It’s not always possible to anticipate an emergency—in fact, these situations often occur when we least expect them, and when it’s most inconvenient! But if you ever find yourself experiencing an urgent problem with your smile, you should know that seeking prompt care is always the right move—whether you have coverage or not. Here’s more from your emergency dentist about what you should do in these scenarios if you don’t have dental insurance so that you can ensure your pearly whites aren’t in any long-term danger!
Common Examples of Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies are a serious matter, and you shouldn’t shrug them off! Most of the time these situations are accompanied by pain and discomfort since nerves and blood vessels inside the mouth can easily become damaged. Sometimes oral infections can develop too, which threaten the well-being of your smile and the rest of your body. Here are a few common examples of dental emergencies that warrant professional care:
- Avulsed teeth, also known as tooth loss.
- Fractured or broken teeth.
- Abscessed teeth
- Tooth luxations
- Damaged or lost dental restorations
Emergency Care Is Always Worthwhile, Even without Insurance
The fact is, some of these dental emergencies aren’t always obvious or might not seem very severe, but it’s always wise to seek out care when you need it. Even if you’re worried about the initial cost of care, dental emergencies almost always tend to worsen and cause more severe and expensive problems down the line. For example, tooth loss can easily lead to additional missing teeth if left unaddressed. Abscessed teeth can also spawn nasty infections that usually necessitate root canal therapy. And of course, dental restorations that sustain damage can easily become worse and/or harm your oral structures further.
How to Make Urgent Dental Care More Affordable
You should know that you won’t be outright denied emergency dental care if you don’t have dental insurance—which should be reason enough to always seek out help if you need it! But in any case, it’s wise to invest in dental insurance if you can, as it helps to lessen the financial burden of emergency and non-emergency care alike.
That said, if you’re without dental insurance, you still shouldn’t fret as there are all kinds of ways to make urgent dental care more affordable. In addition to working with many different insurance providers, most practices also partner with various third-party financers that allow patients to pay dental bills in affordable installments. It’s also possible for a practice to offer an in-house plan that provides enrollees with various discounts on services, including emergency dentistry.
Finally, emergency dentists are fully equipped to address a wide range of issues, so you should also feel confident about putting your money towards urgent care—it’s undoubtedly money well spent!
About the Author
Dr. Priya Chougule has proudly served patients and families in the Fort Mill, SC community for several years. Her practice offers a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options as well as emergency dentistry for all of your urgent needs. If you have any questions about the article or you or a loved one is suffering from a dental emergency, contact the practice today for further assistance or to schedule a visit. Telephone: (803) 548-3342.