How Do I Choose an Emergency Dentist?

“Don’t worry about it; nothing is going to happen.” Surely some parent has said that exact phrase days or even hours before their child got a tooth knocked out. Just in case something crazy happened like a foul ball hitting you in the mouth at a little league game, who is your emergency dentist? The key is to have a plan in case it ever needs to be implemented. Read on to learn factors to consider when choosing an emergency dentist in Longview.

What Is the Location of the Dentist’s Office?

It would be wise to select one of the closest dentists to where you live, considering the odds that an emergency would originate at your home. The longer your tooth is out of its socket, the greater the chances it will die, so include your proximity to the office in your decision.

Does the Dentist Accept Your Insurance?

Not all dental facilities accept all types of dental insurance, so it’s important to figure this out ahead of time when you aren’t in a rush. If you go to a dentist that doesn’t accept your insurance, you will most likely end up with a higher out-of-pocket cost. If you don’t have insurance, you can ask the office if they offer payment plans or discounts.

Does the Dentist Offer Anesthesia?

You may need anesthesia to cope with the pain, depending on the type of dental emergency. The dentist almost certainly will have anesthesia, so it would be beneficial to find out what types of anesthetics they are licensed to administer.

Does the Facility Appear to Be Well Taken Care of?

When you visit a dentist’s office for the first time, take note of the cleanliness and the condition of the equipment. If you find yourself in an emergency, you will want to be in a sterile environment with the latest dental technology. If you haven’t been able to visit the office in person yet, be sure to check out the images available on their website.

What Professional Associations Does the Dentist Participate In?

It is important to select an emergency dentist who is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA). They must abide by the ADA code, which includes advisory opinions and guidelines for professional conduct. Factoring this into your decision should guarantee that you are treated well regardless of the nature of the emergency.

What Is the Follow-up Protocol for This Dentist?

After you are sent home to recover from a dental emergency, you’ll want to already know who to contact if you have a question or issue and how they will handle it. Find out if the dentist has a protocol for accommodating your needs after you leave the office on the day of the emergency.

No matter how prepared someone might be, there’s never a good time to be faced with a dental emergency. But exploring your options when you have plenty of time is far better than selecting an emergency dentist in Longview while in a hurry after something happened to you or a family member.

About the Author

Dr. George Stoddard earned his dental doctorate from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, and he completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program at LSU. If you ever require an emergency dentist, you can count on Dr. Stoddard and his 25-plus years of experience, same-day appointments are available, and dental insurance is welcome. Schedule an appointment on his website, but if it’s an emergency, call (903) 753-9758.