No one ever expects a dental emergency to happen to them, but 1 in 6 Americans are in this situation annually. Although there’s never a good time to need a dentist right away, dental emergencies often occur at the worst times, like when money is tight. The last thing you need to be worried about when dealing with a toothache or another dental issue is how you’re going to pay the bill. Thankfully, you have several financial options available to save your smile without breaking the bank, like using your dental insurance.
Understanding the Cost of Dental Emergencies
Every dental emergency is unique, so it’s impossible to have a cookie-cutter treatment plan. Multiple factors affect the approach your dentist will take. Therefore, there’s not a set fee for emergency dentistry. Your dentist in Boston will examine your mouth and provide you with an estimate based on your individual needs.
Paying for Dental Emergencies
Don’t let concerns about the cost prevent you from getting the dental care you need. Besides traditional payment methods, there are multiple solutions to keep your treatment affordable, such as:
Dental Insurance
Most dental plans offer coverage for urgent services. You can use your dental insurance to lower the amount you’ll pay for certain steps in your treatment, like the consultation, imaging, or restorations. After reaching your yearly deductible, your benefits can pay up to 80% of the cost of common restorative treatments. Your emergency dentist in Boston will help you maximize your annual coverage, so you have one less thing on your plate.
Third-Party Financing
Pay for any out-of-pocket expenses using a third-party financing company, like CareCredit. You can pay for your treatment using monthly installments after your credit approval. We will provide any necessary documentation to assist the process, so you can get the attention you need quickly.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
You can’t always stop a dental emergency from occurring, but you can take various steps to safeguard your smile from future problems. Your oral hygiene at home and regular care from a dentist can stop common dental issues, like tooth decay and gum disease. You’ll lessen the likeliness of needing a costly treatment later to save money down the road. Don’t forget to wear an athletic mouthguard if you play sports to protect your smile from trauma.
Don’t Wait to Visit Your Dentist
As with any emergency, time is of the utmost importance. You don’t want to wait to see your dentist, or you might lose your tooth. Instead, contact your emergency dentist right away, and they’ll address your pain before finding the solutions you need to repair your smile without spending your life’s savings.
About Dr. Annie Amsalem
Dr. Amsalem has over 42 years of experience in the dental field. After earning her dental degree in Paris, she earned her Certification in Periodontology from Boston University School of Graduate Dentistry. She has the experience and qualifications you can trust to treat complex oral health issues. If you need an affordable emergency dentist, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.