A dental emergency is an extremely stressful and scary experience. The good news is that at Heck Family Dentistry of Lawrence, you have two kind, knowledgeable dentists to turn to in the worst-case scenario. Dr. Heck and Dr. Beshore will make time to see you quickly for emergency dentistry in Lawrence, KS, and they’ll use the state-of-the-art technology at their disposal along with their extensive experience to narrow down the root of the problem and provide a successful treatment.
Dental emergencies often leave people feeling alarmed and overwhelmed, which is why it’s so important to know how to handle them beforehand. Should you find yourself with a dental emergency, here’s what you should do:
No one definition properly describes all dental emergencies, but in general, you should take persistent oral pain, noticeable dental damage, and any other symptoms that distract you from daily life or cause you to worry as warning signs that something is wrong. The issue might be due to prolonged dental decay or a sudden accident. You’ll need to follow certain steps to take care of your teeth before it’s time for your appointment. Here are some of the most common dental emergencies we treat.
Some dental emergencies can be dealt with relatively quickly while others require more complex treatments. The cost of your emergency care is going depend largely on your unique circumstances, which is why an estimate is only provided after we have had a chance to examine your mouth in person. Below are a few things to keep in mind when considering the cost of emergency dentistry, including the numerous factors that go into the final price as well as strategies for making treatment affordable.
The initial emergency visit will be relatively inexpensive. We will examine your teeth and gums before putting together a treatment plan to repair the damage and stop your pain as quickly as possible. How much the treatment itself costs is a separate matter; an estimate can only be given once we’ve evaluated the damage and diagnosed the problem. Root canal therapy, tooth extractions, dental crowns, and TMJ treatments are just a few examples of emergency services that we offer. No matter what our recommendations are, we’ll always take the time to explain why certain procedures are necessary. We’ll also give you the relevant cost information up front so that you can start planning ahead.
Most of the time, your dental insurance provider will have some form of coverage for dental emergencies. This might include playing for a single emergency examination each year as well as paying between 50% and 80% of the cost of most treatments associated with urgent care. Not every insurance plan is the same, though, so talk to your insurance provider before beginning treatment. We can get in touch with them directly for you to clarify the kind of coverage that you’re eligible for.
Accepting dental insurance is not the only way that we help families fit emergency dental care into their budgets. CareCredit financing lets you pay in a series of monthly payments with little to no interest. The payment schedule can be customized depending on your own financial situation. Call us today if you have further questions about paying for emergency dental care.
Some dental emergencies simply cannot be avoided, being the result of a sudden accident. However, there are also a lot of emergencies that can be prevented simply by taking proper care of your mouth. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups all substantially lower your risk of cavities and gum disease, meaning you could end up saving thousands of dental dollars simply by preventing oral health issues from occurring in the first place.
When an emergency does occur, do not waste any time in scheduling an appointment. Damaged and infected teeth never get better on their own, and delaying treatment could make the problem more severe; an issue that could have been solved with a filling could eventually result in an extraction. Treating dental issues while they’re still small isn’t just easier; it’s also much less expensive.
Still curious about emergency dentistry? For any specific concerns, please don’t hesitate to call us and speak to one of our friendly staff members. However, if you have a busy schedule, or you just like doing your own research, we’ve included the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about dental emergencies below. Read on to learn more!
If you’re having an emergency that is potentially life-threatening, you should always go to an urgent care facility for medical attention. These injuries include jaw fractures, deep facial wounds, difficulty breathing, and uncontrollable bleeding. However, for any other dental emergency like a broken or knocked out tooth, it’s best to visit our office. Our emergency dentist, Dr. Heck, has the training and technology necessary to repair your smile and get you out of pain, whereas an ER will have limited dental resources. When in doubt, please don’t hesitate to contact our office for assistance.
While there is absolutely no substitute for proper emergency treatment, there are some steps you can take to provide yourself with temporary relief. There are obviously over the counter pain medications to make yourself more comfortable, and you can use a cold compress to numb pain. However, if you’re in a real bind, used tea packets and crushed garlic have properties that can ease discomfort and sensitivity. Remember, as soon as you notice a problem with your smile, contact our office before it gets worse.
Root canal therapy is one of the most important treatments we have to offer because it can effectively save your damaged, decayed, or infected tooth from extraction. If you experience serious trauma, or you have decay that progressed into a toothache, a root canal is our last line of defense before extraction. We can remove the affected tissue while keeping the rest of your tooth intact. Before root canal therapy, the only way to provide patients with relief was to have the tooth extracted.
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