Dental emergencies can occur to anyone, anywhere, and anytime, but they always seem to strike when you are completely unprepared. For instance, while you and a few friends played baseball, the game abruptly changed to bowling, and your teeth became the pins. Or how about the time you bit into a slice of pizza, and it bit back.
Regardless of the circumstances, you are in pain and require immediate help! So what should you do? Simple, call Big Smile Dental at 773-772-8400 for SAME-DAY EMERGENCIES.
How Much Does an Emergency Dentist Visit Cost?
An emergency visit to your dentist presents a considerably more cost-effective alternative to seeking treatment at an Emergency Room, with the added advantage of receiving specialized dental care. On average, the cost of an emergency dental visit typically ranges between $400 and $1500.
We are committed to assisting you even if you are currently without insurance coverage. At Big Smile Dental, we recognize the challenges posed by the absence of insurance, making it difficult to access the necessary care. Therefore, we offer an affordable initial visit starting at just $80. We encourage you to contact us and schedule an appointment to receive the care you need.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency includes uncontrollable bleeding, facial bone trauma, severe pain, and other dental issues. It differs significantly from a medical emergency and necessitates seeing an experienced dentist earlier than usual.
Some of the most common dental emergencies include:
Toothache – Tooth pain that is sudden, severe, and persistent is a cause for concern. Try flossing to ensure nothing is lodged between your teeth if you have a toothache. If something is lodged between the teeth and flossing can’t seem to get it, visit your emergency dentist’s office. Do not try to remove it using any sharp object, as this can cause further injury. Another cause of severe toothache is pulp infection. The dental pulp contains nerves and can cause pain when infected. In any case, visit the emergency dental office if the toothache persists.
Cracked or chipped teeth – Although teeth are incredibly strong, they can get damaged when used frequently to bite down on overly hard objects. This is particularly true for teeth that are affected by tooth decay. Cracked and chipped teeth can also occur due to accidents or contact sports. If your tooth cracks or chips off, try to locate and collect the fragments and preserve them in a cloth saturated with milk or water until the emergency dental team sees you.
Soft tissue damage – A dental emergency can also include an issue that affects the mouth’s soft tissues, such as the gums, tongue, lips, and cheeks. Generally, these types of injuries include punctures, tears, and lacerations. With soft tissue damage, you may want to clean the area with warm water and apply pressure to stop any bleeding till you receive urgent care.
Loose teeth – Any facial impact that causes teeth to become loose or fall out requires emergency dental care. If a tooth is loose, try to keep it in place by gently biting it down. If a tooth has been knocked out, try to locate the missing tooth and handle it only by the crown to avoid damage to the tooth root. Then, place it back in its socket and bite down on it or store it in a glass of milk or water until you meet your dentist.
Missing or loose dental restoration – There are numerous reasons why permanent and temporary dental restorations can become loose or fall out. If this occurs, you may require emergency dental treatment. You may need to bring in the missing restoration to restore a permanent restoration. You may be able to use chapstick, Vaseline, or denture repair adhesive to keep a temporary restoration in place until you see your dentist.
Not all dental issues necessitate that you seek emergency dental care. However, if you experience direct trauma to your mouth, teeth, or gums, or if you are experiencing severe pain, you should contact your dentist immediately. Dental injuries can lead to more serious dental and health complications if not treated immediately.
What Are the Dental Emergency Services Offered?
Each dental emergency is unique. Some issues, such as a chipped or broken tooth, can be resolved in a single dental visit. Other conditions, such as severe toothache caused by extensive decay or gum disease, may necessitate a more complex treatment strategy. Regardless of the circumstances, Big Smile Dental will take steps to alleviate your pain as soon as possible and, if necessary, proceed with further treatment options.
Some of the most common emergency dentistry services include:
Extractions – We want to help you keep all of your natural teeth healthy for life. Unfortunately, this is not always possible. If the tooth is too badly damaged to restore (or you opt to have it removed), tooth extraction can be a fast and comfortable solution. Once your pain is relieved, we can discuss replacement options such as a bridge, denture, or dental implant.
Bonding – Painful, chipped, or cracked teeth can often be repaired with a simple, conservative bonding procedure. This form of cosmetic dentistry could be a temporary or permanent solution.
