No one ever thinks that a dental emergency will happen to them. Unfortunately, one out of every six Americans will be faced with one every year. Because these situations are fairly common, it helps to be prepared before worst comes to worst. You should know which dentist you’re going to call before an emergency strikes. To make that process easier, here are four factors to consider when searching for an emergency dentist in Covina.
1. Specialized Training
All dentists undergo similar training during dental school, but not every dentist specializes in a certain area, such as oral surgery or pediatric dentistry. The ideal emergency dentist will have the skills necessary to treat problems like severe toothaches or extremely damaged teeth. Make sure the dentist offers procedures such as root canals, tooth extractions, and fillings.
2. Calm and Caring Demeanor
Dental emergencies can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’ve never had one before. The last thing you want to deal with is a dentist who makes you feel even more frazzled. An emergency dentist should be able to calm you down and administer treatment in a soothing, nonjudgmental manner.
3. Same-Day Appointments
Most dental emergencies are painful, so you’re going to want to see someone who can treat you as soon as possible. This is especially true in the case of a knocked-out tooth, when you only have an hour to see a dentist before the chance of a successful reattachment decreases significantly. Make sure the dentist keeps plenty of time in their schedule for emergency patients. It also helps to find out whether they have an emergency hotline you can call if the office is closed.
4. Plenty of Payment Options
If you have dental insurance, you should ideally find a dentist who accepts it. If you don’t have insurance or no nearby dentist accepts your plan, the dentist needs to have affordable fees and several payment options so that you can pay for your treatment without breaking the bank. Many dentists offer an in-house savings plan, in which you receive discounts on services in exchange for an annual or monthly fee. They might also offer third-party financing through a company like CareCredit.
Most of the information you’re looking for can be found on a dentist’s website. If you can’t find out whether they’ll provide the care you need, feel free to give them a call and ask. Doing the proper research before you experience a dental emergency can save you so much time in the long run!
About the Author
Dr. Danny Tran earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. At his practice in Covina, CA, he is happy to treat emergency patients in a calm and caring manner. He has undergone specialized training to provide a variety of emergency services. His team will file claims for all PPO insurance plans and offers an in-house savings plan as well as a partnership with CareCredit. If you’re looking for an emergency dentist in Covina, contact Covina Family Dental at 626-331-0688.