Dental insurance can be difficult to navigate for a number of reasons. Every plan is different, making the only way to determine whether yours will cover a certain procedure or type of visit virtually impossible to find out unless you call them directly. Read on to help you better navigate your benefits when visiting an emergency dentist in Boston so you don’t receive any surprised bills in the mail!
What’s Considered a Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies come in different shapes, sizes, and severities, which can make it difficult to tell when it’s time to receive urgent care and when you can wait it out. If you’re in pain or your daily life is disrupted due to a dental concern, the best step you can take is to call your local emergency dental office. From there, they can help you decide whether you need to be seen the same day or not.
Some of the most common signs that your oral concern needs to be addressed sooner rather than later include:
- Severe, persistent tooth pain, which could indicate an underlying infection.
- Broken or chipped teeth that could lead to other consequential dental issues.
- Facial swelling, fever, and severe discomfort due to dental damage or infection.
- Lost restorations, like a filling or crown, that could put you at risk of an oral infection.
If you’re experiencing any of these, the first step you should take is to schedule an emergency examination with your local dentist.
What Treatments are Covered by Dental Insurance?
It’s important to reinforce the point that every dental insurance plan is different, which means that the most accurate coverage estimates will come directly from calling your dental insurance company. However, your dental office will help you determine this by submitting a pre-authorization claim to them before you move forward with the procedure. This will allow them to provide you with an accurate out-of-pocket cost estimate.
As a general rule of thumb, dental insurance plans use a 100-80-50 coverage structure to determine how much of a treatment they’ll cover. Preventive care (like checkups and cleanings) are typically 100 percent covered, while minor procedures (like fillings) are 80 percent covered, and more complex treatments (like tooth extractions) are 50 percent covered.
Are There Other Ways to Make Visiting an Emergency Dentist Affordable?
If you’re uninsured, or you have a high out-of-pocket cost that’s a barrier to receiving care, there are other options available to you. Most dental offices provide flexible financing from third-party companies, like Wisetack and CareCredit, to allow patients to split the cost of their procedure into easier-to-manage monthly payments.
If you’re ever concerned about whether or not you can afford emergency dentistry in Boston, the best people to talk to is the office staff! They’ll walk you through all of your payment options and make sure you’re able to take care of your smile whether you have dental insurance or not!
About the Practice
At Turning Leaf Dental, our friendly and welcoming team is always happy to help patients navigate their insurance coverage and get the most out of their benefits. From filing claims on your behalf to ensure you receive a maximized reimbursement to helping you sign up for financing through CareCredit or Wisetack, our team is always ready to assist. For questions or to schedule an emergency appointment, visit Turning Leaf Dental’s website or call 617-536-5182.