If you need a dentist in a hurry, the last thing you should be worried about is how you’re going to pay the bill. Although you may not have expected it to happen to you, 1 in 6 Americans have a dental emergency each year. Time is of the utmost importance to save your smile. You don’t have to worry about it costing you an arm or a leg because you can use your dental insurance to offset the amount you’ll pay out-of-pocket.
Common Dental Emergency Coverage
A dental emergency can occur at any time and without any warning. However, many are caused by untreated oral health issues, like cavities, failing restorations, or gum disease. Whether you’ve experienced an injury, or you have a toothache, don’t wait to get the care you need or a small issue can turn into a big problem. Your dental insurance makes it easy to get the services you need for affordable rates.
Every insurance plan and situation differs, but most dental insurance offers 1 emergency visit per year. Your insurance will cover the cost of a consultation after a co-payment. Besides a visual examination, it can also cover any diagnostic imaging.
If you require treatment, your insurance can pay up to 80% of the expense of common restorative procedures after meeting your deductible. You’ll have access to your annual allowance to use towards the cost of specific services, like dental bonding, root canal therapy, tooth extractions, or crowns. Your dentist will work on your behalf with your insurance company to maximize your annual benefits the lower the amount you’ll pay.
Understanding the Cost of Emergency Dentistry
There isn’t a flat fee for emergency dentistry because no two situations are identical. Many factors will affect the amount you’ll pay, like the procedure needed and the complexity of your case. After examining your mouth, your dentist will create a personalized treatment plan and provide you with an estimate. They’ll explain the fees and discuss payment solutions you need to keep emergency care within your budget.
Options for Affordable Emergency Care
Besides using your dental insurance, many dentists accept monthly payments through a third-party financing company, like CareCredit. Based on your credit approval, you can enjoy little or no interest in financing to pay any out-of-pocket expenses using monthly installments.
Your financial situation should never stand in the way of getting the urgent care you need. Your dentist will address your pain and create the individualized solutions you need to rehabilitate your smile without breaking the bank.
About Dr. Jenny Hong
Dr. Hong is a trusted dentist in Morgan Hill for up-to-date dental care. She earned a Master’s in Molecular and Cellular Biology before achieving her dental degree from the University of Toronto. She regularly continues her education to provide the latest innovations in dentistry. If you need an emergency dentist, request an appointment through our website or call (408) 763-3008.