It goes without saying that if you have severe oral pain, an injured tooth, or another type of dental emergency, you should have it treated as soon as possible. If you don’t already have a reliable emergency dentist to turn to, you will need to find one right away. Fortunately, there are some tips you can follow to make this process easier. Below is a brief look at steps you can take to locate and choose an emergency dentist when it counts the most.
Begin by Searching for Dentists Near You
Before anything else, you should perform an online search for emergency dentists near you. It’s important to choose a dentist you can get to quickly, so limit your search to practices that are only 20 minutes away or less. Look for dentists who are willing to offer same-day appointments for patients who need urgent dental care. Bear in mind that certain practices may even accept emergency appointments outside of their normal hours.
Check the Dentist’s Credentials and Feedback
Of course, there’s more to choosing the right emergency dentist than simply making sure they’re nearby. By checking the dentist’s bio page on their website, you can learn more about their background and get a feel for their experience and credentials. On top of that, you can read any reviews that the practice has received on Google and Facebook; if they have gotten plenty of positive feedback, you can likely trust them with your oral health needs.
Look Up Nearby Dentists in Your Insurance Provider’s Directory
If you have dental insurance, then it can be worth looking for an emergency dentist who’s in-network with your specific plan. That way, you can keep your out-of-pocket costs for emergency dental care as low as possible. Try checking your dental insurance provider’s online directory for in-network emergency dentists near you. Remember, you can always call the insurance company’s customer service if you need help finding their directory.
Talk to Your Friends and Family
In the event that you’re having trouble finding an emergency dentist on your own, you can try speaking to your friends and loved ones to see if they have any suggestions. Some of them may have suffered from dental emergencies in the past, and they can let you know which dentist they turned to for help.
Once you’ve found a suitable emergency dentist, call them right away to set up an appointment. The sooner you have your dental issue treated by a reliable expert, the sooner you can find relief from your dental pain and protect your grin from further harm.
About the Author
Dr. Sherriff Ali has more than two decades of dental experience. He has earned a Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry, which is something that only 4% of dentists in the United States and Canada have been able to accomplish. His Wesley Chapel practice, Kaizen Family Dentistry, offers same-day and after-hours emergency appointments for patients who are in need of urgent care. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ali, visit his website or call (813) 461-3463.