While urgent dental care is the kind you most need, the thought of its price could make you hesitate. You may worry that an emergency dentist would cost too much to see. However, you should note that dental insurance could cover your emergency visit; treatment doesn’t have to “break the bank.” Your Longmont dentist will even explain how that coverage would probably work. To that end, keep reading to learn how dental insurance tends to cover dental emergencies.
Dental Emergencies & The 100-80-50 Rule
Most dental plans cover dental emergencies, as treating those urgent issues is a vital health service. In fact, said coverage often sticks to what’s called the “100-80-50 rule.” This principle divides covered dental work into the following categories:
- Preventive Services – Almost all dental insurance covers 100% of preventive care, which includes dental checkups, teeth cleanings, oral X-rays, etc.
- Basic Procedures – The average dental plan covers 80% of the price of a basic dental procedure. More specifically, that rate applies to dental fillings, root canals, and simple extractions.
- Major Procedures – Major dental procedures encompass restorations (dental bridges, dental implants, etc.), so they get the least coverage. A typical dental plan only covers 50% of their cost.
Given the categories above, emergency dental work includes basic and major procedures. An average dental plan will thus cover most of its cost.
Consider Your Dental Plan’s Type
Though your dental plan may cover emergency care, you should still consider what kind you have. Whether it’s one type of insurance or another will affect your final treatment cost.
In general, dental plans are either PPOs or DHMOs. PPOs let a patient see dentists in and out of the designated network, but their co-pay is lower for in-network practices. DHMOs, meanwhile, only apply or “kick in” for specific dentists; they don’t cover any care outside the network.
You should consider your plan’s type alongside the 100-80-50 rule. That way, you’ll have a sense of your treatment’s cost beforehand.
Remember Other Payment Options
Even if your dental insurance doesn’t have great emergency coverage, you don’t need to panic. You can always rely on alternative payment options that make care affordable.
One such option would be flexible financing, which is typically done through payment plans. This method lets a patient work with 3rd party financiers to afford treatment. By letting you pay relevant costs through monthly installments, it makes otherwise pricey services budget-friendly.
Since dental insurance can cover your emergency visit, don’t delay your care. See your dental provider soon for urgent and affordable help!
About the Practice
Coats Dental Group of Longmont is based in Longmont, CO. Led by Drs. Brian and Kevin Coats, our practice has been helping families smile for over 25 years. We’ve gladly provided top-tier preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments in that time, ensuring each patient gets stellar results. Our office also takes pride in offering excellent dental emergency care. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (303)-776-4090.