Emergency Dentist — Wheaton, IL
Get the Urgent Oral Healthcare You Need Today!
Although you never expect it to happen to you, one in six Americans faces a dental emergency every year. If you or a loved one experiences an unexpected situation involving your teeth, gums, or mouth, it is normal to have plenty of questions. You do not want to waste valuable time trying to find the answers you need during a dental emergency! Your emergency dentist in Wheaton, Dr. Lam has the information you need about common unexpected problems to help save your smile. If you are in pain, don’t hesitate to contact us right away!
Why Choose Dr. Kathy Lam for Emergency Dental Care?
- #1 Same Day Emergency Appointments Available
- #2 Latest Technology Utilized for Faster Pain Relief
- #3 Highly-Trained & Experienced Team
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
When the unexpected strikes, your first instinct may be to head to your local emergency room. Unfortunately, they are not equipped to handle oral health issues. The most they can do is provide pain relief or antibiotics- they may not even be able to pull an infected tooth or place a dental crown! It is always best to first consult your dentist; however, if you have uncontrollable bleeding, suspect a broken jaw, or have another injury that requires prompt care, go to the emergency department first.
Give our office a call as soon as you can. We strive to see emergency patients for same day emergency appointments, and one of our experienced team members will walk you through basic first aid steps over the phone. Once you arrive for your appointment, our team will work quick and efficiently to get you out of pain and back to enjoying a healthy and complete smile once again.
Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry
If you’re interested in learning more about the cost of emergency dentistry, you’re in the right place! While we can’t provide you with an estimate online, we can review some important information on the topic, including if dental insurance providers typically cover a portion of the price. So, read on or give us a call to speak with a friendly, knowledgeable member of our team.
Every Dental Emergency is Different – Here’s Why
While the emergency exam is usually one flat fee, the cost of emergency dentistry is a bit more complex. After all, there are several factors at play, including the extent of the damage and the restorative treatment (or combination of restorative treatments) needed. That’s why we can’t give you an accurate estimate of the price without taking the necessary X-rays and conducting a visual exam.
With all of that said, you don’t have to worry – we will provide you with an estimate of the cost at your visit. We will also discuss the financial solutions available so you don’t stress. Instead, you can focus solely on getting the dental care you need.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
Fortunately, many dental insurance providers cover a portion of the cost. So, if you are insured, take a look at the fine print on your plan! We know that is sometimes easier said than done between the lengthy paperwork and unfamiliar jargon, so don’t hesitate to ask us for help. We’re proud to be in-network with several popular providers, including BlueCross BlueShield, United Healthcare, Aetna Dental, and Cigna Dental.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
Currently uninsured? Good news: that’s not the only financial solution available to our patients! Flexible financing is also available with CareCredit, which is a trusted third-party financier that has helped countless patients over the years. All you need to do is determine your monthly budget and then choose a payment plan that works for you. Within a matter of minutes, you’ll be all signed up, and you won’t need to stress about paying for the entire cost of your treatment in one lump sum.
How Taking Care Of Your Smile Can Save You Money
Patients often forget that dental injuries are often avoidable with the right best practices in place. In other words, if you want to protect your smile and your wallet, you can by prioritizing preventive care. A few examples include wearing a mouthguard during sports, scheduling a dental checkup and cleaning every six months, and breaking bad habits, like smoking.
It’s also crucial that you give us a call when you first notice that something is wrong, whether it’s pain when biting down or a pimple-like bump on your gums. That way, we can provide the care you need sooner rather than later.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies come in a variety of shapes and sizes. While all are alarming, fortunately there are only a few that require immediate attention. Regardless of what type of emergency you’re facing, whether it’s big or small, we will do all that we can to get you into our office as quickly as possible. We’ll get you comfortable and then diagnose the issue to determine the source and extent of the problem. Below you’ll find the top 10 most common dental emergencies we treat.
Dental Emergency FAQs
Should I Go to the Emergency Room for a Dental Emergency?
When the unexpected strikes, your first instinct may be to head to your local emergency room. Unfortunately, they are not equipped to handle oral health issues. While they can pain relief or antibiotics to stabilize your situation, they cannot fully address it. After all, only a trained dentist is allowed to perform treatments like tooth extraction, crown placement, and root canals. It is always best to first consult your dentist; however, if you have uncontrollable bleeding, suspect a broken jaw, or have another injury that requires prompt care, go to the emergency department first.
What Do I Do If I Broke a Tooth?
Whether a weakened tooth cracked or one broke from trauma to your face, you need to see your dentist right away to save your tooth. Rinse your mouth with salt water and avoid placing pressure on the tooth until after it is repaired. Use over-the-counter pain relievers and apply a cold compress to the outside of your face to manage any discomfort.
Can I Fix a Lost Filling or Crown Myself?
Over time, a crown or filling may come loose or fall off. There are over-the-counter kits you can buy to repair them, but this is never a good idea. Your tooth must be properly sterilized before the restoration is put back on it, which you cannot do at home. Not to mention, your tooth may have new damage that caused the restoration to come off in the first place. It is best to contact your dentist right away to have the filling or crown replaced. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth, and if it is sensitive, consider covering it with sugarless gum or orthodontic wax.
Will My Toothache Go Away on Its Own?
Your toothache in Wheaton may go away on its own, but that does not mean the problem has been solved. Your teeth are not able to fight off serious infections or repair the protective shell of enamel. The longer you wait to have your toothache treated, the more likely it is to get worse, more painful, and more expensive to treat. If the pain does suddenly go away on its own, you may be in even more trouble! A tooth that suddenly stops hurting could indicate severe and serious damage to the very nerve of the tooth. When you come in for your appointment, Dr. Lam will pinpoint the problem to provide you with the long-term relief you need while preserving the health of your smile.
Can My Knocked-Out Tooth Be Saved?
In some cases, Dr. Lam can save a knocked-out tooth if you act quickly. Hold the tooth by the crown and rinse it with cool water. Do not use any soaps, scrub it, or dry it. Gently try to reinsert the tooth back into the socket. If you are not successful, place it in a cup of milk or water. You need to reach a dental office within 30-60 minutes for the best chances of saving the tooth.
Call Us Right Away
If you have a dental emergency, do not wait to call your dentist. Contact our office right away for a same-day appointment.
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