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Emergency dental care

Dental trauma care

Oral injuries may affect teeth, gums, lips, jawbone, or a tooth's supporting tissues.

A request does not guarantee that a nearby practice offers this service or has availability.

Get urgent help when needed. Call 911 or go to an emergency department for trouble breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading facial or neck swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness, or serious head or jaw injury. Dental Shield is not an emergency service.

What the appointment may involve

The clinician checks stability, bite, soft tissues, and imaging before recommending repair, splinting, monitoring, or referral.

Good to know before choosing care

Uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness, suspected jaw fracture, or serious head injury requires emergency medical care.

Questions worth asking a practice

  • What exam or records are needed before confirming that dental trauma care is appropriate?
  • What alternatives, material choices, risks, and likely follow-up should I consider?
  • Who will perform the procedure, and does my situation call for a specialist?
  • What does the estimate include, and how will insurance benefits or financing be verified?

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