Emergency Dentist Arlington Heights

Why Every Dental Emergency is Different

In short, no two situations are exactly the same! In order to provide you with an estimate of the cost, we need to determine the type of dental injury you’ve sustained, how severe the damage is, and which treatment is needed to restore your healthy, beautiful smile. Once we have all of this information, we can discuss the cost of emergency dentistry in Arlington Heights further, including the different financial solutions that are available at our office.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?

Many dental plans do cover a portion of the cost of restorative treatments (between 50% and 80%). However, it’s important to read through the fine print on your plan to see if there are any waiting periods, yearly deductibles, or annual maximums that need to be considered. If you need any help with this process, you can always provide us with your membership information! Since we are in-network with most major PPO dental insurance plans, we can assist with both understanding and utilizing your available benefits.

Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable

If you don’t have dental insurance, you’ll be happy to hear that there’s another way you can make the cost of emergency dentistry more affordable: CareCredit! This is a trusted third-party financier that offers convenient payment plans (several of which have little-to-no interest attached). All you need to do is determine what your monthly budget is and select the option that suits it. Then, you can begin paying for your treatment over the next several months instead of in one lump sum.

How Taking Care Of Your Smile Can Save You Money

Fortunately, gum disease, tooth decay, and other common oral health problems are largely preventable. That’s why we’re always encouraging our patients to adopt healthy habits, like brushing their teeth twice a day and rinsing with mouthwash for 30-60 seconds each night. These will help keep your teeth and gums healthy and, in turn, reduce your risk of needing emergency dental care.

We also need to mention here that many common dental problems, including cavities, get worse with time. So, if you suspect that something is wrong, don’t take the “wait and see” approach. Instead, call us right away so we can address the root of the problem in the early stages.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

We highly recommend coming to see our Arlington Heights dental team at least once every six months. Professional checkups and cleanings help form a strong foundation of oral health that everything else in your routine can be built upon. Cleanings remove plaque and food debris that brushing can't reach, reducing overall bacteria in your mouth. Meanwhile, your exam will catch any dental issues early—before they worsen into something that needs professional intervention.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Habits at Home

Checkups and cleanings at our dental office are only half the battle when it comes to your continued oral care. Brushing and flossing at home is the other half. First, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste twice a day to clean away easy-to-reach plaque and surface stains. Then, once before bed, use your preferred flossing tool to clean between each tooth. Doing this with consistency will keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy between visits.

Be Careful With Your Diet

What you put in your mouth is just as important as how you clean it every day. First, try to moderate the amount of sugar your teeth come into contact with. Sodas, candy, processed snacks, and other sweet treats fuel bacteria that create enamel-eroding acids. And while you don't have to switch to a soft food diet, try to be cautious when eating things like popcorn, crusty bread, or raw vegetables. Your teeth are strong, but repeated wear can lead to cracks, chips, or painful breaks.

Wear a Mouthguard

If you participate in any kind of physical activity where you could fall or be hit in the mouth, an athletic mouthguard is a must-have piece of equipment. These prevent many dental accidents, from chips to knocked-out teeth that can come from falls, collisions, or stray equipment. If you grind your teeth at night, a nightguard can provide a cushion and keep your smile safe as you sleep.

Use Tools, Not Teeth to Open Packaging

Try to keep the tools you need to open packages or bottles on hand instead of resorting to using your teeth. While it might seem harmless in the moment, one sharp tug or misjudged bite could crack, loosen, or even dislodge one of your teeth. It's better to simply always use the best tool for any job—and your teeth are only made for chewing and smiling.