Emergency Care

If you have a dental emergency outside regular office hours, such as on a holiday or the weekend, you need to contact the closest emergency dental clinic or your dentist's after-hours contact number for assistance. These professionals can help you find the appropriate care and arrange for urgent care if necessary. 

If your tooth gets knocked out, it is important that you handle it carefully. You need to avoid touching the root as you rinse the tooth gently with water to remove any dirt or debris. 

Avoid scrubbing it or trying to remove any attached tissue fragments. Try to reinsert the tooth into a socket, making sure it is facing the right way. Place a tooth in a cup of milk or saliva to keep it moist. Seek out immediate dental attention as the faster you receive treatment, the more likely it is that reimplantation can be achieved.

If you develop a severe toothache, it is important to seek out dental assistance as soon as possible. In the interim, you should rinse your mouth out with warm water to keep the area clean and possibly soothe discomfort. In addition, you can also take over-the-counter medicine until you are able to be seen by your dentist. 

While some dental emergencies are unavoidable, practicing proper oral hygiene, wearing protective gear when playing sports, and avoiding chewing on hard objects can help reduce the risk of a dental emergency. In addition, scheduling regular dental check-ups also allows for early detection and management of potential dental issues before they become dental emergencies.

Coverage for emergency dental care will depend on the terms of your insurance policy. It is important to review your policy to understand the full extent of your coverage with regard to dental emergencies. Be sure to verify whether or not you will have to pay out-of-pocket expenses or if there are limitations to your coverage. Many general practices offer emergency appointments and may be able to assist with insurance claims and billing to facilitate urgent care and treatment.