Before You Call: Immediate Pain Management Steps
When you suffer a dental injury, quick action can help manage pain before your emergency dental visit.
Assessing the Dental Injury
First, inspect your mouth gently to determine the injury extent. If you spot a lost filling or a cracked tooth, note the symptoms accurately to inform the dentist later.
Managing Pain and Swelling
Apply a cold compress to the face near the injury site to reduce swelling. If you have over-the-counter pain meds like ibuprofen, consider taking them according to the package instructions. 
When experiencing a dental emergency, do not wait to get treatment. The problem will almost certainly not resolve on its own, and it can only make the dental emergency more painful and more costly.
Home Remedies and Temporary Solutions
- Rinse with salt water to cleanse the injury area and ease discomfort.
- Use dental wax or sugar-free gum to cover sharp tooth edges temporarily.
- If food stuck between teeth adds to the pain, carefully use floss to remove it.
Lastly, avoid placing aspirin directly onto the gums or the painful tooth, as it may burn the gum tissue.
Access to emergency dental care can prevent serious health issues and deliver needed pain relief. Remember, treatments vary based on the emergency. Contact your emergency dentist as described below to explain your situation and get specific advice.
The American Dental Association’s Advice on Emergency Dentistry and Avoiding Tooth Loss
How to Secure an Emergency Dentist Appointment
Call Your Dental Office
If you have an existing dentist that you visit regularly, absolutely call their office first when you have a dental emergency. This is a good idea even if you aren’t in close proximity to your dentist or if it is after hours and your dental office is closed.
Your dentist will have your case history and may be able to possibly assist with getting you dental care.
If you are a patient of record with an existing dentist, they will likely try to work you in the same day to address any issues that you’re experiencing.
Finding Emergency Dental Services
Not everyone goes to the dentist regularly, and most dental offices don’t offer 24×7 emergency dental care. If you don’t have a regular dentist or can’t get in touch with your dentist for dental care, you’ll want to find emergency dental services in your area.
Emergency Dentists Near You
Start by going online and searching for local emergency dental services. Search engines like Google, Bing and DuckDuckGo will be able to provide you listings for emergency dental care in your area. Be sure to ask about dental specials – many dentists offer specials for emergency patients.
This includes looking for dentists who offer 24-hour emergency care or those specifically noted as emergency dentists. You can often find a walk-in dentist or practices that are a dentist open on Sunday or after hours to accommodate unexpected dental issues. Make use of online resources to identify local options and note their contact details.
- Call Immediately: Reach out as soon as you recognize the need for emergency dental care. Explain your situation clearly to secure an emergency appointment.
- Online Options: Some dental services provide secure chat features where you can describe your symptoms to a dentist who can advise if an immediate appointment is necessary.
Emergency Room at Your Local Hospital
Some areas like small towns or rural areas may not have emergency dental offices open 24 x 7. If you find this to be the case when you’re having a dental emergency, go to your nearest emergency room.
ER doctors don’t have the background and training to perform dental procedures. They can however administer medications to keep you comfortable until you can see your dentist. They may also be able to prescribe antibiotics if you happen to be suffering from infected teeth or gums.
There aren’t dentists on staff in most emergency rooms – although they can help with treating infections and keeping you more comfortable
Teledentistry Services
Teledentistry bridges the gap between you and professional care when you face a dental emergency. With virtual care services for urgent oral health, you can connect to an emergency dentist who assesses your situation through video conferencing. They may prescribe medication or recommend the best next steps, ensuring you get timely advice and relief.
For some emergency situations, teledentistry may be an option
What to Do If You Have No Dental Insurance
Lack of a dental insurance plan or being without dental insurance can be stressful during a dental emergency. But there is no need for lack of dental insurance to prevent you from getting the treatment that you need. Consider these steps:
- Inquire about payment options: Clinics often have arrangements for patients without insurance. These can make emergency dental treatment more manageable (more about payment methods towards the end of this article)
- Community Clinics: Seek out community health centers or dental clinics, as they sometimes offer services based on income.
- University Dental Schools: Check for dental schools nearby as they often provide services at a reduced cost, including emergency dental care.
Also note that many dental offices offer financing plans. Our office takes multiple financing plans including Cherry and CareCredit financing. Both financing options allow you to space out your payments for dental services.
Treatment Options for Common Dental Emergencies
When you face a dental emergency, quick and proper care is critical. Here’s what you need to know to address common dental crises effectively.
Dealing with Toothaches and Infections
If you have a toothache, rinse your mouth with warm water and gently use dental floss to remove any trapped food. Should severe tooth pain or a suspected abscess develop, consult an emergency dentist promptly. Antibiotics and pain management are often necessary for infection treatment.
