Emergency Dentist Palm Coast

How We Treat Dental Emergencies

• Call Our Office – The moment a dental injury occurs, patients should call our office right away. A member of our team will take down the information and find a time for the person to come in for treatment.
• Complete an Examination – After arriving at our office, one of our dentists will evaluate any digital images as well as perform a visual examination to locate the problem area and determine how best to address the issue.
• Develop a Treatment Plan – Taking all the necessary information and compiling it, we will craft a personalized treatment plan and go over it with the patient.
• Receive Essential Care – The final step is for us to provide essential oral healthcare to improve one’s damaged smile. This may include receiving antibiotics, a dental filling or crown, root canal treatment, or even tooth extraction.
  

The Most Common Dental Emergencies

Below are various emergencies we treat in the office. If you are experiencing any of these please reach out to our office.

Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry

Sometimes, patients are hesitant to ask about the cost. However, it’s an important part of the treatment process! So, if you are interested in learning more about the cost of emergency dentistry in Palm Coast, don’t hesitate to give us a call so a friendly member of our team can help you. You can also read on to learn more on the topic, including the factors that impact the final price.

Every Dental Emergency is Different – Here’s Why

Initially, you might assume that you can find an estimate of the cost online. The reason it’s difficult to get an accurate idea of the price is because there are so many factors that need to be considered, starting with the type of dental injury. The extent of the damage and the restorative care that’s needed will also play a role, which is why we consider all of this information before providing you with a number. From there, we can discuss the financial solutions available, including dental insurance.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?

Fortunately, many dental insurance providers do cover a portion of the cost – whether it’s the emergency exam or the restorative treatment needed. So, you should definitely read through the fine print on your plan if you haven’t already. Our team at Boulder Rock Dental can also help since we’re in-network with several PPO plans, including Aetna, MetLife, and Humana. When you provide us with your membership information, we’ll take a look at your coverage, provide you with an estimate of your out-of-pocket expenses, and handle the paperwork.

Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable

Don’t have dental insurance? Then ask us about the other financial solutions we offer, including:

• Our in-house membership plans – You pay a low, annual fee to join, and you get immediate access to incredible benefits. Plus, there aren’t annual maximums or deductibles either!
• Flexible financing – With third-party financiers like CareCredit, you can space out the cost of your treatment into smaller monthly chunks that fit within your budget.

How Taking Care Of Your Smile Can Save You Money

Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the root of the problem will get. So, if you are dealing with tender gums, pain when biting down, or any other warning signs of trouble, contact us right away to schedule an exam. That way, we can quickly pinpoint the root of the problem and determine the best way to address it.

Of course, taking good care of your teeth at home will also go a long way in protecting your smile from harm (and, in turn, reducing the chances of you needing emergency dental care). That’s why we strongly recommend committing to healthy habits, like brushing your teeth each morning and evening as well as coming to our office every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning.

Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies

Fortunately, many common dental injuries – from loose restorations to knocked-out teeth – are largely preventable. That’s why we encourage patients to prioritize preventive care! More specifically, we recommend:

Schedule a Dental Visit Every Six Months

Your biannual dental visits don’t just ensure we catch cavities in the early stages; they also ensure oral cancer, gum disease, and other serious conditions are detected and treated before they wreak havoc on your oral and overall health. Plus, the cleaning portion of your visit allows us to remove harmful substances, like plaque, before they build up and negatively affect the condition of your teeth and gums. To put it simply, if you want to keep your smile happy and healthy, you shouldn’t wait until you’re in pain to schedule an appointment.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene At Home

Another great way to keep your teeth decay-free and your gums infection-free is by incorporating good oral hygiene habits into your daily routine. That starts with brushing your teeth for two full minutes each morning and evening and extends to flossing every night before you go to bed. Additionally, you should rinse with an ADA-approved mouthwash daily and replace your toothbrush (or toothbrush head) every 3-4 months so you aren’t using frayed, old, and dirty bristles to clean your teeth.

Be Mindful of What You Eat

Remember, what you eat impacts your oral health. That’s why we encourage our patients to fill their plates with nutrient-dense foods, like seasonal vegetables. Simultaneously, it’s important to cut back on snacks with added sugar and avoid extremely crunchy ones, like hard pretzels, entirely.

Tip: Drink lots of water throughout the day! In addition to keeping you hydrated, this will help prevent food particles from collecting on your teeth as well as dry mouth.

Wear a Mouthguard

Do you like lifting weights to stay active? Maybe you prefer riding your bike, running, or rollerblading. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to wear a mouthguard. That way, your teeth are protected from unforeseen impact as well as chronic clenching/grinding. If you don’t have one, or you’re currently using a one-size-fits-all one, schedule an appointment with us so we can have a custom one made for you!

Break Bad Habits

Although biting your nails, chewing on ice cubes, and using your teeth to open things may seem harmless, habits like these dramatically increase your risk of sustaining a serious dental injury. So, it’s important that you break them. The sooner you do, the less likely it is that you’ll need to schedule an emergency appointment at our Palm Coast dental office.