Emergency Dentist — Shelburne, VT

A Fast Fix for An Achey Smile

Naturally, not all oral issues are mild ones. Some can be pretty severe and require immediate care. In those cases, you should see your emergency dentist in Shelburne. Dr. Maier and her excellent team will ease your dental pain and get your mouth patched up. That way, you can avoid the time, money, and hassle of an ER visit. To learn more, just keep reading or contact our office soon – you won’t regret either choice!

An attractive young woman seeing a dentist for a dental emergency

Why Choose Us for Emergency Dental Care?

  • Same-Day Appointments Available
  • Dental Insurance Friendly & Flexible Financing Welcome
  • Highly Experienced and Trained Dental Team

How We Treat Dental Emergencies

A gloved hand holding a dental tool while a patient receives care in the background

Even if you’ve never had a dental emergency before, you needn’t worry. We at Shelburne Village Dentistry can give you a rundown of how treatment works. In particular, here are some things to expect from your emergency dental visit:

  • A Same-Day Appointment – Once you’ve contacted us, our team will book you for the earliest available timeslot. You may even see us the same day you call! While you’re on the phone with us, we can also provide first-aid tips for your situation.
  • An Emergency Exam – When you first arrive for your visit, Dr. Maier will perform a quick emergency exam. This step lets her learn the source of your oral problem. (Crucially, it also helps her confirm how to relieve your pain.)
  • Review of Findings – After the exam, Dr. Maier will show her findings to you. She’ll then suggest a few possible procedures. Based on your wants, our office will next draft a custom treatment plan just for you. (Of course, we’ll outline the treatment price and timeframe before you commit to anything.)
  • The Care You Need – Our team will quickly address your issue after the treatment plan is drafted. You can expect good results, too, as we can give you fillings, crowns, root canal therapy, and more. Whatever the problem, our office will get your smile back on track.

The Most Common Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies aren’t all the same, but some are more common than others. You’d thus be wise to see us if you face one. After all, our team is well-trained to deal with the typical kinds that can occur. You can trust us to give you the quality care you deserve! That being the case, don’t hesitate to call us if you experience any of the following:

Understanding the Cost of Dental Emergencies 

A patient calculating the cost of a dental emergency

Maybe you’re worried about emergency dentistry’s price. If so, that’s a common concern – you can’t benefit from a treatment you can’t afford. Truthfully, though, the cost of dental emergencies varies by patient; you’ll need to consult Dr. Maier for an exact estimate. Once we’ve tallied the expenses, our office will find ways to make your care more affordable. Our team will even guide you through the treatment’s cost factors and financing options.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

Patient in Shelburne smiling at the dentist, avoiding dental emergencies

As you’d expect, it’s easier to prevent a dental emergency than to manage one. Once your tooth is in pain, the damage has most likely already been done, and fixing it can be both time-consuming and expensive. Fortunately, avoiding an emergency trip to our office is simple—take care of your teeth! Here are some healthy habits to follow to greatly reduce your risk of a dental emergency.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Patient in Shelburne going to the dentist to avoid dental emergencies

Regular dental checkups are vital for keeping your oral health in check. At Shelburne Village Dentistry, we recommend visiting us at least twice a year. These bi-annual appointments allow us to monitor any changes in your teeth and gums, catch issues early, and provide preventive care to keep your smile healthy. Early detection and treatment can prevent minor problems from becoming serious dental issues, reducing the need for more extensive or costly treatments in the future.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Habits at Home

Patient in Shelburne flossing to avoid dental emergencies

Good oral hygiene is the most basic and powerful method you have for avoiding dental emergencies. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily helps remove food particles and bacteria that can lead to plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. For extra protection, you could also begin incorporating a non-alcoholic mouthwash into your routine to help kill harmful bacteria and freshen your breath.

Be Careful with Your Diet

Patient in Shelburne eating healthy to avoid dental emergencies

Your diet also plays a role in your oral health. Eating food creates bacterial plaque, a sticky film that clings to your teeth. Sugary and acidic foods and drinks, like soda and sports drinks, can feed the bacteria in plaque and erode your enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity. If left untreated, cavities can worsen over time leading to pain and infection. Try to focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, dairy, and lean proteins that provide essential nutrients for strong teeth and gums. Drinking water also helps rinse away food particles and bacteria, so be sure to stay hydrated.

Wear a Mouthguard

Patient in Shelburne wearing a mouthguard to avoid dental emergencies

Mouthguards are a great tool for protecting your teeth from damage of all kinds. If you play contact sports, wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard can prevent dental disasters like broken or knocked-out teeth. Additionally, for those who grind their teeth at night, a nightguard can protect your teeth from excessive wear and reduce the risk of cracks and fractures. Both types of mouthguards are designed to cushion your teeth and absorb impact, providing a shield that helps preserve your dental health.

Use Tools, Not Teeth to Open Packaging

Patient in Shelburne biting tape and risking dental emergencies

Using your teeth to open packages or bottles may seem convenient, but it can cause significant damage to your pearly whites. Each time you use your teeth as tools, you risk chipping, cracking, or even breaking them. This habit can also wear down your enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to decay and sensitivity. To protect your smile, always use the right tools for any given job. Keep scissors and bottle openers handy so you’re not tempted to bite into things you shouldn’t!