Emergency Dentist – Lowell, MA
Need Immediate Help? Call Us!
Are you panicking because of a dental emergency? If so, you’re not alone. Many people are unsure of what to do the moment they realize they have a chipped or broken tooth, a lost dental crown, or a pearly white that has been knocked out. At Simply Dental of Lowell, our team is here to deliver emergency assistance 7 days a week, so you never feel as if we’re out of reach. Call us today if you would like to learn more about how our trusted emergency dentist in Lowell, MA can help when the need arises.
Why Choose Simply Dental of Lowell for Emergency Dentistry?
- Offering Emergency Assistance 7 Days a Week
- Dental Office Serving the Area Since 1969
- Dental Insurance Welcome
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
- Schedule a Consultation: When an incident occurs, you must first call our dental office to schedule an emergency appointment. Our team will work quickly to identify a time as well as provide helpful tips to better manage the pain.
- Perform a Thorough Exam: When arriving for your appointment, a member of our dental team will examine your mouth using digital diagnostics and visual evaluations to determine the underlying cause.
- Review Findings: Once all the information is compiled, we will formulate a personalized treatment plan that explains how we intend to address the problem and how much you can expect to pay.
- Deliver Timely Care: With a plan in place, we will immediately get to work to eliminate the pain and improve the state of your smile.
Dental Emergency FAQs
What if My Toothache Suddenly Disappears?
You might be surprised to hear that a toothache that suddenly disappears is actually bad news. The reason why is because, most of the time, the change in symptoms is because the nerve of the tooth has “died.” In other words, your discomfort is gone, but the root of the problem isn’t. So, don’t postpone scheduling an appointment with us any longer.
Do I Need to Go to The Dentist for A Small Chip in My Tooth?
Yes, even small chips warrant a visit to our office. That said, same-day appointments usually aren’t necessary; you can come in for an exam when it’s most convenient for you. Then, our talented dental team will take a look at your tooth and determine if further care is necessary to prevent it from breaking further or from an infection developing.
Is It Safe to Repair Dentures with Superglue?
No, because superglue contains toxins that are not safe to ingest! So, don’t use household adhesives or DIY denture repair kits. Instead, give us a call so we can safely repair or replace it.
What Does Chronic Bad Breath Mean?
Chronic bad breath is usually due to one of two things: diet or oral health. That’s why the first recommendation you’ll often see is to remove pickles, onions, garlic, and other pungent foods from your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If that doesn’t seem to help, then transition your focus to your oral hygiene regimen. If you’re brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash consistently, but the odor persists, then it’s time to schedule an exam with us so we can determine if the root of the problem is something deeper, like gum disease.
Are Swollen Gums an Emergency?
Abnormal symptoms, like swollen gums, definitely warrant a visit to our office. Whether or not a same-day appointment is necessary depends largely on how long the problem has been present and if it’s interfering with your day-to-day life. For example, if your gums have been inflamed or bleeding for several days now, and it’s preventing you from being able to chew properly, then you should schedule an emergency exam ASAP.
Should I Go to the ER for Dental Emergencies?
Since hospitals don’t usually have dentists on-staff, you shouldn’t go to the ER for minor toothaches, small chips, and the like. If, on the other hand, you’re experiencing potentially life-threatening symptoms, like difficulty breathing or uncontrollable bleeding, then you shouldn’t hesitate to call 911 or go to the ER. Once you get the medical attention you need, you can schedule an appointment with us so we can restore the look, health, and function of your smile as well.
What If I Can’t Afford Emergency Dentistry?
It’s very common for patients to be worried about the cost of emergency dentistry if they don’t have dental insurance. The reality is that is just one financial solution; there are other ways to make the cost more affordable! CareCredit is a great example because the payment plans allow you to break up the price into smaller, more budget-friendly installments.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
It’s not always easy knowing which dental emergencies are worthy of a visit to the dental office. The important rule of thumb to remember is that if you are in pain, it’s better to call than wait. We treat all kinds of dental emergencies, which is why we have the list below that explains the different types of care we can provide.
Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry
Simply put, the cost of dental emergencies is not the same from patient to patient. In order to provide you with an accurate estimate of the price of your care, we need to first evaluate your case and determine the expected costs based on a host of factors, including the type of injury. Then, we can review your treatment options, answer any questions you have, and work with you to ensure the financial aspects are taken care of.
Why Every Dental Emergency is Different
We mentioned above that the type of dental injury impacts the cost of emergency dentistry. However, that’s just one of many! A few other examples include the severity of the damage, the type of treatment needed, and if dental insurance will be used. The good news is that our Lowell dental team is here to help every step of the way. In addition to completing a comprehensive oral exam and pinpointing the root of the problem, we will review all of your treatment options, provide you with an estimate of the price, and go over all of the financial solutions available to you.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
Most dental insurance plans operate under the 100-80-50 structure, which means between 50% and 80% of the cost of essential restorative care is covered. Additionally, many patients have one emergency exam included in their benefits each year. To find out what your provider covers, you can read through your paperwork, reach out to your provider directly, or give us a call! We’re proud to welcome Delta Dental, BlueCross BlueShield of MA, Guardian, and several others, and our goal is to make understanding and utilizing your benefits a breeze.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
If you’re uninsured, don’t let that stop you from scheduling an emergency exam. After all, the longer you wait to come in, the more time the root of the problem has to progress! Plus, we offer other financial solutions, including CareCredit flexible financing. As a result, you don’t have to pay for the entire cost of your care in one lump sum. Instead, you can space out the cost of your care into manageable monthly chunks. One of the biggest perks is that some of their payment plans have little-to-no interest attached.
Care for Your Smile, Save Your Time and Money!
There’s some good news: dental injuries – from tooth decay to damaged restorations – are largely preventable with the right best practices in place. In other words, if you take good care of your smile, you’re much more likely to experience a dental emergency that requires your valuable time and money. So, if you aren’t already, make sure that you’re following a solid oral hygiene regimen at home, coming in every six months for a dental checkup and teeth cleaning, and adopting other good habits, like wearing a mouthguard during sports.
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
Not all dental emergencies can be prevented. That said, many can be avoided using simple tricks and tips. Some of the most beneficial things to remember when it comes to keeping your and your family’s smiles safe include:
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Simply put, if you don’t take good care of your smile at home, it will only be a matter of time until you’re at our office with a painful toothache, bleeding gums, a damaged restoration, or another common dental injury. That’s why it’s so important that you maintain a good oral hygiene regimen at home, starting with brushing your teeth twice a day and extending to flossing and rinsing with mouthwash consistently.
Schedule a Dental Checkup and Cleaning Biannually
Coming to our Lowell dental office twice a year is also crucial. After all, many oral health problems – from tooth decay to periodontal disease – can fly under the radar in the early stages. Plus, harmful substances, like plaque and tartar, can continue to accumulate without regular cleanings. Simply put, your routine visits to our office are essential when it comes to keeping your teeth, gums, and any existing restorations you have in pristine condition.
Give Up Bad Habits
Be honest… Do you sometimes use your teeth to remove plastic wrapping? Do you ever bite your nails, chew on ice cubes, or smoke? If so, there’s no time like the present to stop. That way, your mouth won’t be exposed to the bacteria under your nails, your enamel won’t crack under the pressure of the ice cube, and your oral health won’t suffer from the use of tobacco products.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Nutrient-dense foods, like fresh fruits and vegetables, don’t just benefit your overall health; they benefit your oral health! So, do your best to incorporate them into your daily diet. It’s also a good idea to cut back on extremely sticky, starchy, and sugary foods, like caramel candies, potato chips, and lollipops. This will lower your risk of serious oral health problems, including cavities.
Wear a Mouthguard During Sports
Whether you are a professional athlete, you like playing baseball with your friends, or you enjoy a solo sport, like running, you need to wear a mouthguard. This dental device may be small, but it can play a big role in preventing common dental injuries, including chipped, cracked, and knocked-out teeth.
Tip: If you don’t have a mouthguard, or you don’t wear the one you have because it’s uncomfortable, then schedule an appointment with our Lowell dental team so we can have a custom one made for you. That way, yours fits comfortably, is the appropriate thickness, and protects your smile from harm!
