You’d normally be eager to see a dentist in a dental emergency. Depending on the situation, urgent care could protect your oral health. However, you might be hesitant if you don’t have any dental insurance. In that case, it’s natural to fear that an appointment would exceed your budget. Thankfully, though, you can take steps to make your treatment less costly. To learn more, here are some tips for visiting an emergency dentist without insurance.
Recognize What’s Urgent and What Isn’t
If you don’t have dental insurance, you’ll want to save money on needed procedures. That said, it’s vital to know what needs immediate attention and what doesn’t. Focus on treating your most significant problems rather than lesser ones.
For instance, see a dentist immediately if you experience:
- A loose or knocked-out permanent tooth
- Painful swelling or aches
- An injured jaw
- Incessant bleeding
Delaying care for such issues will only make things worse in the long run.
Meanwhile, you can afford (financially and physically) to put off conditions like lost fillings, crowns or bridges, damaged retainers, and dull toothaches. At the very least, it’d be all right to wait a few days as you get your finances in order. Just remember to still schedule an appointment for these problems to keep them from worsening.
Plan Your Emergency Response Beforehand
A plan of action will help reduce stress when you aren’t insured.
The first step in such a plan is to stay calm. Anxiety may increase the pain in your body. Therefore, keep cool in a dental emergency so that your situation remains stable.
Next, use a saltwater rinse to reduce irritation and swelling. A cold compress could also help.
You should floss if you feel pain around one tooth. Flossing will help you determine if you have something stuck between your teeth or in the gum tissue.
Consider Your Financing Options
You need dental treatment to be affordable when you don’t have insurance. As such, talk to your local dental practice to see if it has options for patients in that scenario.
For instance, many dentists offer flexible financing plans. These payment options usually don’t include interest and are easy to re-pay. Ask your dentist if they’re open to this sort of arrangement.
While lacking dental insurance in a tooth-related emergency isn’t great, it isn’t something to panic over. Follow the tips above, and you’ll manage to get through your dilemma.
About the Practice
Oakton Dentistry by Design is based in Oakton, VA. As led by Drs. Giordano and Khalil, the practice offers its patients the highest quality of smile care. To that end, its staff specializes in preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, including emergency dental treatments. They further guarantee their results by using the latest dental techniques and technology. For more information or to book an appointment, you can reach them at their website or by phone at (703)-938-4300.