Certain issues need to be solved swiftly and immediately. Such is the case when a dental emergency arises. However, if you are uninsured, paying the expensive cost for an emergency dental treatment may deter you from getting the care you need.
At Smile Reston Heights, we make sure our patients get the treatment they need. Through our affordable payment plans, we ensure that they can receive our responsive emergency dental services as soon as possible, and without worry of over-extending their budgets. For families and individuals in Reston and throughout Northern Virginia, we are dedicated to consistently providing emergency, general, and cosmetic dentistry.
Below, we offer some ways you can make emergency dental visits more affordable even if you aren’t insured:
Defining a “Dental Emergency”
A dental emergency often occurs because of a heavy impact or laceration on the mouth, teeth or gums, resulting in a fractured or dislocated tooth. In most cases, immediate care is required in order to avoid the risk of permanently damaged teeth, gums, or nerves, as well as harmful, and sometimes fatal, infections.
Here are some other basic signs to look for so you know if you have a dental emergency:
- Pain
- Bleeding and aching gums
- Swollen jaw
- Constant headaches
- Numb tooth
- Overly loose tooth
Tips To Help Make Emergency Dental Work Affordable
When a potential dental emergency pops up, the main concern is to help the patient recover as soon as possible. However, there’s also the fact that emergency dental procedures have a high cost, especially for those without insurance and have to pay out of pocket. Here are some ways to ensure you can afford to get yourself or your loved one the dental care you need when you need it:
Sign up for Dental Savings Plan
Also known as a ‘dental discount plan’, a dental savings plan isn’t insurance, but rather a benefit program in which members can receive discounts from participating dental providers.
As stated in this detailed article, it’s an affordable alternative to dental insurance, covering a decent amount of the cost of treatment, depending on the type of treatment you need.
Dental savings plans cost around $150 per family, making them reliably affordable for most. If your employer doesn’t provide insurance, check if they provide dental savings plans or consider getting one of your own.
Seek Government Assistance
Another form of coverage you may consider are government resources such as Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
If you would like to sign up for Medicare, understand that the base coverage it provides doesn’t cover dental, but there are other plans that do. See if there are Medicare Advantage plans or other supplemental plans that provide the right amount of dental coverage for you to afford.
Moreover, Medicare Part A does cover inpatient hospital care if you require an emergency dental procedure.
Ask About Dental Payment Plans
While we don’t accept Medicaid, we do accept Medicare only via limited insurance companies. Along with many other reputable dental practices across the country, Smile Reston Heights provides affordable payment plans that are interest-free for individuals and families that require emergency treatment as soon as possible. Through our fair financing, you’ll be able to pay for the services you or your loved one needs, ensuring everyone the ability to always get the care they need.
Smile Reston Heights: Dependable Emergency Dental Services in Reston, VA
When you or your loved one requires immediate care due to a dental emergency, you shouldn’t have to worry about whether you can afford treatment. Above are several ways you can ensure you are able to pay to receive quality emergency dental services from a reputable practice.
At Smile Reston Heights of Reston, VA, we regularly work with our patients to ensure they can afford the general and cosmetic dental services they need. Our caring and highly-trained staff will easily provide you with all your options, and ensure you get the care you need.
Contact us at (703) 345-1100 for more information about our affordable dental services and schedule an appointment with us today!