Emergency Dentist — Henderson, NV

Every Dental Emergency Is Different

Dental emergencies come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, from a slightly chipped tooth to one that is completely knocked out. Even something as seemingly straightforward as a minor toothache might require one of many possible procedures to treat, such as a filling, dental crown, or root canal treatment. As such, the cost of emergency dentistry in Henderson isn’t set in stone, and it’s impossible for our team to give you an accurate estimate until Dr. Noorda has evaluated your specific circumstances. At that point, we’ll go over your recommended treatment options as well as their pricing information before performing any procedures. That way, you won’t be faced with any unpleasant surprises when it comes to cost.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?

Although dental insurance plans vary greatly from one person to the next, most of them provide some level of coverage for emergency care. For example, it’s not uncommon for your plan to cover one emergency exam per year, or for many procedures associated with hurting teeth (crowns, root canals, etc.) to be covered at 50-80%. Our practice is in-network with a variety of leading insurance plans, and we’ll handle all of the paperwork to make the whole process easier for you.

Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable

If you don’t have insurance, don’t worry! We offer two other ways to help you save on urgent dental care:

• CareCredit and Lending Club – We’ve partnered with these third-party financing companies, which allow qualified patients to break up their treatment costs into budget-friendly chunks. This makes your care more manageable, and these plans often have little to no interest attached!
• Dental discount program – As an alternative to regular insurance, patients can sign up for our in-house discount program. In exchange for a low annual fee, all of your preventive care is covered, and you also save on the vast majority of procedures we offer. This includes treatments used for emergencies, as well as cosmetic dentistry and other services that insurance doesn’t cover.

Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money

Of course, the best way to reduce your emergency dental care costs is to prevent the emergency from occurring in the first place! While that’s not possible 100% of the time, you can minimize your risk of painful oral problems by maintaining a daily routine of brushing and flossing. You should also make sure to see Dr. Noorda every six months for a dental checkup. During these visits, he might find a minor cavity or another issue in your tooth long before you would have noticed it. He could then treat it before it worsens to the point of becoming an emergency, saving you time as well as money.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems could turn into dental emergencies if they’re left untreated. That’s why seeing our team twice a year for a checkup and cleaning is crucial. Dr. Noorda will have the opportunity to thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, existing dental work, and oral anatomy as a whole. If he finds an issue that could potentially grow into an emergency, he’ll plan to have it treated well before it reaches that point.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Habits at Home

Our hygiene team will professionally clean your teeth during your regular appointments, but you still need to do your part in between these visits. Maintaining a daily oral hygiene routine helps prevent plaque and tartar from building up on your teeth and gums and contributing to gum disease and tooth decay. To keep your teeth clean, healthy, and strong, be sure to:

• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time.
• Use fluoridated toothpaste.
• Remember to brush the insides, outsides, and chewing surfaces of your teeth.
• Floss at least once each day.
• Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash once daily.

Watch What You Eat

The foods and beverages you consume in your day-to-day life impact your oral health more than you might have realized. For example, if you frequently snack on potato chips or chocolate bars, you have a higher risk of developing tooth decay. Harmful bacteria in the mouth love feeding on sugars and starches, and when they do, they create an acidic waste product that damages tooth enamel and leads to cavities. Try to enjoy foods like these in moderation if you want to avoid having to visit our emergency dental office in Henderson. Make sure your diet also contains nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables that help to keep your smile in great condition.

Wear a Mouthguard

When playing sports like football or basketball, accidents can happen all too easily, resulting in fractured or even knocked-out teeth. Wearing an athletic mouthguard can cushion the impact of such injuries, decreasing the chances of a dental emergency. It’s also a good idea to wear a mouthguard if you clench or grind your teeth at night, as it can protect your teeth from wear and tear over time. In both cases, it’s better to choose a mouthguard that is custom-made by a dentist rather than a store-bought product that isn’t designed with your comfort in mind.

Use Tools, Not Teeth to Open Packaging

If you’re struggling to open a package or a bag of chips, it can be tempting to simply tear it open with your teeth. However, one wrong move and you could end up with a cracked or chipped tooth! Although your teeth are strong, they were meant for eating food, not opening packaging. Safeguard your smile by reaching for the scissors or knife instead.

Will my toothache go away on its own?

Toothaches don’t usually go away on their own. Because of this, it is best to schedule a checkup with your dentist just to make sure that nothing is wrong. There are all sorts of potential causes for a toothache, and you will want to rule them out with a professional as soon as possible. Doing this can help you to catch underlying issues before they become more serious.

How should I sleep with tooth pain?

It can be difficult to get quality sleep when you’re dealing with tooth pain. Until you can see your dentist in the morning, keep your head elevated. This prevents blood from rushing to your head and intensifying your toothache. Additionally, take over-the-counter pain relievers as necessary and avoid foods that are particularly acidic, cold, or hard right before bed for improved comfort. A cold compress can also help to dull some of the discomfort.

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. You should head directly to the ER if you have experienced a jaw fracture or dislocation, serious cut or laceration to the face or mouth, or an abscess or infection that is swollen to the point of affecting breathing or swallowing. In pretty much any other circumstance, you should see a dentist first.

Can I pop a dental abscess on my own?

You should never try to pop a dental abscess on your own. Instead, get in touch with a dentist. A tooth or gum abscess is considered a dental infection and therefore an emergency. Popping the abscess will only expose your mouth to more bacteria and irritate the area more. Additionally, putting off treatment can allow the infection to spread to other areas of the body, like the neck, throat, and head. Ultimately, it is best that you see a dental professional to deal with this issue.