Dental insurance can be a great tool when saving on oral healthcare. Whether it’s a dental checkup and cleaning you need or a more invasive root canal, the coverage you receive can help lower your out-of-pocket expenses. But when it comes to an emergency visit, what kind of financial help can you hope to receive from your insurance company? Keep reading to discover whether coverage is available for dental injuries and what you can expect when working with your dentist.
The Cost of Emergency Dentistry
Before a decision can be made regarding the cost of your emergency dental care, you must first meet with your dentist to discuss the severity of your injury. Since no two cases are alike, you can expect your dentist to evaluate your situation and build a treatment plan and cost estimate on the following factors:
- The severity of the damage that has occurred to one or more teeth
- The type of restorative care that is required (i.e., dental filling, antibiotics, dental crown, root canal, tooth extraction, etc.)
- Whether sedation or local anesthesia will be required
Once your dentist compiles the necessary information, they will build a plan that not only addresses the injured area of your smile but also improves its health, aesthetics, and function. Of course, this requires a cost estimate, which they will go over with you at the time.
What Kind of Coverage is Available?
When it comes to a dental emergency, it’s important to understand that your insurance policy will help cover a portion of it. Typically, most plans are built with a 100-80-50 structure. This means:
- 100% coverage for preventive services (i.e., dental checkups, dental cleanings, etc.)
- 80% coverage for minor restorative services (i.e., dental fillings, simple extractions, etc.)
- 50% coverage for major restorative services (i.e., dental crowns, bridges, dentures, etc.)
Depending on your plan, you may receive one free emergency exam each year, which can be good news if you’re worried about the price tag for this sudden visit. However, even if yours does not include this kind of savings, you shouldn’t forgo treatment just because you don’t think you can afford it.
The cost of an emergency dentist is minor compared to the care that will be required if you do nothing about your injury. Instead, you should plan to visit your dental team and use your insurance to help cover the cost of the recommended treatment. As long as you’ve met your deductible and existing funds remain as part of your annual maximum, you can expect to save.
Other Financial Options
If your dental insurance policy does not cover emergency dentistry, there is a good chance that your dentist will offer alternative payment solutions, such as flexible financing through third-party companies like CareCredit. These allow you to choose a plan that works with your budget and schedule.
Using your dental insurance can help you save money when needing emergency care. By taking the time to understand your coverage, you can avoid high out-of-pocket expenses and remain confident in the pursuit of a healthier, damage-free smile.
About the Author
Dr. Deidra Harrison-McClain is a trusted dentist who enjoys helping her patients embrace life with healthier, beautiful smiles. Recognizing the struggle many individuals face in receiving access to affordable oral healthcare, she and the team at Goodlettsville Smiles are pleased to welcome many different dental insurance plans as well as be in-network with some of the most prominent companies in the industry. If you want to know whether an emergency visit or upcoming treatment is covered as part of your plan, contact us via our website or by calling (615) 859-0188.