Has this ever happened to you? You’re suddenly faced with a dental emergency but don’t know where to go. It’s not a matter of the ER versus the dentist’s office but instead, it’s trying to find the right dental professional to take care of your immediate needs. What do you look for and who can you trust? Before you just try to handle it on your own and hope that the pain subsides, an emergency dentist in Harris County shares 5 factors you should consider when looking for the right individual to repair your smile.
Has Plenty of Experience and Training
You don’t want someone who doesn’t handle pressure or emergencies well. You need a professional who can assess the situation and use their knowledge and expertise to determine how best to approach the problem. Finding someone who has years of schooling and professional experience will give you peace of mind.
Provides Various Treatment Options
A knocked-out tooth must be treated differently than a soft tissue injury. Making sure the dentist you are seeing knows how to handle all types of emergencies is crucial. What is also important is that they provide you with multiple treatment options. Some procedures will be more costly and if you are unable to afford it, you need an alternative solution in the meantime.
Offers Same-Day Appointments
When you call your dentist in Harris County about an emergency, the last thing you want to hear is that you’ll need to wait a day or two before being able to come in. When pain is keeping you from being able to function, you need immediate help. This is why you should look for someone who offers same-day appointments. This will ensure your needs are met in a timely manner, and you won’t be left waiting in agonizing pain.
Ensures Comfort and Safety with Sedation Dentistry
You’re already dealing with serious discomfort, so knowing that a dentist offers sedation dentistry should be a relief. You certainly don’t want to be in pain during the procedure, which is why many dental professionals offer various types of sedation (i.e. nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation). The dentist will determine which one is right for you but no matter which one is used, trust that you will feel completely relaxed and comfortable throughout your emergency visit.
Possesses a Calm and Comforting Demeanor
Would you rather have someone who is helpful but has a poor bedside manner or an individual who can treat your problem and provide a calm and comforting demeanor? If you’re like most people, you’d prefer the latter choice. When experiencing an emergency, it is helpful to have someone who can help keep you calm as well as at ease. Most people go into panic mode in these situations, so finding a dentist who can not only do their job well but also offer a kind and calming presence will certainly help.
If at all possible, try not to wait until an injury occurs to find the right dentist for you and your family. Knowing ahead of time who you can call will help to alleviate some of the stress associated with the situation. When on the search, keep the above-mentioned factors in mind, as it will give you a better idea of what kind of professional you need.
About the Author
Dr. Alan Arrington earned his dental degree at the Medical College of Georgia and has been treating residents in Hamilton and its surrounding communities for eight years. Offering emergency dentistry to individuals in need of immediate assistance, he and the team at Hamilton Family Dentistry are able to use advanced techniques and updated technology to repair, rebuild, and restore smiles of all types. Unsure if you are currently experiencing a real dental emergency? Visit our website or call (706) 628-0011 and let us provide the care you need.
