Emergency Dentist — Powell, OH

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies are often sudden, painful, and alarming, so it’s easy to panic. But we encourage you to keep your cool so you can act quickly and correctly! Fortunately, knowing that you have an experienced dental team in your corner should take some stress out of the situation. Here’s what to do if you find yourself facing a dental emergency:

• Step 1: Call us as soon as you can! We are often able to see emergency patients the same day they call us. We’ll also walk you through how to manage your symptoms until you can reach our office.
• Step 2: See Dr. Eskridge for an exam. Your Powell emergency dentist Dr. Eskridge will see you for an examination right away. Once he’s provided any necessary pain relief and taken a close look at your smile, he’ll review his findings with you and fully explain your treatment options. You’ll work together to create a treatment plan for restoring your oral health.
• Step 3: Get the gentle, professional care you need. Once a treatment plan has been made, we’ll get to work right away to protect your teeth and repair your smile. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying a happy, healthy, and pain-free smile once again!

The Most Common Dental Emergencies

Although you may think it will never happen to you, dental emergencies are common. In fact, one in six Americans faces one each year. Often, they come without any warning, such as from a fall or accident. Other times, they can result from an issue that’s been brewing in your mouth, like an untreated cavity. No matter the cause, Dr. Eskridge can stop your pain and save your smile. In the meantime, here’s what you can do at home while you wait for your appointment.

Understanding the Cost of Dental Emergencies 

There is not a specific amount you can expect to pay for emergency dental care because the cost is determined by your individual needs. We provide you with an estimate during your consultation and discuss your payment options. We’ll work on your behalf with your insurance carrier to file the necessary paperwork to reduce the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket. We accept several forms of payment to cover any remaining balance, like third-party financing with CareCredit.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

Although you can’t fully avoid dental emergencies, there are several things you can do to help reduce your risk of one, such as:

• Brush your teeth twice a day and floss every night.
• Visit your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup.
• Wear an athletic mouthguard if you play sports.
• Don’t use your teeth as tools.
• Don’t chew on inedible objects.
• Don’t bite or chew overly hard foods, like ice.

Dental Emergency FAQ’s 

Let’s be honest, a sudden dental emergency can be quite scary. If you’re like many Americans, you might not know what to do if you’re in this situation. Don’t worry, Dr. Eskridge is here for you. As an emergency dentist, he will create the customized solution you need to restore your smile and stop your pain. He’ll explain what you can expect and address your concerns during your visit. In the meantime, you can find the answers to a few of the most common questions we hear to help you make the best choices for your smile.

How Long Can I Wait to See My Dentist?

No one has time in their day for an unplanned trip to the dentist. As a result, you might be tempted to wait to see your dentist until you have a bit more flexibility in your schedule. Unfortunately, if you don’t see them right away, you might lose your tooth. As with any emergency, time is of the utmost importance. The quicker you see your dentist, the faster the root cause of the problem can be treated to restore a healthy, functional smile.

Should I Go to the Emergency Room?

If you have a dental emergency, your first thought might be to head to your local hospital; however, they aren’t equipped to treat oral health issues. In fact, the most they can do is prescribe antibiotics or pain relievers. They cannot address the underlying problem. It’s always best to visit your dentist, but if you suspect a broken jaw, have a medical emergency, or another injury, go to the emergency room first. Dr. Eskridge will be here for you after you’ve been treated.

Is It better to Have My Tooth Extracted?

Extracting a problematic tooth stops the issue at its source. This might seem like the right choice; however, it creates a new list of complications. Every tooth is essential to your oral health and functions. If you lose even one, you’re now at risk of losing more because your jawbone will deteriorate since it isn’t being stimulated by the root, causing your teeth to move out of alignment. This increases your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. You’ll need to permanently invest in a dental prosthetic to fill the space to stop the complications of missing teeth.

Dr. Eskridge will do everything he can to save your natural tooth from an extraction. He will only recommend removing a tooth when there are no other viable options to save it. If you must have a tooth taken out, he will explain your replacement options to preserve your remaining teeth.

Will My Dental Insurance Pay for an Emergency Visit?

Although every plan differs, most insurance companies will cover the cost of 1 emergency visit per year. They may also pay a portion of the cost of the treatment until you reach your annual limit. We will work on your behalf with your insurance carrier to reduce the amount you need to pay out-of-pocket.