Emergency Dentist – Morgan Hill, CA
Gentle Care for Hurting Smiles
Our team at Timeless Smiles Morgan Hill knows how stressful dental emergencies are, and that’s why you can always count on us to be there in your smile’s time of need. We strive to see dental patients of all ages and from all walks of life as soon as possible when they call needing an emergency dentist in Morgan Hill, CA. Often, we can get dentistry patients in for an appointment that very same day. Contact us to receive the prompt care your smile needs!
Why Choose Timeless Smiles Morgan Hill for Emergency Dentistry?
- Same-Day Emergency Appointments
- Dental Crowns Placed in One Visit
- Comfort Amenities & Dental Sedation Offered
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
When you call us seeking urgent dental care, you can expect our team to help by:
- Scheduling your appointment – We always keep some time in our schedule for patients with emergencies, and if you need to come in urgently, we’ll book your visit right away. Until then, we can provide first-aid tips over the phone so that you can manage your symptoms.
- Examining your mouth – As soon as you arrive, we’ll get you seen by Dr. Hong. She’ll examine the area of your mouth that is troubling you, which may include capturing digital X-rays. If you’re in severe discomfort, she’ll also provide relief.
- Discussing the situation – Dr. Hong will share her findings of the exam and recommend a treatment plan for addressing the emergency and preventing it from returning later on. This plan will also include an estimated cost and timeline.
- Providing treatment – Because of Dr. Hong’s impressive expertise, she can perform a wide range of dental services in-house to meet your smile’s needs, including same-day dental crowns, root canal therapy, and tooth extractions.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
When in doubt, it’s best to err on the side of treating your dental emergency right away rather than taking a “wait and see” approach. Dental problems rarely resolve themselves, and addressing them early on can save you from major headaches down the road. If you or a family member are experiencing any of these common dental emergencies, please reach out to us immediately.
Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry
If you’re like many patients, you may be worried that you’ll be hit with a large bill at the end of your emergency visit. Our team at Timeless Smiles Morgan Hill never wants that to be the case. In addition to being transparent about the price, we will happily answer any questions you have about your treatment options and review all of the financial solutions available, from dental insurance to flexible financing. If you’d like to learn more – from what factors impact the price to how dental insurance can help lower the price of your treatment – keep reading!
Why Every Dental Emergency is Different
Depending on how severe your dental emergency is, the cost of your care can vary significantly. A minor cavity that only needs a small filling, for instance, will cost less to treat than an advanced infection that requires a tooth extraction. The only way to definitively know how much your treatment will cost is to have Dr. Hong take a look. Once we have a grasp on the situation, our team can draw up a price estimate and explore your financing options.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
Oftentimes, yes! Although it’s important to always review the fine print on your plan, many patients have benefits that can help reduce the cost of emergency dental care, including 50% to 80% of coverage on restorative dentistry. If you’re unfamiliar with your dental insurance, you can always get in touch with your provider directly. Or, you can ask our team for help! We welcome Delta Dental, Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, and several other popular providers. That means we can help you understand your coverage, file the claims for you, and answer any questions you have with ease.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
Of course, dental insurance isn’t the only way to make emergency dental care more affordable. Our patients at Timeless Smiles Morgan Hill can also utilize:
- Flexible financing – With CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit, you don’t have to pay for your entire treatment upfront. Their payment plans allow you to instead space-out the installments into manageable chunks that won’t put a pinch on your wallet.
- Our in-house membership plan – This financial solution comes with numerous benefits, including 1 emergency dental exam, significant discounts on treatments completed at our office, and no annual deductibles or maximums!
How Taking Care Of Your Smile Can Save You Money
It’s true; accidents cannot be prevented. With that said, many common dental injuries are largely avoidable with the right best practices in place, such as visiting us semi-annually for a checkup and cleaning and avoiding unhealthy dental habits (i.e., chewing on ice, not flossing regularly, and using tobacco products). As a result, commitment to good oral hygiene can benefit your smile as well as your wallet!
