Emergency Dentist — Covington, LA
Quick Relief
for Your Aching Grin
If you didn’t know, dental emergencies often occur when you least expect them. That means you’ll need qualified dentists for treatment should you face one. Luckily, you can trust our stellar dental team for emergency dentistry. We at MoreSMILES Dental will quickly and efficiently help your smile recover. That way, you’ll avoid the time, money, and hassle of an ER visit. If you’d like more details, just keep reading or contact our office soon.
Why Choose Us for Emergency Dental Care?
- Same-Day Appointments Available
- Fast & Pain-Relieving Treatment
- Oral Conscious Sedation Available
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
Maybe you’re not sure how urgent oral care works. Well, there’s no need to worry; we’ll gladly guide you through our treatment process. With that said, expect these four things from your emergency dental visit:
- A Same-Day Appointment – Right when you call us, our team will book you for the earliest possible visit. (You may even see us the same day!) While you wait for the appointment, we can also offer first-aid tips over the phone.
- An Emergency Exam – Once you reach our office, you’ll undergo a precise oral exam. This step lets our dentists learn the source and severity of your problem. At the same time, it helps us confirm how to relieve your pain.
- A Review of Findings – Our dentists will share their findings with you after the exam. From there, they’ll suggest possible procedures. We’ll then use your feedback to draft a custom treatment plan suited just for you. (To be clear, we’ll tell you the estimated cost and timeline before you commit.)
- The Care You Need – Naturally, our team will address your grin issue well. They have the proper training and experience to do so. Whether it’s a crown, filling, or root canal you need, your smile will get back on track.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
While dental emergencies come in many forms, some are more common than others. These “typical” urgent oral issues are ones that occur more often. As such, you should visit our office when you suffer one. Our trained dental team can handle standard dental emergencies. With their help, your smile will be as good as new in short order. So, don’t hesitate to call if you have any of the following:
Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry
There isn’t a set price structure for treating dental emergencies because the scope of care can vary greatly. The good news is that we can provide you with an estimate of the cost at your appointment (before we intervene with the necessary restorative care, of course). At this time, we will also review the ins and outs of the financial solutions available, including dental insurance, so your out-of-pocket expenses are kept to a minimum.
Remember, Every Dental Emergency is Different
We mentioned above that there isn’t a flat fee for emergency dentistry. That’s because patients come to our office for same-day care for a wide range of reasons – from a persistent toothache to a completely knocked-out tooth. Even two patients that visit us with the same symptoms might need two different treatments depending on factors like the root of the problem and the extent of the damage. Simply put, when you visit our dental office, we’ll assess the situation and then provide an estimate based on the specific care you need to restore your oral health.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
It’s common for dental insurance providers to cover between 50% and 80% of the cost of essential restorative care. Some plans even include other benefits, like a free emergency exam annually. So, don’t hesitate to read through the fine print to see what is and isn’t covered. If that’s proving to be a bit difficult between the lengthy paperwork and the unfamiliar jargon, don’t worry – our team at MoreSmiles Dental Spa would be more than happy to assist you.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
Roughly 50% of patients don’t have dental insurance. If you’re one of them, you’ll be happy to know that we offer three other financial solutions. The first is our in-office savings plan, which comes with similar benefits but no red tape, like waiting periods. The second is CareCredit, which is a third-party financier that has helped millions of patients over the years. The third is our periodic special offers, and they are designed to help you get the care you desire at a price you can afford.
Care for Your Smile, Save Your Money!
Want to save money? Then prioritize preventive care! That starts with your daily habits, like brushing each morning and evening and extends to flossing consistently. You should also visit us every six months so we can periodically examine your teeth and gums as well as clear away harmful plaque and tartar. If you start to experience abnormal symptoms, like pain when biting down, don’t wait until your next appointment either – come in right away so we can pinpoint and treat the root of the problem.
For our Covington dental team, the goal is to protect your smile from harm but be readily available in case you need us. So, don’t hesitate to reach out if you want to learn more about preventive care or schedule an emergency appointment!
