Dental emergencies can often be avoided if you take proper care of your oral health. Accidents can still happen, though, and when they do, you may wonder if your dental insurance will help cover the cost. Many patients are hesitant to seek professional care because of the high fees they might incur; however, prolonging a visit to the dentist can lead to more serious dental problems. How much does an emergency dentist cost exactly? Keep reading to find out.
What is Considered a Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies are injuries that cause pain, infection, or damage to areas of a person’s mouth (i.e., teeth, gums, jaw, lips, tongue, etc.).
Some crises are more serious than others, and certain accidents may require visiting the local emergency room before seeking help from a dentist. These can include a broken or fractured jaw, excessive bleeding, or increased swelling that prevents adequate breathing.
When considering the different types of dental emergencies dentists see, though, the following are often the most common:
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- A knocked-out tooth
- Severe toothache
- Abscess
- Lost dental fillings or crowns
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Loose permanent teeth
- Jaw pain (TMJ/TMD)
What Does Dental Insurance Say About Emergency Visits?
Each dental insurance plan is different, so your policy is likely to have different stipulations and coverage levels than someone else’s. If you have a deductible or co-pay, you will be responsible for paying this designated amount before receiving access to your dental benefits. This is why it’s important to review the details of your plan or have a member of your dental team work on your behalf.
When it comes to a dental injury, many insurance companies will cover one emergency exam each year. However, the visit is unlikely to be the most expensive part. The real cost is associated with the type of treatment you will need.
Your dentist will examine your case and develop a treatment plan. This will indicate which services will be required to improve the state of your oral health and restore your smile. Based on your insurance benefits, you may receive anywhere from 50-80% coverage for minor or major restorative care.
These services can include dental fillings, dental crowns, root canal treatment, tooth extraction, a dental bridge, and dentures.
Although the cost will vary from case to case, it’s important to seek emergency care to prevent costlier treatment in the future. By getting the help you need and maximizing your available dental benefits, you can expect to walk away from your appointment with a healthier smile and more money in your pocket.
About Grand Dental – Franklin Park
At Grand Dental – Franklin Park, our dentists know unexpected dental visits can cause patients to worry about the financial side of care. While emergencies range in severity, our team strongly encourages individuals to not forgo treatment out of fear of the potential cost. Instead, we invite people to visit our website or call (847) 860-7093 to speak to a member of our team. Whether it’s questions about a policy or determining appropriate coverage for treatment, we’re here to help.