Emergency Dentist — Rowley, MA
Saving Infected, Broken, or Lost Teeth
In just a few seconds, you could develop a sudden toothache or find yourself with a gap in your smile. These dental emergencies can be frightening, but if you get in touch with Dr. J. Peter St. Clair and the rest of our dedicated dental staff right away for emergency dentistry in Rowley, MA, we’ll do everything we can to relieve your pain as quickly as possible. Also, if you need help after our regular dental office hours, you are welcome to call Dr. St. Clair on his personal cell phone at (978) 771-2638.
Why Choose J. Peter St. Clair, DMD for Emergency Dental Care?
- Same-Day Emergency Appointments Available
- Advanced Diagnostic Technology
- Individualized, Down-to-Earth Care
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
- Call today and get a same-day appointment set up: Don’t wait to get in touch with our office. The sooner you call, the more likely we can get you seen the same day. We are open as early as 7:00 a.m. and can provide first-aid tips over the phone when you get in touch.
- Complete an emergency exam with Dr. St. Clair: Once you reach our office in-person, Dr. St. Clair can examine your mouth, help you get out of pain, capture digital X-rays (if necessary), and determine the source and extent of your emergency symptoms.
- Reviewing our findings: Only after we perform an exam can we then recommend a personalized treatment plan that resolves your dental emergency. Keep in mind that we will not perform any service without your expressed consent. We want to ensure you are as informed as possible so you can make an educated decision on how to proceed.
- Get the professional dental care you need: Our team is trained to address a wide variety of dental emergencies. Common services we may recommend include dental fillings, crowns, root canal therapy, oral surgery, gum disease treatment, or another option entirely.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
“Dental emergency” is a very broad category. It could mean a cavity that has reached the inner parts of your tooth, or it might refer to some kind of injury. As you can probably guess, each case is different and will require a unique plan based on the nature of the problem and the patient’s individual needs. Some of the most common dental emergencies are listed below; read on to learn some basic first-aid strategies ahead of your appointment.
Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry
Since no one plans to have a dental emergency, it’s completely normal to be worried about how your treatment is going to affect your budget. We pride ourselves in providing empathetic, down-to-earth care; we will only suggest treatments that are truly needed to restore your oral health. Plus, we will provide you with an estimate of the cost upfront and review the financial solutions available so the entire process is as stress-free as possible. In the meantime, you can read on to learn more about the price.
Every Dental Emergency is Different – Here’s Why
When you first arrive at our dental office, we’ll focus on alleviating any pain you’re experiencing and pinpointing the root of the problem. From there, we can assess the severity of the damage and determine which restorative treatment (or combination of treatments) is needed to restore your healthy smile. Once we have all of this information, we can create your custom treatment plan and figure out the overall cost of your care.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
Sometimes, yes! So, look through your dental plan to see if you have any available benefits, like a complimentary emergency exam. Remember, there are often restrictions, like waiting periods and annual maximums, so it’s important to read the fine print. If you’re having a hard time understanding what is and isn’t covered, don’t hesitate to let us know! We can take a look at the details and provide you with an estimate of your out-of-pocket expenses.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
Dental insurance is just one financial solution available. So, if you are uninsured, don’t let that stop you from scheduling an appointment! At your visit, we can discuss the other options, like:
- Flexible Financing – With CareCredit, you don’t have to pay for the cost of your emergency dental care in one lump sum. Instead, you can break it up into smaller, more manageable installments that work for your budget.
- Our special offers – We offer periodic specials throughout the year to help our patients save on the preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry they need or want. At your visit, we can provide further details, but don’t hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions prior!
How Taking Care Of Your Smile Can Save You Money
It’s important to remember that several common dental injuries – from loose restorations to chips in your enamel – are largely preventable. In other words, healthy habits like brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash consistently protect both your smile and your wallet from harm. That’s why it’s so important to take good care of your teeth and gums!
Important note: If you start to experience abnormal dental symptoms, like bleeding when you floss, don’t wait – contact us ASAP to schedule an emergency exam. That way, we can provide the care you need before the root of the problem gets worse!
