Emergency Dentistry – Millersville, MD
Don’t Wait, Call Us for Urgent Dental Care
When a dental emergency occurs, it’s usually for two unique reasons. The first is for a long-term issue that’s causing dental discomfort, such as a bad cavity or an oral infection. The second is oral injuries sustained from a bad fall or sporting injury. The good news is Dr. Tran and her team are able to address both, so there’s no reason to put off your dental emergency if you experience one. Emergencies don’t get better on their own, so don’t wait; call our office to set up a visit!
Why Choose Transcendent Smiles for Emergency Dentistry?
- Oral Conscious Sedation Available
- Trained General Dentist and Periodontist In-House
- Dedicated to Seeing You ASAP
How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies
In most cases, you’ll want to start by giving our office a call directly so we can get you scheduled for an emergency appointment and then seen by one of our dentists. However, if you believe that your emergency is life-threatening, go to the emergency room. As you begin to assess your situation, you may determine that you can improve your condition before you arrive at our office. Below, you can learn how to do so ahead of your visit.
Toothaches
General tooth pain can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen. However, you should also floss in between your aching tooth and the adjacent tooth to remove any potential food debris first. If discomfort persists, you can take a painkiller as well as rinse your mouth out with salt water.
Chipped/Broken Teeth
Locate any pieces of tooth that you can and bring them to the office. We will more than likely need to design a restoration (such as a crown) to restore your tooth, but this depends on the severity of the damage. If facial swelling occurs, apply a cold compress to your face for 10 minutes, then remove for an additional 10 minutes. Repeat for up to one hour.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Do your best to stay calm and locate the tooth. Once found, pick it up by the crown portion only and do not touch the root or any tissue still attached. Gently rinse any dirt or debris from the tooth and place it back into your open socket. If this is not possible, you can keep it preserved in milk, salt water, or saliva for up to one hour for preservation.
Lost Filling / Crown
Most lost fillings will need to be replaced with a new filling outright, but dental crowns may be salvageable. If you still have the crown, you can temporarily reseat it to the damaged tooth using dental cement, denture adhesive, or sugar-free chewing gum if nothing else is available.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
While dental emergencies can be unpredictable, they can still be largely preventable when you practice the right steps. For example, by keeping the following tips in mind, you can avoid a majority of dental emergencies quite easily. They include:
- Brushing twice a day
- Flossing daily
- Visiting a dentist once every six months for an exam and cleaning
- Never using your teeth as a tool
- Avoiding very hard foods that can crack teeth
- Wearing a protective mouthguard if you play sports or suffer from chronic teeth grinding and clenching
Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry
If you’re like many people, you might be hesitant to call your dentist because you’re concerned about a large bill. You don’t have anything to worry about. Don’t let the cost of emergency dentistry in Millersville stop you from getting the care you need. Although every case differs, we offer the affordable solutions you need to save your smile without draining your wallet.
Every Dental Emergency is Different
Believe it or not, emergency dental services are relatively inexpensive. During your visit, we’ll assess the problem to create a personalized plan. We’ll take the time to explain the fees associated with your treatment and your payment options. The type of procedure needed will affect the amount you’ll pay. Common treatments needed to resolve dental emergencies include:
- Root canal therapy
- Extractions
- Dental Crowns
- TMJ treatment
- And more!
We’ll help you understand exactly what you’ll be paying before moving forward with your treatment.
Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money
You can’t always avoid dental issues that require urgent treatment, but there are several things you can do to lessen your risk of one, like visiting your dentist regularly. Besides brushing and flossing at home, the American Dental Association recommends a cleaning and checkup at least twice a year. This allows us to monitor your oral health to detect concerning issues while they are still small to prevent them from turning into a big problem.
If you have a dental issue that needs to be treated, like a cavity or infection, don’t wait to have your procedure. Delaying the treatment will cause it to worsen. Not only will it require a more expensive procedure to treat, but you might also lose your tooth.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
Every dental insurance policy is unique, but many plans have coverage for urgent services, like the consultation with your emergency dentist in Millersville. Depending on your benefits, you may be able to use your insurance to lower the cost of your treatment. After reaching your annual deductible, many plans can pay as much as 80% of the cost until you hit your yearly limit. Our office works with many dental insurance providers to reduce the amount you’ll need to pay. We will help you maximize your benefits and explain how they are being used to pay for your care.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
Besides using your dental insurance, we also accept a variety of payment methods to cover any out-of-pocket expense. We’ll help you find the solutions you need to keep your care affordable, such as:
- Traditional Methods: We accept cash, check, and most major credit cards.
- Third-Party Financing: You are given the funds you need based on your credit’s approval, which you’ll repay using a plan that fits your needs.
If you have any questions about your dental insurance or your payment methods, contact our office today to speak with a member of our team.