No one ever expects a dental emergency to happen to them, but it’s more common than you might realize. 1 in 6 Americans has a dental emergency annually. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, the last thing you should be worried about is how you’re going to pay the bill. If you don’t have dental insurance, don’t worry. You can still get the care you need without breaking the bank. Here are 3 ways to keep a dental emergency affordable.
1. Don’t Wait to See a Dentist
Cost is a leading reason people delay dental care. However, ignoring any issue will lead to a higher bill later. Whether you have a toothache or a lost restoration, you require immediate attention from a dentist. If you wait too long, the problem will continue to worsen, which might cause you to lose your tooth. Instead of needing a simple treatment, you will require a more expensive procedure to resolve the situation.
2. Look for an In-House Savings Plan
Many dental offices offer in-house savings plans for patients without insurance. You can benefit from discounted rates for a variety of services after a membership fee, like exams, imaging, and several restorative treatments. You won’t have to deal with deductibles, maximums, or claim forms to lower the amount you pay out-of-pocket.
3. Consider Third-Party Financing
You can pay for your treatment using monthly installments through a third-party financing company, like CareCredit. After your credit approval, you are given the funds you need to rehabilitate your smile, and you’ll repay the balance gradually with little-to-no interest. You won’t have to let your financial situation stop you from getting the care you deserve.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
You can’t always stop a dental emergency from occurring, but you can take several steps to lessen your risk of one. Preventable issues are common causes of unexpected trips to the dentist. Thankfully, you can avoid them by:
- Brushing and Flossing: Your oral hygiene habits at home are your first line of defense against dental problems, like tooth decay and gum disease. Commit to brushing twice daily and flossing nightly to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
- Visit Your Dentist: Visit your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. Research has shown every $1 spent on prevention can save up to $50 on emergency or restorative care.
- Wear an Athletic Mouthguard: If you play sports, wear an athletic mouthguard to safeguard your smile.
- Stop Bad Oral Habits: Don’t use your teeth as tools or chew on inedible objects. It’s best to break any bad habits that can damage your smile.
If dental pain is keeping you awake at night, stop worrying about a large bill. Your dentist will help you with the solutions you need to save your smile without costing you an arm and a leg.
About Dr. Adam Jones
Dr. Jones earned his dental degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry before continuing his education in prosthodontics and dental implants. He has the qualifications to treat complex oral health issues. If you have a dental emergency but don’t have insurance, contact our office today for affordable dentistry.