Emergency Dentist — Daytona Beach, FL

Every Dental Emergency Is Different

Our team will first need to determine the kind of injury that happened and the appropriate method to treat it. If you only require antibiotics or some other prescription, then your treatment may be much lower compared to the need for more complex procedures, such as a dental crown or root canal. While it’s no surprise that your emergency visit is going to cost more overall than a routine exam and cleaning, here are a few factors that can also influence the total price:

• The severity of the emergency (a minor toothache vs. a completely knocked-out tooth)
• Whether you have dental insurance or not (many offer some level of coverage for emergencies)
• The area in which you are receiving care (a small town vs. a large city)

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?

Most dental insurance companies typically offer coverage for emergency dental treatments. The amount that’s paid will depend on the kind of restorative service you need. While many providers cover at least 50% of the overall cost, plans will vary from patient to patient. You’ll need to consult your insurer to work out the details of your policy. Our dental office is glad to work with multiple in-network insurance providers as well as accept out-of-network plans.  

Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable

Don’t have insurance? This doesn’t mean you’ll be left completely on your own. We offer alternative financing options, such as an in-house dental plan that gives you access to discounts on many other services. We also provide monthly financing options like CareCredit and Lending Club, two options that make paying for treatments easier and typically with little to zero interest attached!

Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money

Although not every dental emergency is avoidable, you can effectively reduce your chances of one by practicing proper oral hygiene and avoiding certain poor habits, such as chewing on ice and smoking. You’ll also want to regularly check for any changes in your mouth or signs of developing issues, like a toothache, which can become bigger problems over time. By cleaning your smile often and visiting our team every six months, you can avoid the need for costly restorative or emergency dental treatment in the long run!

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Even if you don’t think there is anything going on with your smile, you shouldn’t be skipping out on regular dental visits. Tooth decay and oral infections can easily develop, and you may not even notice them right away. It’s typically recommended that you see your dentist every six months for regular checkups. This way, your hygienist can clear away plaque and tartar, and your dentist can keep an eye out for issues so they can be treated early on.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Habits at Home

You should be brushing twice and flossing every day. These are both effective ways to remove food debris and plaque that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease over time. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash is also a great step to take.

Be Careful with Your Diet

Your diet plays a very important role when it comes to the health of your smile. If you are constantly indulging in sugary and starchy foods, you are increasing your risk of tooth decay. Try to only consume these items in moderation. Instead, fill your dinner plate with fruits, veggies, and healthy proteins.

Wear a Mouthguard

Playing sports is an excellent way to get the exercise that your body needs to remain healthy. However, you don’t need to end up with a broken or knocked-out tooth in the process. Wearing a mouthguard can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing a dental injury.

Use Tools, Not Teeth to Open Packaging

As convenient as it is to use your teeth to open stubborn packaging, you could easily end up with a cracked or broken tooth. Instead, find some scissors or another tool that can help you complete your tasks safely.

Should I Visit the Emergency Room First for Dental Emergencies?

While this might make sense, most emergency rooms aren’t properly equipped to treat dental emergencies. This is because they typically won’t have a dental professional on staff. That’s why you should always consider going straight to your emergency dentist whenever you’re experiencing an urgent oral health situation. However, if you have a serious laceration to the mouth or face, a fractured jaw, or are having difficulty swallowing and/or breathing, then you should head to your local ER right away for help. They can help alleviate the problem and contact a dentist to provide treatment for you.

Will My Toothache Go Away By Itself?

Your toothache will not go away on its own. If any sensations end up vanishing, this can be a sign that the inner nerves of your teeth are damaged or infected. Therefore, if you’re experiencing a toothache, whether moderate or severe, it’s best to notify our team and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. We’ll be able to examine your oral health and identify the root cause of your situation. Once we determine the problem, your dentist can provide the necessary treatment to address the underlying issue before it can worsen.

What Should I Keep in My Emergency Dentistry Kit?

Although dental emergencies aren’t always avoidable, it’s a good idea to be well-prepared for the unexpected. If you have an emergency dentistry kit, make sure it contains the following items:

• Anti-inflammatory medication (like ibuprofen)
• An ice pack or cold compress
• Cotton balls/gauze pads
• Petroleum jelly
• A topical anesthetic, like Orajel
• Dental floss
• Denture adhesive
• A small sealable container (for teeth or restorations)
• Your dentist’s contact information

What Does Chronic Bad Breath Mean?

Mostly everyone has likely experienced bad breath at some point, especially when waking up in the morning. However, if you notice a pungent smell that lasts a long time even after cleaning your mouth, it may be an indication of an underlying problem that can’t be treated with mouthwash or mints. Common causes of halitosis (or chronic bad breath) include gum disease, cavities, and oral infections. If you can’t get rid of a persistent foul smell in your mouth, be sure to notify our team and schedule an appointment. We can assess your oral health and provide the personalized treatment you need to address any developing issues.