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
Even “minor” dental injuries, like a small crack in your enamel, can lead to serious discomfort. That’s why it’s important to do what you can to protect your smile from harm. The good news is that there are a few things you can do to help accomplish this goal, which we will cover in this next section. Of course, if you’re in pain or need help right now, then don’t hesitate to contact us right away!
Visit Our Office Every Six Months for a Dental Checkup and Cleaning
Your regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings at our office are important for several reasons, starting with the fact that they allow us to treat problems before they have a chance to become true emergencies. So, if it has been more than six months since your last dental checkup and teeth cleaning, now is the time to schedule your next visit! In addition to examining your teeth and gums, we will share our findings and intervene with any restorative care that is necessary.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene At Home
In order to prevent food particles, plaque, and other debris from lingering on the surface of your teeth for too long, you need to commit to a solid at-home oral hygiene regimen. The first step is using fluoridated toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth each morning and evening (as well as after lunch, if possible). The second step is flossing consistently, and the third is using an antimicrobial mouthwash. Together, these best practices will reduce your risk of oral health problems, like cavities.
Exercise Caution with Chewy, Hard, and Sticky Foods
Although enamel is one of the strongest substances in the human body, it’s not indestructible. That’s why it’s so important to exercise caution with foods like hard pretzels, caramel candies, and raw nuts. You also shouldn’t chew on ice cubes, the back of your pencil, or your fingernails. In short, you should stick to nutrient-dense foods that are smile-friendly and softer in consistency, like oatmeal, plain yogurt, and applesauce with no added sugar.
Wear a Mouthguard During Sports
In short, if you or a loved one is participating in a sporting event, make sure to wear a mouthguard. That way, your chances of chipping, cracking, or knocking out a tooth are significantly lower.
Important note: If you’re experiencing severe oral bleeding that’s not subsiding or a jaw that’s seriously injured, it’s recommended that you go to your nearest emergency room. After your initial care, our team will help you determine which restorative solutions are needed to rebuild any lost or damaged teeth you suffered.
Don’t Use Your Teeth As Tools
Lastly, make sure that you don’t use your teeth as tools. That means not using your teeth to open a package instead of scissors and not putting your keys in your mouth when your hands are full. You also shouldn’t bite your nails, remove bottle caps with your teeth, or smoke.
Dental Emergency FAQ’s
Do you want to know more about how to respond to a dental emergency in Rowley? Our talented team has compiled some of the most common questions about emergency dentistry and answered them below. If you have any additional questions or think you need urgent dental care, do not hesitate to contact our office!
Can the Emergency Room Remove a Tooth?
Only licensed dentists are permitted to perform tooth extractions. It is illegal for someone without the required training and education to remove a tooth, even in a hospital. If you turn to the emergency room to deal with dental pain, the best the hospital staff will be able to do is provide antibiotics and pain medication. This may provide temporary pain relief but will not address the underlying problem causing your toothache. The best way to determine the source of dental pain and get the appropriate treatment is to visit an emergency dentist in Rowley.
How Should I Sleep with Tooth Pain?
When dealing with a toothache at night, try placing an extra pillow or two under your head. Keeping your head elevated will prevent blood from rushing upwards and intensifying your toothache. Taking over-the-counter pain medication can also help relieve dental pain. Another option to dull your discomfort is to hold a cold compress on the affected area for 15 minutes at a time. Lastly, avoid eating foods that are acidic, cold, or hard right before bed for improved comfort.
Can Superglue Be Used to Repair Broken Dentures?
Superglue can fix a lot of broken items, but it’s not recommended for repairing dentures. The chemicals used in superglue can be toxic and result in allergic reactions in some patients. In addition, it can also affect the way food tastes -- and not in a good way! Finally, superglue typically does not do well in damp environments. If you try to fix your dentures at home with superglue, chances are it won’t hold them together for very long. The best way to repair broken dentures is with the assistance of an emergency dentist in Rowley.
What Does Chronic Bad Breath Mean?
Chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis, is different than simply having bad breath in the morning or after eating a meal with lots of garlic. In many cases, chronic bad breath is a sign of underlying dental trouble, like cavities, gum disease, or a dental infection. You likely won’t be able to address halitosis with mints or even more frequent brushing. Instead, if your bad breath lingers for more than a few days, you will need to call a dentist to schedule an oral examination and receive treatment.
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