While you do your best to avoid dental emergencies, anyone can find themselves the victim of a sudden toothache, broken tooth, or other urgent oral health problem. In such a situation, it is important that you seek professional care as soon as possible. Do you know a reliable emergency dentist in Burien whom you can trust with your smile? Saving their number in your phone can spare you from having to search for help when you are most in need. Here are a few traits to look for in an emergency dentist.
Credentials
For most people, it’s best to choose a general dentist for emergency care. They are used to dealing with a wide variety of situations, and they can quickly assess any oral health problem. They know how to get you out of pain quickly, and they can perform most dental procedures without referring you to a specialist. When you are considering a dentist’s credentials, you can look at things like where they attended dental school, reviews from past patients, and the types of services they offer at their office.
Sedation
Pain relief is a high priority in any dental emergency. Pretty much all dentists offer local anesthesia, but it might be wise to choose one who offers sedation as well. This can be particularly important if you harbor a degree of dental anxiety. Nitrous oxide is the mildest sedative that dentists often use, but if you might require a more powerful form of medication, choose a practice that also offers oral conscious sedation.
Location
You don’t want to be too far from your emergency dentist — especially with how traffic in our area can be sometimes! Choosing a practice that is within a reasonable distance of your home or place of work will ensure that you won’t have a long commute when your smile is most in need. Plus, you might decide to make your emergency dentist your regular dentist as well; being close to their office adds convenience to your routine oral healthcare experience.
Financial Considerations
The cost of treating a dental emergency can vary greatly, so it’s important to know what your payment options are. Find out if a dental practice accepts your insurance, and if you choose them to care for you, be sure they always have your updated policy information on-hand. If you don’t have insurance or might need help to pay for the part of your treatment that isn’t covered, it would be wise to go with a practice that offers financing, either through an in-house arrangement or a third party.
Picking out an emergency dentist ahead of time is a smart move! Paying attention to things like credentials, sedation options, location, and financial considerations will help you find a practice that you can rely on when your smile is in distress.
Meet the Practice
Dr. David Thomas is the leader of the team at Seahurst Park Dentistry. He offers compassionate, comfortable, and efficient general and emergency dentistry in Burien. Our practice welcomes insurance. If you would like to know more about how we may be able to serve you, contact us at 206-244-4622.
