At Hanford Family Dental Center, we understand the stress and pain that can come with experiencing a dental emergency, which is why we always do our best to fit our patients in for an appointment the same day they call. Whether you’re experiencing a severe toothache or accidentally knocked-out a tooth, you can rely on our skilled team of Hanford emergency dentists to work quickly and effectively to ease your discomfort and restore your oral health. Call our office today if you’re in need of urgent dental attention.
It can be difficult to know when something is a dental emergency or a fleeting problem, but in any case, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Below, we’ve listed some of the most common urgent situations we see; however, even if your problem isn’t listed, we recommend giving us a call.
Our team takes pride in offering transparent pricing and dental care, which you can see for yourself by reading our 1,000+ 5-star Google reviews! Before moving forward with any procedures, we’ll make sure that you fully understand the cost of your treatment and your payment options. Until your appointment, you can read on to learn some helpful information on the topic of cost, including whether or not dental insurance usually covers a portion of it.
In short, the cost of your emergency dental visit will depend on several factors, including the type of dental injury, the extent of the damage, and the treatment needed to restore your smile. So, you can see why we can’t provide you with an accurate estimate over the phone. That said, we can provide you with a number after we’ve alleviated any pain you’re experiencing and decided together the best way to proceed. So, you don’t have to worry – we won’t leave you in the dark about something as important as the price.
Wondering if your dental insurance provider will cover a portion of the cost of the restorative care you need? It’s possible! The easiest way to find out is by reviewing the fine print on your plan, checking for waiting periods, annual maximums, and other red tape in the process. If you need any help along the way, don’t hesitate to give your provider a call or let us know! Our team is in-network with most major PPO plans and we welcome out-of-network plans, which makes the process of maximizing your savings significantly easier.
Don’t have dental insurance? That’s okay – we also work with CareCredit, which is a trusted third-party financier. With them, you can choose a payment plan instead of having to pay for the entire cost of your emergency dental care in one lump sum. They have several options to choose from (and many have little-to-no interest attached), so there’s a good chance that you’ll be able to find one that works with your monthly budget.
Remember, the longer you wait to get the dental care you need, the more likely it is that the situation will get worse. That’s why we strongly advise against taking the “wait and see” approach. Instead, call our Hanford emergency dentist when you first notice that something is wrong – whether it’s tender gums or a severe toothache. Outside of that, do your best to avoid anything that could result in dental damage, like smoking, and incorporate good habits into your daily routine, like brushing for two full minutes each morning and evening.
You might think that preventing dental emergencies is impossible. Although it’s certainly true that accidents can happen at a moment’s notice, there are actually several ways you can protect your smile from harm. Here are five examples!
One of the best ways you can prevent dental emergencies is by visiting our Hanford dental office every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning. These routine visits ensure that tooth decay, damaged restorations, gum disease, and other issues are treated ASAP. Plus, they allow us to periodically remove built-up plaque and tartar, which helps your smile stay healthy between visits. So, make sure to prioritize your biannual appointments!
Simply put, your daily habits play a crucial role in keeping your smile healthy. That’s why we strongly recommend brushing twice a day, flossing each night before bed, and rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash consistently: we want your teeth and gums to stay in pristine condition throughout the years! We’re always here to answer questions too, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re not sure which toothpaste to use or how to properly floss.
Patients often only think about how their diet impacts their overall health. The truth is that it impacts your oral health too! For this reason, we encourage our patients to incorporate lots of nutrient-dense foods into their diet, like seasonal fruits and fresh vegetables. At the same time, do your best not to over-indulge on starchy and sugary treats since they increase your risk of tooth decay. Drinking lots of water throughout the day is a good idea too; it helps prevent dry mouth and increases saliva production!
Without even realizing it, you might grind or clench your teeth at night. Since this can quickly lead to dental damage, like a crack in your enamel, it’s important to do what you can to protect your teeth. Wearing a nightguard while you sleep will go a long way, so, if you don’t have one already, reach out so we can have one made!
Important note: You should also wear a mouthguard if you participate in sports, including non-contact ones!
Using your teeth to tear into plastic wrapping or remove a bottle cap might seem convenient, but there’s nothing more inconvenient than a painful, sudden dental injury. So, don’t get into the habit of using your teeth as tools! It’s also important that you make an effort to quit smoking, biting your nails, chewing on ice cubes, or doing anything else that has the potential to damage your smile.
