Emergency Dentistry – Ledgewood, NJ
Prompt, Pain-Relieving Dental Care
Every year, one out of every six Americans will be faced with an intense toothache, broken tooth, or other dental problem that requires immediate care. You might not think these issues could happen to you, but they can. In these circumstances, you should call an emergency dentist, like Dr. Michael McCleaster, right away for the prompt, pain-relieving dental care you need. At McCleaster Family Dental, we work to get emergency patients seen as soon as possible to receive emergency dentistry in our Ledgewood, NJ dental office.
Why Choose McCleaster Family Dental for Emergency Dentistry?
- Same-Day Emergency Dental Appointments
- Compassionate, Experienced Dentist & Team
- Low- to No-Interest Dental Financing Available
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies are usually sudden, alarming, and even scary, especially if you’ve never experienced one before. Thankfully, all you need to do is call McCleaster Family Dental, and our team will let you know how to proceed. Here’s how we’ll handle the situation:
- We’ll find room in our schedule to set up an emergency appointment for you, typically later that same day.
- Over the phone, one of our team members will ask you about your symptoms and give you first-aid guidance on managing them until your visit.
- As soon as you get to our dental office, Dr. McCleaster will perform a detailed visual exam of your mouth and capture X-rays to identify the source of your emergency.
- We will also provide relief for your immediate pain.
- McCleaster will share the findings from his exam with you and recommend one or more treatments aimed at eliminating the problem.
- Our team will walk you through your treatment plan, including cost and timeline estimates.
- Once you’ve agreed on a course of action, we can begin repairing your smile.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
Because there are so many possible types of dental emergencies, it can be difficult to decide whether your problem truly needs urgent treatment. When in doubt, give us a call anyway; you don’t want to take any risks when it comes to your smile’s health. That being said, you should definitely call us if you find yourself with one of the following emergencies:
Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry
Everyone’s oral health needs are different, and no two dental emergencies are exactly the same. As such, we can only put a price on emergency dental care once we’ve had a chance to examine your smile. Our top priority will always be to stop your pain and protect your smile, so rest assured that we will only recommend services that are truly necessary for your care. We will also make sure that you are aware of the available payment options before your treatment begins.
Every Dental Emergency is Different
During your initial emergency visit (which is typically relatively inexpensive), we will examine your mouth to figure out the nature of your emergency and determine what kind of treatment you need. Sometimes it might be as simple as a filling, and in other cases more complex treatments might be needed. Whatever recommendations we give you, we’ll provide you with an estimate so that you have a rough idea of how much you can ultimately expect to pay.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
While dental insurance mainly focuses on preventive care, most plans do offer coverage for emergency treatments. Oftentimes, your insurance carrier will pay for one emergency exam per year, and they may offer 50% to 80% coverage for a majority of the services (such as dental crowns) that are often used for dental emergencies.
Not all dental plans are the same, and factors such as yearly maximums and deductibles can affect how much your insurance company is willing to pay. Make sure that you’re aware of the specifics of your plan before you agree to any sort of dental treatment.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
Our team can file paperwork for a wide variety of dental plans, but if you don’t have insurance, we can still offer you a chance to save money on dental care. We can help you apply for a CareCredit financing plan that breaks up the cost of care into smaller, easier-to-handle payments. CareCredit plans come with little to no interest, so you can pay at a rate that is comfortable for you without having to worry about the strain it’s putting on your budget.
Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money
Many dental emergencies just can’t be avoided, such as getting hit in the face and losing a tooth. That said, most emergencies are the result of tooth decay or oral infection. By taking good care of your mouth – meaning brushing your teeth regularly and visiting our practice for checkups twice a year – you can reduce the chances of needing urgent care and potentially save hundreds of dollars as a result.
If you ever suspect that you have an issue that could turn into a dental emergency, it’s best to have it taken care of right away, even if you’re worried about the cost. Putting off treatment could result in further dental pain and will likely result in a need for more expensive care.
