Emergency Dentist — Rock Hill, SC
Fast Relief for Your Dental Emergency
Dental emergencies come in several shapes and forms. Maybe your son has cracked a tooth after being hit in the face with a baseball, or maybe a dull discomfort in the back of your mouth has suddenly progressed to serious, distracting pain. In these situations, the last thing you want is to be told by your chosen dental office that they don’t have time to see you for days or even weeks.
At Coombs, Ross & Sourlis Family Dentistry, we have a different approach in mind. We understand that speed is your highest priority, and our doctors will make time for you as soon as possible. In fact, the first question our front desk will ask when you call in for help will be “how fast can you get here?” Contact our dental office today to schedule a visit for emergency dentistry in Rock Hill, SC!
Why Choose Coombs, Ross & Sourlis Family Dentistry for Emergency Dental Care?
- Same-Day Appointments Available
- Multiple Experienced Dentists In-House
- Modern Technology in an Accommodating Office
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
- Same-day appointment: You’ll want to start by getting in touch with our office. That way, you can get scheduled for a dental appointment as well as get in touch with a team member who can provide first-aid tips over the phone. Our practice is happy to accept same-day appointments, so don’t hesitate to give us a call!
- Emergency exam: One of our highly experienced dentists will perform an emergency exam to get to the bottom of your dental emergency, which may or may not include digital X-rays in order to locate the source and location of your symptoms.
- Review findings: After completing your exam, the dentist will break down their findings with you directly and then recommend a treatment plan that addresses your needs. This customized plan will not only include which services will be used to treat your emergency, but the costs and estimated length associated with it.
- Get the care you need: The services we recommend will vary depending on your emergency, but the most common treatments include dental fillings and crowns, root canal therapy, tooth extractions, TMD therapy, or another option if necessary.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
While contacting your emergency dentist should be at the top of the list following the onset of serious injury or pain, you may not be able to travel right away. Here are some tips for what to do when faced with the most common dental emergencies our dental office sees.
Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry
The amount you’ll end up paying for treatment of your dental emergency is different for every patient. For example, a mild infection in your gums may only require a round of antibiotics, while a broken tooth might necessitate an extraction and replacement, which can be especially costly. No matter the cost of your emergency dentistry in Rock Hill, the last thing you should do is put off a procedure that you desperately need. Oral health problems only get worse the longer you avoid treatment, resulting in even higher costs down the line. Our friendly and helpful team will do our utmost to minimize your out-of-pocket costs.
Every Dental Emergency is Different
It can be difficult to justify seeking professional help when you don’t know how much you’ll be expected to pay for treatment; however, the reality is that no two dental emergencies are the same. The only way we can determine the severity of your problem, as well as the type of treatment needed to repair and restore your smile, is to schedule an appointment with an emergency dentist in Rock Hill. This will allow our team to thoroughly examine your smile, identify the problem area, prepare a personalized treatment plan, and help you get your oral health back on track.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
Depending on your dental insurance company, you may or may not receive coverage for emergency dentistry. Most plans offer one emergency exam each year as well as provide partial coverage for restorative services. This amount typically falls between 50 and 80% depending on the type of care you need (i.e., dental crown, root canal therapy, tooth extraction, etc.). Before you can determine how much your insurance company will pay, however, you can expect them to consider whether you’ve met your deductible and how much of your annual maximum remains.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
At Coombs, Ross & Sourlis Family Dentistry of Rock Hill, we are pleased to offer two alternative methods of payment for uninsured individuals as well as those who simply need additional help to pay off treatment after filing with dental insurance.
- VIP Smile Club: With a one-time lifetime activation fee and low monthly payments for preventive care, you will receive one emergency exam each year as well as 15% off all other treatments (with some exclusions).
- Flexible Financing: By enrolling in CareCredit, you can apply for a low or zero interest plan that enables you to break up the cost of your care into manageable installments.
Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money
If you want to avoid dental emergencies from the start, it is in your best interest to take better care of your smile. While it is true that not all injuries are preventable, those that develop as a result of poor oral hygiene never need to occur in the first place. Toothaches, infections, and gum disease can be avoided if you practice optimal oral habits at home, eat healthy foods, protect your smile, stop practicing unhealthy habits, and continue to see your dentist every six months.