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
Since sudden accidents cannot be predicted, there’s no way to eliminate your risk of experiencing a dental emergency entirely. With that said, you can reduce the chances by taking the right precautions. If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry – this next section covers everything you need to know!
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
All too often, patients skip their biannual dental visits because they aren’t experiencing any abnormal symptoms. However, routine exams allow Dr. Hong to recognize potential emergencies and stop them in their tracks. Plus, the cleaning portions of your appointments are dedicated to removing plaque and tartar in an effort to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and the like from developing in the first place.
Important reminder: If your gums start to bleed when you floss, you feel a sharp stabbing pain when you bite down, or you’re experiencing any other warning signs of trouble, don’t wait – schedule an appointment at our emergency dental office in Morgan Hill right away.
Take Good Care of Your Smile at Home
Of course, taking care of your smile only twice a year won’t suffice; you need to brush and floss daily as well. It’s also important to clean your tongue, rinse with mouthwash for 30-60 seconds each night, and replace your toothbrush head every quarter. If you ever have any questions about your at-home oral hygiene regimen, including which type of toothpaste you should use, you’re more than welcome to give us a call.
Stick to a Nutritious Diet
It’s very common for patients to underestimate how big an impact their diet has on their oral health. The truth is that eating too much ice cream, soda, and other sweet treats can quickly lead to tooth decay. Similarly, eating extremely crunchy foods, like peanut brittle, can cause your enamel to chip or crack. So, it’s best to stick to mostly nutrient-dense, well-balanced meals that are filled with smile-friendly foods, like cottage cheese.
Wear a Mouthguard During Sports
In short, you should wear a mouthguard if you participate in sports or activities that carry the risk of dental injury. If you don’t have one already, don’t buy the one-size-fits-all ones that they sell online (they are usually very uncomfortable and can even be a choking hazard). Instead, schedule an appointment at our office so we can have a custom one made.
Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools
Although enamel is one of the strongest substances in the human body, it can break with enough force. That’s why we advise against using your teeth to remove plastic wrapping or a bottle cap. For similar reasons, you shouldn’t smoke, bite your nails, or chew on anything other than food, like the back of your pencil.
Dental Emergency FAQs
Will My Toothache Go Away on Its Own?
Despite popular belief, toothaches do not heal on their own. In fact, a once-painful toothache that has “disappeared” may actually be an indicator the infection has damaged the nerve of the tooth! Therefore, it’s always a good idea to schedule an appointment with your emergency dentist in Morgan Hill right away. From there, they can determine the root of the problem and put a plan in place to restore the look and function of your smile.
My Chipped Tooth Doesn’t Hurt. Do I Still Need a Dental Visit?
Even if your chipped tooth doesn’t hurt, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hong. Although you may not be in any pain, the inner layers of your tooth could be vulnerable to damage. Plus, your chipped tooth may break further without professional attention, resulting in sensitivity, soreness, and overall discomfort. With that being said, you can most likely afford to wait a day or two until your appointment if needed. Just make sure you don’t put off seeing her for too long.
What Does Throbbing Tooth Pain Mean?
It’s likely a sign of an infection or inflammation within the tooth. Cavities or cracks inside the tooth allow air and bacteria to reach the sensitive inner area where the pulp lies. This results in irritation and potential infection of pulp nerves to cause pain. It can also occur if decay is present. In other cases, throbbing teeth could be due to chronic teeth grinding and clenching.
Should I Visit the Emergency Room First for Dental Emergencies?
Unfortunately, most emergency rooms are not able to address dental emergencies effectively. However, there are three main exceptions where an ER visit is a better option, including:
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Jaw fractures and dislocations
- Serious cuts or lacerations to the face or mouth
- Abscess or infection swollen to the point of affecting breathing or swallowing
In virtually all other circumstances, you should visit your dentist for an optimal outcome.
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