Emergency Dentist — Lawrenceburg, IN

Every Dental Emergency is Different

Dental emergencies can take many forms, such as a knocked-out or chipped tooth. A cookie-cutter-cutter treatment plan just won’t work. Your emergency dentist in Lawrenceburg will examine your mouth to create a personalized plan to restore your smile. While every situation differs, common treatments include:

• Root canal therapy
• Dental crowns
• Tooth extractions
• TMJ therapy
• And, more!

We’ll explain all your options during your consultation and the fees associated with each one. We will also review your payment choices, so you’ll know exactly what you need to pay before committing to any treatment. You’ll have one less thing to worry about during an already stressful situation.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?

Most dental plans offer limited coverage for dental emergencies; however, every policy is different. Often, you can use your coverage to offset the amount you pay out-of-pocket, such as for the consultation. If you need a procedure, your dental insurance can cover up to 80% of the cost after reaching your annual deductible. Don’t worry, we’ll work on your behalf with your insurance company to maximize your benefits to keep your care affordable.

Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable

If you don’t have insurance, or you owe a remaining balance, we offer several budget-friendly options, such as:

• Traditional Payments:  We accept traditional payment methods, including cash, checks, and credit cards.
• Our Dental Wellness Program:  Benefit from reduced rates for common services after paying a low annual fee.
• Third-Party Financing:  We work with third-party financing to pay for your treatment through monthly installments.

Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money

You can’t always stop a dental emergency from occurring, but there are many steps you can take to lower your risk of one. Research shows every $1 spent on prevention can save up to $50 on emergency costs. Routine dental care prevents common oral health issues from occurring to avoid needing a costly treatment down the road.

Besides visiting your dentist semi-annually for a cleaning and checkup, commit to your oral hygiene at home. Brush your teeth at least twice per day and floss every night before bed. Don’t forget to wear an athletic mouthguard if you play sports.

If a dental issue occurs, have it treated right away. Delaying necessary care will cause the problem to progress. This can lead to an expensive dental procedure or worse--you may lose your tooth.

Visit Us for Regular Checkups

At this very moment, you might have an oral health issue that could lead to an emergency without your even knowing it! Cavities and gum disease are particularly notorious for showing no symptoms at all in the early stages, but worsening to the point of severe pain later on. Luckily, our dentists can stop these problems in their tracks if you visit us twice a year for regular dental checkups. We’ll examine your mouth and treat any potential signs of emergencies early on, saving you a great deal of time and money.

Keep a Sparkling, Strong Smile at Home

To reduce your risk of tooth decay and infections even further, you should brush your teeth twice daily and floss at least once per day. We highly suggest using a toothpaste that contains fluoride, as this mineral strengthens your teeth against cavity-causing bacteria. Make sure to spend two full minutes brushing and clean the surfaces of every single tooth.

Be Mindful of What You Eat

Eating lots of sugary or starchy products makes it easier for the harmful bacteria in your mouth to produce acids that cause infections and cavities. Keep these items in moderation, and be sure to eat plenty of nutritious fruits and vegetables as well. Also, avoid chewing extremely hard foods such as popcorn kernels, certain candies, or even ice cubes, as doing so can easily crack a tooth and send you straight to an emergency dental office in Lawrenceburg.

Protect Your Pearly Whites

If you play a contact sport, protect your smile by wearing a  mouthguard . These oral appliances, which we can custom-make for you here in our office, comfortably shield your teeth from severe injury in the event of an impact. We also provide custom nightguards to safeguard your teeth from weakening as a result of chronic nighttime teeth grinding, also known as  bruxism .

Remember That Your Teeth Are Not Tools

As convenient as it may seem, you should  never  use your teeth to tear open bags, packages, or bottles. Doing so could scratch your gums, break a tooth, and more. Grab a pair of scissors or a bottle opener instead – it may take a few more seconds, but your smile will thank you!

SHOULD I EVER VISIT THE ER INSTEAD OF THE DENTIST FOR AN ORAL HEALTH PROBLEM?

