Dental insurance is notoriously difficult to navigate, and seemingly purposefully! Fortunately, so long as you have a team of knowledgeable people in your corner, filing claims and maximizing your coverage, in addition to getting the urgent emergency dentistry you need, is much easier. Read on to learn whether your benefits will cover a trip to the emergency dentist.
How Does Dental Insurance Work?
Every dental insurance plan is different, which makes talking about coverage a little difficult. Because your benefits can vary so greatly to someone else’s, even someone else with the exact same insurance provider as you, the only way to know for sure what services are and aren’t covered is to contact them directly. Your dentist can help with this if you’re unsure of what to ask and who to speak with!
All that being said, many PPO dental insurance plans operate using a 100-80-50 coverage structure. This means that they cover 100 percent of the cost of routine preventive care, like checkups and cleanings, 80 percent of basic treatments like fillings, and 50 percent of more extensive work like tooth extractions and root canals.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Emergency Dentistry?
So, where does emergency dentistry fall in the 100-80-50 coverage structure? This can be tricky, because there will likely be two parts to your emergency visit: a thorough oral examination (possibly including X-rays) and a treatment to help remedy your pain or any diagnoses.
If you have a PPO plan, it’s likely that your benefits will cover at least a portion of your emergency exam, as well as a portion of whatever treatment you may require. However, it’s a good idea to anticipate that you’ll need to pay an out-of-pocket cost.
What Other Payment Options are Out There?
Whether you’re uninsured or underinsured, there are other payment options out there to make getting the timely emergency dental care you need easier and more affordable. One of the most popular methods is additional financing through CareCredit. This trusted third-party financier will allow you to break up the total cost of your visit and treatment into little-to-no interest monthly payments, so long as you finish paying off the balance within either 12 or 24 months.
If you need fast care from an experienced emergency dentist in Big Pine Key, the best first step you could take is to call your local dental office. They’ll fit you into their schedule as soon as possible as well as aid you in navigating your dental insurance coverage, allowing you to get the best of both worlds; quality, accessible care.
About the Author
Dr. Amanda Cobb is a highly skilled and compassionate dentist with years of experience under her belt. She’s happy to treat patients of all ages, including children, and has been awarded for her clinical skills and dedication by the Florida Association of Periodontists and Florida Dental Health Foundation. She offers timely and urgent emergency dentistry as well, helping patients get the fast care they need, when they need it. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry of the Keys’ website or call 305-680-1553.