More About Emergency Dentistry

Accidents occur from time to time. While some are minor and can wait for a regularly scheduled appointment with a healthcare professional, others need to be addressed immediately. This goes for accidents involving oral health as well. Instead of going to the ER, though, for a dental emergency you’ll want to visit an emergency dentist.

What Is an Emergency Dentist?

An emergency dentist is an oral healthcare professional that treats patients that need immediate care. Some emergency dentists will see their patients within 24 hours to ensure their ongoing oral health, and to protect their teeth, jaw and gums (Iowa Dental Group does not offer this service).

Reasons for Emergency Dental Care

Just like with any field of dentistry, emergency dental care isn’t just one thing. Instead, emergency dental care can refer to wide variety of procedures to treat a variety of issues. Some of the reasons why patients seek emergency dentists include:

• Cracked Teeth
• Broken Teeth
• Abscessed Teeth
• Loose Teeth
• Severe Tooth Pain
• Knocked Out Teeth

For a variety of different emergency procedures, time is of the essence. That’s why it’s important to contact an emergency dentist as soon as an issue occurs—even if it’s in the evening or on a weekend. Many emergency practices are open 24/7, and if they don’t have a dentist immediately available, they will do their best to see you within 24 hours. They will also give you instructions to maintain your oral health until you can see an emergency dentist.

Paying for Emergency Dental Care

While emergency dental care is sometimes necessary, it’s generally not cheap. Just like a trip to the ER, emergency dental care requires immediate service—which costs more. If you are concerned about the cost of emergency dentistry, speak with the dental practice about a payment plan. You’ll also want to contact your insurance company to see if the emergency procedure is covered.

Finding an Emergency Dentist

Finding an emergency dentist may seem like a challenge—especially in the moment when an emergency occurs. In reality, it’s often easier than it seems. One of the first places you may want to consider checking is the website of your dental insurance company (if you have dental insurance). This website will likely provide you with a list of in-network dentists that you can consider—some of which that may practice emergency dentistry.

You may have a general dentist that provides emergency dental care services, but if you don't your general dentist may at least be able to provide a referral for a dentist that they trust that can help you in an emergency situation.

Finally, you may want to consider searching online for an emergency dentist. With a quick internet search, you’ll easily be able to find a list of emergency dentists in your area (although if you are in a more remote area, you may have to drive a little further). If you are in severe pain, have a damaged tooth or have any other form of dental emergency,
contact an emergency dental care provider immediately.

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