If your tooth has been knocked out, cracked, or chipped, or if you're experiencing severe mouth pain or bleeding, you're one of many Americans who is experiencing a dental emergency. That may seem serious, especially since many accidents happen when your primary dentist's office is closed. However, though time is of the essence, it's generally possible to see a dentist at any time of day or night – and as a bonus, your insurance may help cover emergency dental care procedures even if you aren't seeing your regular dentist.

Treating Pain and Missing Teeth

Losing a tooth can be frightening – and sometimes painful – but you can take a few steps to ease the pain and help make your dentist's job a little easier before you see them.

• For teeth that have fallen or been knocked out, hold your tooth by the crown, rinse it off, then either place it back in its socket or wrap it in gauze damp with your own saliva. Do not let it dry out or get dirty, and do not touch the root. If you're able to see a dentist quickly after losing a tooth, they may be able to place it back in your mouth and help it heal correctly.
• For teeth that have been loosened and have started to move, attempt to move the tooth back into position with your finger, then bite down to keep it from moving until you see a dentist.
• For fractured or chipped teeth, rinse your mouth with warm water and use an ice pack for any pain. If a piece of your tooth was chipped, having the chipped piece can be beneficial, but not necessary. A dentist can use other materials to restore your tooth's appearance and functionality.

Emergency and 24/7 Dentists

When looking for a dentist to see quickly, you might encounter some differences in what you find. For example, an emergency dentist may not necessarily be available at all hours of the day. If you require help during the night or early morning, look specifically for offices that are open 24/7. Some online services offer the ability to search through dentists in your area by various criteria, such as emergencies and different hours.

Before going anywhere, call ahead and inform the dentist about your situation. This will help them get ready to work immediately. Alternatively, if they don't offer what you need, calling ahead saves you the drive – and the dentist may be able to recommend you to someone else nearby.

Coverage

Whether your emergency procedure is covered by your dental insurance or not depends on your specific type of coverage, but in many cases it is likely that emergencies are at least partially covered whether you're seeing your usual dentist or not. What dental insurance often does not cover are what are considered cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening, bleaching, or orthodontics.