Emergency Dentist — Mobile, AL
Stop Your Pain and Save Your Smile
Is a nagging toothache keeping you awake at night? Maybe you fell while playing basketball and hit your mouth? In either case, you need immediate dental care. Although no one expects it to happen to them, dental emergencies are quite common. In fact, 1 out of every 6 Americans faces one each year. If you’re like most people, you may not know what to do when the unexpected strikes. Don’t worry, Parker Dental & Orthodontics is here for you when you need an emergency dentist in Mobile. Call us today and we’ll schedule you an emergency dental appointment as soon as possible at one of our multiple convenient locations.
Why Choose Parker Dental & Orthodontics for Emergency Dental Care?
- Same-Day Emergency Appointments Available
- Large Team of Dentists with Years of Experience
- Walk-In Visits Welcome
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
- Get a same-day appointment scheduled when you call: The moment you contact our practice, a team member will take note of your symptoms, get you scheduled for an appointment (ideally the same day) and provide first-aid tips over the phone.
- Complete an emergency exam from one of our dentists: As soon as you arrive, we’ll get you seen by one of our dentists for a detailed exam. They may capture X-rays if needed to locate the exact source of your emergency as well as get you out of any immediate pain.
- Reviewing our findings and recommending a plan: Once our office has completed an exam, we’ll be better equipped to suggest a specific treatment plan. You’ll receive a timeline and estimate for your costs beforehand so you can make an informed decision on how to move forward.
- Get the care you need right away: The sooner you get professional care, the less likely your emergency is to worsen. Common treatments to resolve dental emergencies usually include dental fillings, crowns, and root canal therapy. However, other services may be considered as well.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
Although dental emergencies tend to occur at the worst times, there are often red flags one may be looming in your future, such as tooth sensitivity. Routine dental care allows your dentist to look for problems lurking below the surface that can turn into a bigger issue down the road. Unfortunately, other emergencies can happen suddenly, like from an accident or injury. No matter the reasons, it’s best to contact our office right away, especially if your symptoms include any of the following:
Understanding the Cost of Treating Dental Emergencies
There’s no set amount you can expect to pay for an appointment with an emergency dentist in Mobile. The price will vary depending on your individual needs as well as your level of dental insurance coverage. Before we begin any treatment, we will work with you to find ways to pay for the solutions you need to stop your pain and save your smile.
Keep in mind that even if you’re worried about the cost of emergency dental care, you should still visit us as soon as you can. Why? Dental health problems often worsen over time rather than getting better. As a result, you might end up requiring more expensive treatments the longer you wait. Rest assured that we’ll do everything in our power to help your care fit comfortably into your budget.
Every Dental Emergency Is Different
When determining the cost of your dental emergency, we must first determine what type of injury has occurred and the best way to approach it. Generally, if you only require antibiotics or another prescribed medication, the cost of your treatment will be lower. However, if you are needing a more complex treatment, like a dental crown or root canal, you will be looking at a higher cost. Until you see us, there’s no way to know how much you will need to pay to restore your smile.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
Most of the time, dental insurance providers agree to cover emergency dental services. How much they cover is based on the type of restorative treatment you need. Some companies will pay at least 50% of the total cost, but you need to contact your insurer to find out the specific details of your plan.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance, this doesn’t mean that you’re completely out of luck. We have an in-office membership plan that can help to offset the costs of dental care. For a low annual fee, you’ll receive all of your necessary preventive dental care and discounted rates on restorative dentistry and other treatment options. We also work with CareCredit – a third-party financing company that can split the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly installments with little to no interest. Talk to one of our friendly team members to learn more about your options.
Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money
Not all dental emergencies are preventable, but when you implement an excellent oral hygiene routine and eliminate bad habits, like smoking and munching on ice, you can reduce your probability of experiencing one. You should also keep an eye out for changes in your mouth. Even something minor, like a toothache, can become a much larger issue without treatment. It’s possible that smaller dental emergencies can be resolved with less costly solutions if treated right away. Ultimately, when you receive routine preventive care and address changes in your mouth immediately, you can save hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars on dental care.
