Emergency Dentist – Lincoln, NE
Quick Relief from Dental Discomfort
No one is ever quite prepared to deal with dental emergencies, even though one in six Americans will face one every year. If you find yourself in this situation, you might not know what to do. You may not even be sure if the problem warrants attention from your emergency dentist in Lincoln. However, many dental emergencies are time-sensitive, meaning you should call us at Weber Family Dentistry right away when you have an oral health problem.
How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies come in two types: sudden injury, and infection that develops over time, typically as a result of poor oral hygiene. Dr. Weber is well-equipped to handle both, but here are some basic steps to take before you reach our office.
Toothaches
Gently floss around the area to dislodge any food debris that might be causing your pain. If you still feel discomfort, contact your dentist in Lincoln right away. Chances are you have an infection that requires a root canal, which removes the inner portion of the tooth to keep the infection from spreading.
Chipped/Broken Tooth
Gather up all the pieces of your tooth that you can and rinse them off with warm water. Bring them with you to your appointment. We may be able to repair the tooth, but if the damage is too severe, a tooth extraction might be the best option.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Losing an adult tooth can be traumatic, but there’s still a chance it can be saved, provided to get to our office within the hour. Pick the tooth up by the crown, rinse off any debris, and try to place it back in the socket. If you can’t, hold it in your mouth or a container of milk until your appointment.
Lost Filling/Crown
Your tooth underneath the crown or filling may be sensitive. To remedy this, you can temporarily reattach the restoration by covering the inside of it with dental cement, sugar-free gum, or even toothpaste. Once you’ve dealt with your discomfort, contact our office for a more permanent reattachment.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
While dental emergencies can never be completely prevented, there are some steps you can take to minimize their chances of occurring, such as:
- Brushing and flossing daily to reduce infections like decay and gum disease
- Rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash
- Visiting our office for routine checkups and cleanings
- Wearing a mouthguard during physical activity
- Avoiding chewing on hard items
- Not using your mouth as a tool to open packaging or hold bags
The Cost of Treating Dental Emergencies
Because of the differing treatments that may be necessary, it’s difficult to estimate the cost of your emergency. A toothache, for example, might require a simple round of antibiotics or a complex procedure like a root canal, depending on your individual case. We never want you to have to worry about cost when it comes to treating your dental problems, which is why we accept most major insurance plans and even offer an in-house savings plan for those without insurance.
Emergency Dentistry FAQs
No one ever expects a dental emergency to happen to them, but it’s actually quite common. Unfortunately, if you find yourself in this situation, you may not know what to do. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. We’re here to help you with the prompt care you need to save your smile. While you wait for your appointment, we have the answers to a few of the most common questions we hear to help you make the best decisions for your smile.
Can I wait to see my dentist?
No one has time in their day for an unplanned trip to their dentist. If you break a tooth or another unexpected situation occurs, you might be tempted to wait to see your dentist until you have more time in your day. Although this may seem like the convenient solution, you could lose your tooth. Instead, it’s better to see your dentist as soon as possible to restore a healthy smile.
Should I go to the hospital instead of my dentist?
When you experience a dental emergency, your first instinct might be to head to the hospital. Although that’s where you want to be during a medical emergency, the hospital won’t do you much good if you’re experiencing an oral health issue.
Most hospitals aren’t equipped to treat dental emergencies. As a result, the most they can do is prescribe pain killers or antibiotics. They can’t treat the underlying cause of the problem. It’s best to always see your dentist. If you suspect you have a broken jaw or you have a medical emergency, go to the hospital first. We will be here for you after you’re released.
Is it better to have my tooth extracted?
If you’re tired of a problematic tooth giving you grief, having it extracted may seem like the best solution because it eliminates the issue at the source. While it will treat the problem short-term, it opens the door to a new list of complications.
Every tooth is essential to your oral health and functions. When even one is missing, you have an increased risk of several new complications, like cavities, gum disease, and additional tooth loss. To stop the issues associated with tooth loss, you’ll need to invest in a prosthetic tooth. This can increase your long-term dental costs while also creating quite the hassle.
Instead, it’s always best to save your tooth whenever possible. If there aren’t any other options, we’ll recommend having your tooth extracted, and we will discuss your replacement options, like a dental implant. We will help you find the natural-looking solution you need to complete your smile.
Can I use my dental insurance?
Although every policy differs, most insurance plans cover a portion of emergency care. We will work on your behalf with your insurance carrier to file the necessary claims and forms to lower the amount you need to pay. We also accept a variety of payment options for any remaining balance. We will help you find the solutions you need to treat your emergency without breaking the bank.