Emergency Dentist – Toledo, OH
Fast Pain Relief & Compassionate Emergency Dental Care
Dental emergencies can’t always be predicted or prevented, but for patients at Dental Group West, they can be planned for. When a dental emergency strikes, our team is here to jump into action to provide fast pain relief and compassionate emergency dental care. In most cases, we’re able to accommodate same day dental appointments for patients in need of urgent treatment. When you call the office during a dental emergency in Toledo, one of our skilled team members will partner with you to assess your situation, complete first aid steps, and ensure your comfort until you reach our office for your emergency appointment.
Why Choose Dental Group West for Emergency Dental Care?
- Same-Day Appointments Available for Emergency Patients
- Team of Talented & Experienced Dentists
- Sedation Dentistry Available for Optimal Comfort
What to Do In a Dental Emergency
During a dental emergency, the first step is to pick up the phone and give our Toledo dental office a call. From there, here’s what you can expect to happen:
- Schedule a same-day appointment: We do everything we can to see emergency patients the same day they call us. Once your appointment has been scheduled, one of our team members will take the time to walk you through specific steps you can take to manage your situation until you can reach our office.
- Get an exam with your Toledo emergency dentist: As soon as you arrive, one of our dentists will see you right away for an emergency exam. They’ll focus primarily on stabilizing your condition, alleviating pain, and gathering more information.
- Review the findings and make a treatment plan: Next, we’ll review our findings with you and fully explain the treatment options we recommend. We will work with you to put together a custom treatment plan that address your dental emergency efficiently and in a way that fits into your budget.
- Get the care you need: Whether you need a filling, a root canal, or something else entirely, our team will get to work right away repairing your smile and eliminating your pain. While we are dedicated to your comfort no matter what treatment you need, we may recommend sedation dentistry for patients who are particularly nervous or uncomfortable.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
Anytime you’re in pain or have damaged dental structures, you should contact our office immediately. It’s always best that we get to work restoring your smile as soon as possible. Even if you’re unsure whether you need urgent dental care, we encourage you to give us a call! Over the phone, we can help you determine if you need to come in right away or not and give you first aid advice. Some of the situations we see most often as dental emergencies include:
Sedation Dentistry Options
To start relieving your pain immediately during an emergency, we can offer dental sedation options. From mild nitrous oxide sedation to more advanced oral conscious and IV sedatives, we can help you maintain complete comfort throughout your time in our office.
Learn More About Sedation Dentistry
Understanding the Cost of Dental Emergencies
When a dental emergency strikes, the last thing you need to be worrying about is a large bill. Many people fear the cost of dentistry, but don’t let your uncertainties prevent you from getting the care you need because time is of the utmost importance. Our office provides same-day care without breaking the bank. We offer several options to keep your treatment affordable, so nothing stands in your way of rehabilitating your smile.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Emergency Dentistry
There isn’t a set rate for emergency dentistry because the cost is determined by your specific treatment plan and several other factors, including:
- Location of Dental Office: Believe it or not, the location of a dental office can influence their fees for services. Dental practices located in large cities tend to have higher rates for care.
- Dental Insurance: Many dental insurance policies offer 1-2 emergency dental services to lower the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket.
- Type of Restorative Treatment: The type of treatment will impact the cost, such as if you need a simple filling or a more complex procedure, like a root canal.
We will perform a thorough consultation and provide you with an estimate during your visit. We will discuss the fees associated with your treatment and your payment options.
Dental Insurance & Financing Options for Affordable Care
We believe everyone should have access to affordable dental care. We work with many leading insurance carriers to lower the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket. A member of our team will work on your behalf to file the necessary claims and forms, so you have one less thing to worry about. We will explain how your benefits are being used to pay for your treatment.
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
Rest assured, our Toledo dental team will always be here to help if you’re in pain. With that said, we also are here to help prevent knocked-out teeth, loose restorations, and painful toothaches whenever possible. That’s why we’ve dedicated this next section to how you can dramatically reduce your chances of experiencing a dental emergency.
Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months
Simply put, these routine visits are designed to catch dental problems at the earliest possible stage (before you’re in pain) and remove plaque and tartar to prevent others from developing. That’s why it’s so important that you come in twice a year for a visit! If we notice tooth decay, gum disease, a damaged restoration, or the like, we can quickly intervene, saving you from pain and stress in the process.
Brush and Floss Consistently
When you’ve had a hard day or a long night, it’s easy to rationalize skipping your oral hygiene regimen. It’s important that you don’t! Brushing and flossing consistently is key to preventing plaque and tartar buildup and, in turn, dental problems like cavities and gum disease. So, commit to completing your oral hygiene routine each evening, even when you’re tired or already in bed.
Keep Added Sugar to a Minimum
Soda, candy, and other sweet treats may be delicious, but they aren’t good for your teeth. In fact, over-indulging on added sugar is one of the leading causes of persistent, painful toothaches. That’s why we encourage our patients to enjoy desserts in moderation and stick to mostly nutrient-dense foods like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, and plain yogurt.
Wear a Mouthguard During Sports
Even if you participate in a solo sport, like skateboarding, it’s possible for your teeth or gums to get injured by a bad fall. That’s why it’s so important to wear a mouthguard during any physical activity, including surfing, running, and wrestling. If you don’t have one already, then don’t hesitate to reach out to our Toledo dentist so they can make a custom one for you!
Quit Unhealthy Dental Habits
Do you smoke, bite your nails, chew on ice, or use your teeth as tools to open things? If the answer is “yes,” then now is the perfect time to stop. After all, habits like these can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums, dramatically increasing your chances of needing emergency dental care. If you need any advice, you’re welcome to give us a call too! We’d be happy to share what’s helped our patients over the years.
Dental Emergency FAQ’s
Here at Dental Group West, we want to make sure our patients are as informed as possible in the event of a dental emergency. Because these situations can strike at any time and can never be 100% prevented, it’s imperative that you know what to do ahead of time. That’s why we have put together this list of commonly asked questions that we get about emergency dentistry. Keep reading below to learn more. If you have a question that you don’t see answered here, don’t hesitate to contact us and ask.
When Should I Go to the ER Instead of the Dentist?
You should visit the emergency room of your local hospital if your dental emergency is also potentially life-threatening. Some examples of problems like this include:
- Swelling that hinders your ability to breathe
- Deep lacerations
- Jaw fractures
- Jaw dislocations
- Serious infection or abscess
For any other dental emergency that doesn’t also threaten your life or involve a broken jawbone, visit us here at Dental Group West instead.
Should I Wait and See If My Dental Problem Goes Away?
In a perfect world, you would visit us as soon as your dental problem becomes apparent. Unlike some general medical conditions, which often heal themselves over time, dental issues usually worsen the longer you ignore them. This is especially true for those patients with a knocked-out or damaged tooth, as the sooner you come to see us, the higher chance we have of saving your tooth. Additionally, most dental emergencies have some degree of pain associated with them, so you should come in for an appointment as soon as possible so that we can relieve your discomfort.
Will My Insurance Cover Emergency Dental Care?
It’s difficult to estimate just how much coverage you will receive, since every plan is so different. Because of the variety of dental problems that can occur, treatments can vary as well, so there’s a probability that your emergency situation would be at least partially covered by your insurance. For example, if your toothache is the result of a cavity that needs a filling, your insurance will likely cover a significant portion of the procedure.
What If I’m Afraid of Going to the Dentist?
Many patients put off getting emergency care because they have a gripping fear of the dentist. This can be detrimental because, as we mentioned earlier, dental problems don’t go away on their own. In fact, they typically get worse. As a result, you should come in as soon as possible, even if you’re nervous. We offer sedation dentistry to help ease your anxiety and get you to relax enough in the dental chair to get the care you need.