You never know when a dental emergency can occur. Accidents and sports injuries can happen out of the blue, or an underlying issue could make itself known at the least convenient moment. You can’t put off emergency care, leading many patients to worry about the cost of their urgent treatment. Dental insurance is an excellent tool for making dentistry more affordable, but will it cover emergency care? Continue reading to learn more about dental insurance and what you can expect.
Does Emergency Dentistry Receive Dental Insurance Coverage?
If you have dental insurance, your emergency visit itself is likely partially, if not completely covered. However, the percentage of the treatment that is covered will depend on what ails you and how your dentist needs to address it. It’s pretty much impossible to know exactly how much you will be expected to pay out of pocket and how much is covered by your dental insurance plan until you have the problem identified.
What Does Dental Insurance Cover?
Every plan looks a little bit different, so you should review your benefits so you know what to expect. Here is what a typical dental plan may look like coverage-wise:
- 100% of preventive care: This includes checkups, cleanings, and routine X-rays. Many dental insurance plans also completely cover at least one emergency exam per year.
- 80% of basic procedures: These services include dental fillings.
- 50% of major procedures: This consists of more complex services, like dental crowns and dentures.
How Will Your Dental Insurance Affect Your Cost of Treatment?
Patients who have dental insurance usually have their initial visit covered by their plan. However, the treatment you need to resolve your emergency will have a separate cost. Your coverage will depend on whether you receive a basic or major procedure or a combination of the two. Just remember that the longer you put off dental issues, the worse they get, and the more your treatment is likely to cost. By getting the treatment you need now, you can save money in the future.
If you are worried about the cost of your emergency treatment, talk to your dental team. Options are often available to help you get the care you need while taking some of the pressure off your wallet.
About the Practice
At Family Dental Associates of Spring Hill, Dr. Emily Allen and Dr. Brandon Jewell work together to serve patients in the Spring Hill community. They are happy to offer same-day treatment and evening appointments for patients who are experiencing emergencies. In addition to accepting dental insurance, they also accept payments through CareCredit. To learn more about emergency dentistry or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (615) 302-1414.