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
Since dental injuries are unpredictable in nature, they aren’t 100% avoidable. With that said, there are several steps you can take to protect your teeth and gums, reducing your chances of experiencing a dental emergency in the process. With this in mind, keep reading to learn a few key precautions we recommend!
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
All too often, patients think routine checkups and cleanings are nothing more than a quick sweep for cavities. In reality, they are so much more! During these visits, Dr. McCleaster conducts a comprehensive exam to catch gum disease, oral cancer, and other dental problems in the initial stages (so they don’t progress to the point where they require same-day emergency care). Plus, the cleaning portion of your appointment is designed to clear away plaque and tartar, helping prevent dental problems from arising.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene At Home
Although everyone’s smile is unique, everyone’s smile benefits from a solid at-home oral hygiene routine. That’s because habits like brushing twice a day and flossing each evening help clear away food particles, plaque, and tartar, all of which have the potential to wreak havoc on your teeth and gums if left alone. Simply put, if you haven’t committed to a good dental care regimen yet, now is the time to start – it benefits your smile and your wallet!
Stick to a Nutritious Diet
Unfortunately, sugary and starchy foods can lead to dental damage (like tooth decay) if eaten in excess. That’s why we strongly recommend enjoying ice cream, potato chips, soda, and the like in moderation. Instead, opt for a well-balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables as well as healthy fats and lean proteins.
Tip: Don’t chew on popcorn kernels, ice cubes, or other hard objects that could break your teeth.
Wear a Mouthguard
Whether you participate in a contact sport like football or you prefer a solo sport like skateboarding, it’s important that you wear a mouthguard. If you don’t, then your teeth won’t be protected from impact from a bad hit, rogue ball, or bad fall. In fact, sports-related accidents are one of the leading causes of dental emergencies! So, if you don’t have a mouthguard, don’t hesitate to come into our office so we can start the process of having a custom one made.
Use Tools to Open Packages, Not Your Teeth
Using your teeth to open a bottle cap is just one example of how you might use them as tools. You might also hold your keys in your mouth when your hands are full or use your teeth to open plastic wrapping when there aren’t scissors close by. In short, habits like these may seem harmless, but they can easily result in a serious dental injury.
Dental Emergency FAQs
Dental emergencies often come unexpectedly, so it’s understandable that you have some unanswered questions. We’re here to help! Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about dental emergencies in Ledgewood. If you don’t see the information that you’ve been looking for below, don’t worry. Give us a call and we’d be happy to help you with your situation and schedule you for an urgent appointment.
Will my toothache go away on its own?
Toothaches don’t usually go away on their own. That’s why it’s best to schedule a checkup with a dentist to ensure that nothing is wrong. There are all sorts of reasons why you could be experiencing discomfort, so it’s important to rule them out with a professional. Doing this can help you to catch underlying problems before they become serious.
How should I sleep with tooth pain?
It can be difficult to get quality sleep when you’re dealing with a toothache. Until you’re able to see your dentist in the morning, keep your head elevated. This will prevent blood from rushing to your head and intensifying your toothache. Additionally, take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed. You should avoid foods that are particularly acidic, cold, or hard before bed. Cold compresses can also help. When morning rolls around, give us a call to schedule an emergency appointment.
Can the emergency room remove a tooth?
Only a licensed dentist can perform a tooth extraction, making it illegal for someone without the proper training and education required to perform, even if you are in the hospital. The emergency room is able to provide antibiotics and pain medication, but this will not address the underlying problem causing your toothache. A tooth extraction may not even be the necessary treatment you need. For instance, root canal therapy may be able to save your tooth while also diminishing your discomfort. For dental emergencies, it is almost always best to see an emergency dentist instead of visiting the ER.
Can I pop a dental abscess on my own?
You should never attempt to pop a dental abscess on your own. You should always get in touch with a dentist, as this is a dental infection and therefore an emergency. Popping the abscess will only expose your mouth to additional bacteria and irritate the area more. Putting off treatment can allow the infection to spread to other areas of the body and become much more serious. If you think you have a dental abscess, give us a call right away to schedule an urgent visit.
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