I was at a concert venue when things went berserk. Fans were screaming and jumping all over each other. It was mayhem and the security there did nothing. They just waited and let everyone calm down on their own. Unfortunately, I took a significant wound to the mouth. This morning I find my front tooth feels loose. I’m worried this is like a dental emergency and I have no money. Am I able to charge the venue for the appointment?
Casey,
I’m sorry you experienced that at something which should have been a fun outing. Your gut instinct about this being a dental emergency is correct. If a tooth is loose you need to be seen right away.
If you don’t have your own dentist, there are emergency dentists who will see non-established patients the same day they call, in circumstances like yours.
Often, the sooner you are seen the better chance you have a saving your tooth. The dentist will do x-rays to see if there is any damage to the pulp. If there is, you may need a root canal treatment and dental crown.
If the internal bits are fine, then all you’d need is for the dentist to stabilize the tooth with a splint until the ligaments heal.
Who Pays for Emergency Dental Appointments?
Unfortunately, a dentist is legally obligated to bill the person receiving the care for the work done. The exception to that is a minor or if the person has a formal agreement that someone else pays. That’s usually done through a written agreement or a lawsuit result.
Dentists, especially in emergency situations, are almost always willing to work with patients in your situation financially. Either they have in-house payment plans or work through Care Credit.
Don’t put this off. If there is damage, it will get worse.
This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.