A: The number one thing that separates us from a regular dentist would be our convenience. We’re open late at night and on the weekend.
Most general dentist’s offices are open during the weekdays often from 9-2 some 9-5. We however are catering to folk on the weekends and the off hours, generally when pain presents. Also too for folks who just can’t make it into the dentist during regular normal weekdays. They’re off on the weekends or late at night and they can come see us.
Most people already understand that one key element of an emergency dentist in San Antonio is being open when regular dentists are closed. While that is indeed at the core of what we do at JH Emergency Dental, it is just scratching the surface.
What you may not realize is that the typical emergency dentist in San Antonio is a bit different from the regular dentist you see most of the time. While there are some regular dentists in San Antonio that are also trained in emergency dental situations, an emergency dentist has certain traits that differentiate them from other dentists.
Things That Make An Emergency Dentist In San Antonio Different
In this month’s blog, We’re going to focus on those subtle differences that make an emergency dentist in San Antonio unique. So while it’s fresh on the brain, let’s go ahead and tackle the most obvious one.
Extended Availability
Since we’ve already been talking about it let’s go ahead and cover the most obvious characteristic, their availability.
Most dental clinics in San Antonio have set hours, they are usually only on weekdays, your typical 9 to 5. As far as weekend hours they are usually closed, so if you have a problem on the weekend you’re out of luck. Also, you have to make an appointment to see a regular dentist you can’t just walk in with a toothache or a broken crown.
However, When you visit an emergency dentist in San Antonio, often you can be seen as late as 9:00 o’clock at night and in some cases 24 hours a day. At JH Emergency Dental, while we do prefer appointments we do also take walk-ins. We also provide convenient online booking 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
So, while our hours of availability are what stands out most in people’s minds when they think of an emergency dental clinic, there’s far more to it than that.
Trauma Response Training
Just as a emergency medical clinic requires specialized trauma training, so does emergency dentistry. When people visit an emergency dentist in San Antonio there’s not only physical pain usually involved but also high emotions and panic.
Therefore, It’s critical that a dentist who specializes in emergency services has the type of training to handle these situations and give quality care under pressure. Fortunately, our staff is thoroughly trained in recognizing physical trauma and emotional trauma. You can rest assured that when you’re experiencing even the worst dental trauma you’ve ever gone through, we remain calm and compassionate.
Advanced Services Offered
When you go to your local family dentist, they handle mainly routine procedures and then some minor surgical procedures. Those can be anything from extractions to root canals and fillings.
However, when it comes to more serious surgical procedures they usually refer their patients to a dental surgeon. In a dental emergency that requires more advanced surgery, there is no opportunity to wait for a referral. In many cases, quick action is needed.
Fortunately, an emergency dentist in San Antonio is qualified to perform these surgeries. This could be procedures like suturing open wounds on gums or removing the root of a tooth that is severely damaged.
At the same time, just as any dental professional would, an emergency dentist is capable of determining if the situation requires a dedicated oral surgeon. In cases like these, some dental surgeons work extended hours and can be brought in. However, not every emergency dental clinic offers that.
Full Oral Surgery Facility On-Site
Since there might be a need for an oral surgeon many emergency dental clinics have a full surgery facility on site. Additionally, some emergency dentists also have a mobile setup that makes it possible for them to treat a patient at the location of an emergency.
Additionally, an emergency dental care center will actually look very much like a hospital or emergency room. There will be more advanced equipment and a wider array of dental and oral care supplies. This gives the dental clinic the best possible chance in treating all problems that need emergency treatment.
Works With Your Normal Dentist
If you already have a regular dentist an emergency dentist is not there to replace them as your new dentist. They’re merely there to assist you during a dental emergency when your normal dentist is not available.
So you can expect the emergency dentist to communicate with your normal dentist regarding your treatment and current situation. This helps make sure that your regular dentist is kept up to date on your oral care and any possible issues so that your ongoing treatment is seamless.
For example, you may have an emergency dental procedure done over the weekend and the dentist recommends post-op care. Your regular dentist would follow up to make sure you follow the regimen and get the necessary follow-up care. That could mean a simple checkup to make sure everything is progressing. It could also be care that picks up where the emergency procedure left off.
This is a critical part that an emergency dentist plays, especially if they are not your regular dentist. There needs to be a seamless transition of care so that emergency dental procedures don’t interfere or counteract against any routine treatments you have going on.
Do You Need An Emergency Dentist In San Antonio?
We are here to help you get the care that you need at the time that you need it— even when your dentist is closed. We’re open after hours and also on weekends and can handle any dental emergency you may come with.
If you’re suffering through extreme tooth pain, abscess, or any other dental trauma that requires immediate care, contact us!
