No matter how well you try to avoid dental emergencies, they are something that can happen to anyone. Whether it’s a toothache, damaged tooth, or the like, these situations can leave you stressed. A great way to get relief is by visiting your dentist, but waiting for the bill might worry you even more. Are you able to use your dental insurance to cover these urgent visits? Here’s what you should know.

What’s Considered a Dental Emergency?

Before diving into what your benefits can do for your trip, it’s not a bad idea to familiarize yourself with what’s considered an oral emergency. These are a few scenarios to know:

• Severe infection or discomfort.
• Damaged or knocked-out tooth
• Loose or fallen crowns, fillings, veneers, and other restorations
• Dental abscess
• Injury to your gums or mouth.

So, How Does Dental Insurance Work for Emergency Visits?

Finding the exact amount your dental insurance would cover for your emergency visits largely depends on what you get done. In general, many plans typically follow a 100-80-50 structure. That means diagnostic exams, such as urgent ones, may get full or partial coverage. Pain relief services, like fillings or antibiotics, may get about 80% covered, while major procedures like root canals or crowns may be at 50% coverage.

That said, what’s true for you may be different. Several other factors may come into play, such as your yearly deductible, annual maximum, and whether your dentist takes your insurance provider.

Is There a Way to Know My Coverage?

Navigating your plan may seem like a daunting feat, but your dental office’s front desk team is here to help you. When you use it for your preventive care, you can ask more about your coverage, and they will be better able to walk you through your policy. You can also ask your provider directly, and they can give you the information you need.

Getting this understanding down early can help you out when you do find yourself in an urgent situation. That way, you feel confident about getting the relief you need without worrying about it breaking the bank in the long run.

About the Practice

Our team at Dix Hills Family Dentistry is here for you when you find yourself needing urgent dental care. Led by compassionate dentists, we are proud to offer same-day urgent visits so you can get the treatments you need right away. We accept a wide range of dental insurance and offer an in-house savings plan, so you can make your trip more affordable. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call our office at 631-673-8040.