When to See an Emergency Dentist
There are many things that can cause tooth pain, and while most can be treated with over-the-counter medication, sometimes you may need to visit an emergency dentist. These dental professionals are available to help you relieve your pain, treat any infections that may be present, and offer other necessary services. Emergency dentistry isn’t cheap, and it generally costs more than regular treatment. Depending on the situation, you can find ways to minimize costs or discuss payment plans with the office. It is also important to speak with your insurance company ahead of time to make sure that the procedure you require is covered.
Often, patients will call to complain of a dental issue and not have much more information than that they are in pain. This is why many emergency dentists maintain room in their daily schedules for these patients. The dentists will take a history of the patient, review their current medications, and determine the best course of action for their emergency.
One common reason to see an emergency dentist is if you have broken a tooth. The dentist will evaluate the situation, and may perform a root canal or extraction to relieve the pain. They will also provide medication to ease the pain and reduce swelling. This type of care can be expensive, but it can save a tooth and prevent more serious issues.
Some of the other conditions that require emergency dentist treatment include a loose tooth, abscesses, or jaw pain. Whether these problems are caused by gum disease, loss of teeth, or injury, the sooner the problem is treated, the better. The longer a tooth is left untreated, the more likely it is that infection will spread to the surrounding gums or other parts of the mouth.
Another condition that may require emergency dentist scottsdale az is a severe sore on the tongue or cheek. If it is accompanied by a fever, you should seek immediate medical attention. The doctor will probably give you antibiotics to prevent a bacterial infection.
A sore throat can be a sign of an infection in the salivary glands, and it can also cause difficulty breathing. If you have a persistent sore throat, you should visit an emergency dentist to get the right diagnosis and treatment.
Other conditions that may need immediate treatment, but are not considered emergencies, include loose or irritating dentures; painful or dislodged orthodontic wires or appliances; and ill-fitting dental braces. In most cases, a general dentist will be able to correct these issues in an appointment.
Most people who have dental insurance see a dentist regularly for preventive services, such as exams, cleanings and x-rays, which can help detect and treat problems, such as cavities, before they worsen. In addition to a regular routine of brushing and flossing, these visits can include a professional cleaning that removes plaque and tartar buildup, helping reduce gingivitis and the risk of cavities.
When a dental problem does arise, restorative treatment can restore function and appearance to the mouth. Some examples of restorative treatments include fillings, root canals and crowns.
Many people with dental problems seek out aesthetic treatments as well, such as veneers and implants to improve the look of their smiles. Other patients with crooked or missing teeth may choose orthodontic or prosthodontic care to align and straighten their teeth.
Most dental insurance plans have a specific list of covered procedures and a maximum annual amount they will pay for covered services. Typically, the plan has a deductible that you must pay each year before it starts to pay, and the balance of your bill is based on a percentage of the “allowable charge” for the procedure (a number set by the insurance company). The dentist will provide a breakdown of the charges and the insurer’s payment to the practitioner. The dentist then bills the patient for the balance, which will likely include a deductible and coinsurance. For many patients, a combination of dental and medical insurance is the best way to cover the cost of dental care.
