5 Things to Consider When Choosing an Emergency Dentist

Dental emergencies can often happen when you least expect them. By the time you find a dentist that can treat your urgent situation, too many minutes may have already passed to preserve your smile. For this reason, you may want to seek a dental professional before an incident has occurred. But what should you consider when deciding on the right emergency dentist for you? Keep reading to learn five things you’ll want to look for to help make this process simpler!

#1: Where Are They Located?

Time will be of the essence when experiencing an urgent dental situation. You won’t want to spend more than an hour trying to locate and reach a dentist to save your pearly whites. That’s why you should find an emergency dentist that can be visited within 20 or 30 minutes from the place you typically schedule checkups. The longer you have to drive to get treatment, the more stressful the situation can be.

#2: What Are Their Hours?

Knowing your dentist’s schedule is essential, as a dental emergency can happen at any time of the day. Be sure to ask if they have availability in the evening as well as on the weekend. This is especially helpful if you have concerns that an urgent situation may occur during hours when most practices won’t be open. If you do find one who can accept patients regularly, then it’ll be one less thing to worry about if an emergency happens.

#3: Which Kinds of Services Do They Provide?

You’ll want to make sure your dentist can provide any necessary procedures once they’ve managed your emergency condition. For instance, if you get a chipped tooth, it would be much easier for you if your dental professional can also provide cosmetic or restorative treatments to repair your smile. This way you won’t need to visit multiple locations to resolve an emergency.

#4: What Ages Do They Treat?

Some emergency dentists may only address oral health issues for certain age groups. If you’re an adult that has a damaged tooth, then you likely won’t be able to get the treatment you need from someone who mainly works on children. Make sure you find an emergency dentist who can treat your specific age group, that way you’ll head in the right direction when an urgent situation arises.

#5: Do They Accept Dental Insurance?

Being able to afford your emergency dental care will be a major factor when choosing the right dentist. Ask if your dental professional accepts dental insurance, which can make the cost of your treatment much more budget-friendly in the long run. You may even consult your insurance provider for a list of dentists who can work with your plan and offer emergency services.

By considering these factors, you’ll be more likely to find a dentist who can address urgent dental situations stress-free. Once you’ve found the right one for you, you’ll feel confident that you’ll get the treatment you need to preserve your dental health!

About the Author

Dr. Henry Lu earned his dental degree from the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine. He also regularly seeks advanced training to expand his expertise and is a member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. He offers multiple comprehensive treatments, including dental crowns, fillings, dental bridges, and emergency dentistry. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call him at 469-998-9822.