Regular dental care is critical if you want to preserve the health of your teeth, gums, and mouth. Finding a dentist near you for your routine exam is one of the best ways to catch potential problems with the teeth and keep them as healthy as possible.
What Emergencies Do Dentists Treat?
While a dentist is not trained to handle oral health issues that need surgery, they are one of the best sources to visit when you have a dental emergency. Some of the dental emergencies that dentists can assist with include:
- Broken teeth: This may happen when you bite down on something hard or you have some impact to the face, such as playing a sport. It could also include a tooth that is cracked or chipped.
- Knocked out teeth: A tooth that is loose or falling out should be seen by one of our dentist professionals right away.
- Toothache: This is often an indicator that something is wrong in your mouth. It could be as simple as something lodging into the teeth but other times it is a sign of something worse. It is worth your time to get it checked out.
- Faulty dental restorations: There are times when some dental work you had done will fall off or come loose. This is often the case when the work is nearing the end of its lifespan, but may happen if the teeth experience excess force.
- Wisdom teeth removal. If you have a wisdom tooth or mutliple teeth that bother you and you want them removed, a local dentist can perform wisdom tooth extraction.
- Soft tissue injury: Some emergencies will not just affect the teeth, they will affect the soft tissue around the teeth. It is important to stop the bleeding right away and get it checked out.
Are Dentists Available for Same-Day Appointments?
There are some dentists who promote their same-day appointments. This is often done as a way to encourage people to come in and get a checkup done when they have free time or even when they have more of a dental emergency. Even some clinics that do not promote this may have a same-day appointment depending on how busy they are and if any other clients cancelled. Most of dental clinics allow same-day appointments, making sure that their dental emergency is taken care of right away.
Never assume that a dentist near you has same-day appointments available. You will need to talk to the specific clinic that you would like to visit. They can answer your questions and get you set up for an appointment, even if it isn’t on the same day.
Do Dentists Do Walk-In Services?
While most dental offices do prefer that you set up an appointment with them ahead of time so they can make proper plans for the day and not keep you waiting, some dentists may provide walk-in services as necessary. You will need to check with the local dental clinic ahead of time. And it may be a good idea to call ahead anyway to see how long the wait is so you don’t waste the whole day.
If you need to work with a dentist who provides walk-in services, then make sure to check out our nation-wide network of dental offices to help you find the right one. When you visit one of these clinics near you, be prepared for a bit of a wait and bring any pertinent information about your medical and dental health to help the dentist better serve you.
Is There a Difference Between a Dentist and a Dental Surgeon?
Your dentist is a little different than a dental surgeon. While you may see your dentist two times a year or more, unless you require surgery of the mouth, you will not need to visit with a dental surgeon near you at all. A dental surgeon is a specialist who will perform dental surgery to correct certain dental issues. They are specialists in the dental field who know how to complete surgery when the patient needs it.
Your regular dentist though is not able to do surgery. They focus more on taking care of the health of your mouth, hopefully helping you prevent the need for surgery later. They will spend time checking out the teeth, filling cavities, and doing minor work on the teeth if necessary.
What is the Typical Cost of a Dental Visit?
The amount you will pay for your dental visit at one of our dental offices will depend on the amount of work the dentist completes. A typical office visit may cost between $50 to $350 depending on what the dentist includes. For example, your standard teeth cleaning can be around $70, though X-rays of the teeth may cost up to $250. If you see the dentist instead of just the hygienist, then you may be charged a little more as well. Please note that these costs are just estimates.
If you are concerned about paying out of pocket for the dentist visit, then call ahead and ask about pricing. Staff will be able to discuss the exact costs that they charge for different procedures before you come in.
Do Most Dentists Accept Dental Insurance?
The type of dental insurance that a dentist will accept depends on the specific practice. Some dentist offices try to provide better customer service by accepting most dental plans in their area. Others have had trouble with certain types of insurance in the past and do not want to take them, limiting the insurance companies they will work with in the future. There are also dentists who have no want to work with insurance at all.
Before you set up an appointment with any dental clinic, check to see whether they accept your insurance or not. This can help you make a decision on the right dental company for your needs. If they do not accept your insurance, it is better to know that ahead of time so you can make an appointment with another clinic instead. Many dental clinics accept most dental insurance plans, so you can be safe knowing that your dental work will likely be covered.
How Do I find a Dentist Near Me?
It is important to visit your dentist two times a year to maintain the health and look of your smile. With the help of your friends and a quick online search, you are sure to find a dentist near you in no time. If you still need help finding the right dentist near you, contact our service today so we can connect you to one of your local dental clinics to take care of all of your dental needs.