When a dental emergency strikes, whether it’s a sudden toothache, a cracked molar, or an injury, time is of the essence. In this situation, finding an emergency dentist quickly can be stressful, but if you have a plan, you can get the care you need ASAP! If you’re struggling to find the right dental expert to handle your emergency, continue reading to get some helpful tips. This will help you make a plan when every minute counts.
Search for Local Emergency Dental Practices
The first step is to look for dental practices in your area that handle emergencies. These could be private offices of oral surgeons or general dentists with same-day appointments. A quick online search for “emergency dentist near me” or “oral surgeon near me” can provide you with a list of nearby options. Try to limit your search to within a 20-minute drive of your home for the best results.
Check Reviews and Credentials
Once you’ve found a potential dental expert with emergency experience, take a moment to check their reviews and credentials. While speed is important, it’s also equally vital to ensure you’re getting quality care.
Look for an oral surgeon or dentist with many positive reviews and then check the bio page of their website to see if they have appropriate certifications or training to handle emergency cases. Search for information like advanced training through residency or whether they have a medical degree on top of their dental credentials.
Check Your Insurance Provider’s Directory
Your dental insurance provider can be another helpful resource when you need help fast. They should have online directories where you can search for in-network oral surgeons and dentists with emergency services.
This not only helps you find care quickly but also ensures you avoid high out-of-pocket costs. If you’re not sure how to find the directory, call your insurance company’s customer service line so they can walk you through it.
Ask Around
If you’re unable to find an emergency dental expert on your own, you might consider asking friends, family, or neighbors for recommendations. While it can be a bit slower than searching the internet, you might be surprised to find that someone you know has had a similar experience and can point you in the right direction. It never hurts to ask!
Dental emergencies often require immediate attention to prevent them from getting worse. Whether it’s a severe toothache, an injury, or sudden swelling, finding a dental expert as soon as possible is the key to minimizing pain and getting the care you need.
About the Author
Dr. Sheng Ji is a talented and highly educated oral surgeon with degrees from the UCSF School of Dentistry and the UT Southwestern School of Medicine. He’s passionate about what he does, treating each patient with care and respect while helping them relieve pain and achieve a better smile. If you’re in need of emergency dentistry, call (916) 961-1902 to schedule a same-day appointment at Sheng Ji, DDS, MD Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. You can also visit our website to explore other services we provide.