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
Unfortunately, you can’t fully prevent dental emergencies since accidents sometimes happen. You can, however, reduce your risk of one by incorporating healthy habits into your routine and breaking harmful ones. That’s why our team at Parker Dental & Orthodontics recommends:
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Your biannual visits do so much more than just catch cavities. They also allow our team to complete an oral cancer screening, check the health of your gums, and remove built-up plaque and tartar. This, in turn, can help prevent common dental problems, like gum disease. All that to say, if it has been more than six months since your last visit, don’t let another six months pass before scheduling your next one!
Important reminder: If you suspect that something is wrong between visits, don’t wait – reach out to us right away so we can learn about your symptoms and schedule an exam.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene At Home
Another great way to prevent dental emergencies in Mobile is by committing to a solid at-home oral hygiene regimen. That starts with brushing your teeth for two full minutes each morning and evening with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. Then, at least once a day, floss, rinse with mouthwash, and clean the surface of your tongue.
Stick to a Nutritious Diet
Over the years, you’ve probably been told not to overindulge on things like ice cream and sour candies. The reason for this is simple: sugary treats can cause cavities! To keep your teeth and gums healthy, it’s best to fill your plate with nutrient-dense foods instead, like seasonal fruits and vegetables. Additionally, you should drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and prevent dry mouth.
Wear a Mouthguard
Whether you like to stay active by running, riding your bike, or playing tennis, wearing a mouthguard is a good idea. That way, your teeth, gums, and soft tissue are protected if you accidentally fall or a rogue ball hits you in the mouth. If you don’t have one already, or you’re using a one-size-fits-all one that you got online, then schedule an appointment with our team at Parker Dental & Orthodontics so we can have a custom one made.
Quit Harmful Habits
Finally, you should avoid doing anything that could damage your teeth. A few examples include chewing on ice cubes, using your teeth to tear open plastic wrapping, and biting your nails. You also shouldn’t use tobacco products since doing so can lead to chronic bad breath, increase your risk of oral cancer, and delay healing.
Dental Emergency FAQ’s
Our team at Parker Dental & Orthodontics understands that a dental emergency can leave you in panic mode wondering what to do next. Will I lose the tooth? How do I stop the bleeding? How can I make the pain go away? All these questions and plenty more will swirl through your mind until some sort of resolution is achieved. To help you get the relief, care, and answers you need in a crisis, we have compiled some frequently asked questions about emergency dentistry to help ease your mind and calm your nerves.
When should I go to the emergency room with a dental emergency?
In situations where bleeding does not stop, swelling increases instead of decreases, or you’ve broken or fractured your jaw, it’s always best to seek immediate medical attention at your local emergency room. It’s important that you still call our office to alert us of the situation, but get to an ER as soon as possible, so the situation can be immediately taken care of. Once you are able, get in to see us for additional treatment and care.
How do I know if I need a tooth extraction?
Only Dr. Parker will be able to determine if you require a tooth extraction, but some signs that might lead you to that conclusion include:
- A tooth that is partially detached
- Severe decay that has reached the inner layer of your tooth (the pulp)
- Infection or abscessed tooth
- Gum disease that has led to loosening teeth
What happens if my toothache goes away on its own?
No matter if the pain remains or goes away on its own, it’s best if you get in to see us and let us check to make sure there is no underlying problem present. Sometimes, even the most serious issue won’t present normal symptoms, so if the pain isn’t something that you’re feeling, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your tooth is healthy. Problems can exist beneath the surface, so we’ll need to examine your full smile to make sure there’s no cause for concern.
Does keeping a knocked-out tooth in milk really help?
Yes, it actually does help. If you have a tooth that has been knocked out, you need to keep it moist until you can get in to see us. If you’d rather not stick it next to your cheek in your mouth, a container of milk will work. Milk keeps the root of the tooth from swelling up, and it also contains proteins that can keep important cells growing while out of its socket. Just remember, if you experience trauma that results in a knocked-out tooth, get in to see us within an hour of the incident. Otherwise, we may be unable to save the tooth.