In the United States, one in six people requires some form of urgent dental care every year. Encountering a dental emergency is never a fun situation to be in. Fortunately, having dental insurance can relieve some of the stress of the situation. But what if you don’t have dental insurance? Continue reading to learn what happens when you don’t have dental insurance and need to make an unplanned visit to your emergency dentist.
What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?
So, what exactly counts as a dental emergency? They can vary a lot, from sports-related accidents to Severe tooth infections to jaw pain. With that being said, you should always call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room if your symptoms are life-threatening, such as trouble breathing or uncontrollable bleeding. Even so, a few examples of dental emergencies include:
- A lost or damaged dental restoration, like a filling, crown, or bridge
- A permanent tooth that is loose or has been knocked out
- Painful swelling that isn’t getting any better
- A tooth that is fractured or cracked
- A traumatic injury to the jaw
Why You Should Seek Emergency Care with or Without Dental Insurance
Though the above dental emergencies are more common than you may think, some patients avoid seeking the treatment they need. For many, this is due to a lack of dental insurance. Though you may be worried that treatment is going to be expensive, it’s much better for your oral and overall health for you to visit an emergency dentist sooner rather than later. It’s also worth noting that the nature of the emergency will affect the final cost.
How to Make Urgent Dental Care More Affordable
For patients who don’t have dental insurance, many dentists offer alternative payment options, such as dental financing. This allows patients to pay for treatment in smaller, easier-to-manage monthly payments with little to no interest so they don’t have to spend a lot of money at once.
Some dentists also offer in-house dental plans. All patients have to do is pay the membership fee to gain access to special discounts for various dental services. Some practices even offer plans that cover your entire family so that you can save even more money on dental visits.
If you don’t have dental insurance and are worried that you won’t be able to afford a dental emergency, don’t be. Dentists are used to working with patients from a variety of financial situations. They will do what they can to make treatment more affordable so you can receive the emergency care you need!
About the Practice
Shinkawa Dental is led by Dr. Gerald T. Shinkawa and his children Dr. Nicole Shinkawa and Dr. Adam Shinkawa. They offer patients living in Fresno as well as the surrounding a variety of treatments to keep their smiles healthy and looking their best. For the unexpected, they also offer emergency treatment to both patients with and without insurance. Are you ready to set up an appointment or do you want to learn more about Shinkawa Dental? If so, call their office at (559) 226-5656 or visit their website.