While playing a game of basketball with your buddies, things start to get a little rough. In an attempt to rebound the ball, one of them accidentally elbows you in the mouth, knocking out one of your front teeth. You have a limited period, about one hour, when your tooth can be successfully re-implanted by an emergency dentist.
Now is not the time to look up emergency dentists in your area and research their background and practice. Now is not the time to call up various practices to ask questions. These tasks should be done well before a dental emergency occurs. In this post, you’ll learn why you should prepare by choosing your emergency dentist in advance and the things you should look for in an emergency dentist.
Reasons to Find Your Emergency Dentist in Advance
In many emergency situations, time is precious. Every move matters, which is why you should seriously consider making certain decisions ahead of time. By doing the research and choosing your emergency dentist now, you don’t have to waste time when it counts later on. You can simply reach out to them immediately and receive the treatment you need.
Important Things to Look for in an Emergency Dentist
When considering your options for an emergency dentist, you need to ask them these essential questions or do the research on your own. The answers to these questions can help you narrow down to the perfect fit for you and your family.
Does the Emergency Dentist Accept Insurance?
Before you rush to a dentist’s office for treatment, you may want to know ahead of time whether they work with your dental insurance. More specifically, whether they are in-network with your insurance. In most cases, some out-of-pocket costs will come up in treating a dental emergency; however, it’s better than needing to pay for it entirely on your own. Having an in-network emergency dentist may not take away all your dental expenses, but it gives you the peace of mind that you’re going to save as much as possible.
Does the Emergency Dentist Offer Sedation?
Dealing with a dental emergency is stressful enough on its own. If you also struggle with dental visits because of anxiety, the situation can be even more so. To help you calm down and get the care you need, you may want to turn to an emergency dentist who utilizes sedation. After a few minutes of inhaling nitrous oxide, you’re sure to feel warm, comfortable, and more at ease.
In the end, you may not know when or how a dental emergency will happen, but you can be ready for it. Knowing where you will turn for help can take a heavy load of worry off your shoulders and help you be as efficient as possible with your limited time and increase your odds of having a happy ending to your dental emergency.
About the Author
After finishing his dental doctorate at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. David Thomas completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency at the Maricopa Institute of Health Services Hospital in Phoenix. At his practice, Seahurst Park Dentistry, he offers sedation for anxious patients and is in-network with most PPO insurance plans. To learn more about Dr Thomas or to book an emergency appointment, you can contact him through his website or by calling 206-244-4622.
