Are Emergency Dental Visits Covered by Insurance?

emergency dentist in Mississauga

You don’t want to be worried about your insurance coverage when you suddenly have a toothache or an injury; you just want relief. When you need an emergency dentist in Mississauga to handle an emergency, you must know how your dental insurance works before you are in pain. Knowing what is covered by your plan will benefit both you and your wallet in urgent dental situations.

What Do We Consider a Dental Emergency? 

A dental emergency usually relates to an infection, pain or damage requiring immediate attention. Common examples of dental emergencies include: 

  •  A severe toothache or pain that doesn’t go away. 
  •  A knocked-out tooth or broken tooth. 
  •  Swelling of the face or gums. 
  •  Bleeding that won’t stop. 
  •  A dental abscess or dental infection. 

 If you are experiencing any of the emergencies listed above, you should see an emergency dentist near you as soon as possible; this will prevent you from having to deal with bigger problems. 

Does Dental Insurance Cover Emergencies?

Most dental insurance policies will cover some portion of emergencies when the need arises—although they will have different coverage provisions based on your policy. Here are some of the general provisions and coverage that can be found:

  • Partial Coverage For Urgent Treatment: Most plans will provide a level of coverage (including exams, x-rays, and temporary repairs).
  • Specific Limitations: Depending on your plan, they may cover certain emergency treatments and not others, or there may be a yearly limit on the amount they would cover. 
  • Network Rules: Some insurance companies may require you to see a dentist who is on their network list to get the full benefits of coverage.

Whether or not you have insurance, it is a good idea to read your policy so you are familiar with the coverage details in the event that you determine you have a dental emergency.

What If You Don’t Have Dental Insurance?

If you do not have insurance, you can still get help. Many clinics will offer payment plans or flexible pay options, so you can get treated immediately and make arrangements directly through the clinic. Waiting to treat a serious issue can result in the problem getting worse, and it could lead to higher costs in the future.

How Can You Prepare for a Dental Emergency?

Having an awareness of what to do before an emergency happens can help you a lot. Here are some things to consider:

  • Save your dentist’s contact number in your contacts.
  • Know the address of an urgent dentist in your area.
  • Have your dental insurance card in a place where it is accessible.
  • Ask your dental clinic if they provide emergency care after hours or on the weekend.

Common Emergency Treatments Insurance Might Cover

There are many different emergencies, and each one has different treatments. You may have coverage for part or total expenses, depending on your plan, for:

Emergency TreatmentPurposePossible Coverage
Emergency exam & x-raysIdentify the problemOften covered
Temporary filling or crownProtect the tooth until a permanent fixOften partially covered
Tooth extractionRemove a damaged or infected toothMay be covered
Antibiotics or pain reliefTreat infection or discomfortSometimes covered

It is always advisable to call your insurance provider and find out what is covered under your emergency dental care coverage.

Can you See a Dentist for an Emergency?

In many cases, you can see any dental practice for an emergency, but if you want the most coverage, ensure you know whether the dentist is in your insurance network. This is key, especially if you’re searching for a dentist in Mississauga who has the right skills and is available when you experience your emergency.

Quick Help When You Need It Most

In a dental emergency, being aware of your insurance will assist you in making quick decisions and avoiding unforeseen payments. The important part is to prepare, know your benefits, and have your trust.

Fast Relief and Care You Can Count On at Orb Dental

Dental emergencies can happen at any hour of the day or night. This is why it is important to have a clinic like Orb Dental to go to when you’re in need. Whether it’s sudden pain, a chipped tooth, or swelling, the caring team at Orb Dental is committed to helping you feel better as quickly as possible. 

In case of a dental emergency, contact Orb Dental right away—we’ll have you smiling and feeling better in no time.