Emergency Dentist – Westfield, MA
When You Need Quality Dental Care Right Away
By their very nature, dental emergencies tend to strike when you least expect them to. Our team at EMA Dental of Westfield is here to make sure that you have access to reliable dental care at the times when it counts the most. When you need an emergency dentist in Westfield, we’ll make arrangements to see you as soon as possible; oftentimes, we can schedule an appointment on the same day as your call. When you arrive, we’ll focus on putting a stop to your pain and coming up with a solution for any dental damage you might have suffered. You can count on us when urgent dental care is required!
Why Choose EMA Dental of Westfield for Emergency Dentistry?
- Same-Day Emergency Care
- Multiple General Dentists and Specialists
- State-of-the-Art Dental Technology
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can be alarming, but you need to try to stay calm so that you can get the care you need without delay. Your first step should always be to reach out to our dental office to let us know what happened. We’ll use the following process to help you address your emergency:
- Same-Day Appointment: We will make arrangements to see you as soon as possible. In the meantime, one of our team members can give you over-the-phone instructions for keeping your discomfort under control and protecting your smile from further harm.
- Emergency Exam: Once you get to our office, one of our dentists will help you get comfortable before examining your teeth to see what the underlying cause of your dental emergency is. We’ll make it a priority to get you out of your immediate pain as soon as possible.
- Treatment Plan: We’ll explain our findings so that you fully understand what the situation is. Then we’ll go over your options for treatment and work with you to create a plan for restoring your oral health.
- Quick, Professional Care: Our experienced dental team will use the latest techniques and technology to address your symptoms and repair your damaged smile. We’ll address the problem as efficiently as possible so that you don’t have to wait too long for lasting relief.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
Many people make the mistake of waiting too long to seek professional care because they’re not sure whether the issue rises to the level of a dental emergency. The unfortunate fact is that teeth lack the means to heal themselves if they become damaged or decayed, so more often than not ignoring the problem will only lead to a more serious issue. Call our team immediately if you have any doubts about your oral health; we’ll help you figure out what steps need to be taken next. Below are some examples of common emergency situations that warrant a call to our Westfield dental office.
Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry
Although the overall cost of your emergency dental care will vary depending on your needs, we’ll always make sure that you have an idea of what you can expect to pay before beginning any kind of treatment. Additionally, our knowledgeable dental team will review all of the financial solutions available to you, including dental insurance and flexible financing, to help make the cost of your care more affordable. In the meantime, you can learn more about the price of emergency dentistry in Westfield below!
Why Every Dental Emergency is Different
We touched on the fact that the cost of emergency dental care isn’t the same from patient-to-patient. This is largely because some dental emergencies can be handled with a simple filling while others might require a more advanced procedure, such as root canal treatment. Of course, there are other factors that need to be considered as well, including if you are currently insured. As you can imagine, there are a lot of things that impact the price, which is why we will be as transparent as possible about the cost and answer any questions you have before starting your treatment.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
It’s very rare for dental insurance providers to cover the entire cost of emergency dental care. They may, however, cover a portion, like the price of the exam or 50% of the restorative services needed. It really comes down to the fine print on your plan, including waiting periods, annual maximums, and yearly deductibles. Fortunately, we can help you navigate the ins and outs of your coverage! We’re happy to welcome dental insurance and are even in-network with several of the most popular providers, including Delta Dental, BlueCross BlueShield, and Cigna.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
Whether you need a small filling, root canal treatment, or something else entirely, paying for the entire price upfront may not be feasible. That’s okay – that’s where flexible financing comes in! We’re proud to welcome payment plans with CareCredit, which is a trusted third-party financier that’s helped millions of patients over the years. They offer several options so you can easily find one that fits best with your monthly budget, saving you from having to stress about paying for your entire treatment at once.
Taking Care Of Your Smile Can Save You Money
It’s true – taking care of your smile can help prevent a dental emergency and, in turn, save you money. That’s one of the many reasons our EMA Dental team encourages our patients to prioritize preventive care, from their at-home oral hygiene routine to their six-month dental checkups. We also strongly recommend wearing a mouthguard while playing sports and avoiding unhealthy dental habits, like smoking and nail-biting.
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to predict and avoid every dental emergency. With that said, you’ll be less likely to suffer from urgent dental problems if you take proactive measures to protect your smile from harm. That’s why our Westfield dental team recommends:
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
A crucial part of your biannual dental visits is your checkup. In addition to taking detailed X-rays, your dental team conducts a thorough exam to screen for warning signs of oral cancer, tooth decay, gum disease, damaged restorations, and the like. This ensures that these problems are detected and treated before they turn into a painful dental emergency.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene At Home
Remember, a clean mouth is significantly less likely to experience problems, like inflamed gums. So, if you don’t currently have a good oral hygiene regimen in place, now’s the time to create one! We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste to brush each morning and evening. Additionally, you should floss and rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash once a day.
Stick to a Nutritious Diet
In short, the foods you eat impact your oral health. If you consistently overindulge in foods and beverages that are high in sugar, you’re more likely to develop a cavity or two. Conversely, if you add vegetables and other nutrient-packed foods to your plate, your chances of tooth decay, gum disease, and the like are significantly lessened. In short, eat a healthy diet that’s low in sugary and starchy foods.
Wear a Mouthguard
Participating in sports is a great way to stay active. It also can result in a serious dental injury if you don’t wear a mouthguard, which is why it’s so important that you wear one during practices and games alike! If you don’t have one, or you’re using a one-size-fits-all one from your local sporting goods store, then schedule an appointment with us so we can have a custom one made.
Use Tools to Open Packages, Not Your Teeth
Nail-biting is a common habit, but that’s not the only way patients can damage their teeth. Using your teeth to hold your keys, remove plastic wrapping, open a tube of mascara, or remove a bottle cap can also result in a large crack or fracture that necessitates immediate attention from our emergency dentist. So, don’t get in the habit of using your teeth as tools!
Dental Emergency FAQs
How should I sleep with tooth pain?
It can be very challenging to get a quality night of sleep when you are suffering from a toothache. Until you can see your emergency dentist in the morning, keep your head elevated. This will prevent blood from rushing to your head and intensifying your toothache. Additionally, take over-the-counter medication as needed and avoid foods that are acidic, cold, or hard right before bed for improved comfort. Cold compresses can also help to numb some of the discomfort and reduce any inflammation.
Can the emergency room remove a tooth?
Only licensed dentists can perform tooth extractions. In fact, it is illegal for someone without the training and education required to perform this procedure, even in a hospital setting. At best, the emergency room is able to provide antibiotics and pain medication, but you will still eventually need to be seen by a dentist. A tooth extraction may not even be necessary! Root canal treatment may be able to get you out of discomfort and prevent the need for an extraction altogether. The only way to know for sure is to visit a dentist.
Do chipped teeth heal?
Enamel is the hardest substance in the entire body! However, it is unable to heal on its own. This means that no matter how minor or severe the chip is, it will not “grow back.” At best, teeth can remineralize. To repair your tooth, you will need to see a dentist for restorative or cosmetic treatment to change the shape and condition of your tooth.
Is my tooth pain from an infection?
If your tooth feels very sore, or it is throbbing, an infection is likely the culprit. Some other signs of a dental infection include a bitter taste in the mouth, chronic bad breath, tooth sensitivity, loosening of teeth, red gums, inflammation, and sores on the gums surrounding the aching tooth. The only way to know the exact cause of your symptoms is to see a dentist who can capture X-rays and provide a detailed diagnosis. When it comes to tooth infections, the sooner you can see a dentist, the more likely that they are to be able to save your tooth!
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