About 13.2% of children and 25.9% of adults have untreated dental caries. Leaving a cavity untreated could lead to tooth decay and other issues. You could find yourself in the midst of a dental emergency.
What is a dental emergency, exactly, and how can you find an emergency dentist Greensboro NC residents trust? Keep reading to find out.
In this guide, we’ll review everything you need to know before you’re in the middle of an emergency. Learning how to find an emergency dentist now can prepare you for the future. You’ll have peace of mind knowing an emergency dentist is only a phone call away.
Start your search for the best emergency dentist in Greensboro with these tips today.
1. Recognize It’s an Emergency
First, let’s answer the question that’s likely on your mind: what is a dental emergency, exactly?
It’s important to know how to spot a dental emergency right away. Otherwise, delaying treatment could cause the problem to get worse. You might find yourself in pain as a result.
You could even run the risk of losing a tooth.
There are a few different situations that can constitute a dental emergency.
For example, you might develop a tooth abscess. An abscess occurs when a pocket of puss builds against the tip of a tooth’s root. This often occurs when you don’t seek treatment for a cavity.
The mortality rate for patients with an infection caused by an abscess can increase by 40%. It’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- A severe, throbbing toothache
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- Facial swelling
- Sensitivity when chewing
- A foul, salty taste in your mouth
- Tender or swollen lymph nodes
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Other common dental emergencies include:
- A knocked-out tooth
- Severe toothaches that cause difficulty concentrating, chewing, or sleeping
- A chipped, cracked, or broken tooth
- Gum abscesses
- Facial swelling
- A bleeding mouth
- A lost crown or filling
- Broken braces
If a wire breaks from a bracket, it could scratch the inside of your mouth. If it breaks off, you could breathe it into the lungs, leading to serious complications.
The next time you find yourself in one of these situations, visit an emergency dentist Greensboro NC residents trust right away. Seeking immediate treatment can ensure the problem doesn’t get worse.
2. Ask Your Friends and Family
Before you find yourself in a future dental emergency, speak with your local friends and family members. Ask if any of them have visited an emergency dentist in the past. You can learn more from their experience.
Ask them if:
- The dentist was easy to understand
- The dentist was knowledgeable and experienced
- They experienced any issues while visiting the dentist
- The dentist was professional
- They would recommend you visit another dentist instead
If they would recommend you visit someone else, ask why. Speaking with your inner circle can help you avoid potential issues. You can narrow down your options and find the best dentist in Greensboro, NC.
Relying on personal referrals can give you peace of mind.
3. Head Online
If your inner circle can’t make a personal recommendation, that’s okay. Learn how to find an emergency dentist by heading online. You can search for “emergency dentist Greensboro NC” to start your search.
Then, learn more about each dentist in the area.
Choose an emergency dentist who has years of hands-on experience and expertise. Make sure their credentials are up-to-date. Choosing someone with the right credentials will give you peace of mind.
After all, you don’t want to trust an unlicensed dentist with an emergency.
4. Check Their Location and Hours
You can also narrow down your options by researching each dentist’s location and hours.
During an emergency, you’ll want immediate access to a professional. Don’t choose an emergency dentist that’s over half an hour away. Instead, choose someone that’s close to home.
You’ll have peace of mind knowing they’re a quick drive away. Otherwise, having to drive through traffic could increase your stress and anxiety.
Consider visiting their location before you encounter a dental emergency. Are they located in a safe area? You’ll want to make sure you feel safe visiting that location.
Check their hours, too. An emergency can happen at any time. You don’t want to choose a dentist who has limited hours.
Instead, try to find an emergency dentist that’s open 24/7. Ask if they’re available during major holidays and weekends, too.
Finding a dentist with great availability can help you in any situation.
5. Review Their Services
As you start narrowing down your options, take a look at each emergency dentist’s services. You’ll want to make sure they’re equipped to handle any situation. Otherwise, you might need to consider more than one emergency dentist.
For example, you might need an emergency dentist that also offers cosmetic dentistry services. They can restore the appearance of your smile in a single appointment.
Ask if the dentist specializes in any areas as well.
6. Consider the Ages They Treat
What if you and your child encounter a dental emergency? It helps to have a single dentist you can trust. Ask the dentist if they treat patients of all ages.
You can find one emergency dentist for your entire family.
Otherwise, you’ll need to look for an emergency pediatric dentist as well.
7. Consult Your Insurance Plan
Make sure to consult your dental insurance plan before choosing an emergency dentist. You never know how much an emergency will cost. It helps to find a dentist who falls within your plan.
Your insurance provider can give you a list of emergency dentists you can choose from.
8. Read Reviews
If you want to learn more about a dentist, look for reviews from their recent patients. Reading reviews will help you find the best dentist in the area.
Check the dentist’s Google My Business and Better Business Bureau listing for patient reviews.
Emergency Dentist Greensboro NC: 8 Tips for a Successful Search
When there’s an emergency, you need a dentist you can trust. Use these eight tips to find an emergency dentist Greensboro NC residents count on. With these tips, you’ll have peace of mind in your choice.
You’ll know your emergency dentist is only a quick call away.
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