A dental emergency causes enough panic on its own, but if you begin to think about the potential cost associated with treatment, you may worry so much that you decide to avoid treatment out of fear. Don’t let this happen to you. Knowing what your policy will and will not cover can give you greater peace of mind should you experience an accidental chip, crack, or break in one or more of your teeth. Keep reading to learn how you can use your dental insurance to help you save.
Will My Dental Insurance Cover an Emergency Visit?
Although an emergency visit to your dentist’s office is an unexpected occurrence, your dental team and insurance company understand that accidents can happen.
This is why many insurers include one free emergency exam each year as part of their available coverage. This is not always the case, as each company is different, so you will need to view yours before assuming it is included.
It’s also important to remember that the initial visit isn’t likely to cost much; instead, it is the restorative care you will need to repair your damaged tooth or teeth. These expenses are likely to be much higher, making your dental insurance plan even more valuable.
Dental fillings, dental crowns, root canals, tooth extractions, and more are all considered minor or major restorative services. Depending on the type of treatment you require, the cost will vary, which means your plan may agree to cover 50-80% of the total price.
How to Prevent a Dental Emergency
If you want to avoid a dental emergency and the cost that comes with it, you’ll need to take certain precautions to keep your smile and oral health intact. You can do this by:
- Practicing daily oral hygiene at home that includes brushing, flossing, and rinsing
- Seeing your dentist for regular six-month checkups and cleanings, as this will help lower the chances of decay, cavities, and gum disease
- Giving up unhealthy habits that can lead to a dental emergency (i.e., eating ice, chewing on pens and pencils, smoking, biting your fingernails, etc.)
- Drinking plenty of water to keep saliva flowing so that harmful acids are neutralized
- Eating healthy foods that do not contain lots of sugar or starch
- Seeking immediate help if you notice any changes in how your teeth feel (i.e., pain, sensitivity, etc.)
Dental emergencies don’t have to be scary. Instead, having a reliable dentist who is ready to help and who wants to help you save can minimize your fears and worries, especially when it comes to treatment and cost.
About the Practice
The team at Indy Dental Group in Indianapolis is here to make even those most unexpected situations less scary. By offering emergency dentistry and welcoming PPO dental insurance plans, we will help file all claims and verify existing coverage so that you get the maximum reimbursement. We also provide CareCredit Financing to assist with any out-of-pocket fees that cannot be paid in full. If you are worried that a dental emergency will cost too much, contact us at (317) 846-6125.