Emergency Dentist — Collegeville, PA
Fast Dental Treatments In Your Time of Need
At The Dental Spot of Collegeville, we’re here to help keep your oral health on the right track and repair your smile whenever it gets damaged. If you’re ever in the midst of a situation that requires urgent oral treatment, we encourage you to contact our dental office before doing anything else so we can provide you with over-the-phone first-aid guidance and make sure that you receive the professional care right away. For fast dental treatments in your time of need, don’t hesitate to contact us for emergency dentistry in Collegeville, PA.
Why Choose The Dental Spot of Collegeville for Emergency Dental Care?
- #1 Same-Day Emergency Appointments
- #2 Open Late On Mondays & Thursdays
- #3 In-Network with Several Major PPO Plans
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
If you find yourself in the midst of a dental emergency and are experiencing a severe toothache, knocked-out permanent tooth, or any out-of-the-ordinary oral symptoms, we offer fast and pain-relieving urgent dental treatments. All you need to do is contact our dental office as soon as the accident occurs. Our team will provide you with over-the-phone first-aid guidance and schedule an appointment for as soon as possible. Oftentimes, we’re able to see emergency patients the same day they call us.
When you arrive, your Collegeville emergency dentist Dr. Bradford Plasha will see you right away to determine the extent and source of your emergency. He’ll review his findings with you and fully explain all your treatments options, including their estimated length and price. Once you’ve agreed to a custom treatment plan, our experienced team will jump into action to save your teeth and repair your smile.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
If you are ever in doubt as to whether you require a dentist’s help, it’s best to err on the side of caution and give our office a call. Describe your symptoms, and we’ll guide you on your next steps. In general, a dental emergency is associated with serious symptoms, such as toothache, swelling, bleeding, or a lost restoration. Below, we’ve provided some tips to help you prepare for your visit and reduce your risk of sustaining additional oral damage.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Emergencies
Is your biggest hesitation surrounding a dental emergency the cost? That’s okay! In fact, that’s why our goal at The Dental Spot of Collegeville is to provide you with transparent and trustworthy care that doesn’t leave you in the dark. While we’re always here to help you over the phone or in person, we know that some patients want to do their research online first. For this reason, we’ve responded to some of the most frequently asked questions about the cost of emergency dentistry in Collegeville right here.
Every Dental Emergency is Different
“Dental emergency” is an umbrella term that can refer to a wide range of injuries, from toothaches and knocked-out teeth to a loose dental crown. So, it’s not hard to see why there isn’t a one-size-fits-all cost. Ultimately, the price will depend on any underlying issues that we diagnose or oral damage that has occurred. Based on our examination, we’ll walk you through our findings and discuss each of your treatment options with you.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
Many patients with dental insurance can expect some level of coverage. Oftentimes, this looks like one complimentary emergency exam annually or 50% to 80% off the necessary restorative treatment. Fortunately, our knowledgeable team is not only here to help, but we are in-network with several providers too, including Cigna, Guardian, United Healthcare, and many others. So, if you have questions about your dental insurance coverage, we’ll be happy to address them before you decide on going through with treatment.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
Don’t have dental insurance? Our team offers three other ways to lower your out-of-pocket expenses:
- Our in-house membership plan – Joining our in-house plan won’t just make preventive care more affordable, it will also provide you with one emergency exam and 20% to 30% off other essential treatments.
- Flexible financing with CareCredit – With trusted third-party financiers, like CareCredit, you don’t have to pay the entire lump sum of your treatment at one time. Instead, you can opt for manageable, monthly payments.
- Periodic special offers – To lower your out-of-pocket expenses, our team is proud to extend periodic special offers.
Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money
When it comes to saving money on dental care, prevention is paramount. Although it may seem small, best practices like brushing for two full minutes twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist every six months go a long way in preserving your oral health. Furthermore, you should avoid unhealthy dental habits, like smoking, chewing on ice, and consuming sugar in excess. Each of these measures will help keep your teeth healthy, reducing your chances of experiencing a dental emergency.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
Accidents happen, and as your emergency dentist in Collegeville, our team is always ready to help you out should you find yourself experiencing an oral health crisis. However, we would prefer that you never have to face such a situation in the first place. There are some ways in which you can drastically reduce the risk of decay and trauma to your smile and thereby greatly lower your chances of suffering a dental emergency. Read on to learn more about the five best ways to prevent a dental emergency in Collegeville.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Most adults should visit a dentist in Collegeville once every six months for a cleaning and checkup. At these appointments, we remove harmful plaque and tartar from the mouth. We also look for signs of decay, gum disease, and other problems. Catching such issues while they are in their early stages allows us to treat them before they become worse and lead to a painful dental emergency.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Habits at Home
Your at-home oral hygiene routine can go a tremendously long way in lowering your risk of oral health issues that could eventually turn into dental emergencies. To make your routine as effective as possible, you should:
- Brush twice a day. Use a gentle hand and be sure to clean the backs of your teeth and the area along the gumline.
- Floss daily. Many people find flossing to be a challenge. If you have questions about how to floss properly, our team will be happy to coach you.
- Drink plenty of water. Sipping water throughout the day helps to rinse away food particles that may be lingering in your mouth.
- Use a mouthwash. A mouthwash that fights bacteria and/or contains fluoride can give you an added defense against decay and dental damage.
Be Careful With What You Eat
Your diet has a major impact on your oral health. Sugar is particularly dangerous because it combines with bacteria in your mouth to produce plaque and tartar. Therefore, you should eat it in moderation. You should also avoid biting down on extremely hard foods, like ice or jawbreaker candies. Be sure to take in plenty of foods that are beneficial for your oral health, such as ones that are rich in calcium, phosphorous, and other important minerals.
Protect Your Pearly Whites
If you often wake up with a sore jaw, it is possible that you grind your teeth at night. To prevent the grinding from causing serious harm to your smile, ask us about getting a custom nightguard. The nightguard will place a barrier between your upper and lower teeth in order to protect them from one another. Similarly, if you play sports, you should always wear a mouthguard to reduce the risk of broken and/or knocked-out teeth.
Use Tools, Not Teeth to Open Packaging
Another way to minimize the risk of broken teeth is by keeping a small multi-tool handy. It may prevent you from using your teeth to open packages or perform other tasks that they were never meant to do. Using your teeth to rip off price tags, trim your fingernails, hold groceries, and open containers can leave you with a chipped or cracked tooth in the blink of an eye, so it’s best to avoid these bad habits and reserve using your teeth for eating and smiling only.
Dental Emergency FAQ’s
Dr. Plasha and our team are always ready to help you out if you need urgent dental care. Before you save our number in your phone as your go-to emergency dentist in Collegeville, however, it is understandable if you would like to know more dental emergencies and what you can expect from treatment. That is why we have put together this list of frequently asked questions. If you don’t see the information you were hoping for, please contact us directly so we can personally assist you.
Should I Go to the ER for Emergency Dental Care?
The professionals in a hospital ER do not have the same training as a dentist in Collegeville. Their ability to treat oral health issues is limited at best, so in most cases, it is much better to head to a dental practice. However, there are some exceptions. If you are bleeding uncontrollably, have broken facial bones, have a high fever along with a toothache, or are experiencing any life-threatening symptoms, you should certainly visit the ER. After the doctors there render initial care, you can come to our office so Dr. Plasha can concentrate on repairing your oral well-being.
Do I Have to See an Emergency Dentist Right Away?
How long you can reasonably wait for emergency care depends on your unique situation. If you knock out a tooth, immediate treatment increases the chance that your tooth can be preserved. On the other hand, if you have a dull toothache or a crown becomes dislodged, you may be able to safely wait a day or two until you come to our office. However, remember that when it comes to treating dental problems, sooner is always better.
Why Should I Store a Knocked-Out Tooth In Milk?
Ideally, you should place a knocked-out tooth back in its original socket until you can receive care. If that is impossible, it is better to place the tooth in milk than in water. Milk contains proteins and sugars that will help the tooth remain viable for as long as possible.
What Should I Do If I Have a Dental Emergency While I’m Traveling?
If you are traveling in the U.S., it may be fairly easy to find a trustworthy dentist. A Google search may help you find a practice that accepts your insurance and has a reputation for providing excellent service. If you are in another country, call your travel insurance company; they might have a list of approved medical and dental professionals in your local area. After you receive initial care, come to our office for any necessary follow-ups once you get back to Collegeville.