Emergency Dentist — Torrington, CT
Fast & Professional Care When You Need It Most
Our team understands that experiencing severe oral pain and/or injury can be a frightening time, whether you are the victim or you are watching a loved one struggle with serious symptoms. Here in Torrington, we do our best to accommodate dental emergencies as soon as possible so that patients are never left waiting without relief. Our team members can also provide guidance over the phone for how to stabilize your condition and minimize uncomfortable symptoms until you are able to reach our dental office. Call Torrington Dental Care for fast and professional care when you need it most.
Why Choose Torrington Dental Care for Emergency Dental Care?
- Team of Experienced & Compassionate Dentists On-Staff
- Same-Day Appointments Available for Emergency Patients
- Advanced Technology for Fast & Precise Treatment
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
- Step 1: Call Us for a Same-Day Appointment. You should not have to wait around to receive urgent dental care. We do everything we can to see our emergency patients the same day they call us.
- Step 2: Get First-Aid Instructions Over the Phone. Our experienced team has years of experience dealing with dental emergencies. When you call us to make an appointment, we will also give you guidance on how to manage your situation until you can reach us.
- Step 3: See Us for an Emergency Exam. When you arrive, your Torrington emergency dentist will see you for evaluation right away. They will look at your teeth and take X-rays as needed.
- Step 4: Review Your Options & Make a Treatment Plan: Once your dentist has examined your oral health, they will review their findings with you and fully explain all your treatment options. We will work with you to make a plan to get your smile back on track in a way that is best for you.
- Step 5: Get the Fast, Professional Care You Need: We are proud to offer a wide variety of treatments and the latest dental technology right here in-office, so we will get to work repairing your smile right away as soon as you have agreed to a treatment plan.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
A dental emergency can develop slowly over time, as is the case with a painful infection, or happen all of a sudden, like with a sports-related accident. In any case, the best thing for you to do is seek out professional care as quickly as possible here at Torrington Dental Care. Give us a call, and we will arrange to see you right away so we can relieve your pain and repair any damage. Before you are able to reach us, however, our team will give you a few helpful tips so you can gain control of the situation. Below, you will find important information about handling some of the most common dental emergencies.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Emergencies
No two dental emergencies are exactly alike, and because of this, there is no single price for treating one. We always base our care on a patient’s particular situation and needs. Some might just need a small filling, while others might require a root canal and a dental crown. Regardless, our goal is to relieve a patient’s pain first, and then we can discuss how they want to repair any decay or damage. To help with any out-of-pocket costs, low-to-no interest financing is available, and we are happy to help with insurance claims.
Every Dental Emergency Is Different
An exam by your emergency dentist in Torrington is fairly inexpensive. However, beyond the exam, we will have to render treatment. That may involve something simple and low-priced, like a filling or prescription mouthwash. But there is also the possibility that a complex and higher-priced procedure will be necessary. You can trust us to always be upfront with you about pricing. If more than one treatment might suit your needs, we will help you compare the pros, cons, and cost of each one before you decide how to move forward. Feel free to ask questions — we want you to be able to commit to your treatment with confidence.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
In most cases, yes, dental insurance does cover at least a portion of the cost of emergency dentistry in Torrington. For example, many policies cover one emergency exam each year. It is also common for them to cover 50 – 80% of the price of restorative care, up to the amount of the plan’s annual maximum. Our practice is in-network with several major insurance policies, and our team will help you understand your insurance coverage and file your claims.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
In addition to helping you with insurance, we offer other provisions that may make your emergency dental care easier to afford, including:
- Essential Dental Plan. Essential Dental is a discount plan designed for patients without insurance. In exchange for a reasonable fee, you can enjoy significantly lower rates on virtually all the services we provide, including the restorative treatments that are commonly used in emergency care.
- Most patients are eligible for financing through CareCredit. If you are approved for credit, you may be able to choose between several different payment plans, including those that have little or no interest. The application process is quick and easy, and if necessary, our team can walk you through it.
Prevention Saves Money
Some dental emergencies are the result of sudden and unavoidable accidents. However, most are preventable. By being proactive about caring for your smile, you can greatly reduce the risk that you will suffer from one and save yourself thousands of dollars in the process. For example, insurance typically covers preventive care at 100%. Regularly attending checkups may cost you nothing out of pocket, and at these appointments, we can identify most dental problems before they become serious.
