Emergencies can strike at any moment, and dental emergencies are no exception. Whether it’s severe tooth pain, a knocked-out tooth, or a dental injury, knowing how to find an emergency dentist quickly can make all the difference in getting the urgent care you need. Read on to find some essential tips for finding an emergency dentist when you need one ASAP.
1. Identify if It’s an Emergency
Dental emergencies can range from sudden severe pain to trauma resulting in broken or knocked-out teeth. Understanding what qualifies as a dental emergency can help you determine when you need immediate care. Here are some common dental emergencies:
- Knocked-out tooth
- Broken tooth
- Severe toothache
- Lost crown or filling
- Broken denture
Note that while all of these are dental emergencies, some will take priority. A lost tooth is the most severe and time is of the essence for treatment. A lost crown or filling can wait a day or two with proper care. The important thing is to call your dentist as soon as possible when you’ve identified the problem.
2. Search Online
The first place you should call is your regular dentist. However, there may be times when their appointment slots fill up for the day, or they can’t see you for some reason. In these cases, you’ll need a backup plan.
Use your favorite search engine to find a dentist nearby. Type “emergency dentist near me” into the search bar to see all the local dentist offices that are within driving distance from your home. Try to find one that is less than 15 minutes away and has good reviews. The more time you can give yourself when dealing with a dental emergency, the better!
3. Check the Hours and Services of Your Searches
Once you’ve identified potential emergency dentists, check their availability and the services they offer. Look for emergency dental practices that provide same-day appointments or walk-in services for urgent cases. Additionally, look at their service pages (usually found under “Services” at the top of the page) to see the emergency treatments they offer. Usually, this will include tooth extractions, root canals, and repairs for dental injuries.
4. Find Urgent Care Facilities
In some cases, urgent care centers or hospital emergency rooms may provide dental services for urgent dental issues. While they may not offer comprehensive dental care, they can address immediate concerns and provide pain relief until you can see a dentist. When you find an urgent care facility nearby, give them a call to make sure they have a dentist on staff.
Dental emergencies can be distressing, but knowing how to find an emergency dentist quickly can provide much-needed relief and timely care. By following these tips and being prepared, you can navigate dental emergencies with confidence.
About the Practice
Are you experiencing pain from a dental emergency? Dr. Matthew Nawrocki and Dr. Richard Aguila at Jacksonville Dental Specialists can help. They offer same-day emergency appointments during business hours and will go above and beyond to see you through your pain. They use the latest dental technology and gentle techniques to get you back into your comfort zone. Call (904) 683-4781 to schedule an emergency appointment or visit the website to explore other services.