Regardless of your dental injury, you should never put off treatment out of fear that the bill will be too much. Although it’s natural to want to avoid paying a high price for treatment, a minor or major problem can quickly turn into something more serious if you fail to seek help. Instead of giving in to the fear that your dental insurance won’t help cover the cost, learn the truth about emergency dentistry and how you can save.
Will Dental Insurance Cover a Dental Emergency?
Most companies include one free dental emergency exam each year, so if you’re concerned about seeing your dentist, don’t be. While it’s true that not all plans are the same, you can expect the majority of your cost to come from the type of restorative treatment you need to repair your smile.
Minor and major restorative services may be covered at 50-80%, depending on the care you receive. Naturally, a dental filling or crown will cost much less than a root canal or tooth extraction/replacement.
No matter what kind of service you receive, it’s important to ask a member of your dental team to review your plan to determine how much you will save out of pocket when using your dental insurance.
What Kinds of Dental Emergencies Qualify?
Generally, if you are experiencing oral pain of any kind, you are encouraged to schedule an emergency appointment with your dentist. A small issue can quickly turn into a serious infection that affects more than your mouth.
However, if you suffer from any of the following, do not wait to call your dentist for help:
- A knocked-out tooth
- A cracked, chipped, or broken tooth
- An abscess
- A soft tissue injury
- A severe toothache
- Broken prosthetics (dentures)
- A lost dental crown or filling
Are There Considerations You Need to Keep in Mind When Using Dental Insurance?
Yes, how much your insurance company will agree to pay is dependent upon:
- Whether you’ve met your annual deductible
- How much of your annual maximum remains available
- Whether you are seeing an in-network or out-of-network dentist
- The type of restorative treatment you receive (those that are cosmetic-related may not be covered)
Never delay seeking emergency dental care just because you are worried about the cost. It’s better to receive care and know that your oral health is in good shape than put it off and risk more serious issues later on.
About the Author
Dr. Megan McInnis earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2013 from Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, TX. Staying up to date on the latest advancements in the field, she is pleased to help those suffering from dental injuries who need timely treatment. She also welcomes most insurance plans and will file claims to streamline reimbursements. Contact us at (503) 761–1414 to schedule an appointment if you are dealing with a sudden dental emergency.