Dental emergencies can happen in the blink of any eye, and they’re often at the most inconvenient times. At Lovell Dental, we are here for you when you need us most. Whether you call our office during normal business hours or our emergency hotline after hours , Dr. Anderson and his team are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Just give us a call and we will do everything we can to see you for a same-day emergency appointment.
With some dental emergencies, the difference between saving and losing a tooth can be as little as 30 minutes. If Dr. Anderson can see you within 30 minutes of when your emergency occurred, there’s a better chance your tooth—and your smile—can be saved from permanent damage. This is particularly true for knocked-out and broken teeth, but other unquestionable dental emergencies include a loose or partially dislodged tooth, a serious toothache, and any type of serious tissue injury affecting the lips, mouth, teeth, or gums. Basically, if you are experiencing damage or pain, you should call us right away! Below, you’ll find information about how to handle some of the most common dental emergencies and how we’re likely to treat them once you reach our office.
The cost of routine preventive and restorative care can often be budgeted for. It’s a bit different for emergency dentistry since accidents can happen at a moment’s notice and require immediate treatment. If you’re worried about the price for that reason, don’t worry – we go above and beyond to provide transparent, upfront pricing. Plus, we’ve dedicated this next section to reviewing important information about the cost!
Although “emergency dentistry” is often used as an umbrella term, it can refer to everything from a persistent toothache to a completely knocked-out tooth. So, naturally, every situation is different. Furthermore, patients who visit us for the same reason may need different treatments. For example, we might be able to save a knocked-out tooth and require a dental bridge to be placed in another. That’s why the initial exam is so important; it allows us to pinpoint both the source of the problem and the severity of the damage.
Although it’s rare for dental insurance providers to cover the entire cost, they’ll likely cover a portion of it. Most often, this looks like a covered emergency exam or 50%-80% of the price of the necessary restorative care. As always, it really depends on your benefits as well as any red tape on your dental plan, like waiting periods and annual maximums. So, if you’re having a hard time understanding the fine print or the unfamiliar jargon, don’t worry – we’re here to help!
Fortunately, dental insurance is just one financial solution we offer. We also are happy to accept flexible financing with CareCredit, which allows you to break down the cost of your treatment into monthly installments. We also offer periodic special offers that can help you reduce your out-of-pocket expenses significantly. In short, if you’re uninsured and concerned about the cost, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Lovell dental team to learn more about the financial solutions available to you.
A section dedicated to the cost wouldn’t be complete without a discussion on preventive care. After all, many dental injuries – including toothaches and loose restorations – can typically be avoided. To help protect your smile (and your wallet!) from harm, make sure to implement a solid oral hygiene routine at home, which starts with brushing twice a day and extends to avoiding unhealthy habits, like chewing on ice cubes. Additionally, you should visit us every six months for a checkup and cleaning, wear a mouthguard while participating in sports, and keep your consumption of added sugar to a minimum.
There is no way to keep your smile completely safe from harm. However, there are some steps you can take to reduce the chances of experiencing one. Continue reading to learn some helpful tips to prevent dental emergencies.
Even if you don’t think there is anything going on with your smile, you shouldn’t be skipping out on regular dental visits. Tooth decay and oral infections can easily develop, and you may not even notice them right away. It’s typically recommended that you see your dentist every six months for regular checkups. This way, your hygienist can clear away plaque and tartar, and your dentist can keep an eye out for issues so they can be treated early on.
You should be brushing twice and flossing every day. These are both effective ways to remove food debris and plaque that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease over time. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash is also a great step to take.
Your diet plays a very important role when it comes to the health of your smile. If you are constantly indulging in sugary and starchy foods, you are increasing your risk of tooth decay. Try to only consume these items in moderation. Instead, fill your dinner plate with fruits, veggies, and healthy proteins.
Playing sports is an excellent way to get the exercise that your body needs to remain healthy. However, you don’t need to end up with a broken or knocked-out tooth in the process. Wearing a mouthguard can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing a dental injury.
As convenient as it is to use your teeth to open stubborn packaging, you could easily end up with a cracked or broken tooth. Instead, find scissors, a bottle opener, or another tooth to help you safely complete your task.
Do you still have a few lingering questions about dental emergencies in Lovell? Whether it’s because you’re experiencing one right now or because you want to be as prepared as possible, we’re here to help! Below, you will find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about handling a dental injury.
Contrary to popular belief, a toothache will not go away on its own. In reality, neglecting to seek treatment when the symptoms first arise, whether it’s slight discomfort or a stabbing pain, will only lead to more dental damage. So, don’t wait – schedule an appointment with your dentist right away. It could mean the difference between a small filling and a root canal!
If you’re experiencing a potentially life-threatening dental emergency, like a fractured jawbone, difficulty breathing, or trouble swallowing, then you should absolutely head to the emergency room. For all other dental injuries, including toothaches, knocked-out teeth, and lost fillings, you should call our dental team right away. We are proud to offer early morning, lunchtime, and afternoon hours throughout the week, giving us the highest chances of being able to restore your beautiful, pain-free smile the very same day.
In short, the answer is yes. Even if your chipped tooth doesn’t hurt, it is vulnerable to further damage. So, you should get in touch with your dentist right away. That way, even if you have to wait a day or two until your appointment, you can have peace of mind knowing it’s on the calendar.
If your dentures accidentally went tumbling to the floor, breaking in half in the process, do your best not to panic. And do NOT use a household item, like superglue, in an attempt to repair them on your own. Instead, call the dentist you got your denture from and ask for a replacement. If you have a spare denture, you can use it in the meantime, but it shouldn’t be a long-term solution.
No, toothpicks are not particularly safe to use. This is because their sharp nature can easily damage your enamel and gum tissue. Furthermore, they can splinter and actually push debris deeper into the gumline. They are even small enough to be a choking hazard, which could be potentially life-threatening. For these reasons, it’s always best to opt for a string of floss.
Preventive Dentistry Restorative Dentistry Dental Implants Cosmetic Dentistry Advanced Technology View All Our Services