If you’re looking for an emergency dentist near me, the first thing you should do is avoid calling the number on the back of your insurance card or asking the receptionist at your regular dentist’s office to give you one. These aren’t necessarily bad ideas, but your insurance may limit where you can go, and your regular dentist may be overwhelmed with patients, making it difficult to get in as soon as possible. Instead, use these strategies to find an emergency dentist near me immediately.
Step 1. Find out where you can find an emergency dentist near me
You may feel so much pain that you need an emergency dentist near me. However, you have no idea where to find a qualified emergency dentist. First, try calling your regular dentist or medical provider for recommendations of emergency dentists near me. You can also search online for emergency dental services in your area or call local hospitals or medical centers. If you don’t know of anyone who could recommend a dentist in your area, look up emergency dental services on Google Maps and click on see more to view all available options under each category. You can also visit Yelp and check out their listings of top-rated dentists who offer 24-hour service as well as clinics that are open all weekend long and holidays.
Step 2. Figure out what qualifications they should have
Ask yourself, what should an emergency dentist near me do? Their top priority should be ensuring you have a healthy smile. To do that, they need to use a technique known as triage: They’ll examine your teeth and gums and assess your oral health using a series of questions. Based on their findings, they’ll decide if you require emergency care or if you can wait until your next appointment with your regular dentist. If it’s an emergency visit they’re going to need x-ray machines and other equipment such as drills and fillings.
Step 3. Research their experience
When looking for an emergency dentist, research their experience and how long they’ve been practicing. If you can, ask other dentists or check online reviews. One of your biggest concerns when dealing with emergency dental issues is finding a dentist who is experienced in what you’re facing. In fact, even in emergency situations, if you aren’t comfortable with your dentist it will be hard to have a pleasant experience getting treated.
Step 4. Check their reviews
A review website is a good place to start your search for an emergency dentist. Many clinics have set up their own review websites where patients can leave comments about their experience. You can also check out Yelp and other professional directory sites that list emergency dentists near you. Most of these directories are user-generated, so be aware that some listings may not be completely accurate or reliable.
Step 5. Decide if the time is right for you
If you’re in a life-threatening situation, calling 911 is probably your best move. But in other circumstances, it may be a good idea to talk with your dentist and set up an appointment or two. You can call a family member or friend to help you figure out how quickly you need care; they might also be able to drive you around town until you find a dentist who can take care of your problem quickly. Also, it’s important that you avoid drinking alcohol if possible; drinking makes us even more susceptible to oral diseases and damage, so try not to drink at all if there isn’t an emergency underway.
Step 6. Get in touch with them
If you can’t find anyone who’s published a related post, reach out to local businesses that may be interested in what you have to say. Try contacting them via email and asking if they’d like more information or an interview. Don’t forget your social media networks as well. You never know who might respond there!