Emergency Dentistry – State College, PA
Same-Day Care When You Need It
*When conditions allow
Dental emergencies can strike when you least expect them, and many dental offices aren’t there to help patients outside of regular dental office hours. We do our utmost to provide same-day emergency dentistry in the State College, PA dental office of Kevin P. Labosky, DMD when patients experience dental decay, damage, or other oral health emergencies.
If you or a loved one are currently experiencing a dental emergency, try to remain calm and call our dental office right away. If it’s after hours, you’ll hear directions for contacting a member of our team. In most cases, we’re able to provide same-day emergency dentistry appointments for our patients of record, and if for some reason we’re unable to see you the day you call, one of our team members will walk you through the steps of caring for your smile until you reach our dental office.
If you’re not sure your situation requires urgent care, please call our dental office anyway. It’s always better for our team to start repairing damage right away, so the decay or damage does not affect other parts of your smile.
Why Choose Kevin P. Labosky, DMD for Emergency Dentistry?
- Same-Day Emergency Appointments Available
- Multiple Sedation Options In-House
- Highly Experienced and Accommodating Dentist and Team
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
- Initial Call: When you contact our dental office, describe your situation and symptoms, and we’ll schedule you for an appointment right away if necessary and available. We’ll also give you some first-aid tips to improve your comfort.
- Emergency Exam: After you arrive here, we’ll take some X-rays and perform an exam to determine the exact nature of your emergency.
- Treatment Options: Based on our team’s observations, we’ll discuss possible treatment options so you know what to expect.
- Solution: Using any agreed-upon procedures, our team will relieve your pain and fix as much damage as possible. For certain issues, a follow-up visit might be necessary to complete the process.
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
Typically, dental emergencies come in one of two varieties: sudden injuries to the mouth or infections that develop over time. Your emergency dentist in State College is more than prepared to handle both. Until you can reach our dental office, here are some tips on dealing with common dental emergencies.
Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry
Like many other patients, you may have some questions about the cost of emergency dentistry in State College. Rest assured, we’re here to make navigating the financial side of your care stress-free instead of stressful. So, don’t hesitate to bring up any concerns you have during your appointment. Until then, you can read on to learn a little more about the price, including why there isn’t a flat fee.
Why Every Dental Emergency is Different
The amount you’ll end up paying for your emergency dental treatment will depend largely on the severity of your emergency. For example, a mild infection may only require a simple prescription of antibiotics. However, more serious damage or decay may necessitate root canal therapy or even a tooth extraction to prevent further damage to your oral health.
That’s why Dr. Kevin Labosky needs to complete a comprehensive oral exam! Once we have pinpointed the type of dental injury you’ve sustained and how severe the damage is, he can discuss your treatment options, create a custom treatment plan, and provide you with an estimate of the cost.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
Many dental insurance plans have a 100-80-50 coverage structure, which means that between 50% and 80% of the cost of essential restorative treatments is covered. So, you shouldn’t hesitate to read through the fine print on your plan (if you haven’t already, of course)! In the process, look for waiting periods, annual maximums, yearly deductibles, and other restrictions so you can have a better understanding of what your out-of-pocket expenses will be.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
Don’t have dental insurance? Don’t worry – that’s just one way you can save. You can also sign up for CareCredit, which is a trusted third-party financier. They offer convenient payment plans (many of which have little-to-no interest attached). All you need to do is determine what your monthly budget is and select the payment plan that suits it best. It’s that simple!
How Taking Care Of Your Smile Can Save You Money
Even if you’re worried about the cost, the last thing you should do is put off treatment for a dental emergency. After all, dental health issues only worsen the longer you ignore them, which will result in much higher costs down the road. So, don’t take the “wait and see” approach. Instead, get in touch with us when you first suspect that something is wrong so our friendly and caring team can develop a custom treatment plan and restore your healthy, pain-free smile.
Important reminder: Many common dental problems are preventable, including cavities. So, if you want to protect your smile from harm and your wallet from an unexpected bill, it’s crucial that you prioritize good habits, like brushing your teeth twice a day and visiting Dr. Labosky every six months for a checkup.
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
The vast majority of dental emergencies can be prevented by adhering to a strict oral hygiene regimen and regularly visiting us for checkups and cleanings. At these appointments, we can detect small problems before they spiral into full-blown dental emergencies. Additionally, you should refrain from chewing on hard items that could fracture your teeth, like ice, pencils, fingernails, and hard candies. Lastly, if you play sports, be sure to wear a customized mouthguard to lessen the chances of getting a dental injury.
Emergency Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions
Should I go to the emergency room?
When the unexpected strikes, your first instinct might be to head to the hospital. Although they can prescribe pain medications and antibiotics, they can’t treat the underlying issue. Instead, it’s always better to see a dentist as soon as possible. If you delay getting the care you need, you might lose your tooth. We know your time is valuable, which is why we strive to get you into the dental office quickly, so you can get back to focusing on more important matters.
If you aren’t sure if you require immediate care, don’t hesitate to contact our dental office. We can explain how to provide first-aid at home and get you into the dental office quickly if necessary.
Is it better to have my tooth extracted?
Extracting a problematic tooth eliminates the issue at the source, but it opens the door to a new list of concerns. Each tooth is essential to a healthy, functional smile. Removing even one increases your risk of several problems, like cavities, gum disease, and additional tooth loss. Not to mention, you’ll need to invest in a prosthetic to fill the space. We will do whatever we can to save your tooth from needing to be removed. If there aren’t any viable treatments, we’ll discuss your replacement options, like a dental implant.
How much do emergency services cost?
There isn’t a set fee for emergency care because the cost is based on your treatment. We’ll provide you with an estimate and discuss the fees associated with your plan. Although every policy differs, most dental insurance policies offer some coverage for emergency services. You can use your benefits to help offset the cost of certain steps in your plan, like the consultation, imaging, or restoration. A member of our team will work on your behalf to file the necessary claim forms, so you have one less thing to worry about. We’ll explain how your coverage is being used and if you owe any remaining balance.
How can I pay for emergency services?
Besides using your dental insurance, our dental office accepts several payment methods, like cash, check, and credit card. We also accept third-party financing. Based on your credit’s approval, you’re given the funds you need for your treatment, which you’ll repay using a payment plan to accommodate your budget. We will help you find the solutions you need to save your smile and stop your pain without breaking the bank.
