Accidents happen, and sometimes they come at a cost. Whether it’s a fender bender, a leaky roof, or a dental emergency, it can be stressful paying for a repair you weren’t anticipating. Thankfully, many people are fortunate to have insurance. For dental coverage, insurance can sometimes help cover some of the cost of emergency repairs, but you need to know how to best use it to your advantage.
What Does Dental Insurance Cover?
When it comes to dental insurance, there is often a lot of confusion about what is actually covered. Dental insurance mostly pays for preventative care like your exams and cleanings; however, some policies will provide at least a portion of the payment for emergency care. This will depend on several factors, including your individual policy and the type of care needed.
- Preventative care, including X-rays and cleanings are frequently covered at 100 percent or may require a small copay
- Basic procedures such as fillings or root canals may be covered at around 80 percent
- Major procedures such as crowns or dentures are typically covered at around 50 percent
Financing Your Procedure
Your dentist knows that some procedures may be costly, but that’s no reason to put off important care. That’s why many dentists offer financing plans. If you need an emergency procedure that’s not in your budget, speak to your dental team about your payment options.
Avoiding Costly Dental Repairs
While some accidental dental problems can’t be avoided, the risk of others can be greatly reduced with a little planning:
- Always attend your semi-annual checkups to stay on top of any changes in your oral health before they turn into an emergency
- Practice excellent oral hygiene (brush twice a day, floss at least once a day)
- Limit your intake of carbohydrates and sweets
- Don’t smoke
- Wear a mouthguard if you play contact sports or skate
- Wear a bite guard if you grind your teeth
- Only use your teeth for food; don’t use them to open packaging, bite fingernails, or chew pen caps
Remember, preventative care can help you avoid costly and painful dental emergencies in the future. While accidents can still happen no matter how well you plan, having an emergency dentist available can help you get the care you need without a lengthy delay.
If you are experiencing any kind of dental emergency, contact your emergency dentist at once.
About Our Practice
The team at Clear Coast Dental provides both emergency and non-emergency dental services ranging from semi-annual checkups to cosmetic improvements and restorations. If you are suffering from a dental emergency, we’re here to help. We offer same-day emergency appointments and accept all insurance plans.
To schedule any appointment, please visit our website or call us at 508-500- 1160.
