Dental emergencies seem to happen at the most inconvenient times. Not having dental insurance only adds to the stress. It is difficult to know what to do, especially if you are concerned about the bill. Fortunately, we can help! Here are some things that you should know if you are seeking emergency dental care and don’t have dental insurance to cover it.
Know How to Identify a Dental Emergency
Where you don’t have insurance, it is worth knowing what requires immediate attention and what can wait. Here are some things that require urgent dental care from your emergency dentist as soon as possible.
- Loose permanent teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Jaw injuries
- Uncontrollable bleeding
There are some other dental emergencies that aren’t as urgent, but you should still schedule an appointment to have the issue looked at as soon as possible.
- Broken teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Dull toothaches
- Lost of damaged fillings, crowns, or bridges
Most oral health issues are best treated with an emergency dentist because they are equipped and able to get to the root of the issue. However, there are a few exceptions. You should go to the emergency room if you have:
- A broken or dislocated jaw
- Severe facial or oral trauma
- Signs of a severe dental infection (high fever and swelling)
Making an Emergency Dental Plan
Dental emergencies are much easier to address if you have a plan set up ahead of time. By knowing what to do to handle certain issues, you can reduce anxiety and get the help that you need. If you have irritation or swelling in your mouth, use a mixture of warm water and salt to rinse. Using a cold compress can also help.
If you have a knocked-out tooth, pick up the tooth by the crown and rinse it with water. Don’t dry it. Try to place it back into the socket where it belongs. If you are unable to do this, place it into a container of milk or saliva to keep it moist until you can ee your emergency dentist. You need to receive treatment within an hour of the injury for the best chance of saving your tooth.
Knowing Your Financial Options
Worrying about the cost of treatment is the most common reason why people put off getting emergency dental treatment. The good news is that many dental practices offer dental financing options, like CareCredit, to better help your treatment fit into your budget. By talking to your dental team, you can learn more about your options and how to make your treatment more affordable.
If you don’t have dental insurance, this doesn’t mean that you should avoid emergency care. By making a plan and discussing your options with your dental team, you can put together a plan that best meets your needs. You deserve a healthy smile regardless of your insurance status.
About the Practice
At Darby Creek Dental, Dr. David W. Cleveland, Dr. Deric R. Budendorf, and Dr. Kyle S. Wylde work together to treat patients in the Marysville community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about emergency dentistry or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (937) 644-8822