NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 9, 2024 / A good oral health routine, including brushing, flossing, rinsing, and visiting the dentist, may prevent most dental issues.
However, emergencies can arise, such as damaged teeth or severe toothaches. Understanding how to identify the issue, manage pain and swelling, and get emergency care can help minimize the chance of further problems.
This article walks through five steps to take when someone needs emergency dental care to fix a pressing issue.
1. Assess the Issue
Start by assessing the issue to understand what it is, the severity, whether it's an emergency, and how urgent fixing this issue is.
Common dental emergencies might include:
Broken or chipped teeth
Knocked-out teeth
Lost fillings or crowns
Severe tooth pain or toothaches
Facial trauma
Facial trauma may require more immediate attention than the other issues, though any of these require prompt action.
2. Schedule an Appointment
After assessing the issue, contact the dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. Many dentists reserve time slots for emergency issues. Tell the office the nature of the emergency so the dentist can make sure a spot is available to provide care.
If the dentist isn't available, see if there's an emergency clinic in the area. These are created specifically for emergency dental care.
Call the clinic to detail the emergency, explaining the symptoms of the issue and the cause if known. This can help the clinic prioritize the care appropriately.
3. Take Action to Manage the Problem
Patients can manage the problem before the appointment to minimize discomfort and dental health issues.
Here are some ways to do so:
Over-the-counter pain relief: OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen can reduce inflammation and pain.
Cold compress: Apply for 15-20 minutes to the affected area. This can reduce inflammation and swelling.
4. Review Insurance
Patients should review their insurance before visiting the dentist to see if the procedure is covered and how much coverage is available.
If the patient lacks dental insurance with no waiting period, they should also verify that the waiting period for the necessary treatments has passed. If not, they may need to prepare to pay out of pocket.
Calling the insurance provider can help clear up any confusion and ensure the patient is ready to pay what they need.
5. Follow the Provider's Post-Care Instructions
After treatment, it's crucial to follow the dentist's post-care instructions. Patients may have to avoid certain foods, take prescribed medication, temporarily alter their oral health habits, refrain from specific activities, or schedule follow-up appointments. If pain or other symptoms persist, they should contact the dentist.
Following all instructions helps the problem heal faster and reduces the chance of further problems developing.
Handle Emergency Dental Needs
Dental emergencies can be stressful, but taking proper steps can help patients manage their pain and resolve the issue quickly.
Patients should assess the issue to schedule an appointment and describe the situation accurately. While waiting, manage the issue and check insurance to understand what's covered, then follow all after-care instructions to promote healing and avoid further problems.
Following these steps can help one restore their oral health and minimize potential damage to their teeth, gums, and mouth.
Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus . In New York, coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
Dental: 8200: In Delaware, Policies A82100R-A82400R. In Idaho, Policies A82100RID-A82400RID. In Oklahoma, Policies A82100ROK-A82400ROK. In Virginia, Policies A82100RVA-A82400RVA.
Coverage underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance does business as Tier One Insurance Life Insurance Company (Tier One NAIC 92908).
In Delaware, Policy T80000. In Idaho, Policy T80000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T80000OK. Not available in NJ, NY or VA.
Dental claims are administered by Aflac Benefits Solutions, Inc. Vision claims are administered by EyeMed Vision Care, LLC. Hearing claims are administered by Nations Hearing. NOTICE: The coverage offered is not a qualified health plan (QHP) under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and is not required to satisfy essential health benefits mandates of the ACA. The coverage provides limited benefits. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers.
Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to, DE, ID, NJ, NM, NY or VA. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions.?
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.??
Aflac WWHQ | Tier One Insurance Company | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999??
Z2400914 Exp. 10/25
CONTACT:
Senior PR & Corporate Communications
Contact: Angie Blackmar, 706-392-2097 or ABlackmar2@aflac.com
SOURCE: Aflac
View the original press release on accesswire.com
