Did you know 1 in 6 Americans has a dental emergency every year? A friendly game of soccer or slipping on wet cement can result in oral trauma. Whether a dental injury, toothache, or another issue has interrupted your day, you need to see an emergency dentist right away. You likely have several questions and concerns, like how you’re going to pay the bill, but there’s no reason to worry. Your dental insurance covers more than cleanings and checkups. Here’s how you can use your coverage to stop your pain and save your smile.
Using Your Insurance at an Emergency Dentist
Every month, you pay premiums for your dental insurance, which gives you access to affordable oral health services. Dentistry focuses on prevention to stop common issues from occurring, like tooth decay or gum disease. However, dental plans also cover a variety of restorative services to preserve your natural smile, including emergency care.
Most dental plans cover the fees for an emergency consultation during regular office hours. Your benefits may include the cost of digital X-rays or other diagnostic tools necessary to create a treatment plan catering to your needs. Every emergency differs, so there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but common services include:
- Root canal therapy
- Dental crowns
- Dental bonding
- Tooth extractions
- Periodontal therapy
Depending on the treatment needed, your dental insurance may cover a portion of the cost. After meeting your annual deductible, your insurance can pay up to 80% of the expense for minor restorative services and 50% of major procedures. You can use your annual allowance to get the care you need, even if money is tight.
Payment Options for Oral Health Emergencies
If you don’t have insurance, you have other options to keep emergency services affordable, like joining a membership plan. Many dental practices provide in-house savings plans to benefit from reduced rates for a variety of services, like emergency visits, X-rays, and restorative procedures.
Whether you use your insurance or join a membership plan, you can pay any out-of-pocket expenses with a third-party financing company, like CareCredit. You can pay for your treatment using monthly installments with little or no interest based on your credit approval.
Don’t Wait to See a Dentist
Everyone is watching their spending nowadays, but don’t let the cost of dental care prevent you from calling your emergency dentist. Time is of the utmost importance. If you wait too long to see your dentist, they may not be able to save your tooth.
Your dental team will help you find the financial solutions you need to rehabilitate your smile without breaking the bank.
About Dr. Kimber Holmes
Dr. Holmes achieved her dental degree at the University of Texas Dental Branch and has regularly completed continuing education to treat the most complex oral health issues. She has over 20 years of experience in many advanced services, like endodontics and sedation. She works with many dental insurances and offers an in-house savings plan to keep dental care affordable. If you need an emergency dentist, contact our office today.