Emergency Dentistry – Harrisonburg, VA

Why No Two Dental Emergencies Are The Same

We mentioned above that the treatment needed for a dental emergency largely depends on the root of the problem. After all, the solution for a knocked-out tooth is very different than a relatively minor toothache. Plus, even if two patients come to our office with the same complaint, like a toothache, one might require root canal treatment and antibiotics and the next might need an extraction. In short, we need to consider unique factors like your dental history, symptoms, and smile goals before we can provide you with an accurate estimate of the price.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?

If you have dental insurance, you’ll be happy to hear that you may have coverage! In fact, many dental plans cover 50% to 80% of the cost of essential restorative care. Of course, there are sometimes limitations, like waiting periods and annual maximums, which is why we always recommend taking a look at the fine print beforehand. If you need any help – whether it’s with understanding your benefits or filing the paperwork – don’t hesitate to let us know. We’d be happy to assist so that the process of utilizing your coverage is as stress-free and smooth as possible.

Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable

Don’t have dental insurance? Luckily, that doesn’t mean you’re simply left to pay for the entire cost of your emergency dental care in one lump sum. CareCredit is a trusted third-party financier that offers payment plans so you can space out the price into smaller, more manageable monthly chunks. Plus, they have so many options to choose from that preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and even emergency dentistry can fit into nearly every budget. If you’re interested in learning about the ins and outs of this financial solution, give us a call. Or, you can sign up through the “New Patients” page on our website!

How Taking Care Of Your Smile Can Save You Money

All too often, patients don’t think about the cost of emergency dentistry until it’s too late. However, there are several ways you can dramatically reduce your chances of experiencing a dental injury and, in turn, save money. The first is implementing a solid oral hygiene regimen, which includes brushing for a full two minutes and flossing every day. The second is coming in every six months for a dental checkup and teeth cleaning. The third is adopting healthy habits that will protect your teeth, like wearing a mouthguard during sports.

Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year

Biannual visits to our office for a checkup and cleaning are important for numerous reasons. To begin, they allow us to periodically complete an oral cancer screening as well as look for tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental damage. They also ensure that plaque and tartar are removed before they build-up to the point where they negatively impact your oral health. Simply put, if you want to keep your smile healthy, you need to visit us every six months!

Brush and Floss Consistently

In addition to coming to our office twice a year, you need to commit to a solid oral hygiene regimen at home. That includes brushing twice a day, flossing each evening, and rinsing with mouthwash daily. Together, these dental care habits will lower your risk of everything from cavities and damaged restorations to gum disease.

Note: It’s important to use the right oral care tools too. If you’re not sure where to begin, don’t hesitate to ask us!

Keep Added Sugar to a Minimum

Foods and drinks that are loaded with sugar may be delicious, but they can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums. For that reason, we recommend keeping these treats to a minimum. Instead, focus on adding nutrient-dense foods to your diet, including fresh fruits, lean proteins, and raw vegetables. This will help keep your jawbone strong, your teeth healthy, and your gums infection-free.

Wear a Mouthguard During Sports

If your smile isn’t protected during sports, then you could wind up with a chipped, cracked, fractured, or even completely knocked-out tooth. That’s why it’s so important that you wear a mouthguard! We can have a custom one made for you so that it fits comfortably and is the appropriate thickness for the sport that you participate in.

Tip: You should also have a nightguard made if you clench or grind your teeth at night!

Quit Unhealthy Dental Habits

Do you bite your nails, chew on ice cubes, smoke, or open bottle caps with your teeth? If so, it’s important that you stop! These habits may not seem like a big deal, but they can lead to a serious dental injury relatively quickly. Simply put, if you want to reduce the risk of you needing to head to our office for same-day emergency care, avoid unhealthy habits like these.