such as crowns, bridges and fillings that are damaged can lead to further dental problems if left untreated. For instance, a cracked or broken restoration can leave your tooth exposed to further decay and if the root is compromised, you may need to have it removed altogether.
In many cases, emergency dental care will be covered by your health insurance. However, if you have no insurance, you should look for a dentist who offers payment plans to fit your budget. Alternatively, you can try seeking help from local dental schools or charities that offer low-cost or free dental services. Also, if you are a Medicare beneficiary, most basic procedures like dental fillings and extractions are usually covered at around 80%. Moreover, some Medicare Advantage Plans provide comprehensive coverage for dental emergencies and dentures. If you need an emergency dental service in Torrance visit https://www.thetorrancedentist.net/.