Emergency Dentist – Farmington, CT
Fast, Effective Dental Care When You Need It
From painful toothaches that make it difficult to enjoy your favorite foods to accidental injuries that leave you with one or more missing teeth, dental emergencies can be anxiety-inducing. Regardless of what the situation is, priority number one is to get in touch with our team. That way, our emergency dentist in Farmington, Dr. Thomas G. Peters, can provide you with fast, effective dental care when you need it most.
The 11 Most Common Dental Emergencies
How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies
Toothaches
From minor discomfort to severe pain, it is important to acknowledge your toothache, not ignore it. First, use some floss to gently dislodge any food particles or debris that could be the source of the irritation. Next, place a cold compress against the outside of your cheek, which will help reduce puffiness and temporarily numb the area. Otherwise, taking an OTC medication should help take away any soreness you are experiencing until you get to our practice.
Chipped/Broken Tooth
Priority number one is to gently rinse your mouth with some warm water and locate any large pieces of your tooth. Place the fragments into a plastic bag and use a piece of dental wax or sugar-free gum to cover any rough edges.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Time is of the essence when it comes to knocked-out teeth since you need to visit our office within an hour of the incident for the highest likelihood of a successful replant. Step one is to find the tooth, give it a quick rinse with clean water, and contact our team. From there, we can walk you through placing it back into the socket. If the tooth doesn’t gently slide in, then keep it on the inside of your cheek or in a container of your own saliva.
Lost Filling/Crown
Dental restorations are crafted from high-quality, extremely durable materials. However, they are by no means indestructible. If your filling or dental crown falls out, attempt to put it back on your tooth after rinsing it with some water. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and take OTC medication as needed to prevent discomfort.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
While not all dental emergencies are avoidable, the ones stemming from poor dental habits and a lackluster oral hygiene routine certainly are! To keep your teeth and gums in pristine condition, make sure to:
- Brush your teeth twice a day.
- Treat flossing as important as brushing.
- Visit our team every six months for a dental checkup and teeth cleaning.
- Quit poor dental habits, like using your teeth as tools, chewing on ice, and smoking.
- Wear a mouthguard if you play sports or grind your teeth.
Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry
When the unexpected strikes, the last thing you need to be worried about is the cost of emergency dentistry in Farmington. There isn’t any reason to fret. Contrary to what you might have heard, emergency dental care is affordable. Our office offers the solutions you need to rehabilitate your oral health without draining your wallet, so you can get back to focusing on more important matters.
Every Dental Emergency is Different
Every dental emergency is unique. As a result, there isn’t a cookie-cutter treatment plan. We’ll evaluate the situation to create a personalized strategy and provide you with an estimate. We will explain the fees and the steps that are needed. You will know exactly what you’ll be paying for before we get started. Rest assured, you won’t be caught off guard by any unexpected costs. Although every plan differs, common solutions to resolve immediate oral health issues include:
- Root canal therapy
- Tooth extractions
- Dental crowns
- TMJ therapy
- And more!
Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money
You can’t always stop an urgent oral health situation from occurring, but there are several things you can do to lessen your risk of one. The best way to avoid an unplanned trip to your emergency dentist in Farmington starts with taking care of your smile. We recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day for 2 minutes each session. You’ll also want to clean between each tooth every day using high-quality dental floss. Don’t forget to visit our office at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup.
If you develop an oral health problem, like a cavity, don’t wait to have it treated. Prolonging the care that you need will allow the issue to worsen until it requires a more costly and invasive treatment, like a root canal.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
All dental insurance plans are different, but many policies offer coverage for 1 emergency visit per year. You can use your insurance benefits to offset the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket, such as for the consultation or imaging. After reaching your yearly deductible, you can use your annual allowance to pay 50% to 80% of the cost of the treatment. We know insurance can be confusing, but we’re here to help. We will work on your behalf with your insurance company to maximize your annual benefits to keep your care within your budget.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
Besides using your dental insurance, our office offers several solutions to make paying for your treatment affordable, such as:
- Traditional Payments: We accept all forms of traditional payment, including cash, check, and most major credit cards.
- Third-Party Financing: You are given the funds you need based on your credit’s approval. You’ll repay the balance using a flexible plan that accommodates your financial responsibilities.
A member of our team will take the time to discuss your payment options to repair your smile without breaking the bank.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
The last thing anyone ever expects to happen to them is an emergency. Dental emergencies are even less expected, which is why it’s so important to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. If you have questions about an urgent dental issue and you aren’t sure where to turn, feel free to look over our most frequently asked questions below or give us a call right away to speak with one of our team members.
What does throbbing tooth pain mean?
If you notice a throbbing pain or discomfort in your tooth, it’s likely that a dental infection is present and you need professional attention right away. In other cases, your tooth could be cracked and air or bacteria are passing through it. This is because the inner area of the tooth where the pulp is located is very sensitive. Alternatively, tooth decay could be present or you may be experiencing side effects caused by chronic teeth grinding and clenching. The next step you should take is calling our office to set up an appointment and confirm the cause of your dental issue.
Should I go to the emergency room first?
You may think that an emergency room can help you with your dental problem, however this is rarely the case. In fact, most hospitals are either too ill-equipped to handle a dental emergency or it’s illegal for them to do so because a licensed dentist is not available to perform the treatment you need. Instead, they are likely to prescribe you painkillers and meds to treat an infection if they believe one is present. The biggest concern is they won’t be able to treat the root cause of your dental issue in a majority of cases.
How long can I wait to see a dentist?
While no one plans for a dental emergency when it occurs, you should make time to see your dentist as soon as you can. After all, waiting to get seen will only increase the chances of your dental issue worsening. You could even lose the tooth depending on the type of emergency you’re dealing with. We recognize that your time is valuable, which is why we’ll do everything we can to get you seen as soon as possible.
Should I just have my tooth extracted?
When you are in severe dental discomfort, it may be tempting to just have the tooth removed outright. However, an extraction is genuinely considered to be a last resort for our team as there are many other treatments available that can both save your tooth and get you out of discomfort. It’s also the best way to prevent future dental problems down the road as cavities, gum disease, jaw pain, and future tooth loss are a greater risk when you’re missing teeth.
Does dental insurance offer coverage for emergencies?
Dental insurance generally provides coverage for emergency dental exams and visits, but the coverage can vary depending on the type of treatment you need to resolve your dental emergency. For example, dental crowns, fillings, root canal therapy, and tooth extractions can all have their own unique costs that you should confirm with your insurance provider ahead of time.