DentalEmergency Dentistry – Lincoln, NE
The Immediate Care That Hurting Smiles Need
When you break an arm or leg, you’d be right in thinking that you should head to the nearest emergency room straight away. But what about when you have a hurting, broken, or knocked-out tooth? Most ER doctors aren’t capable of handling specific dental problems. That’s why you should instead make a beeline for an emergency dentist. At Parks Family Dental, we’re always ready to help existing patients get out of pain and back to smiling. We even offer same-day appointments, so don’t hesitate to call us for emergency dentistry in Lincoln, NE when your smile needs urgent care!
Why Choose Parks Family Dental for Emergency Dentistry?
- Same-Day Emergency Dental Appointments for Existing Patients
- In-Network with Many Leading Dental Insurance Plans
- Compassionate Dentist with 20+ Years of Experience
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can be scary, which is why we ask that, first and foremost, you try not to panic. Here’s what you should do instead:
- Call our dental office – Pick up the phone and call Parks Family Dental as soon as you can. Over the phone, we’ll ask you questions about your situation and provide first-aid guidance on managing your emergency until you reach our dentaloffice.
- Get an emergency dental exam from Dr. Parks – Once you arrive, Dr. Parks will take any necessary X-rays and thoroughly examine your mouth to get a clear picture of your circumstances.
- Review findings and create a treatment plan – Dr. Parks will share his findings and give you his honest recommendations on how to remedy your smile. Together, you’ll develop a plan to get you out of pain and back to smiling.
- Get the care your smile needs – After the treatment plan has been established, we’ll begin repairing your smile right away.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
Dr. Parks has more than two decades of experience as a dentist, and during that time, he has seen practically every type of dental emergency you can imagine. Even if you’re unsure whether your situation “counts” as a true emergency, it never hurts to call us and ask about it! If you’re experiencing any of the problems below, you should definitely call us for treatment.
Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry
Part of what makes dental emergencies so stressful is their suddenness. They rarely arrive without warning, and certainly not before you can set aside the money. Because every situation is different, it can be difficult to pin down an exact price for your treatment before Dr. Parks has had a chance to examine your smile. Below, we'll break down what affects the cost of emergency dentistry in Lincoln and how our team can help make treatment more manageable.
Every Dental Emergency Is Different
No two dental emergencies look exactly alike, and neither does the treatment they require. A chipped tooth might only need a quick round of dental bonding, while a severe toothache could point us to an issue requiring a root canal or extraction. A knocked-out tooth is time-sensitive and calls for a completely different approach than a lost filling or a cracked crown.
Because the range of possible emergencies is so wide, we can't provide an accurate cost estimate over the phone. Instead, our team will need to examine your mouth in person, review any necessary X-rays, and determine exactly what your smile needs. This is the only way to get all the information we need before discussing pricing and payment options.
Taking Care of Your Smile Can Save You Money
While not every dental emergency can be prevented, many of the most common ones are very avoidable with a bit of extra care. Regular checkups and cleanings twice a year give our team the chance to catch small problems, like a weak filling or early decay, before they turn into painful, costly emergencies. Good habits at home matter, too. Brushing, flossing, and cutting back on sugary foods can all reduce your risk of a sudden dental disaster.
Simple precautions can also go a long way. For example, wearing a nightguard if you grind your teeth at night, or a mouthguard if you play contact sports, can prevent cracks, chips, and knocked-out teeth due to wear or trauma.
In the same way, breaking the habit of using your teeth as tools to open packages or bottles protects your enamel from unexpected damage. In the long run, prevention is almost always more affordable than emergency treatment.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
In many cases, yes. Most dental insurance plans provide at least partial coverage for emergency treatments like fillings, extractions, and root canals because they're often considered necessary rather than elective.
Our practice is in-network with many leading dental insurance providers, and our team is happy to walk through your benefits and estimated out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins. We'll also file your insurance documents on your behalf, so you can focus on treatment instead of the paperwork.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
If you're uninsured or your plan doesn't fully cover your treatment, don't worry, you still have options. First, we'll work with you to prioritize your most urgent procedures first, breaking your treatment into phases to keep costs low.
We also accept CareCredit financing—a trusted platform that allows you to pay for your treatment up front and pay down your balance over time. Whatever your financial situation, our goal is to help you get out of pain quickly without unnecessary stress about cost.
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
One easy way to reduce the cost of dental emergencies is to avoid them entirely! While many dental emergencies cannot be prevented, you can take some simple precautions to decrease your risk. These include:
- Brushing and flossing every day at home
- Visiting Parks Family Dental twice a year for a routine checkup and cleaning
- Limiting your intake of sugary, cavity-causing foods
- Wearing a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night or play sports
- Not using your teeth to tear packaging, open bottles, or anything besides chewing food
Dental Emergency FAQs
How Should I Sleep If I Have a Toothache?
Toothaches can worsen at night because you have fewer distractions from the pain. You don't have to spend the night tossing and turning. You can manage your discomfort by avoiding hot and cold foods and drinks too close to bedtime. Do not eat any crunchy or chewy foods. Rinse your mouth with salt water to kill harmful bacteria, reduce inflammation, and decrease pain. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to control your discomfort until you can see your emergency dentist in Lincoln. It's best to sleep with your head elevated to prevent throbbing pain. This will stop blood from pooling in your head to help keep you comfortable.
Is a Chipped Tooth a Dental Emergency?
Yes, a chipped tooth is a dental emergency. Even if you're not having any pain or the break is minor, you should still see a dentist. Your tooth will not grow back. You can be at risk of decay, sensitivity, infections, and additional damage if your tooth is not repaired. Your emergency dentist will get you into the office quickly to assess the situation. They will create a treatment plan to restore the health, function, and appearance of your tooth.
Do I Need to See a Dentist If My Chipped Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?
A chipped tooth isn't anything to ignore, even if you're not experiencing any pain. If the damage is minor and your tooth doesn't hurt, you can wait a day or two to see a dentist, but don't put off an appointment for too long. Instead of a quick fix, you may require a more invasive procedure if you wait to see your dentist.
Is a Broken Denture a Dental Emergency?
A broken denture is a dental emergency because you can't go without your teeth. It's best to stop wearing your denture to prevent oral injuries and additional damage. Do not attempt to repair your denture using over-the-counter adhesives or glue. They can contain toxic ingredients or damage your dentures. Instead, wear an old denture if possible. We will get you into the office to determine if your denture can be repaired or if you'll need a replacement.
Will My Toothache Go Away with No Treatment?
A toothache is a symptom of an underlying problem, like an infection or a cavity. Your discomfort will not go away without treatment. The issue will progress until it can lead to the loss of your tooth. If your toothache suddenly disappears, it may mean that your tooth has died and will need to be extracted. Ignoring a toothache can cause a small issue to turn into a big problem. Contact an emergency dentist in Lincoln promptly to find the source of your discomfort for an appropriate treatment to save your tooth.