Also, keep in mind that if you ever believe something is amiss with your teeth, you should seek treatment sooner rather than later. Addressing dental problems before they have time to become severe is usually much simpler and more affordable than waiting until they have caused extensive damage.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
The experts at our practice are ready to serve as your emergency dental office in Torrington. However, we are sure that you would prefer to avoid emergencies in the first place. To help you out, we have put together a list of practical steps you can take to reduce your risk of dental injury, decay, and other problems that could lead to urgent problems. Simple things like cleanings, checkups, and wearing a mouthguard can do much to protect your smile!
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
You should visit your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. At these appointments, we have the opportunity to identify and treat things like decay and gum disease before they become serious — and before they end up leading to an emergency. We also remove plaque and tartar from your teeth; left unaddressed, they may lead to cavities later on. Additionally, these appointments are a golden opportunity for you to learn more about how to care for your teeth properly at home.
Stick to an Excellent Oral Hygiene Routine
Your at-home oral hygiene routine does much to remove plaque from your teeth, prevent infections, and reduce the risk of gum disease. Try to brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. Be sure to clean the backs of your teeth and the area along the gumline. You should also floss once a day; if flossing is difficult for you, ask your hygienist how you can make it into a habit.
Watch What You Eat
Sugar is a major contributor to cavities. When it interacts with bacteria in the mouth, plaque results. Plaque, in turn, exposes the teeth to acids that can seriously damage your enamel. Therefore, it is best to consume sweet treats only in moderation. You should also avoid overindulging in acidic foods and beverages, like sports drinks and sodas; they can easily erode tooth enamel. Try to eat a diet that is rich in tooth-friendly nutrients, like calcium and vitamin D.
Wear a Mouthguard
Did you know that about 40% of dental injuries stem from sports-related accidents? Whatever your favorite sport is, you should always wear a mouthguard when you are playing. Custom mouthguards from a dentist tend to be more effective and more comfortable than over the counter products. If you grind your teeth at night, you should wear a different type of mouthguard — one that is specifically designed to protect your teeth from each other while you sleep.
Do Not Use Your Teeth as a Tool
Your teeth may seem like a convenient tool for opening bottles, bags, or other types of containers. You might even use them to trim your fingernails or cut the tags off of clothing. While teeth are quite durable, you should never use them for such activities if you want to prevent dental emergencies in Torrington. They can easily break and chip, leading to a dental emergency. To avoid using your teeth as a tool, you might find it beneficial to carry a small pocketknife or a similar item with you.
Dental Emergency FAQs
As an experienced emergency dentist in Torrington, our team is ready to help you with all of your urgent oral healthcare needs. Before you save our number in your phone, however, you might want to learn more about emergency dental situations and how to handle them. Below, you will find practical and succinct information about some topics that our patients often wonder about. If you do not see the answer to your specific question, feel free to contact us directly so we can personally assist you.
Will My Toothache Go Away on Its Own?
Teeth are incapable of healing themselves, so toothaches do not usually go away on their own. However, there are some exceptions. For example, your pain might be coming from something near the tooth, rather than the tooth itself. This can happen in people who have a sinus problem or an injury to their gums. Another reason a toothache might disappear is if the nerve inside the tooth dies, so it is no longer able to send pain signals to the brain. That is not a good thing — the infection that first attacked the tooth may still be present, and it could continue to spread to nearby tissues and even cause systemic illness. Really, any toothache calls for a prompt visit to the dentist.
Should I Visit the Emergency Room First for Dental Emergencies?
Emergency room staff members usually do not have the training or the equipment to address a dental emergency in Torrington. They might just advise you to take some painkillers and visit a dentist as soon as possible. However, there are some exceptions. If you are bleeding uncontrollably from the mouth, have broken or dislocated facial bones, or are experiencing any life-threatening symptoms, you should certainly head to the emergency room. After they tend to you, you can visit us for follow-up care.
What Should I Keep in My Emergency Dentistry Kit?
Having an emergency dentistry kit can equip you to handle unexpected oral health problems in the best way possible. Here are some items that you should keep on hand:
- A small storage container with a lid
- Sterile gloves
- Dressings, gauze pads, and cotton balls
- Dental cement
- Painkillers (ibuprofen works well)
- A topical anesthetic, such as Orajel or a similar product
- Floss
- An ice pack
- Contact information for our dental practice
- Your dental insurance information
- An updated list of your current medications and medical conditions
What Is Causing My Jaw Pain?
Jaw pain can have a myriad of causes. Bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching) is a common culprit. Many people do not even know they are doing it because it usually occurs during sleep. Facial injuries, arthritis, a misaligned bite, and TMJ disorder (TMD) are other possible reasons for jaw pain. When you visit us, we will do all we can to determine the cause of your pain before we recommend a treatment.
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