Emergency Dentist — Springfield, MO
Compassionate Dental Care When You Need It Most
A dental emergency can strike at the most inopportune time, causing patients understandable fear and anxiety. Dental emergencies can’t always be avoided, but you can plan ahead and be prepared in the event of unexpected dental damage. Knowing what to do in the case of dental emergencies can significantly improve a patient’s ability to remain calm and seek the dental health care they need. For compassionate dental care when you need it most, contact the team at Olson Family Dental . We’ll do our utmost to provide treatment on the same day you contact us and guide you through first-aid techniques to protect your smile until you arrive at our practice.
Why Choose Olson Family Dental for Emergency Dental Care?
- #1 Experienced & Compassionate Dentist with Advanced Training
- #2 Same-Day Emergency Appointments Available
- #3 Calming Sedation Available for Maximum Comfort
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
There are several first aid techniques that help patients during a dental emergency, but we recommend patients at least try to remember the three ‘C’s:
- Call – No matter what type of dental emergency you’re facing, contact us as soon as you can. We will do our best to accommodate same day emergency visits to our existing patients. Even if you are unsure if you need urgent dental care or if your situation qualifies as a dental emergency, we want to hear from you as quickly as possible. We’ll assess your situation over the phone and guide you through what steps to take next.
- Clean – To prevent infection, gently clean your mouth and any cuts or wounds outside the mouth with warm water. If you’ve lost a tooth or piece of a tooth, clean this with warm water as well. Return a knocked-out tooth to its vacated socket whenever possible, or store it in a container of milk until you reach our practice.
- Cold – Applying an ice pack or cold compress at 20-minute intervals (20 on/20 off) relieves pain, reduces swelling, and aids in slowing blood loss. This is beneficial pain management tool for patients experiencing any level of dental trauma.
When you arrive at our office, we’ll see you right away for an emergency examination, where we’ll strive to learn more about your situation and alleviate any serous pain. From there, we can explain our findings to you and which treatment(s) we recommend moving forward with. We’ll work with you to create a custom treatment plan and get your oral health back on track right away.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
If you’re unsure whether your condition constitutes an emergency, we recommend calling to discuss your situation. We’re happy to make recommendations over the phone, and help you determine what action to take next. Some of the most common dental emergencies we see are:
Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry
If the thought of navigating the cost of your care feels overwhelming, we have good news: we’re here to help prevent that from happening. Once you arrive at our office and we complete a comprehensive oral exam, we can explain your treatment options and provide you with an estimate of the cost. We will also discuss the different financial solutions that are available, including dental insurance. In the meantime, you can read on to learn more.
Every Dental Emergency is Different
Since there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the cost, we can’t provide you with an estimate of the price until your appointment. Once you arrive at our office, we will determine the type of dental injury you’ve sustained, how severe the damage is, and the restorative care that’s needed. Then, we can create your custom treatment plan and discuss the cost in-depth. We’ll also discuss the different ways you can make the price more affordable and answer any questions you have before providing the agreed-upon care.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
In addition to covering between 50% and 80% of the cost of essential restorative care, many dental plans cover the cost of one emergency exam per year. So, if you are uninsured, you should take the time to review your benefits! If you need any help, you can always ask our team at Olson Family Dental for assistance as well since we file with most major insurance providers.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
Another way to make the cost of the care you need more affordable is by signing up for CareCredit. This trusted third-party financier offers convenient payment plans. As a result, you don’t have to stretch your budget trying to pay for the entire thing in one lump sum. Instead, you can break down the total price into smaller, monthly chunks.
Taking Care Of Your Smile Can Save You Money
It’s important to remember that many common dental problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and damaged restorations, are largely preventable. The key is doing what you can to protect your smile from harm, like wearing a mouthguard during sports, brushing your teeth twice a day, limiting your intake of added sugar, and exercising caution with crunchy foods. You also need to come to our office every six months so we can catch any oral health issues that do arise in the early stages.
Reminder: If you suspect that something may be wrong because your gums are bleeding when you floss or you feel a sharp, stabbing pain when you bite down, don’t wait – get in touch with us right away to schedule an appointment with our emergency dentist in Springfield, Dr. Scott Olson.
Schedule Your Emergency Dental Appointment Right Away
Contact Olson Family Dental in Springfield if you’re in need of emergency dentistry or you’re ready to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon. If at any time you are fearful that your life may be at risk during a dental emergency, proceed to your local emergency room right away. We would be happy to help you with any dental health damage once your life is no longer in danger.
Dental Emergency FAQs
Will a toothache go away on its own?
The pain you feel may dissipate over time, but do not assume this means that your toothache is no longer an issue. Instead, it is likely that the opposite is true. When an infection deep within the tooth persists, the nerve tissue can die. You may no longer feel any pain, but your tooth will still be nonviable. This is why you should schedule an appointment with your emergency dentist in Springfield right away. Addressing your symptoms from the start will give you a greater chance of saving the tooth instead of losing it.
Should you put a knocked-out tooth in water?
You should never place a knocked-out tooth in water. Here’s why: the roots of teeth are highly sensitive. If they come into contact with water, the cells can swell and burst, leading to the tooth's death. If this happens, your dentist will be unable to try to reintegrate it with the surrounding tissues. Instead of using water, place your tooth in a container of milk. Its nutrients will keep the tooth alive until you reach our dental office within an hour.
How should I sleep with tooth pain?
Having a toothache when you go to bed can be problematic, but you don’t have to lose sleep if you do the following:
- Elevate your head using several pillows to keep the blood from rushing to this part of your body and causing a throbbing sensation in your mouth.
- Take an OTC pain reliever to reduce discomfort.
- Apply an ice pack to your cheek to promote greater comfort.
- Do not eat anything hard, chewy, or crunchy before bed, as this will place additional pressure on your already painful tooth.
Can I fix dentures that are broken in half?
If your dentures are broken in half, your dentist will likely need to replace them. Using household items like superglue can be dangerous. Not only is it toxic, but it can also cause more harm to your mouth. Also, it is ineffective in moist areas, so it’s unlikely to work.
If you discover that your denture is broken, call our office and schedule an appointment with Dr. Olson. He will review the severity of the break and determine whether a replacement is required.