No one ever expects to have a dental emergency, but it’s more common than you might realize. 1 in 6 Americans requires urgent attention from a dentist annually. If you need a dentist in a hurry, the last thing you need to be worried about is how you’re going to pay the bill. You don’t have to wait to see a dentist if money is tight because you can use your dental insurance.
Dental Insurance Covers Emergency Services
Every policy and situation are unique, but most dental insurance can be used to offset the cost of emergency dentistry. Many policies cover one emergency visit per year, which includes a consultation and any diagnostic imaging or testing to determine the problem.
Based on your dentist’s findings, they’ll create a personalized treatment plan to save your smile. Your dental insurance can pay a portion of the cost, depending on your needs.
After meeting your annual deductible, your dental insurance can pay 50% to 80% of the expenses for medically necessary treatments, like root canals, crowns, or tooth extractions. Your dentist will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize your annual allowance. They’ll explain how your coverage is being used and if there’s any remaining balance.
Options to Keep Emergency Dentistry Affordable
As with any emergency, time is of the utmost importance. Waiting too long to see a dentist can cause a small issue to turn into a big problem, which will be more expensive to treat. You may even end up losing your tooth.
Your financial situation should never stand in the way of seeing a dentist. Besides using your dental insurance, you have many options to keep dentistry affordable, like CareCredit.
You can pay any out-of-pocket expenses using a monthly payment plan through a third-party financing company. Based on your credit approval, you can enjoy little or no interest in financing.
Your dental team will also review all payment options accepted by the dentist, including any ongoing promotions or specials.
Protect Your Smile From Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies can occur with no warning, but there are many things you can do to lower your risk of one, including:
- Commit to good oral hygiene at home to keep cavities and gum disease at bay.
- Visit your dentist for a cleaning and checkup every 6 months to ensure there aren’t any untreated dental issues hiding in your mouth.
- Wear an athletic mouthguard if you play sports.
- Don’t chew on inedible objects, like your fingernails.
- Don’t use your teeth in place of scissors or other tools.
With good oral hygiene and habits, you can reduce your risk of needing an emergency dentist.
About Dr. Polly Reese
Dr. Reese earned her dental degree at the University of Illinois and an MBA from the Northwestern Kellogg Execution Program. She has regularly continued advanced training in many specialties, like holistic, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. If you need an emergency dentist, request an appointment through our website or call (847) 860-7199.