Let’s face it; there is absolutely no surefire way to predict, or even prevent, dental emergencies from occurring. Not only can they happen at virtually any time, but they also have a knack for unfolding when it’s least convenient! However, if you find yourself experiencing any sort of urgent dental situation, you might also be worried about the cost of receiving the care you need—especially if you lack dental insurance. Here’s what you need to know about receiving emergency dentistry on a budget so that you can rest assured your smile isn’t in any long-term jeopardy!
First of All, What Exactly Constitutes a Dental Emergency?
Generally speaking, a dental emergency is any type of abnormal or irregular symptom that occurs inside the mouth that requires professional care. More often than not, these situations are painful, as oral injuries can often result in damaged nerves or blood vessels, usually followed by an infection. Here are a few common issues that often necessitate urgent dental care:
- Tooth avulsion, commonly referred to as the loss of a tooth. Arguably the most serious dental emergency, as it can cause a domino effect of other oral health issues.
- A fractured or cracked tooth; the issue can be localized solely to the enamel or extend all the way down into the pulp.
- Tooth luxation, which refers to when the tooth has become dislodged from the tissues and ligaments that hold it in place.
- Abscessed tooth, which is a bacterial infection that has the potential to spread beyond the tooth and affect other parts of the mouth and body.
- Any type of lost or damaged dental restoration, such as a filling, bridge, or crown.
It’s also worth noting that any type of dental injury that results in life-threatening symptoms, such as uncontrollable oral bleeding or difficulty breathing or swallowing, warrants a trip to the nearest emergency room.
How to Make Urgent Dental Care More Affordable
By knowing how to recognize a dental emergency when it occurs, you can begin taking the appropriate steps toward receiving urgent care. However, many patients don’t seek out the assistance they need due to concerns about the cost of care, as not having dental insurance can make things seem hopelessly expensive.
You should know that you won’t be denied emergency dentistry for not having dental insurance! Though the coverage is designed to alleviate the burden on your wallet, not having it will not limit access to what is often same-day care. There are also other ways of lowering your expected cost of care when it comes to emergency treatment; several practices offer in-house membership plans that work similarly to dental insurance but without some of the restrictions and confusing nuances. Third-party financing plans are also sometimes utilized.
Emergency Care Is Always Worth It
Finally, it’s worth keeping in mind that prolonging urgent care almost always results in more costly and serious problems unfolding later on. Meaning that if you’re experiencing a dental emergency and lack dental insurance, you absolutely shouldn’t skip out on receiving the care you need. Your emergency dentist will focus on quickly and effectively addressing the issue at hand rather than trying to squeeze every extra dollar out of your bank account!
About the Author
Dr. Michael Zhang and his skilled team have proudly served patients and families in the Tustin, CA area for several years! The practice offers a comprehensive 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, don’t hesitate to contact us today! Telephone: (714) 559-3883.