Emergency Dentist Los Gatos

Treating Your Hurt Smile with Urgency

Man with beard rubbing jaw in pain

Life has a knack for throwing unexpected curveballs our way every once in a while, and occasionally, they come in the form of a dental emergency. These situations shouldn’t be taken lightly; when your smile is in trouble, your very livelihood could be at stake!

Fortunately, Dr. Herrera and our team offer same-day emergency dentistry and a wide range of treatments capable of addressing all kinds of urgent scenarios. If you or someone close to you has suffered a dental disaster, don’t wait to contact our office in Los Gatos.

Why Choose Cristina Herrera, DDS for Emergency Dentistry?

  • Emergency Dentist with 25+ Years of Experience
  • Same-Day Emergency Dental Appointments
  • Dental Insurance Accepted and Flexible Financing

How We Treat Dental Emergencies

If you or someone you know has suffered a dental emergency in Los Gatos, we encourage you to follow these three simple steps:

  1. Call Our Office Without Delay – As soon as you’ve realized your smile is injured, call our office and describe your symptoms. We’ll tell you whether you need to come see us on that very same day or not and also provide first-aid tips over the phone if necessary.
  2. Attend Your Emergency Appointment – Once you’ve arrived, Dr. Herrera can quickly perform an emergency examination to determine the extent of the damage. Don’t worry, she’ll also relieve any discomfort you may be feeling, all while coming up with a treatment plan.
  3. Receive the Care Your Smile Needs – It might take one or multiple treatments to resolve things; however, we’re committed to sending you back into the world with a pain-free and problem-free smile!

The Most Common Dental Emergencies

In some cases, you may suffer a dental injury that isn’t causing painful symptoms. However, this doesn’t mean you should ignore it; your lack of pain could mean that there’s something very serious going on behind the scenes. Don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Herrera and our office to inform us about what happened. We’ll let you know when you need to come in and provide you with some quick first-aid tips over the phone.

In the meantime, here’s a list of some of the most common dental emergencies that we can treat here in our Los Gatos office:

Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry

It’s very common for patients to be concerned about the cost of their care, especially if they need extensive restorative care. Rest assured, our Los Gatos dental team will provide you with an estimate upfront and review all of the financial solutions available at your appointment. We will also answer any questions you have, so don’t hesitate to get in touch! If you want to learn a little more on the topic before doing so, then read on.

Why Every Dental Emergency is Different

Dentist and patient reviewing X-ray in office

Since no two cases are exactly the same, no two treatment plans are the same. That’s why there isn’t a flat fee for emergency dentistry! Instead, the cost is determined by the type of dental injury, the severity of the damage, and the treatment (or treatments) needed.

Once you arrive at our office, we will alleviate any pain you’re experiencing and conduct a comprehensive oral exam. Then, we will share our findings and recommendations before providing you with an estimate of the cost. If you have any questions about your treatment options or the financial solutions available, we will provide you with the answers you’re looking for before moving forward.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Emergencies?

Dental insurance form on desktop in office

Many dental insurance providers cover the cost of one emergency dental exam a year as well as upwards of 80% of the cost of essential restorative care. That said, there is usually red tape to consider as well, like waiting periods and annual maximums. So, it’s important to look through the fine print on your plan to see what is and isn’t covered. If you need any help, let us know! We’re in-network with Delta Dental Premier and can help patients who are out-of-network maximize their benefits as well.

Other Options for Making Dental Emergencies Affordable

Notepad, cash, calculator, and prop tooth on marble desk

Don’t let a lack of dental insurance stop you from getting the dental care you need! We happily accept CareCredit, which is a trusted third-party financier. That way, our patients can space out the cost into smaller chunks that fit in their monthly budget. If you are interested in learning more about this financial solution, let us know! We can provide you with further details, answer any questions you have, and show you where to sign up.

How Taking Care Of Your Smile Can Save You Money

Woman smiling while sitting in treatment chair

Remember, the more time that passes, the worse the root of the problem will get. That’s why it’s crucial that you don’t take the “wait and see” approach. Instead, contact us when you first notice that something isn’t right – whether it’s pain when chewing or blood when flossing. That way, we can determine what the culprit is as well as the best way to address it.

Good oral hygiene habits, like brushing and flossing each night before bed, will also go a long way when it comes to protecting your teeth and gums from harm. So, if you haven’t already, take a good look at your daily routine to see where there is room for improvement!