TMJ/TMD Therapy
If you experience headaches, neck pain, ringing in ears, lockjaw or severe jaw joint pain that affects your ability to go about your day-to-day life, visit us for TMJ therapy. TMJ dysfunction is a condition that affects your head/neck muscles’ and jaw joints’ ability to function. This can occur due to an accident, pressure from grinding and clenching your teeth, or even orthodontic issues. We offer several different customized treatment options to help relieve your pain and discomfort.
Learn More About TMJ/TMD Therapy
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
Once you recover from your dental emergency, the last thing you want is to deal with another one. Fortunately, tooth decay, loose restorations, and other common injuries are largely preventable with the right best practices in place. That’s why Drs. Moreau and Doyle recommend taking the following precautions:
Visit Us for a Dental Checkup and Teeth Cleaning Biannually
Your routine visits benefit both your oral and overall health. After all, we screen for oral cancer, tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other warning signs of trouble during the exam. If we do find anything concerning, we can put a plan in place to address it, potentially saving you from a dental emergency in the process.
Note: The cleaning portion of your biannual appointments also helps protect your teeth and gums from harm by removing harmful substances, like plaque and tartar.
Brush and Floss Consistently
Simply put, brushing and flossing your teeth properly and consistently helps control bacteria growth. It also helps keep any existing dental work in pristine condition, ensures your breath stays minty-fresh, and, of course, reduces your risk of common injuries, like a crack in your enamel. So, if you aren’t already, make sure that you are consistently brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash.
Exercise Caution with Hard and Sticky Foods
Although there aren’t any foods you need to completely eliminate from your diet, there are several that can cause considerable damage. For example, hard pretzels can chip or crack a tooth, and taffy can pull a filling out of place. That’s why it’s so important that you exercise caution with snacks like these. It’s also important that you fill your meals with nutrient-dense foods, like fresh fruits and vegetables, to help keep your teeth healthy and your gums infection-free.
Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools
Even if it’s more convenient, you shouldn’t use your teeth to open packages, hold your keys when your hands are full, or remove a bottle cap. You also shouldn’t bite your nails, chew on ice, smoke, or do anything else that could damage your teeth.
Wear a Mouthguard During Sports
If you play sports or like to stay active by running, lifting weights, or skateboarding, you should consult us about having a custom mouthguard made. Although small, this appliance can play a big role in protecting your smile from harm. We also recommend having one made if you grind/clench your teeth. That way, your teeth are protected from premature wear and tear.
Dental Emergency FAQs
Will My Toothache Go Away On Its Own?
In the majority of situations, toothaches don’t go away on their own. Because of this, it is best to schedule a checkup with your dentist to make sure that nothing is wrong. There are a variety of potential causes for a toothache, so it’s important to rule them out with a professional as soon as you can. Doing this can also help to catch underlying issues before they become serious ones.
How Do I Sleep With Tooth Pain?
When you are dealing with a toothache, be sure to keep your head elevated. This helps to prevent blood from rushing to your head and intensifying your toothache. Additionally, you may want to take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed and avoid foods that are particularly acidic, cold, or hard right before bed for improved comfort. A cold compress can also help to numb any discomfort.
Should I Visit the Emergency Room for Dental Emergencies?
Unfortunately, emergency rooms aren’t usually able to effectively address dental emergencies. However, there are a few main exceptions. If you think your jaw may be fractured or dislocated, you should head to the emergency room. The same thing applies to serious cuts or lacerations to the face. In pretty much any other circumstance, it is best to see an emergency dentist first.
What Does Throbbing Tooth Pain Mean?
This is likely a sign of infection or inflammation of the tooth. Cavities in the tooth allow air and bacteria to reach the sensitive areas where the pulp is. This ultimately results in irritation and infection of the pulp nerves, resulting in pain. Throbbing tooth pain can also occur if there is any decay present. Throbbing teeth can also be due to grinding and clenching. If you ever experience throbbing tooth pain, don’t hesitate to bring it up to your dentist so it can be addressed.
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