The folks at the local ER are trained to manage medical emergencies, not dental ones. Therefore, in most cases, visiting the ER for an oral health problem will not do much good. However, there are exceptions to the rule. If you are bleeding excessively, have broken facial bones, or have a high fever along with a toothache, you should visit the ER. Later, you can come to your dentist in Lawrenceburg for follow-up care.

HOW LONG CAN I WAIT TO SEE A DENTIST?

Some dental emergencies, such as a knocked-out tooth, require  immediate  care. For other types of situations, however, it might be safe to wait a day or two to visit us. This may be the case if you have a dull toothache or if one of your restorations falls out. If you are very gentle with your tooth prior to your appointment, there should be no adverse consequences if you decide to hold off for a short period of time. Keep in mind that, regardless of the type of dental emergency you experience, you should call us as soon as the situation begins. We’ll give you reliable guidance on the steps you should take to minimize your pain and protect your oral health. 

DOES DENTAL INSURANCE COVER EMERGENCY TREATMENT?

Whether your dental insurance covers your treatment will depend on numerous factors. Some policies have an extra clause that covers one emergency exam each year, while others do not. Also, keep in mind that some emergency treatments are considered minor procedures, while others are considered major procedures. Usually, minor procedures are 70 – 80 percent covered by insurance, while major ones are only 40 – 50 percent covered.

IS THERE ANY WAY I CAN PREPARE FOR A DENTAL EMERGENCY?

Dental emergencies usually occur quite suddenly, but there may be a few steps you can take to be ready for such a situation. For example, it’s always helpful to have a first-aid kit on hand that contains pain reliever and gauze. You might even buy a tooth preservation kit in case a tooth ever gets knocked out of your mouth; they are available at most pharmacies. Additionally, you should save our number in your phone so you can contact us ASAP when a dental emergency occurs.

Will my toothache go away without any treatment?

No one has the time for an unexpected trip to an emergency dentist in Lawrenceburg; however, you don’t want to wait out your toothache. The pain can be caused by various factors, like a cavity, crack, or enamel erosion. Although the issues may not seem alarming, your discomfort might be caused by an infection. It is better to see a dentist sooner rather than later to ensure there isn’t something serious going on. Not to mention, it’s unlikely your toothache will resolve on its own.

How can I sleep with dental pain?

It can be almost impossible to fall asleep if your mouth hurts, but there are a few tricks you can try to get relief. Adjust the position of your pillow to keep your head elevated. This prevents the blood from pooling to stop throbbing pain. You’ll also want to avoid any foods or drinks that are cold, hard, or acidic before calling it a night. An OTC pain reliever can manage your discomfort. A cold compress may numb the area and reduce any swelling.

Will a chipped tooth heal?

Although your enamel is the hardest substance in your body, it can’t regenerate. Even if a chip is minor, your tooth will not grow back. While you may believe it’s only a cosmetic concern, a chipped tooth requires treatment, no matter how insignificant. The chip leaves the structure of your tooth compromised, which can cause additional breaks or fractures. Your tooth’s defense system is also weakened, leaving it vulnerable to harmful oral bacteria. If the chip isn’t severe or you aren’t in any pain, it’s not a dental emergency in Lawrenceburg, but you’ll still want to visit your dentist within the next few days. If the break is significant or you’re in pain, it’s best to see an emergency dentist right away.

Can I use superglue to fix broken dentures?

Superglue is handy to have around the house, but you don’t want to use it to fix your dentures. The chemicals in the glue can be toxic or cause allergic reactions. It can also affect the way your food tastes. Since your mouth is dark and moist, it will only offer a short-term solution. We know you can’t go without your teeth. We’ll get you into the office quickly to repair or replace your dentures.

How can I tell if my toothache is from an infection?

If you have a throbbing toothache, there’s a good chance you have an infection in your tooth. You may even have a bitter taste in your mouth or chronic bad breath. Many patients experience tooth sensitivity, swollen gums, loosening of the tooth. Without the right treatment, the infection can cost you your tooth and spread to surrounding tissues. Your emergency dentist will examine your tooth and take an X-ray to determine if an infection is the culprit behind your pain. You don’t want to wait too long to see your dentist, or they may not be able to save your tooth.