If you’ve ever experienced a dental emergency, you know just how stressful they can be. It can be difficult to figure out what to do when you’re experiencing all that anxiety and discomfort. Not having dental insurance can intensify your stress too! You want to get the help you desperately need, but who knows how much your bill will be at the end of your treatment? Here is what you should know about seeing an emergency dentist when you don’t have dental insurance.
Know If Your Issue Is Truly an Emergency
When you are uninsured, it is especially important that you know what is urgent and what can wait a few days to address. Here are a few situations where you should absolutely seek dental care from your emergency dentist as soon as you can:
- Loose permanent teeth
- Knocked-out or partially dislodged teeth
- Injuries to the jaw
- Uncontrollable bleeding
Some dental issues are still considered emergencies, but they aren’t quite as urgent. In this case, you should still make an appointment as soon as you can in order to have the problem looked at. Here are some examples:
- Broken tooth
- Cracked tooth
- Dull toothaches
- Lost or damaged fillings, crowns, bridges, or other restorations
Most dental problems are best treated by an emergency dentist because they are better equipped and able to treat you properly. However, there are a few exceptions to this. The following issues warrant a visit to the emergency room:
- Broken or dislocated jaw
- Severe facial or oral trauma
- Signs of a severe dental infection (high fever, swelling, etc.)
Have a Plan Ready
Having a plan made ahead of time can make the process go a lot smoother. This way, you can reduce your anxiety and get the help that you need. If you have irritation or swelling in the mouth, use a mixture of salt and warm water to rinse. You can also use a cold compress to help.
For a knocked-out tooth, you should pick up the tooth by the crown, rinse off any dirt, and place it directly back into the socket where it was before. If you cannot, place it in a glass of milk or saline solution to keep it moist until you can see your dentist. For the best chance of your dentist repairing your tooth, you should receive treatment within an hour.
Know Your Financial Options
Many people refrain from getting dental treatment because they are worried about the cost. The truth is that even if you don’t have dental insurance, there may still be other options available to help. Many dentists work with third-party financing companies that can break the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly payments. Talk to your dental team about your options.
No one should skip out on emergency dental care simply because of fear of costs. By coming up with a plan and discussing your financial options with the dental staff, restoring your smile may not be as out of the question as you think!
About the Author
Dr. David M. Fisher is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for well over 20 years. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. This includes courses in sedation dentistry. His practice accepts payments through CareCredit to reduce the financial strain of receiving dental care. For more information on emergency dentistry or to schedule an appointment at his office in Greensboro, visit his website or call (336) 288-1242.