Emergency Dentistry Fort Smith

Every Dental Emergency is Different – Here’s Why

Typically, the cost of the emergency exam is relatively nominal. The care needed to alleviate your pain and restore your oral health, however, can vary significantly. That’s why there isn’t a one-size-fits-all cost. Before we can provide you with an estimate of the price, we need to learn all about your symptoms, take X-rays, and conduct a comprehensive oral exam. From there, we can determine the severity of the damage and discuss your treatment options. Rest assured, we won’t leave you in the dark about the cost either. Quite the opposite: we will provide you with an estimate upfront and discuss the financial solutions available as well.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?

Sometimes, yes! For example, many dental insurance plans include one emergency exam per year. Many also cover between 50% and 80% of the cost of essential restorative care, which helps keep your out-of-pocket expenses to a minimum. Of course, there are also rules and restrictions that need to be considered, like waiting periods, which is why it’s so important to familiarize yourself with the fine print on your plan. If you need any help, don’t hesitate to let us know! We’re proud to welcome many of the nation’s leading providers, including Aetna (PPO), Blue Cross Blue Shield of TN, and Careington Dental.

Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable

Don’t have dental insurance? Ask us about CareCredit! This trusted third-party financier offers payment plans so you don’t have to pay for the entire cost of your emergency dental care in one lump sum. Instead, you can determine your monthly budget and choose a payment plan that fits within it. Not only is it easy to sign up, but many of the plans have little-to-no interest attached as well. If you have any questions for us about this financial solution, don’t hesitate to reach out! We’d be happy to provide you with the answers you’re looking for.

How Taking Care Of Your Smile Can Save You Money

If you’re worried about the cost, you might be tempted to take the “wait and see” approach. However, doing so can make the existing issue much worse, resulting in more costly treatments being needed down the line. In other words, visiting us when you first notice that something is wrong will benefit both your smile and your wallet.

It’s also important that we mention here that many common dental problems – from damaged restorations to large cavities – are largely preventable with the right best practices in place. So, in a way, solid oral hygiene habits (i.e., brushing twice a day, flossing every night, rinsing with mouthwash consistently) can save you money too!

Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months

Oftentimes, patients don’t realize just how much ground is covered during their routine checkups and cleanings. In addition to conducting a comprehensive oral cancer screening, your dentist examines the condition of each tooth, your gums, and any existing restorations. Plus, your dental hygienist thoroughly removes plaque and tartar during the cleaning. As a result, your biannual visits play a crucial role in both catching and preventing common dental problems, like cavities.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene At Home

Another great way to reduce your risk of dental damage is by committing to healthy habits at home. That starts with the usual (i.e., brushing twice a day, flossing every night before bed, rinsing with mouthwash consistently), but it also extends to other habits, like replacing your toothbrush every quarter. After all, using old, frayed bristles to clean your teeth is a lot like using an old, dirty sponge to clean your dishes!

Stick to a Well-Balanced Diet

Simply put, what you eat impacts your oral health. That’s why patients are encouraged not to overindulge on sugary and starchy snacks that can lead to tooth decay! If you want your smile to be healthy from the inside out, then focus on adding nutrient-dense foods to your diet, like seasonal fruits and vegetables. Drinking lots of water throughout the day is important too since doing so will keep you hydrated and prevent dry mouth.

Wear a Mouthguard During Sports

Whether you participate in a contact sport or a non-contact one, you need to wear a mouthguard. If you don’t have one already, schedule an appointment with us so we can have a custom one made! Although this may not seem necessary, it’s important to remember that even if you participate in a non-contact sport, like skateboarding, surfing, or riding your bike, there’s a chance that you could fall and sustain a serious dental injury.

Break Bad Habits

Although your enamel is the strongest substance in the human body, it’s not indestructible. That’s why it’s so important to avoid doing anything that can lead to dental damage, like smoking, chewing on ice, or biting your nails. It’s also crucial that you don’t use your teeth as tools – whether it’s to remove plastic wrapping or a bottle cap. Using the right tools is a small habit that will make a big difference when it comes to protecting your teeth.