Dental emergencies, just like any other, always pop up suddenly and only at the worst of times. It can be hard to know what to do when you’re in the middle of one, but for the people of Merrimack, the plan is simple: stop, take a breath, and call Dental Designs of New England.
How We Handle Common Dental Emergencies
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Give us a call. During any dental emergency situation, the first step you should always take is to call our office. We’ll schedule an appointment for you the same day you call whenever possible, ensuring you find fast relief from your oral discomfort.
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Receive an examination and treatment plan. Once you arrive, our team will help make you comfortable. We’ll collect diagnostic images, like digital X-rays, and conduct a thorough physical examination of your mouth. This information will allow us to diagnose the issue at-hand and provide you with a detailed treatment plan. We’ll answer any questions you may have and walk you through a detailed cost estimate of any procedures you require.
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Have your dental emergency treated. As soon as you consent to moving forward with our recommendations, we’ll quickly get to work treating your urgent situation and getting you out of pain. In some cases, we may recommend administering dental sedation before treatment, especially for patients who require more extensive treatment or who are in moderate to severe discomfort.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
Even if you are unsure whether or not your situation is an emergency, just give us a call anyway, and we’ll be happy to let you know what you should do next. However, if you suspect that a bone may be broken, or if someone has been bleeding uncontrollably for 15 minutes, be sure to head straight to your nearest emergency room first!
The 11 Most Common Dental Emergencies
Root Canal Treatment
Painful toothaches and dental sensitivity may mean you need a root canal. This procedure has a bad reputation, but root canals can actually significantly relieve the painful toothache that precedes them. When we need to perform a root canal, you will be completely comfortable throughout the procedure, and most patients feel much better immediately afterward.
Learn More About Root Canals
Oral Surgery
At Dental Designs of New England, we like to provide our patients with absolutely everything they could possibly need under one roof. Should you or a family member require a wisdom tooth extraction or a bone grafting procedure before getting dental implants, Dr. Shetty. Dr. Saxena, and Dr. Braga are more than able to do it themselves. We’ll ensure that you’re always able to work with the same doctor and team that you trust so you can have peace of mind with your dental care.
Learn More About Oral Surgery
Understanding the Cost of Dental Emergencies
There’s no singular cost of treating a dental emergency in Merrimack, this will largely depend on what type of treatment you require and whether you’ll need any follow-up visits. When you come in for your same-day examination, our team will provide you with a cost estimate of your procedure and help you navigate your insurance coverage. We’re in-network with Delta Dental, Delta Dental Premier, and DeltaCare USA PPO plans, and if we’re not in-network, we’re still happy to file insurance claims on your behalf.
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
While there’s no way to completely avoid experiencing a dental emergency, there are several preventive steps you can take to minimize your risk, including:
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Visiting our team every six months for routine checkups and cleanings.
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Maintaining good dental hygiene at home.
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Avoiding excessively sticky or chewy foods.
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Staying hydrated throughout the day with water.
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Wearing a protective nightguard if your grind your teeth or sportsguard if you participate in contact sports.
Dental Emergency FAQs
Dental emergencies can be surprising, especially if you don’t know a lot about them. At Dental Designs of New England, we want all of our patients to have the information they need to stay safe and healthy. That’s why we have included the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about emergency dentistry. Keep reading to satisfy your curiosity!
How do I know if I have a dental emergency?
Dental discomfort is relatively common because all it takes is a small piece of food to irritate your mouth. That’s why you should try flossing and rinsing if you ever feel sudden pain. However, if it persists, you’re probably having a toothache. The easiest way to know if you’re having an emergency is if you’re experiencing pain that takes your focus away from your regular activities. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact our emergency dentist for your next steps.
Can I wait to treat my dental emergency?
Dental emergencies are called emergencies for a reason—they should be treated with a sense of urgency. Unlike other medical conditions that can get better with time, dental problems will only grow worse if left untreated. Dental emergencies specifically can grow even more painful and costly if you prolong a visit to our office. For example, a simple root canal could turn into a tooth extraction because the infection can spread.
Should I visit the ER or the emergency dentist?
It’s always best to visit our office for an emergency because Dr. Shetty and Dr. Braga have all of the treatments you need to get out of pain and back to smiling at the same location. They can treat issues like toothaches, cracked teeth, lost teeth, missing dental crowns, and much more.
However, there are some cases that do require a trip to the emergency room. If you experience a jaw injury, uncontrollable bleeding in the mouth, difficulty breathing, deep facial cuts, or any other potentially life-threatening issues, go to the ER right away for treatment.
When is a root canal necessary?
A toothache is usually caused by poor dental hygiene over time. When a tooth becomes decayed, the sensitive inner portion can get infected, causing serious pain and sensitivity. Thankfully, we can use root canal therapy to remove the infected or damaged tissue without having to completely extract your tooth. After, we will fill your tooth with a biocompatible material to strengthen it, usually followed by a dental crown to protect your smile in the future.
How much does it cost to treat a dental emergency?
Because no two smiles are the same, your dental emergency treatment can range in price. Plus, we have a variety of emergency dentistry services that we may use, which will directly influence your cost. The best way to get a precise estimate is to come into our office. One of our experienced dentists will carefully examine your smile before developing a personalized treatment plan. Our front desk team is always ready to answer any questions you may have about insurance or financing. We are committed to providing high-quality and affordable dental care.