Sometimes teeth become extremely damaged or fall out altogether, and it takes a skilled emergency dentist in Saginaw to save them. Of course, a dental emergency is no time to be shopping for a new practice, so you should already have an idea of where you want to go in a worst-case scenario. Not all dentists are the same, however; some may or may not be the right fit for your needs in any given situation. That said, these 5 signs could help you determine whether you’ve found the right home to turn to during a dental emergency.
1. Same Day Appointments
In many situations, you can’t afford to wait a week or even a day for an emergency dental treatment. In particular, teeth that have been knocked out need to be replanted in roughly an hour. A good emergency dentist will do everything they can do make time for you during their normal hours regardless of the situation. You can ask your practice about the accommodations they make in cases where urgent care is needed.
2. A Wide Variety of Treatment Options
Will you need to replace your tooth, or does it simply need to be fixed? What kind of treatments and restorations are available? Check the kinds of services the practice offers and think about what your needs during an emergency might be; you can’t always predict the kind of issue you’ll need to deal with, so your emergency dentist should be prepared for any situation.
3. Sedation Options
You’re likely to be extremely anxious during a dental emergency, especially if you already suffered from a fear of dental work. Most practices will offer some type of sedation that will help keep you calm during stressful or lengthy procedures. Ask your dentist in Saginaw about the sedation options they have to ensure a smooth treatment during an emergency.
4. Insurance
The last thing you want to worry about during an emergency is whether you’ll even be able to afford a necessary treatment. If you have a PPO insurance plan or rely on Medicaid, you should confirm that your emergency dentist accepts your particular plan before an actual emergency occurs. And of course, you should consider the rates offered at the practice to make sure that it’s within your budget.
5. Credentials
Where did your dentist earn their degree? How much experience do they have? Have they received any kind of specialty training? Learn as much as you can about their background so you can be confident about the quality of the treatment they provide.
It can be tempting to just accept help from the first dentist you can find whenever you’re suffering from severe dental pain, and that can hinder your judgment. That’s why it’s best to put the extra effort in now to figure out who you should trust with your teeth.
About the Author
Dr. Rupeshwar Renkuntla has been a dentist for nearly two decades. He has always been passionate about the health scieneces and the way oral health can influence the rest of the body. He completed his Bachelor of Dental Surgery in India before moving to the United States, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery. If you need urgent dental care, you can make an appointment at his practice, Saginaw dental, by calling (817) 989-2832. You can also get in touch with him by visiting his website.