It’s Saturday afternoon, and you have a dental emergency. The pain isn’t too bad right now, but the taste of blood in your mouth tells you it’s only going to get worse if you don’t do something soon. It would be convenient to go to your regular dentist office open on saturday office during business hours, but they don’t have any available appointments until Monday afternoon. After hours dentist clinics are open after normal business hours and can help with situations like this one. Find out what to expect when going to an after hours dentist office in this article.
The importance of after hours dentist
After hours dentist services are often called upon when an individual has suffered an injury that requires urgent care or when someone’s oral health deteriorates quickly. If you require dental care in these circumstances, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure you have a plan in place for getting to and from your dentist office . Public transportation schedules may be limited on weeknights and weekends, so if you aren’t able to drive yourself home after having dental work done it might be better to schedule an appointment during regular business hours.
Location of an after hours dentist office
Ideally, an after hours dentist office will be located in your neighborhood or at least near your place of employment. This is especially important if you work a typical 9-to-5 day. If you typically commute to and from work, a nearby location can be easier than trying to schedule an appointment with a business that is farther away. For example, many people like to find an after hours dentist office that is close to where they live—so they don’t have too far of a drive on their days off from work. Other things you might consider are quality and price. A dentist office that is open on Saturdays may cost more but offer better services for those who can’t make it into their normal practice during regular business hours.
What to expect in an after hours dentist office
After-hours dentist offices are there to help you when your regular dentist’s office is closed. If you suddenly have a dental emergency, and your regular office is closed, they can help. Some after-hours offices are in dental clinics and some have their own office space, so know what to expect before you call them. When they’re open on weekends and evenings, they’re typically busy so be prepared for a wait time on hold or in person. They also won’t work with children under 16 unless it’s an emergency and must get approved by a parent first.
The waiting room
It’s possible you’ll have to wait a bit in a dentist office open on Saturday, but there’s no reason to get up-tight about it. Patients are typically called in by appointment, so arriving early is advisable. A dentist will usually come out and ask you a few questions before sending you back to wait again while they prepare. Most dentists do tend to be very busy—especially ones who accept walk-ins—so keeping things as efficient as possible is important for them. There should also be plenty of magazines and maybe even some toys or a TV for kids to help pass time during your visit if needed.
The equipment
When you visit a dentist for an initial appointment, there are many elements of your dental health that will be examined. The dentist will perform an exam with his or her hands and use x-rays to look at your teeth and jaw. The hygienist may also perform various tests to determine if there are any infections present in your mouth. While it’s not entirely normal to experience pain on day one, mild pain is typically expected as a first-time patient at an after hours dentist office. If you do have pain, make sure you speak up so that it can be addressed immediately.
Appointment procedure
If you’re a last-minute kind of person, never fear. Appointments for after hours are easy to make—just call your dentist office during regular business hours and let them know when you want to be seen, then stop by or wait until after hours. It can also help to call ahead just in case, as certain offices may close early on certain days of the week or only keep their doors open for appointments and emergencies. Even if you think you don’t have an emergency (and maybe even if you do), it’s always a good idea to contact your dentist before setting off on your own.
First exam with the dentist
First-time patient visits are often considered a little stressful. For starters, you’re probably not used to spending time in a dentist office—and now you’ll be seeing a professional about issues in your mouth! The main thing to remember is that dentists understand how nervous first-time patients can be and they’ve seen most of it before. Your dentist will usually address any concerns you have during your appointment and answer any questions you may have. If your schedule makes it difficult for you to go during business hours, then consider scheduling an after hours appointment. First-time visit services might include: checkups, x-rays, cleanings, fillings and extractions.
Tips for first time patients
If you have any questions about what to expect when visiting an after hours dentist office, here are a few tips. Arrive 15 minutes early: Most after hours dentist offices will require you to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment time. You will want to fill out some paperwork and be prepared for your dental visit.
You should bring proof of your insurance, such as a card or medical card, with you when you go to your appointment. If there is any reason why your insurance wouldn’t cover a specific service that is recommended by your dentist, make sure you understand why before agreeing to it. Your dental coverage is important and protecting it should be high on your priority list while seeking treatment from an after hours dentist office.
