Updated: 3/3/2020
Have you ever experienced a dental emergency? Maybe you knocked out a tooth, had a painful toothache, experienced an abscess tooth or something else entirely. Whatever the emergency, the stress of the situation probably put you on your toes. You may want to have a plan in place should another emergency arise. Or maybe you’re experiencing an emergency right now. There’s a solution: emergency dental plans. They can help you get the affordable care you need now.
Below are a few things you might think about in a dental emergency.
How Do I Pay for Emergency Dental Care without Dental Insurance?
There are actually a few alternatives for emergency dental care if you don’t have dental insurance:
- Dental savings plans
- Emergency walk-in dental offices
- CareCredit
- Free dental clinics
- Dental schools
Dental Savings Plans
The best way to save money in a dental emergency if you don’t have dental insurance is with a dental savings plan. These plans can save you money quick! They offer immediate dental coverage and provide you with access to significant discounts at the dentist – whether you need to see a general dentist or a dental specialist for your dental emergency. This is NOT insurance; it’s what dental insurance should be.
After you apply for your plan, you will receive a temporary ID number by email so you can start using your plan right away. Need help? Give us a call at 800-372-7615 so someone can assist you.
Visit an Emergency Walk-In Dental Office
These offices may offer payment plans, specials or accept a dental savings plan so you can afford your dental visit and get seen immediately.
CareCredit
CareCredit is a healthcare credit card that you can use for a variety of medical needs, including dental care.
You can apply for a CareCredit card online and use it at your dental visit. You will receive your first billing statement within 30 days of first using your card.
Once you have been approved for a card (which is usually decided within seconds of submitting your application), you can use your CareCredit card immediately.
Free Dental Clinics
See if there is a free dental clinic near you where you can receive immediate care for FREE.
Dental School
If your dental emergency occurs during regular business hours, you may be able to visit a local dental school for more affordable dental work.
They may refer you to a dental specialist or someone more qualified if you are experiencing a true dental emergency though, so keep that in mind.
Choosing an Emergency Dental Clinic
You can find a participating dentist in your area on our website. And our dental plans are affordable, so there’s no need to wait for a dental emergency to arise. We offer individual dental plans starting at $99/year and family dental plans starting at $149/year.
Typically, people wait until a dental emergency to prioritize their dental health, and, in many instances, individuals and families believe they have a stable dental plan just because they pay for dental insurance. But unlike dental insurance, there are no maximums to discount dental plans. You won’t get caught in a dental emergency and be unable to use the plan.
The membership cost is minimal, the savings are excellent, the providers are numerous and the dental plans we offer outpace our competitors in terms of quality, ease and service. Nationwide, we have about 10 million members who use our services. Some customers find out about us because they have an emergency and need to see a dentist today. We are here when people need us.
What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?
Different types of dental emergencies can include:
- Chipped, fractured or cracked teeth
- Severe toothache
- Lost fillings
Any toothache can easily become a dental emergency when the pain keeps you up at night, or just becomes too much to bear. There is often an exposed nerve somewhere that needs to be taken care of immediately.
What If My Child Has an Emergency Dental Problem?
Aside from having your own needs for emergency dental care, there are times when your child may need immediate dental care. Playground injuries tend to be a common part of childhood, but few people have pediatric dental care for their children, and some dental insurance plans aren’t as inclusive as they appear to be until it’s too late and you have an emergency dental need.
We have what you and your family need. Visit our website today and see for yourself! And if you don’t like the plan, we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. That’s how confident we are in this product. It works and can sincerely help families just like yours!