6 Tips to Find an Emergency Dentist

No one ever expects a dental emergency to affect them, but it’s quite common. 1 in 6 Americans has a dental emergency annually. If you aren’t prepared for the unexpected, you might find yourself scrambling to find a dentist when every minute matters. Don’t panic. Here’s how to find an emergency dentist in a hurry. 

Steps to Find an Emergency Dentist

As with any emergency, time is of the utmost importance. You don’t want to wait until your semi-annual appointment to have a toothache addressed. Whether you’ve knocked out a tooth, lost a restoration, or have another issue requiring immediate attention, it’s best to find a dentist right away. Although there isn’t any shortage of dental practices, you don’t want to pick the first Google listing. Instead, it’s better to take a few minutes to find the right dentist for you using 6 tips:

1. Ask Friends and Family for Recommendations

Contact your friends or loved ones to ask for recommendations. You’ll have a short list of potential dental offices that might suit your needs.

2. Look at Hours and Location

You don’t want to spend an hour driving to a dentist when you’re in pain. Look for one that’s nearby and offers same-day appointments.

3. Check Education and Qualifications

No one has time for an unplanned trip to their dentist. You don’t want to lose more time by being referred to another location. Review the dentist’s training and qualifications to ensure they can provide the services you need in-house, like root canal therapy or tooth extractions.

4. Look at Payment Options

Your financial situation should never stand in your way of getting the care you need. Check if the dentist accepts your dental insurance to offset your out-of-pocket responsibility. Look for any additional payment options to keep your treatment affordable, like third-party financing. 

5. Read Reviews and Testimonials

Read any online reviews to learn more about the quality of care and the results you can expect. 

6. Contact the Emergency Dentist

After you’ve found a dentist, contact their office and explain the situation. They’ll walk you through first aid over the phone while scheduling you for an appointment.

After addressing any pain and assessing your mouth, they’ll create a personalized treatment plan to rehabilitate your smile. 

Contact an Emergency Dentist

No one is prepared for a dental emergency to interrupt their day, but don’t put off seeing a dentist. Waiting too long can cause a minor issue to turn into a big problem that may require an extraction to resolve. 

Your emergency dentist will help you through the stressful situation. They’ll provide the comfortable, quick care you need so you can get back to more important matters.

About Dr. Travis A. Markel

Dr. Markel earned his dental degree from the University of Texas Health and Science Center and has continued his education in all aspects of dentistry. He has the qualifications and a reputation you can trust to treat complex oral health issues. If you need a dentist quickly, contact our office today for an appointment.