Appointment RequestEmergency Dentistry – Vero Beach, FL
Call Us If You’re in Pain
Dental emergencies are much more common than you’d probably like to think, and they can be extremely frightening when they happen to you or someone in your family. We can make time to see patients right away in the event of an urgent dental situation, so be sure that the number for Ocean Oaks Dental Group of Vero Beach is always close at hand so that you can contact us when you need to. We’ll do all we can to save your smile, stop your pain, and prevent further injury or infection with emergency dentistry in Vero Beach, FL.
Why Choose Ocean Oaks Dental Group of Vero Beach for Emergency Dentistry?
- Same-Day Emergency Appointments
- Comprehensive Dental Services In-House
- Advanced Dental Lab on Location
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
There are four main steps we typically take in order to help our patients find relief when a dental emergency strikes:
- Schedule a Same-Day Appointment: When you call us for emergency dental care, we’ll often be able to make arrangements to see you on the same day. Be sure to follow any first-aid tips that our team gives you over the phone.
- Perform an Emergency Exam: At our office, we’ll take X-rays as needed and closely examine your teeth and gums. This will allow us to determine the true nature of your emergency and get a feel for how extensive the damage is.
- Review Our Findings: Following our examination, we’ll explain our findings to you in order to ensure that you fully understand your situation. Then we will give you our recommendations for treatment. When suggesting a service, we’ll provide an estimate of the cost as well as how long it will take.
- Perform the Needed Treatment: Your treatment plan will be carried out as quickly as possible. It could involve a filling, a crown, a tooth extraction, and any other services deemed necessary.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
Several situations could be called a dental emergency. Some are caused by poor oral hygiene, while others are often the result of a blow to the face. Below is a list of some of the more common dental emergencies. Please call us right away if you experience any of these symptoms.
Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry
Our top priority during an emergency is to relieve your pain and fix any damage that has already been done. We can discuss the cost once we have determined the kind of treatment you need. The amount you end up paying depends heavily on your unique situation, but we will be sure to explain exactly why a specific treatment is needed before asking you to make a decision. We can also file insurance claims on your behalf and discuss financing options if necessary.
Every Dental Emergency Is Unique
Just like every smile is unique, so is every dental emergency. That means costs can vary greatly between cases. When you visit us for urgent dental care, our team will begin with a thorough examination to determine the source of your discomfort. This initial assessment is reasonably priced.
Depending on what we find, we will propose a treatment plan tailored to your needs. In some instances, emergencies can be managed with simple interventions such as a filling or a round of antibiotics. In other cases, more involved procedures like root canal therapy and a crown, or even a tooth extraction followed by replacement, may be necessary.
Whatever the recommended course of action, our team will provide a clear cost estimate before proceeding.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for at least one emergency examination per year, as well as certain emergency treatments. For example, some plans may reimburse up to 80 percent of the cost for services like fillings and non-surgical extractions, while more complex procedures may be covered at up to 50 percent.
Although Ocean Oaks Dental is not in-network with any insurance providers, our team will be happy to assist you with filing claims to help you secure reimbursement for your treatment. We will guide you through the necessary steps and supply the documentation required by your insurance company.
Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money
One of the most effective ways to reduce the need for costly emergency dental treatment is by maintaining your oral health. Brushing and flossing daily, along with regular visits to our practice for cleanings and examinations, can allow us to detect and address issues early, when they are often easier and less expensive to treat.
Furthermore, if you notice any changes or problems with your teeth or gums, seek care as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can allow problems to worsen, which often leads to increased costs and more complex procedures in the future. Your proactive approach to oral health is a smart investment in your smile’s long-term well-being!
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
As an emergency dentist in Vero Beach, our team is ready to leap into action when you are in need of urgent care. However, we are sure that you would prefer to avoid such a situation in the first place! There are some practical steps you can take to greatly reduce the risk that you will require emergency care. Here is an overview of what you should do:
Visit Your Dentist for Preventive Care Twice a Year
Make it your goal to visit us for a cleaning and checkup at least once every six months. During these routine appointments, our team will examine your mouth for signs of problems that might develop into an emergency later on, such as cavities or gum disease. We will also thoroughly clean your teeth, which can help to prevent the formation of dangerous decay. Additionally, we are always happy to provide personalized guidance on home care for your smile.
Stick to a Thorough Oral Hygiene Routine
Maintaining a clean mouth can do much to get rid of harmful bacterial buildup, which might otherwise lead to a dental emergency. You should:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. Do not forget to clean the area along your gumline.
- Floss daily; if you have questions about flossing technique, ask our friendly team.
- Adopt other good habits that will benefit your unique mouth. For example, you might need to use a mouth rinse or use special tools to clean underneath restorations.
Consume a Nutritious Diet
Overindulging in sugary, starchy, or acidic foods can take a toll on your teeth; they might experience enamel erosion or develop cavities. Therefore, it is best to consume such items only in moderation. You should also be cautious with very hard foods that might chip a tooth. Try to center your diet on nutrient-rich items that support oral and overall health, such as fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and dairy.
Wear a Mouthguard
There are two different types of mouthguards that you might need to use:
- If you play sports, you should wear a mouthguard to shield your teeth from impacts. A custom mouthguard from a dentist tends to be more effective and comfortable than over-the-counter options.
- If you tend to grind your teeth at night, you may need a special nightguard to place a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth. Again, it is best to opt for custom rather than OTC products.
Do Not Use Your Teeth as Tools
Have you ever used your teeth to open packages, trim your fingernails, or clip the tags off of new clothing? While teeth can seem like a convenient tool for such tasks, they are not designed for that! Rather, they are designed just to help you eat food. Using them in other capacities could easily damage them, leading to chips, cracks, and premature wear and tear. To resist the temptation to use your teeth as a tool, try carrying a small pocketknife or multi-tool with you.
Tooth Extractions
Teeth sometimes need to be removed if they’re severely infected or badly damaged. However, an extraction is always a last resort that is only performed if other treatment options are not viable. We will only recommend it after we’ve thoroughly examined your mouth and determined that it’s the best way to restore and protect your oral health. We can help you choose a replacement afterward, such as a bridge, a partial denture, or a dental implant.
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