If you don’t currently have dental insurance, you aren’t the only one. Nearly 80 million adults also don’t have coverage, which makes it more understandable why many people hesitate to visit their dentist. However, if you’re experiencing an urgent dental situation, you won’t want to hold off on getting the proper treatment to preserve your oral health. Read on to learn a few important tips about visiting an emergency dentist without coverage.
The Significance of Treating a Dental Injury Early
Even if they’re experiencing discomfort, swelling, or discoloration in their smile, many people choose to ignore it or wait for the issue to go away on its own. Unfortunately, most oral health problems won’t vanish by themselves and can only worsen into something more serious if left untreated for too long. For instance, a tiny cavity can simply be fixed with a tooth-colored filling if addressed early on. If not, it can easily grow and spread, resulting in the need for more costly and extensive treatment, such as a root canal or even extraction. To avoid more expensive dental services, be sure to schedule a visit with your dentist right away if something feels wrong.
What Can I Expect if I Don’t Have Dental Insurance?
You can typically expect the same steps when treating a painful smile, whether you have insurance or not. After you’ve notified your dentist and scheduled an appointment, they’ll usually evaluate your mouth, detect the root of the issue, and then determine the appropriate method for addressing the problem. If you don’t have dental coverage, their staff can walk you through any available financing options, such as CareCredit. With the help of a third-party financier, you can potentially split up the overall cost of your treatment into monthly payments with little-to-no interest!
How Preventive Care is Crucial for Avoiding Dental Emergencies
Although it may seem prudent at first to avoid dental care if you’re without insurance, you can spend less money in the long run by scheduling routine dental checkups and cleanings. According to the Journal of Dental Medicine, nearly every $1 spent on preventive care can save you around $8 and $50 on restorative and/or cosmetic treatments. If you wish to significantly minimize your risk of needing costly services, make sure to visit your dentist every six months.
If you’ve noticed any pain or other issues with your teeth, don’t let the cost of your oral care deter you from fixing your smile. Feel free to speak with your dental team, and they’ll be glad to walk you through their available solutions for making your treatment work within your budget!
About the Author
Dr. Shahram Modarres has been providing exceptional and customized dental care for well over two decades. He earned his degree from the New York University School of Dentistry and is a member of various professional organizations, such as the Maryland State Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Seattle Study Club. If you’d like to know about our financing options that can help make your treatments more manageable for you, feel free to visit our website or call us at 301-816-9400.