2945 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06614 
(203) 375-3068Oral health is essential to general health and well-being. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Emergency Dentist Stratford
Why Wait When You Can See Us Right Away
If you’re having a dental emergency, don’t wait to get the care you need. Get in touch with us as soon as possible to speak with our team so that our Stratford emergency dentist can prepare to save your smile! If you’re unsure whether you’re experiencing a true dental emergency, remember that it’s always best to call and let us know about your situation. A member of our Stratford Smiles team can determine the severity and need for immediate care based on your symptoms and explanation of the injury.
Why Choose Stratford Smiles for Emergency Dentistry?
- Same-Day Dental Emergency Appointments Available
- Nitrous Oxide & Oral Conscious Sedation Provided
- Dentist Treats Stratford Families – Children and Adults
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I Need a Checkup & Cleaning I Have a Cavity or Broken Tooth I am Missing One or More Teeth I Want to Enhance My Smile I Want a Straighter Smile I am Scared of the Dentist View Our Services
How We Treat Dental Emergencies
It's important to act quickly when it comes to emergency dental care. But it may be tough to know what is a true emergency. If you're dealing with persistent pain, it's a clear sign that something's not right. And if you don't know why it's happening or can't take care of it yourself, it's especially important to seek help. If you've recently injured your mouth or teeth, you should see your dentist in Stratford right away. A knocked-out tooth or damaged dental work are emergencies — nothing should be falling out of your mouth! Still unsure? Give us a call and our team will be happy to help you figure it out and give you some tips for self-care in the meantime.
Ready to schedule
your appointment? Call (203) 286-5221 Today
your appointment? Call (203) 286-5221 Today
The Most Common Dental Emergencies
To make it easier for you to recognize when you should seek help for a dental emergency, various icons are provided below for you to click on and learn more about the injuries we can treat. Here, you will also discover ways to handle the situation at home and whether a trip to the ER is necessary.
Emergency Exam
- Necessary X-Rays
- Limited Exam
- Treatment Plan
Find a solution to your dental emergency
No one plans to have a dental emergency, and that’s why we offer affordable emergency dental exams, so you don’t need to wait to get the care you need to relieve your dental pain.
Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry
The cost of emergency dentistry isn’t the same across the board. For that reason, we can’t provide you with a price estimate online. We can, however, share the cost after we’ve completed a comprehensive oral exam. We can also share some helpful information on the topic in the meantime, including which financial solutions are available if you don’t have dental insurance.
Why Every Dental Emergency is Different
There are several factors that need to be considered, including the type of dental injury, the extent of the damage, and the treatment (or combination of treatments) that is needed to restore your healthy, pain-free smile. That’s why we can’t provide you with an accurate estimate of the price until we’ve completed a comprehensive oral exam. Rest assured, that doesn’t mean that we’ll leave you in the dark. On the contrary, Dr. Yuchen Sheng will share the cost upfront and discuss the different financial solutions that are available, including dental insurance.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?
Dental insurance plans often cover between 50% and 80% of the cost of essential restorative care. Not only that, but some include additional benefits, like one covered emergency exam per year. That’s why it’s important to familiarize yourself with your coverage! If you need any help, you can always ask our Stratford dental team for assistance as well. We’re proud to work with several popular providers, including Delta Dental and Anthem, and we’d be happy to help you maximize your available benefits.
Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable
In short, you shouldn’t let a lack of dental insurance stop you from getting the emergency dental care that you need. After all, that’s just one way you can save at Stratford Smiles. We also:
- Welcome Flexible Financing – With trusted third-party financiers, like CareCredit, you can break up the total cost of your treatment plan into smaller, more manageable chunks.
- Have an In-House Dental Membership Plan – Signing up comes with several perks, including one emergency exam and a 10% discount on additional treatments.
- Offer Periodic Specials – Our special offers help lower your out-of-pocket expenses. As a result, you can get the care you need without breaking the bank.
Take Care of Your Smile, Save Money!
If you want to protect your smile and your wallet from a sudden dental injury, then it’s crucial that you incorporate healthy habits into your routine. A few examples include brushing your teeth twice a day, wearing a mouthguard during sports, and exercising caution with crunchy foods. You also need to schedule a dental checkup and cleaning at our office every six months so we can periodically screen for oral cancer, tooth decay, gum disease, and the like.
Important reminder: If you start to experience anything unusual, like persistent dental sensitivity, don’t wait – schedule an appointment with our emergency dentist in Stratford right away.
Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
Although accidents can happen unexpectedly, many common dental injuries can be prevented. That’s why it’s so important to incorporate healthy habits into your daily routine and break harmful ones! With this in mind, here are some recommendations from our team at Stratford Smiles:
Schedule a Dental Appointment Twice a Year
Remember, your biannual dental visits aren’t optional; they play a crucial role in preventing dental emergencies in Stratford. So, if it has been more than six months since your last appointment with Dr. Yuchen Sheng, then it’s time to get your next one on the calendar! That way, she can screen for oral cancer, examine the condition of your teeth and gums, and determine if any restorative care is needed. One of our dedicated dental hygienists will also perform a cleaning so plaque and tartar are removed before they negatively impact your oral health.
Maintain a Good Oral Hygiene Regimen At Home
Of course, taking care of your smile on a daily basis is crucial as well. The first step is to use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste to brush your teeth each morning and evening (and for two full minutes each time). Then, you need to floss and rinse with mouthwash at least once a day. While completing your oral hygiene regimen, make sure to clean your tongue, too!