Medication – An infected tooth can cause excruciating pain and usually needs a root canal treatment to solve the problem. Depending on the circumstances, it may not be possible or practical to perform the procedure immediately, but antibiotics can provide temporary relief until the tooth is treated.
Big Smile Dental has the tools and infrastructure to handle dental emergencies effectively. This allows for accurate diagnosis, timely treatment, and successful management of the dental emergency.
What to Do for a Dental Emergency?
You can minimize pain and sometimes prevent further damage with a few simple first-aid steps. If you experience:
Swelling – Use a cold compress on the affected area.
Pain – Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, according to the prescription. Don’t take too much, or place the pill against your tooth or gums. Clove oil can also be applied topically for fast relief.
Bleeding – Apply gentle pressure to the wound using a bit of sterile gauze. If the bleeding is severe, receive prompt treatment at the hospital ER.
Lost restorations – Denture adhesive or sugar-free gum can temporarily hold a crown or bridge until you receive dental emergency care.
Knocked-out tooth – Rinse your mouth and the tooth gently, being careful not to damage any tissue still attached to the root. Then, place your tooth back in the socket or a container filled with milk, and bring it to the dental practice with you.
When Are We Open?
In any situation, call us as soon as possible. We are open Monday through Friday and a half-day on Saturday for your convenience. Our hours of operation are:
Monday – Thursday: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Friday: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Remember, for same-day appointments, call 773-772-8400 to receive the immediate care you need. We will get you out of pain and give you a reason to smile.
You’ll find that most of our procedures are covered by various dental and medical insurance plans. Our helpful office staff will be happy to assist you in filling out your insurance forms to ensure that you receive proper reimbursement from your insurance carrier.
For your convenience, we offer the following payment options for financing your dental treatment:
5% Pre-Payment Discount
12-month, interest-free Financing Program, available on approved credit
Major Credit Cards
Personal Checks
Cash
Senior Citizens enjoy a 5% courtesy fee reduction for payment in full at the start of treatment.
Our office accepts a variety of different Insurance carriers. Please call our office, and our staff will help determine your dental benefits as estimated by your insurance carrier.
Does Big Smile Dental accept Medicaid?
No
What Is the Follow-up Care After a Dental Emergency?
Once a dental emergency is resolved, it’s essential to continue with proper care to maintain oral health and minimize discomfort. The following guidelines are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how to care for your oral health after a dental emergency.
Pain Management – You may experience some discomfort after the procedure. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can be effective. Always follow the recommended dosages on the package and consult with your pharmacist if you have any concerns or if you are taking other medications.
Oral Hygiene – Continue with your regular brushing and flossing routine, but be gentle around the treated area to avoid disturbing any work done. If brushing the area is too painful initially, rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution (half a teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water) a few times per day.
Food and Drinks – In the initial 24-48 hours after your dental emergency, try to avoid hard, crunchy, or extremely hot or cold foods that could irritate the area. Stick to soft, easy-to-eat foods and ensure you’re staying hydrated. Avoid alcohol, coffee, and smoking, as these can delay healing.
Swelling – Some swelling or bruising is normal after a dental procedure. This can be managed by applying a cold pack to the affected side of your face for 15 minutes at a time, with 15-minute breaks in between.
Medications – If we’ve prescribed any antibiotics or other medications, please ensure you take them as directed to prevent infection and manage pain.
Rest – It’s important to give your body time to recover. Try to rest as much as possible in the 24 hours after your dental emergency.
Follow-Up Appointments – Please ensure you attend any scheduled follow-up appointments. These allow us to check your recovery process, address any complications, and remove sutures if necessary. If you don’t have a follow-up appointment yet, please contact our office to schedule one.
Signs of Complications – While complications are rare, it’s important to be aware of them. Contact our office immediately if you experience excessive or prolonged bleeding, severe pain that isn’t relieved by medication, continued swelling after a few days, an allergic reaction to the medication (like rash, hives, itching), or a fever.
Remember, your health and comfort are our top priority. If you have any questions or concerns about your recovery, please don’t hesitate to contact our office at your earliest convenience. Our team is here to support you through every step of your dental health journey.
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If you’re interested in more information about dental veneers or other dental restorative options, call Big Smile Dental today! Our team is happy to schedule a consultation at a time that works with your schedule.
Don’t delay in scheduling a consultation with any one of our caring and experienced dentists to get the smile you’ve always been wanting or to address any other dental concern. We look forward to meeting you!
