Five Qualities to Seek in an Emergency Dentist

Father and Daughter at emergency dental desk

You bite into a Waldorf salad and hear a loud a crack. You’re hoping it’s just a piece of walnut shell, but find out that it was a filling. Your child has managed to get a tooth knocked loose with a soccer ball—on a Saturday.

Dental emergencies can vary a great deal and come any day of the week. Unfortunately, not all dentists accept emergency requests. Emergencies can throw off schedules, and some dentists lack the skills and equipment to handle the wide range of issues that crop up.

So, what should you look for in choosing an emergency dentist in your area? Here are five things to start with.

  • Does the dentist welcome emergency cases?
    You go to the dentist’s website and by looking at their office hours and communication about emergency dental services whether the dentist and staff welcome emergency appointments. Is there a way to reach the office outside of normal business hours? Will the dentist provide same day emergency care even on the weekend?
  • What is the skill and experience level of the dentist?
    Emergencies require a high level of skill and experience. An emergency dentist typically needs to act fast and effectively to find the source of the problem and begin treating it. The dentist may first need to get you out of pain. Does the dentist have more than just the basic credentials? You can often tell by looking at the services the dentist offers on the website.
  •  Is the dental practice equipped with state-of-the-art technology?
    You want to find a dentist who can perform a broad range of services using the latest equipment. Not only does investing in the latest equipment reflect a high dedication level, it also helps ensure you are given an accurate diagnosis and effective care.
  • Is the dentist patient and caring?
    Especially in a stressful situation, it is crucial to be able to communicate and have the dentist listen and understand your needs and concerns. In addition to skill and experience, patience and compassion are a must.

Same-Day Emergency Treatment

Dr. Padolsky and our caring, knowledgeable staff are well-equipped to handle any dental emergency you may have. When you come in, the first thing he will do is listen to your concerns and examine your mouth to accurately identify the problem. If you are in pain, he will address that first. Once he has identified the problem, he will determine the proper treatment that you need.

Learn more about what you can do for your dental emergency at the American Dental Association’s website.

To make an appointment, call 404-476-5504 or click here to request an appointment online.