Emergencies don’t follow a schedule, and a broken tooth can happen at any time. Breaking a tooth is never pleasant, but knowing what to do when it happens can make a huge difference in reducing stress and preserving your oral health. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if you break a tooth after hours.
Remain Calm
The first and most crucial step is to stay calm. It can be scary to break a tooth, but panicking can hinder your ability to take the necessary steps for immediate care. Take a deep breath and approach the situation with a clear mind.
Assess the Damage
Examine the extent of the damage. Is it a minor chip, a fracture, or a completely knocked-out tooth? Inspect the tooth carefully so you can communicate effectively with the dentist when seeking assistance.
Rinse Your Mouth
Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any debris or blood. Be cautious not to use hot or cold water, as your broken tooth can be temperature-sensitive. If there is bleeding, use a clean cloth or gauze to apply gentle pressure to the affected area.
Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth, near the affected area. This can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
If you’re experiencing pain, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen according to the recommended dosage. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the affected area, as it may cause irritation.
Contact Your Dentist
Even if it’s after regular office hours, call your dentist immediately. Many dental practices have emergency contact information for situations like these. Explain the situation, and they can provide guidance on the next steps and whether you should seek immediate care.
Visit an Emergency Dental Clinic
If you cannot reach your regular dentist, consider visiting an emergency dental clinic. These facilities are equipped to handle urgent dental issues and can provide the necessary care outside of regular office hours.
Stay Hydrated
While awaiting dental care, it’s essential to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to maintain moisture in your mouth, especially if you’re unable to eat due to the injury.
Follow Post-Care Instructions
After receiving dental care, follow any post-care instructions provided by your dentist. This may include avoiding certain foods, taking prescribed medications, and attending follow-up appointments.
Contact Smile League Dental
If you’re looking for a reliable emergency dentist in Joliet, look no further than Smile League Dental. Our friendly professionals offer same-day care for emergency situations. Your oral health is our top priority at any time of day. Give us a call anytime at 815-782-6243. A broken tooth can be a distressing experience, but with the right steps and prompt attention, you can increase the chances of a successful outcome.
Teeth whitening is popular among many individuals who wish for a brighter smile. However, not everyone can afford the sometimes high cost of this cosmetic procedure out-of-pocket. If you’re a resident of Illinois and are covered by Medicaid, you might be wondering: Does Medicaid cover teeth whitening?
Dental Coverage Under Medicaid in Illinois
Medicaid is a state and federally-funded program that provides health insurance to eligible individuals and families. It is managed at the state level, which means that each state has some flexibility in determining what services are covered under their Medicaid program. Illinois has one of the best Medicaid coverage programs in the country. Illinois Medicaid coverage typically includes essential dental services, such as:
Preventive care
This may encompass routine check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays. Preventive care reduces your risk of developing serious dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
Restorative services
These include procedures like fillings, root canals, and extractions.
Emergency care
Medicaid can cover treatment for dental emergencies.
Oral surgery
Certain oral surgeries may be covered, particularly when medically necessary.
Cosmetic Dentistry and Medicaid
While Medicaid in Illinois prioritizes essential dental services to maintain and restore oral health, it does not generally cover cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening. Medicaid programs across different states typically adhere to this same principle, prioritizing necessary and medically required dental services over cosmetic treatments. As such, if you’re seeking teeth whitening or other cosmetic procedures, you may find that Medicaid will not cover the cost.
Alternative Options
If you are interested in teeth whitening but are not covered by Medicaid for this cosmetic procedure, don’t be discouraged. There are alternative options to explore.
Dental Insurance
Some dental insurance plans may offer coverage for cosmetic procedures, including teeth whitening, though it’s less common than other types of coverage. Check with your dental insurance provider to understand the specific provisions of your plan.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)
If you have an FSA or HSA, you can use pre-tax dollars to pay for teeth whitening, potentially reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.
Dental Savings Plans
Dental savings plans are discount plans that provide reduced rates on various dental treatments, including teeth whitening. This kind of plan can help make cosmetic dentistry more affordable where dental insurance falls short.
Consult Your Dentist
If you are considering teeth whitening and have concerns about the cost, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist. They can provide you with information on the various teeth whitening options available, including the most appropriate treatments for your needs and budget.
At Smile League Dental, we are proud to provide the best teeth-whitening services in Joliet. Our knowledgeable and experienced team is happy to give you guidance and recommendations to help you achieve whiter teeth within your budget and in the most effective and safe manner. We can help you figure out what procedures are included in your Medicaid coverage or assist you in navigating your dental insurance plan. Give us a call today at 815-782-6243.
The words “root canal” strike fear in the hearts of many people. However, understanding what a root canal involves and its importance can ease those fears and potentially save your tooth. So, what exactly is a root canal and when is it helpful to have one?
A Tooth-Saving Procedure
A root canal is a dental procedure designed to treat an infected or severely damaged tooth. It involves removing the infected or damaged pulp (the inner part of the tooth) and cleaning, disinfecting, and sealing the tooth to prevent further infection. Contrary to popular belief, root canals are not painful but are performed to relieve pain and save your tooth.
How a Root Canal Help
Infection Control
When bacteria invade the pulp of a tooth, it can lead to infection. Left untreated, this infection can spread to the surrounding tissues and even enter your bloodstream, posing a risk to your overall health.
Pain Relief
An infected tooth can cause excruciating pain. A root canal provides relief by removing the infected pulp, eliminating the source of the pain.
Tooth Preservation
The main goal of a root canal is to save your natural tooth. Preserving your natural tooth is essential for maintaining proper chewing function, speech, and preventing surrounding teeth from shifting.
A Natural Smile
Replacing a missing tooth can be costly and time consuming. It often requires dental implants, bridges, or dentures. A root canal allows you to keep your natural tooth.
Common Myths About Root Canals
Are Root Canals Painful?
Thanks to modern techniques and anesthesia, root canals are no more painful than getting a dental filling. In fact, they are performed to relieve pain caused by infection.
Is Tooth Extraction a Better Option?
Removing a tooth should be the last resort. Saving your natural tooth through a root canal is generally more favorable, as it maintains the integrity of your dental arch and prevents the need for costly replacements.
Can I Just Take Antibiotics to Cure My Tooth Infection?
Antibiotics might help control the spread of an infection and temporarily relieve symptoms, but they cannot effectively address the issue alone. A root canal removes the source of the infection and is the best way to prevent the infection from persisting and worsening over time.
The Root Canal Procedure
The root canal procedure involves several steps.
Diagnosis
Your dentist will assess your tooth’s condition through X-rays and clinical examination to determine if a root canal is necessary.
Anesthesia
On the day of the procedure, local anesthesia is administered to numb the tooth and surrounding area. This ensures you will feel no pain during the procedure.
Cleaning and Disinfection
The dentist creates an access point to the pulp chamber, removes the infected or damaged pulp, and thoroughly cleans and disinfects the root canals.
Sealing
After cleaning, the dentist seals the tooth with a rubbery material to prevent further infection.
Restoration
In many cases, a tooth that has undergone a root canal will require a crown to strengthen and protect it. Your dentist will take impressions for a custom-fitted crown.
Contact Smile League Dental
If you are looking for the safest and most reliable root canal treatment in Joliet, look no further! Smile League Dental’s team of professionals is ready to address all of your oral health needs. Give us a call at 815-782-6243.
Mon to Thur 9am- 6pm and Friday 9am- 8pm; Saturday 9am-3pm.
smileleaguedental@gmail.com
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