Saving money is great, but there are some times when it’s just not worth it to save a few dollars – like when it comes to your health. If you are experiencing oral pain, skipping emergency dental treatment because you don’t have dental insurance can end up doing you more harm than good, and may end up costing you more in the long run. Plus, the good news is that care can still be very affordable. Keep reading to learn more about what to expect if you have a dental emergency but no insurance.
Don’t Risk Delaying Emergency Treatment
Dental emergencies — like toothaches, broken teeth, bleeding gums, or other injuries to the hard or soft tissues in your mouth — need to be treated right away. Delaying an appointment can cause minor issues to become major problems, which will likely require more costly and extensive treatment later on. For example, ignoring a toothache can cause a small cavity to develop into an abscess which requires root canal or even tooth extraction.
No matter what is causing your oral discomfort, you can trust that a qualified emergency dentist can help get you out of pain and on with your life.
Ask About Payment Options
If you do not have dental insurance, know that you are certainly not alone. Many adults lack this type of coverage, but that doesn’t exclude you from receiving the treatment that you need. Call the office before you come in to ask about your payment options, letting them know that you do not have dental insurance. Ask if there is any kind of financial assistance or a payment plan for patients without coverage. They want to help you get the care you need, so more than likely the answer will be yes.
How to Avoid Dental Emergencies
If you do not have dental insurance – or even if you do – the best plan of action is to avoid getting yourself into an emergency altogether. Some of the keys to staying away from an infected tooth, broken tooth, or dental injury include:
- Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day
- Flossing between teeth at least once a day
- Visiting your dentist twice a year for a checkup and cleaning (or more often if recommended)
- Avoiding using your teeth as tools, like opening packages
- Wearing a customized mouth guard if you grind your teeth at night or play contact sports
Follow these steps and you can greatly reduce the risk you’ll ever need emergency care. But if you do, don’t delay visiting an emergency dentist – they’re there to help you get the care you need!
About the Practice
The team at Sweeny Family Dental offers exceptional care for patients, no matter what their dental need or insurance situation may be. Dr. Derek Funk is a highly experienced emergency dentist, and his dental team is on hand to help patients understand their payment options without dental insurance. If you have been avoiding care for a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to book an appointment online or by calling the practice directly at (979) 401-2962.