Handling Broken, Chipped, or Knocked-Out Teeth
For a chipped tooth, save any pieces, rinse your mouth and the fragments with warm water. If you suffer a knocked-out tooth, keep it moist, touching only the crown. Visit an emergency dental service as soon as possible, ideally within an hour, to increase chances of saving the tooth.
Root Canals and Tooth Extractions
Root canal therapy treats an infected tooth when the damage extends to the nerve. It involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning the canal, and sealing it. For teeth that are beyond repair, an emergency tooth extraction may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection and alleviate pain.
Emergency Dentist After Care
After you get an emergency dental appointment, proper aftercare is crucial. Follow the aftercare steps provided by your dentist. These steps ensure a speedy recovery and help maintain long-term oral health. Steps typically include the following.
Follow-Up Procedures and Healing
After your emergency appointment, you might need follow-up care to ensure proper healing. This care often includes:
- Pain relief: Follow your dentist’s instructions for taking any prescribed pain medications or over-the-counter options.
- Oral hygiene: Continue regular brushing and flossing, but be gentle around the affected area.
- If you had a wisdom tooth removed, avoid actions that can lead to dry socket, such as smoking or using a straw.
Your dentist might also request an x-ray to monitor the healing process. Always report any unusual or persistent pain to your dentist promptly.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
Many dental emergencies can be prevented from ever occurring with proper dental care and regular visits. Here are some tips to ward off potential dental emergencies.
Long-Term Dental Health Strategies
To avoid future dental emergencies, adopt robust dental health practices:
- Schedule regular check-ups with your dentist twice annually for dental exams and cleanings
- Enhance your routine with daily flossing to prevent gum disease and other oral health issues.
- Consider nutritional choices and their impact on your oral health, reducing sugary foods and beverages to prevent decay.
Protecting Teeth during Physical Activities
Sports and physical activities are a major source of dental emergencies and contact during sporting events can certainly put your teeth at risk. Here’s how to protect them:
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports to shield your teeth from impact.
- If you engage in contact sports, ensure your mouthguard fits well to offer the best protection. For example, many sports mouthguards require molding a mouthguard to your teeth after it has cooled a bit after being boiled. Follow the mouthguard instructions carefully to ensure proper fit.
Navigating Dental Insurance and Payment Options
We touched briefly on dental insurance earlier, but it can be hard to think about dental insurance when you’re in extreme pain.
That’s why it is important to know in advance who your dental insurer is and what your coverage is with respect to dental emergencies. You should have your dental insurance information readily available at all times. Either carry your dental insurance card with you or have the information stored on your phone.
Understanding Your Coverage
Review your dental insurance policy closely to grasp what emergency dental services your plan covers. Most insurance plans categorize emergency care differently from routine visits. Look for terms like “urgent care” or “immediate need” to ensure your situation qualifies for coverage. Check if your insurer requires you to visit in-network dentists or if coverage applies out-of-network. Note deductibles, copays, and coinsurance that you must pay.
Alternative Payment and Financing
If your insurance doesn’t fully cover urgent dental care, consider other payment options. Some dentists offer payment plans, allowing you to spread the cost over a series of payments. Others might offer discounts for immediate payment. You might also find financing options through medical credit cards. These cards often feature introductory periods with no interest, but read terms carefully to avoid high rates down the line.
Remember to ask your dentist’s office staff to help clarify payment and financing options. They can provide insight into insurance negotiations and help find a financial solution best suited for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What steps should I take to secure a same-day appointment for a dental emergency?
First, call your dentist’s office immediately; many have slots for same-day emergencies. If it’s after hours, their voicemail might provide instructions or an emergency contact number.
How do I find a dentist who provides services outside of regular business hours for urgent dental care?
Look for clinics that advertise after-hours care, or you can call an emergency dental service to locate a dentist who can see you outside normal hours.
What qualifies as a dental emergency that would necessitate immediate treatment?
A dental emergency includes severe pain, bleeding, tooth abscess, or injury to your teeth or gums. These situations require prompt attention to prevent serious complications.
Are there specific dental clinics that specialize in emergency treatments, and how can I contact them?
Yes, certain clinics specialize in emergency dental care. You can find them by searching online for emergency dentists in your area or by asking for referrals.
In the case of severe toothache, what options are available for emergency dental services?
You should contact an emergency dentist or your regular dental office immediately. They can advise you on pain relief and next steps until you can be seen.
What is the procedure for handling a dental injury that occurs during the night or on weekends?
For dental injuries occurring at night or during weekends, seek out a local 24-hour emergency dental service or go to a hospital if the injury is severe.
