Login
Are you delaying dental care due to cost? That may end up costing you more in the long run, with a sizable bill from your local Emergency Room (ER).
A study by the American Dental Association (ADA) found that every 15 seconds in America a patient comes into the ER for a dental emergency. The ADA estimates that visits to the ER for dental pain can cost three times as much as a visit to the dentist.
And there’s another issue to consider – emergency rooms typically don’t fix dental problems; they just provide care for infections and – in some cases – medication for pain management.
In the very few emergency rooms that have a dentist on duty, a patient might be able to have a diseased tooth extracted. But restorative care such as crowns, root canals, and other services are not provided. Patients will still need to see a dentist to deal with the cause of their dental distress, or to get missing teeth replaced. So the end result is a bill from the emergency room, followed by a bill from the dentist who will have to complete the treatment. (If this is the situation you’re facing now, consider joining a dental savings plan ASAP to reduce the costs of dental care.)
See how much you can save with a dental savings plan.
Use our calculator below >
To be clear: don’t hesitate to go to the Emergency Room if you have a dental health crisis – untreated, you’re risking your oral and overall health. And while it’s rare, people have died from dental infections. The best thing to do is to get regular dental care so you can better avoid crisis situations.
How to get affordable dental care
The best way to control dental care costs and stay healthy is to see a dentist regularly – no matter whether your teeth are in (seemingly) great shape, or you are struggling with the results of years of no dental care.
For those who are embarrassed to get care now after years of neglecting their teeth – any good dentist will welcome you and make you feel great about taking the first step towards better dental health. If you’re afraid of getting dental care, look for a dentist who specializes in working with nervous or dental-phobic patients.
Some options to get low-cost dental care include:
Dental schools – Most of us have heard about this. Local dental schools sometimes offer care to the public by supervised students for free or at discounted prices. But this isn’t an option for emergency care, as most dental schools have lengthy waiting lists.
Free clinics/health centers – Based on an individual’s ability to pay for dental care, these community programs also offer discounted or free services. You can also contact the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the nation’s primary resource for uninsured citizens or those who are at high risk of developing health problems if they don’t get medical/dental care ASAP.
Call 211 – You can contact 211 to learn about low-cost or free health services in your area.
Dental savings plans – Dental savings plans, an affordable alternative to dental insurance, are another option that can help you save on your dental care needs. Plan members report an average savings of 50%* on their dental care. Most plans activate within 72-hours of purchase (some activate within 24-hours), providing a cost-saving option when dental care is urgently needed.
How do I join a dental savings plan?
DentalPlans.com is the largest marketplace for dental savings plans and dental insurance, with more than 25 plans from the most trusted brands in healthcare. These are savings you can count on, and they are accepted by over 70% of U.S. dentists and specialists nationwide. Want help choosing the best dental plan for you? Give us a call at 1-833-735-0399 or use our calculator below for a quick peek at how much you can save right now.
*Discount Health Program consumer and provider surveys indicate average savings of 50%. Savings may vary by provider, location, and plan.