A dental emergency can happen at any time of day, including on the weekends and in the middle of the night. What are your options when this happens? You could wait until morning when you know you can find a dentist open on Saturdays, but will you be able to wait that long? You could try to fix the problem yourself with temporary solutions like toothpaste and floss, but they may not work or may even make things worse! Here’s what to do instead.
Do You Need To Be Seen By A Dentist Tonight?
Emergency cases are often treated by general practitioners, but getting in to see one after hours or over weekends can be difficult. If you’re in pain, don’t try to hold out until your regular office opens up again. Try searching for dentists near me that stay open late, or check with your primary care physician for another recommendation. Getting a toothache checked quickly could prevent more severe problems down the road—such as an abscessed tooth or oral infection.
What If My Pain Can’t-Wait Until Morning?
First of all, you’re not going to hurt yourself more by getting your tooth fixed now rather than in an hour or two. And yes, most dentists will treat an emergency patient right away if they can fit you into their schedule. Call ahead of time, explain that it’s an emergency, and ask if they can get you in ASAP (and what time of day/weekend works best). You might also want to see if you have any insurances or discounts available through your employer that might cover some costs. If all else fails, go for second-best and try another dentist (or another practice within your current dental office) that isn’t as busy.
The First Place To Look For An Open Dental Office
When an emergency strikes, you want to make sure that you’re able to find a good dentist near me that can address your needs. In many cases, there is more than one dentist open on Saturday near me—it just takes some sleuthing. Many dentists will work with your insurance company so no emergency is too difficult to handle. If your general dentist happens to be closed on weekends or if they cannot get you in right away, then call another office in town or schedule an appointment at another dental office open 24 hours near me.
Emergency Dentists Keep Long Hours
You may have to wait for your regular dentist to open on Saturday or Sunday, but there are still dentists who you can visit over the weekend. If you’re able to find a good dentist near me, I encourage you to call one. Most people don’t think they need access to a good dentist until they already need it; if you put off finding that good local emergency dentist until an emergency strikes, it might be too late.
I Want Someone Nearby. What Next?
If you can’t get in touch with your regular dentist, it’s time to look for another dentist near me. But how do you pick one? Start by asking friends and family members. In addition, search for dentists near me or call around to local dental offices and explain your situation. If you’re lucky, one of them will be able to see you right away so you don’t have to go without care until Monday morning.
I Don’t Have Insurance. Do They Take That?
In most cases, no. If you don’t have insurance or Medicaid, you’re going to be paying out-of-pocket for everything. However, some dentists do offer interest-free payment plans that can make treatments much more affordable. Asking whether they accept uninsured patients is probably your best bet when it comes to price. The good news is that there are also plenty of dental practices whose prices are affordable without insurance—you just need to know where to look.
I Am Nervous About What The Cost Will Be
There are no wrong questions when it comes to your dental health. When you’re seeking urgent dental care, there’s likely something that has been bothering you for some time—be sure to bring that up with your dentist as well. If it’s not an emergency, don’t hesitate to make an appointment in advance. If you can find a good dentist near me, or if your current dentist accepts walk-in patients, head over during business hours. You may be able to get in sooner than if you wait for your next regular checkup.
Is There Anything Else I Need To Know Before Seeing The Dentist?
Before you make an appointment, consider what type of oral emergency you might have. Some, like toothaches, can be so severe that they require immediate attention from a professional, while others, like chipped teeth or loose crowns, will not. One of the most important things to know about seeing a dentist for any type of issue is to call them in advance. Many dentists’ offices are closed at least one day per week—often it’s Saturday—and knowing ahead of time if your dentist is open when you need them will keep you from making unnecessary appointments.
