Benefits of an Emergency Dentist

Have you ever had a toothache over the weekend or in the late evening hours? If not, count yourself fortunate. You don't often hear about it, but this scenario does happen frequently. If it should happen to you, you'd better have an emergency dentist's contact information handy in your phone contacts.

Finding such a practitioner isn't difficult. Here are a few things to look for when making your choice.

1. Availability. If your regular practitioner doesn't have emergency hours, explain you're only seeking to add his or her name to your contacts on an emergency basis.

2. Location. Since most traumas and accidents happen closest to home, it's important that the establishment you choose is not far away.

3. Experience. Be sure to check how many years they've been practicing dental care and what sort of treatments they've performed.

4. Credentials. Always check to see if they have a license to practice dental care. You certainly don't want someone who will do you more harm than good.

You may be wondering how you'll go about locating the right practitioner. There are a number of places you can look. Hospitals and other healthcare facilities; your friends, family, coworkers, or neighbors and even a quick Internet search will all give many names to choose from. Their website will also allow you to see some testimonies from their clients.

Set up an appointment just to meet him or her and to ask as many questions as you can think of. Explain you probably won't be a regular client, but you do need to find an emergency dentist who can meet your needs.

Another crucial step you can do is to purchase a dental kit at a drug store. It will be filled with antiseptic, mouthwash, and antibiotics and will help to relieve your pain while you're on your way to the practitioner.

The one huge bonus of finding the right urgent care doctor is reliability. This means you can call them any time of the day or night, and they will be ready, willing and able to help you.

Another very important thing to consider is what they charge. Ask upfront so you won't add that pain to your misery.

Know, too, your regular practitioner may also have a plan in place to take care of urgent care visits. Always ask if this is something he or she provides. It's always nice to stay with the same person who already knows your case history and medical needs. But if you've procrastinated in finding one ahead of time to add to your contacts, don't panic. You can always check your local telephone directory and start dialing. And, if you're fortunate enough to have insurance to cover this type of care, most insurance plans have provisions for urgent or after-hour care. Check your plan to be sure.