If you need urgent oral care, then the first thing you may search on your phone is “emergency dentist near me.” This will give you a long list of potential practices, but how can you pick the right one? Thankfully, it can be a relatively easy choice if you know exactly what to look for. Here are things you should keep in mind to help you make a confident choice.
What Should I Look for in an Emergency Dentist?
As you scroll through the dentists in your search results, start to quickly go through their website and look for things like:
- Their Location: You’d want to find a place that’s less than 30 minutes away from you, especially in a dental emergency. Driving too far can leave you in pain for longer and make you more stressed out.
- Hours: Some practices are open every weekday, so you should find one that’s most convenient for whatever time it is for you in the moment.
- Emergency Dentistry Page: On the office’s website, there should be a section about how they treat urgent situations. Take a quick look, and you might be able to see if they accept same-day appointments as well.
- Dental Insurance: It’s important you look for a provider that takes your plan. Doing so will help you utilize it and avoid a big bill. However, if you don’t have it, then look to see if they have a membership plan or accept financing.
What to Expect When You Call an Emergency Dentist
When you find a dentist who checks all of your parameters, then you should give them a call right away. By being on the phone with them, they can give you specific advice about your unique situation and hopefully pencil in an appointment later that same day.
If the practice is closed, then giving a call and getting to their voicemail can be helpful as well. Some have guidance on it, so be sure to listen to any instructions laid out. That way, you feel more confident about what you should do.
That being said, there may be a small chance the dentist doesn’t have the space for you to come in. They’ll give you your next steps, but going to your local emergency room is also an option. While they may not have the professionals or instruments needed to treat your oral health issue, you can get relief. That way, you don’t feel much discomfort until you can visit your chosen practice.
About the Practice
At Southlake Family Dentistry, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Priya Chougule and Dr. Ashley Fasone. We are dedicated to helping the Fort Mill community throughout their oral healthcare, especially during dental emergencies. By offering same-day appointments, we can give you a solution to your situation as soon as possible. If you are in need of urgent oral care, the fastest way to schedule an appointment is by calling our office at (803) 548-3342.