No matter how many precautions you take, you can still be struck by a dental emergency at any time. Whether it is a broken tooth, a bad toothache, or anything else that just doesn’t feel right, you can feel confident that you will be back on your feet soon when you visit an excellent emergency dentist in State College. And, if you have dental insurance, you may be eligible to receive some coverage on your treatment. Keep reading to find out how it works — and why you will be thankful you have insurance if the unexpected happens to you or a loved one.
Dental Insurance and Emergencies
Dental insurance makes it more affordable to receive the treatments you need to maintain a healthy and complete smile for life. In addition to preventive checkups and cleanings, you can also receive discounts on emergency treatments as needed. Treatments for dental emergencies may include the following:
- Root canal therapy for an aching, abscessed, or severely damaged tooth
- Extraction for a broken or extremely decayed tooth
- Filling, crown, or bridge repair after injury
- Stitches for lacerations of soft tissue
- And other treatment for urgent situations — like if you’ve got something stuck between the teeth, sustained a blow to the face, or anything else
You will be expected to pay the portion you owe at the time that treatment is rendered. In many cases, that will be around 20% to 50% of the total cost of the procedure. If you visit an in-network dentist, your savings will kick-in immediately. If you visit an out-of-network dentist, you will be expected to pay the entire cost upfront and then receive reimbursement on the backend after the proper paperwork has been filed by the dental practice.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
Of course, the best method for dealing with dental emergencies is to keep them from happening altogether. You can do that by taking the right preventive steps and visiting your dentist regularly, even when you do not think you have a problem that needs attention. Some of the best tips for keeping yourself and your loved ones safe and protected against dental emergencies include the following:
- Brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day
- Floss between teeth daily
- Wear protective mouth gear like a custom mouthguard if you or your children play contact sports or grind your teeth at night
- Avoid destructive habits like chewing on ice, biting your nails, etc.
To learn more about coverage for emergency dental care or how you can keep your smile safe, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist or your dental insurance provider.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Kevin P. Labosky has been practicing in State College since 2004 — and has served a lot of smiles with compassionate dental care in that time. He provides a full list of general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry services, and his team of professionals is happy to process and file dental insurance claims. Contact your dentist in State College by phone at (814) 237-7004.
