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Emergency Dentist — North Grafton, MA

Taking the Panic Out of Dental Emergencies

Woman in need of emergency dentistry holding cheek in pain

If your child came up to you right now and told you they had a terrible toothache, what would you do? If you unexpectedly cracked a tooth while eating, how would you handle it? If you don’t know, you’re not alone, but we have you covered! Should you or a loved one experience any dental pain or out of the ordinary symptoms, just give Theroux Dental Associates a call. We’re able to handle all types of urgent dental situations, and we can schedule same-day appointments so people can get the relief they need right away with emergency dentistry in North Grafton, MA. When it comes to taking the panic out of dental emergencies, you can count on Theroux Dental Associates, so don’t hesitate to give us a call!

Why Choose Theroux Dental Associates for Emergency Dental Care?

  • #1 Advanced, State-of-the-Art Dental Office
  • #2 Same-Day Emergency Appointments
  • #3 Soothing Sedation Options Available

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

patient and North Grafton emergency dentist discussing toothaches

As soon as you call us with an urgent dental problem, we look at our schedule and adjust it accordingly so that we can accommodate your needs. We prioritize seeing patients with dental emergencies on the same day that they call. We also know that the sooner you can come in to see us, the sooner we can relieve your pain and the less likely you are to suffer from long-term damage to your oral health. After scheduling your emergency appointment, we’ll give you instructions on how to manage your symptoms and protect your smile until you can reach us.

When you arrive for your emergency appointment, your North Grafton emergency dentist Dr. Tina Theroux will see you for an examination as quickly as possible to relieve your pain and investigate your emergency. She’ll review her findings with you and fully explain your treatment options, including their estimated length and price. Together, you’ll create a treatment plan for getting your oral health back on track in a way that works best for you. Then, our talented and experienced team will get to work right away using the latest dental techniques and technology to address your dental emergency.

The Most Common Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can be scary. Even if you’re able to keep a clear head, you might now be sure of how to handle the situation. Your first order of business should always be to call your emergency dentist in North Grafton. Even if you’re unsure if your symptoms are urgent, we encourage you to give us a call anyways just to be safe. From there, we can provide basic first aid over the phone until you reach our office. Below, you’ll find important information on some of the most common dental emergencies we treat here at Theroux Dental Associates.

Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry

man giving a thumbs up in the dental treatment chair

The price of getting emergency dental care depends on the cause and extent of your injury. Before applying any treatment, we will perform a thorough exam and go over your options. Seeking out care right away is the best way to reduce the pain and cost associated with a dental emergency. We’re happy to accept PPO dental insurance and even offer our own in-house savings plan to ensure this type of care is easily affordable.

Every Dental Emergency Is Unique

emergency dentist in North Grafton showing a patient their X-rays

The cost of emergency dentistry in North Grafton varies on a case-by-case basis. Once you arrive at our office, Dr. Theroux will examine your mouth and ask you about your symptoms to determine the source of your emergency. From there, she can recommend a course of treatment that will best remedy your smile.

Some treatments will naturally cost more than others. For example, a minor filling will come with a lower price tag than a more extensive procedure like a tooth extraction. Rest assured that we’ll review all of your options and their associated fees before moving forward with any treatment.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?

dental insurance paperwork

Luckily, most dental insurance plans offer some coverage for emergency situations. For example, it’s common for your plan to have one emergency exam per year covered. Additionally, many treatments that are often recommended for hurting or damaged teeth (crowns, root canals, etc.) tend to qualify for insurance coverage at 50-80%.

Of course, each plan is different, and our team can gladly help you navigate the ins and outs of yours. We’re in-network with many providers, including Altus and BlueCross BlueShield, but we’ll work with virtually all PPO dental plans.

Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable

smiling dentist holding a pink piggy bank

In addition to helping you make the most of your insurance, we also provide other options for making emergency dental care affordable:

  • CareCredit – This company has provided countless Americans with low- to no-interest financing that lets them break up their treatment costs into monthly chunks. With CareCredit, the cost of seeing an emergency dentist in North Grafton can become much more manageable!
  • In-house dental plan – For uninsured patients, we offer an in-house savings plan as an alternative. Just pay a flat annual fee, and you get your basic preventive care covered, as well as discounts on ALL other treatments, including those that insurance often won’t cover.

Taking Care of Your Smile Can Lower Your Dental Bills

woman brushing her teeth in front of her bathroom mirror

Many dental emergencies actually could have been avoided with the right precautionary measures. Investing in routine checkups, for instance, can help save you money by allowing us to catch potential emergencies and stop them in their tracks before they become expensive to treat.

Another way to reduce your emergency dental costs is to call us as soon as you notice something is wrong. Putting off treatment could cause the problem to worsen and ultimately require pricier and more invasive procedures.

Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies

mother and daughter brushing their teeth together

No one ever thinks that a dental emergency will happen to them, but research shows that one out of every six Americans experiences an urgent dental problem at some point in their life. Even though you can’t always stop dental emergencies from occurring due to their unpredictable nature, you can take a few precautions to keep your risk to a minimum.

Visit Our Office Regularly for Dental Checkups

man visiting his dentist for a checkup

Routine checkups and cleanings are vital if you want to prevent dental emergencies in North Grafton. Tooth decay and infections are often the result of plaque and tartar that build up on the teeth and gums. When you visit us every six months, our team can clear away these substances, which you may have missed in your at-home oral care routine. Dr. Theroux can also closely examine your mouth for barely noticeable signs of potential emergencies and address them right then and there, saving you from a great deal of pain, time, and money later on.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene at Home

woman brushing her teeth in front of a mirror

Similarly, keeping up with your daily oral hygiene routine can go a long way toward preventing dental emergencies. To keep your teeth healthy and infection-free, brush them twice a day for two minutes each time. Using a fluoride toothpaste can give them additional protection against cavities. We also recommend that you floss every night before bed to prevent plaque buildup between your teeth and on your gums.

Watch What You Eat

person choosing to eat apples instead of donuts

The foods you eat impact your oral health more than you may have realized. Sugary sweets can lead to cavities, but so can starchy foods like bread and potato chips, as starch breaks down into sugar in the mouth. Try to limit these foods. Instead, make sure your diet is rich in nutritious items like milk, lean meats, and leafy greens, all of which promote healthy teeth and gums.

Protect Your Teeth from Injury & Grinding

person putting on a yellow mouthguard

As many as one-third of Americans clench and grind their teeth while sleeping. Not only can this contribute to chronic headaches and jaw stiffness, but it weakens your teeth and leaves them more vulnerable to fracture. We can provide a custom nightguard that fits over your teeth to create comfortable cushioning and reduce such risks.

You should also wear a mouthguard if you play sports. Even if you don’t play a team sport that comes with the risk of impact to the face from a piece of equipment or a teammate, you should still shield your smile with one of these oral appliances. After all, you can’t be too careful when it comes to protecting your pearly whites.

Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools

person opening a glass bottle with a bottle opener

Your teeth may seem like a convenient tool to open bottles or tear off clothing tags, but try to resist this temptation at all costs. As strong as tooth enamel is, using your teeth as tools could easily cause them to break, forcing you to head to our emergency dental office in North Grafton. Taking the time to reach for the scissors or the appropriate tool for the job can is the better choice for your smile.

Dental Emergency FAQs

Wooden hand holding question mark

No one ever expects to need an emergency dentist in North Grafton, but urgent oral health issues can occur with no warning. If you need a dentist in a hurry, don't panic! Your team at Theroux Dental Associates is here to make a stressful day easier. While you wait for your appointment, here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions to calm your nerves.

How Should I Sleep With Dental Pain?

You don't have to spend the night tossing and turning if you have a toothache. Avoid eating or drinking anything hot or cold to prevent sensitivity. It's best to skip hard, spicy, or acidic foods. Take an OTC pain reliever before going to bed to manage any discomfort. Sleep with your pillow elevated to prevent blood from pooling in your head, which can cause throbbing discomfort. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to numb the area temporarily. Gargling with salt water can also reduce pain and inflammation.

Do I Need to See an Emergency Dentist If My Chipped Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?

Not all chipped teeth hurt, but that doesn't mean you don't need to see a dentist. Your tooth can be at risk of infections and additional damage with no treatment. If the break is minor and you aren't having any pain, you can wait a day or two for an appointment, but don't delay treatment for too long. Waiting too long can cause a minor issue to turn into a big problem, which may put you at risk of losing your tooth.

Will a Chipped Tooth Heal With No Treatment?

Your enamel is the hardest substance in your body, but it's not capable of regeneration. At most, your tooth may remineralize, but it won't grow back. No matter how insignificant, a chipped tooth is a dental emergency in North Grafton. With no treatment, your tooth will be vulnerable to bacteria, infections, breaks, or fractures. Your dentist will examine your mouth to create a personalized treatment plan to rehabilitate your tooth, like dental bonding, a veneer, or a crown, to protect it from additional complications. The repair will look natural, and only a trained dental professional will know it is there, so you can smile confidently.

Is a Broken Denture a Dental Emergency?

You rely on your dentures to get through your day. As a result, damage to your prosthesis is a dental emergency. Although no one has the time for an unplanned dental appointment, don't turn to home remedies or DIY methods to repair your dentures, like using superglue. Glue isn't intended for oral use because it can contain toxic ingredients or cause allergic reactions. Not to mention, it doesn't hold up well in moist environments, like your mouth. Instead, leave the mending for the professionals. If possible, wear an old denture while you wait for your appointment. We will get you into the office quickly to perform the necessary repair or replacement to restore a beautiful, functional smile.