Eat Mostly Healthy, Nutrient-Dense Meals
Simply put, your body needs essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to thrive. So, it’s important that you eat mostly healthy, well-balanced meals that are filled with seasonal vegetables, fresh fruits, and the like. At the same time, do your best to limit your intake of cavity-causing foods, like ice cream, potato chips, and cookies.
Wear a Mouthguard During Sports
Oftentimes, patients assume that they only need to wear a mouthguard if they play a contact sport, like football or soccer. However, if you accidentally fall while riding your bike, you chronically clench your teeth while lifting weights, or you get hit in the face with a tennis ball, you could wind up with a serious dental injury as well. So, it’s important to protect your smile!
Tip: Don’t buy a one-size-fits-all mouthguard online! Instead, schedule an appointment with our team at Stratford Smiles so we can have a custom one made.
Break Harmful Habits, Like Smoking
So far, we’ve shared what you should do to protect your smile. However, there are also a few things that you should NOT do. To begin, you should steer clear of all tobacco products. You also should avoid biting your nails, chewing on ice cubes, or using your teeth as tools to open things. If breaking harmful habits like these proves to be difficult, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us so we can share helpful resources and recommendations.
The Benefits of Emergency Dentistry
Relieve Your Pain
There’s no reason why you should live in discomfort - emergency dentistry alleviates pain so you can live and smile comfortably.Restore Your Bite
Get your smile back by fixing cracked, chipped, or missing teeth.Prevent Further Complications
Get treated early and avoid complex problems that arise from tooth infections or fallen teeth.What Do I Do in a Dental Emergency?
Keep Calm & Reduce Bleeding
Dental injuries can turn a normal day into a stressful and painful experience, but it's important to remain calm. Remember that we are here to assist you. By taking a few deep breaths and assessing the situation, you'll be better equipped to make the right decisions in an emergency. If your dental injury or accident is causing bleeding, apply pressure to the affected area with a clean piece of gauze. Keep the gauze in place until the bleeding stops or until you can reach our office for further treatment.
Control Swelling & Pain
Pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can temporarily reduce pain or swelling. Avoid blood-thinning medications such as aspirin as they can make it difficult to control the bleeding. Along with medication, you can also reduce pain by using a cold compress, such as an ice pack, on the cheek or lip near the affected area.
Call Us Right Away
After composing your dental emergency, call us right away. Even if you're not certain if your situation is an emergency, our team will evaluate the severity of the injury and schedule an appointment as soon as possible to provide the necessary care. That way, you can get out of pain and restore the health of your tooth.
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We can't wait to see you. Book an appointmentFrequently Asked Dental Emergency Questions
What should I do if I’ve knocked out a tooth?
If you have accidentally knocked out a tooth, it's important to act quickly to increase the chances of saving it. To recover the tooth, handle it by the crown (the top) rather than the root to prevent any further damage. Rinse the tooth with warm water to remove any debris, being careful not to scrub or use any abrasive materials. If possible, try to gently place the tooth back into its socket. Do not force it into place as it may cause additional damage. If you cannot put the tooth back, store it in a container of cold milk to keep it hydrated until you can get to the dentist.
For knocked-out teeth, time is of the essence, so contact us immediately to get guidance on how to handle the emergency and ensure that we are prepared for your visit. Remember, to save the tooth and avoid the need for prosthetics, the tooth should be replaced and splinted within 1-2 hours.
What should I do if my dental work has fallen out?
If you've lost a piece of dental work, such as a filling or crown, it's important to act quickly to protect your oral health. Call us to schedule an appointment so we can treat it as soon as possible. Losing dental work can expose your teeth to bacteria and lead to further complications. Gently place the dental work in a clean plastic bag or container and bring it with you to your emergency appointment. We understand that losing dental work can be stressful, but rest assured that we'll do everything we can to restore your smile.
What should I do about a severe toothache?
A toothache that lasts for more than two days is a cause for concern. It could be a sign of an infection, which is a serious dental emergency that requires prompt attention. We understand how uncomfortable and distressing tooth pain can be, and we want you to find relief as soon as possible. If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, please don't hesitate to contact us. We can address your concerns and promptly schedule an appointment. In the meantime, you can use a cold compress on your cheek, take over-the-counter pain medication, or use a topical product like Orajel to numb the tooth and reduce pain.
What should I do about a chipped, broken, or cracked tooth?
If you have a cracked, chipped, or broken tooth, it can be difficult to assess the severity of the damage without a professional oral exam. Leaving it untreated can lead to further complications like infection and cause additional, preventable complications. We are right by your side to help and support you in getting your smile back to optimal health. If you experience any of these issues, please don't hesitate to give us a call, we will schedule an appointment and provide a thorough examination and proper guidance to restore and protect your smile and alleviate your pain.
What should I do about a loose tooth?
If you have a loose tooth from a dental injury, get in touch with us and schedule a same-day appointment. Not treating it in time can damage the nerves supporting your tooth, causing it to fall out. So, don’t hesitate to reach out, we are here for you! After scheduling your appointment, try to keep the tooth as stable as possible. Avoid moving it with your tongue or fingers. During your appointment, your dentist will attach the tooth to the adjacent teeth with a splint. The splint provides support for the tooth so it can heal and re-attach itself to your gums.