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Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them. One minute you’re enjoying eating popcorn and watching a movie, the next, you end up with a cracked tooth from biting down on an unpopped kernel. You’ll have to act fast if you want to save your pearly whites, and the last thing you need is to spend time googling the nearest available dental office. Keep reading to learn a few tips on how to find an emergency dentist when you need one most!
5 Tips for Finding an Emergency Dentist
While a dental emergency can seem unsettling and overwhelming, finding a dentist doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few tips to make this process easier:
- Location: The last thing you’ll want is to drive across town to see your dentist. Try looking for one nearest to you, so you can get treated right away.
- Specialized services: If you have broken dentures or a knocked-out tooth, then you’ll want to find an emergency dentist who can provide the necessary treatment for your situation.
- Experience: Look up the dentist’s educational background (either through Google or on their website) to see their level of experience as well as if they’re members of prominent professional organizations, such as the American Dental Association.
- Reviews: You might check to see reviews about the emergency dentist via Google, that way you can gain some insight into what other patients have experienced from visiting your potential dental professional.
- Insurance: You shouldn’t have to worry about expenses when seeking emergency treatment. However, you’ll want to see if your chosen dentist accepts dental insurance, which can help make your care more affordable.
What If I Can’t Find An Emergency Dentist?
If you aren’t able to find an emergency dentist, then you should head to the closest ER. While they may not have dental professionals on staff, they can at least provide you with antibiotics and a local anesthetic to alleviate any pain, ensuring you aren’t experiencing any other life-threatening complications. You should especially visit your local ER if you have the following conditions:
- Bleeding that has gone longer than 10 minutes
- Dislocated or broken jaw
- Swelling in the mouth that makes it difficult to breathe or swallow
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, you’ll need to act calmly and quickly to preserve your smile. Keep these few tips in mind, and you can be sure to receive the effective treatment you need at a moment’s notice!
About the Author
Dr. Karina Aloian earned her dental doctorate from the Midwestern University of Glendale. She’s also a proud member of several prestigious organizations like the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. She provides a wide variety of advanced and all-inclusive services, including emergency dentistry, tooth-colored fillings, and dental crowns. If you need to schedule an emergency appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call us at 215-677-3904.