If you allow a problem to fester in the hopes it will go away on its own, you’ll likely experience worsening oral health conditions that require valuable time and money to be spent in an effort to fix the issue. Don’t wait until a root canal is needed for what could have been treated with antibiotics.
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
Since dental emergencies are so stressful and often painful, it is best to try to avoid them from occurring in the first place. Not all dental emergencies are preventable, but there are some steps you can take to reduce your chances of experiencing them. By using the tips listed below, you can set your smile up for success.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Even if you don’t think there is anything wrong with your smile, this doesn’t mean that you don’t need to go to the dentist. Tooth decay and oral infections can easily develop, and you may not even notice them right away. It is recommended that you schedule an appointment to see your dentist every six months for regular cleanings and checkups. This way, a hygienist can clear away plaque and tartar that’s been left behind, and your dentist will rule out any potential issues that can arise. By catching problems and treating them early on, you can avoid a painful dental emergency.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene at Home
You should brush twice and floss every day. These are both effective ways to remove food debris and plaque that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease over time. You should choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste containing fluoride – a natural mineral that can strengthen the enamel of your teeth and make them more resilient to decay.
Stick to a Nutritious Diet
Your diet plays a crucial role when it comes to the health of your smile. If you have too many sugary and starchy foods, you are putting yourself at higher risk of tooth decay. Try to only consume these things in moderation. Fill your diet with fruits, vegetables, and healthy proteins.
Wear a Mouthguard
Playing sports is a great way to get the exercise your body needs, but you don’t want to end up with a broken or knocked-out tooth. Wearing a mouthguard significantly reduces your chances of experiencing a dental injury. Nightguards are also available to limit the harmful effects of teeth grinding while you sleep.
Use Tools to Open Packages, Not Your Teeth
It may seem convenient to use your teeth to open some stubborn packaging. However, this isn’t the best idea. You could end up with a cracked or broken tooth. Take the time to get some scissors or whatever other tool can help you complete your task.
Dental Emergency FAQs
When you need an emergency dentist in Rock Hill, you can have many questions on your mind. With our team available to you, answers are never too far away. In fact, we’ve responded to some of the most common questions below to help you know what to do in these nerve-racking situations. If you have others, or if you need an emergency appointment, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’re here to help your smile shine brightly no matter what happens!
Are Knocked-Out Baby Teeth a Dental Emergency?
Yes. Baby teeth are designed to come out at some point, but they need to stay in place until they are ready to fall out naturally. If a baby tooth is dislodged prematurely, there could be damage to the permanent tooth underneath the gums. Although we will not be able to reinsert the baby tooth in the socket, we need to make sure that the underlying tooth hasn’t been harmed.
How Should I Sleep with Tooth Pain?
If your appointment isn’t until the next day, you’ll need some help getting a good night’s rest if you have a toothache or pain in your mouth. First, keep your head elevated, which will stop excess blood from rushing to your head and making the tooth pain worse. Avoid having food or a beverage that is excessively sugary, acidic, or cold. You should also take pain reliever before you go to bed, and it’s a good idea to put a cold compress on your face to further help numb any discomfort.
Do Chipped or Cracked Teeth Heal?
Any kind of damage to your teeth—whether it’s chips or cracks—will not heal on its own. You need to seek treatment right away, not just because a chip or crack can attract the wrong kind of attention cosmetically, but also because it can expose the more vulnerable inner layers of the tooth to bacteria. If you need to wait a day or two to get treatment and you don’t feel pain, the tooth should be okay; however, it’s best to address the problem sooner rather than later.
Is It Safe to Use a Toothpick?
In spite of the name, toothpicks, especially wooden ones, are not recommended for trying to get food from between your teeth. The wood could split, cutting or splintering your soft tissues. The sharp point could puncture or damage your teeth as well as your gums or tongue if you’re not careful. Plus, you may end up pushing the stuck food further in between your teeth or underneath the gumline. Instead of trying to poke or pry the stuck food with a toothpick, use floss, a much safer alternative.
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