Emergency Dentist – Worcester, MA
Excellent Care for Urgent Dental Problems
Our team at Dr. Joseph Costa Family Dentistry recognizes that emergency dental situations do arise, often at the most inconvenient times. That’s why Dr. Joseph Costa offers emergency dentistry services for patients who need to see a dentist as soon as possible. So, don’t hesitate to call our dental office right away so that we can provide you with the best nearby urgent dental care. For after-hours emergency dentistry in Worcester, call our office to receive an emergency phone number from our answering machine.
Why Choose Dr. Joseph Costa for Emergency Dental Care?
- Same-Day Appointments for Patients in Pain
- Dawson Academy-Trained Dentist
- Multiple Financial Solutions Available
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
While no two dental emergencies are exactly the same, the treatment process typically involves these four steps:
- Scheduling a same-day appointment: When you call, you’ll talk to a knowledgeable member of our team who will learn more about your situation. From there, they’ll give you specific instructions on how to handle your dental injury and schedule a time for you to come in for treatment.
- Conducting an emergency exam: Before we can intervene with the necessary care, we need to pinpoint the root of the problem as well as its severity! To do so, we will take X-rays, conduct an oral exam, and learn more about what happened.
- Reviewing the findings: Determining the next best steps involves some collaboration, which is why Dr. Costa will review his findings with you. Then, he will explain the treatment options available, discuss the pros of each, and answer any questions you have.
- Intervening with the necessary treatment: After finalizing your treatment plan and reviewing the associated costs, the last step will be getting the look, health, and function of your smile back on track!
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies should be addressed quickly, not ignored. After all, we want to avoid permanent or costly damage to your teeth and gums! So, if you’re experiencing any of the below, make sure to contact us right away.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Emergencies
It’s very common for patients to be concerned about the cost of their care, especially in an emergency situation. If you’re in the same boat, don’t worry – our team takes proactive steps to make the financial component of your care stress-free, like being transparent about the cost of your treatment upfront. After discussing your options and providing you with an estimate, we can review all of the ways to make your care more affordable, like dental insurance. Plus, if you’re uninsured, we offer special offers as well. Simply put, we’re here to help, so don’t hesitate to bring any questions you have to our team!
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
Good news: the large majority of dental emergencies can be avoided! For example, wearing a mouthguard during sports (even non-contact ones) can reduce your chances of knocking out a tooth significantly. That’s why we encourage our patients to adopt healthy habits, like:
Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year
Protecting your teeth from harm requires more than just a solid brushing and flossing routine; you also need to visit our Worcester dental team twice a year for a checkup and cleaning. These appointments give us the opportunity to screen for oral cancer, examine the condition of existing dental work, and look for any warning signs of dental problems, like tooth decay.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene At Home
On a daily basis, it’s important that you are diligent about caring for your smile. That way, you’re much less likely to experience plaque buildup, large cavities, gum disease, and the like. If you’re unsure where to start, try brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. Next, clean your tongue, floss between each tooth (and behind your molars), and rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash for 30-60 seconds.
Stick to a Nutritious Diet
You may have heard over the years how important it is not to consume sugar in excess. That’s because sugar is one of the leading causes of cavities, which can negatively impact your oral and overall health if left untreated. Instead, try filling your plate with foods that are good for your smile, like whole apples, sweet potatoes, and raw celery. These all contain the vitamins, nutrients, and minerals that your body needs to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Wear a Mouthguard
Although you can buy a mouthguard at your local sporting goods store, the ones they sell are rarely comfortable. In fact, some can even be a choking hazard! That’s why we recommend having a custom mouthguard made instead. That way, whether you’re on the field or skateboarding around town, your teeth and gums are protected from harm.
Note: We also recommend getting a mouthguard if you chronically grind or clench your teeth!
Use Tools to Open Packages, Not Your Teeth
Have you ever put your keys in your mouth while rummaging through your purse? Maybe you’ve used your teeth to open a tube of mascara or a package. Whatever the case may be, you should never use your teeth as tools. Although they are strong and sharp, they can easily break under the pressure, requiring a same-day visit to our office for treatment. In short, to keep your teeth healthy and strong, don’t use them as tools.
Schedule an Emergency Dental Exam
Dr. Joseph Costa is your trusted emergency dentist who can handle any type of dental emergency. Do not delay; give us a call today. We provide dental services for all ages and neighborhoods all over the Worcester area.
Dental Emergency FAQs
What if I can’t afford emergency dentistry?
Price is a common concern. While it’s completely valid, it’s also important to remember that the root of the problem will get worse over time, not better. In other words, taking the “wait and see” approach will only lead to more extensive care. That’s why we recommend getting in touch with us when you first notice abnormal dental symptoms, like pain when biting down. This will ensure that we can intervene with the necessary restorative care early on (hopefully before something more extensive, like a tooth extraction, is necessary).
With all of that said, our Worcester dental team does offer several financial solutions to help ensure the price of your care can fit comfortably into your budget. If you want to learn more on the topic, then give us a call so we can provide you with information on the dental insurances we work with and the latest specials we’re offering.
Will my toothache go away on its own?
Since toothaches are often the result of oral health problems like tooth decay, they won’t go away without the necessary restorative care. Of course, there are some exceptions. For example, if an infection is left alone to progress for months or years, it can actually “kill” the nerve of your tooth, making it no longer able to register pain. As you can imagine, this isn’t good news. In fact, it’s only a matter of time before we’re no longer able to save your tooth and the rest of your smile is negatively impacted. That’s why we don’t recommend putting off scheduling an emergency exam.
How should I sleep with tooth pain?
Sometimes, it’s simply not possible to come in on the same day you call for an appointment. If that’s the case, then it’s helpful to have some tips and tricks in your arsenal on how to sleep with tooth pain. To begin, you should avoid crunchy, hard, and sticky foods at dinner. Instead, choose something that’s soft and healthy, like plain yogurt or oatmeal. Then, take OTC pain medication (following the directions on the label) about 30 minutes before bed and use a cold compress off and on in 10-minute intervals. Lastly, prop your head up on a few pillows so blood doesn’t rush to your head while you sleep.
Should I visit the emergency room first for dental emergencies?
There is a common misconception that pain of any kind – including dental pain – warrants a visit to the ER. However, dentists don’t usually work at hospitals, so the medical professionals there likely won’t be able to address the root of the problem. Instead, they will alleviate your pain in the short term and refer you back to your dentist. So, if you want to save time and money, it’s best to call your dental team first.
Note: There is an exception. If you are experiencing any potentially life-threatening symptoms, like difficulty swallowing, trouble breathing, or uncontrollable bleeding, then you should go to the ER.