Our team at Sweet Smiles Family Dentistry & Orthodontics never wants to leave a patient in pain or discomfort, which is why we provide emergency appointments whenever possible. If you have a toothache, something lodged between your teeth, or are dealing with any out-of-the-ordinary symptoms, don’t hesitate to call our team immediately. We’ll provide you with over-the-phone first-aid guidance as well as fast and effective emergency dentistry in our Marana, AZ dental office.
Handling dental emergencies can be difficult, especially when you’re in shock and can’t think clearly. Fortunately, our experienced dental staff as well as Dr. Alison Fitzgerald are here to help you get out of pain quickly, all while minimizing any damage to your smile. We’ve also included some helpful information below on how to handle the most common dental emergencies to relieve some of your discomfort until you get to our dental office.
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The cost of your dental emergency visit will depend on a couple of key factors, including what the issue at-hand is and what treatment option you go with to provide you with lasting relief. Dr. Fitzgerald always takes the time to walk you through your options so you can make the best decision for your smile, and our team is more than happy to assist with any financial questions. We offer an in-house financing plan to make treatment affordable for patients, and we accept dental insurance as well.
When determining the cost of your dental emergency, we must first determine what type of injury has occurred and the best way to approach it. Generally, if you only require antibiotics or another prescribed medication, the cost of your treatment will be lower. However, if you are needing a more complex treatment, like a dental crown or root canal, you will be looking at a higher cost. Until you see us, there is no way of knowing how much you will pay to restore your smile to health.
Most of the time, dental insurance providers agree to cover emergency dental services. How much they cover is based on the type of restorative treatment you need. Some companies will pay at least 50% of the total cost, but you need to contact your insurer to find out the specific details of your plan. We are in-network with numerous popular insurance plants, but we also welcome out-of-network plans.
If you don’t have dental insurance, this doesn’t mean that you will be left completely on your own. We work with CareCredit – a third-party financing company that can split the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments with little to no interest. To learn more about your financial options, talk to one of our friendly team members.
Not all dental emergencies are preventable, but when you implement an excellent oral hygiene routine and eliminate bad habits, like crunching on ice and smoking, you can reduce your probability of experiencing one. You should also keep an eye out for changes in your mouth. Even something minor, like a toothache, can become a much larger issue without treatment. It is possible that smaller dental emergencies can be resolved with less costly solutions if treated right away. Ultimately, by receiving regular preventive care and addressing changes in your mouth immediately, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
It isn’t always possible to prevent all dental emergencies from occurring. However, there are some precautionary measures that you can take to drastically reduce your risk of ending up in your emergency dentist’s treatment chair. Additionally, several unhealthy habits can significantly increase your chances of experiencing severe oral health problems that will require urgent care. To protect your smile in the long run, here are five essential ways to prevent dental emergencies in Marana!
Scheduling regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months is one of the most important ways to keep your teeth strong, healthy, and safe. Not only will Dr. Fitzgerald thoroughly polish your smile to remove any stubborn plaque and tartar, but she’ll also monitor your oral health. During your appointment, she’ll check your teeth, gums, tongue, jaw, and other oral tissues and provide treatment for any developing issues she might find, such as cavities and gum disease, before they can worsen over time. You’ll also receive personalized care to help prevent serious oral health problems from starting altogether.
Aside from your visits to your dentist, you’ll need to keep your teeth clean daily. Make sure to brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent wearing down your enamel. You should also floss at least once daily or after every meal to remove debris, plaque, and bacteria from the areas your toothbrush won’t be able to reach. Rinse with non-alcoholic mouthwash frequently to help preserve healthy gums and keep your breath fresh.
Your diet plays an incredibly essential role in maintaining a strong and healthy smile. While everyone knows that sugar can cause cavities, foods that are packed with carbohydrates and starches can also add fuel to bacteria growth in your mouth. You’ll want to avoid overindulging on sports drinks, energy drinks, and even fruit juices, which are highly acidic and can weaken your enamel dramatically. Try sticking to meals that are loaded with calcium and fiber to strengthen your pearly whites and reduce your risk of tooth decay.
Do you tend to play contact sports where there’s a chance that you can get hit in the face? If so, you may want to ask about wearing athletic mouthguards that can protect your teeth from sudden impacts. Our dental team will be able to assess your oral situation and recommend the best products that can address your specific smile. We can also provide you with custom-made nightguards for bruxism, which are beneficial for patients who tend to grind or clench their teeth in their sleep. With these dental appliances, you won’t have to worry about gradually wearing down and weakening your enamel.
The last thing you’d want is to need emergency dentistry after trying to open a package with your teeth. While this might seem convenient or save you a few seconds, doing so can place you at risk of accidentally chipping, cracking, or breaking your pearly whites. To avoid requiring urgent dental care, you should never use your teeth to open containers (like a bottle or box), bite your fingernails, or even hold grocery bags. Instead, make sure you have scissors, bottle openers, and other handy tools nearby to prevent the temptation to put your smile in danger of a dental emergency.
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