Urgent Dental Care: How To Not Get Overcharged

Urgent dental care is a critical aspect of remaining healthy. Often, brushing and flossing at home are not enough to keep oral hygiene on track. There are a variety of problems that can arise from neglecting dental care, most importantly being an increased risk for serious health complications. The most useful way to avoid these kinds of issues is to see a dentist several times a year. However, this is not always a possibility.

If you need urgent dental care and have no previous dentist, you may be nervous about finding a new provider. The fees for urgent care services can be high and the additional fees for emergency visits are often astronomical. To make sure that you are not overcharged for your dental work, follow these tips.

1. Know Your Insurance

Your insurance will likely pay for all or most of the fees associated with urgent care, but you need to be sure. Never go to a dental office without knowing what they expect you to pay out-of-pocket and any amounts that are covered by your insurance. This way, you can plan ahead so that you do not have a surprise balance on your credit card after the visit. The dental office can also advise you on what procedures are covered under your coverage.

2. Choose the Best Dentist for Your Needs

When you have little time, it is important to choose the best dentist for your needs and the one where you will be comfortable. Simply throwing a coin toss to decide which dentist is more convenient for you is not a good idea. You want to find a dental practice that has every procedure and treatment that you need covered under your insurance plan as well as ones that can accommodate your busy lifestyle.

3. Call and Schedule an Appointment Months in Advance

The best way to select a dental practice is by calling several potential ones in advance and scheduling an appointment with them. Be upfront about your situation and ask if they are able to schedule an appointment within a month. Going to a provider that is forced to squeeze you in within a few days is not worthwhile. You will probably have to pay extra fees and have little time to prepare for the procedures.

4. Do Not Pay Without Receiving Written Estimates

Before you even step foot into the dentist office, make sure that you are aware of exactly how much your procedures will cost you. The best way to do this is for the dental office staff to give you detailed estimates. You should never be expected to pay any money until after the estimate has been reviewed with you and your insurance has been notified about your visit, if required by your policy.

5. Consider Other Services

If your dental work is only going to include one or two procedures, you may be able to squeeze them into your routine. However, if your visit involves dental implants, crowns or bridges, it is important that you bring the entire family along (as much as possible). Having a plan for multiple procedures will guarantee that everything goes smoothly and that you receive the care that you need in the shortest amount of time possible.

6. Request Reassurances from Your Dentist

While most people struggle to get their teeth clean and healthy quickly enough, many people are unprepared for what comes next. Oral surgery is a complicated procedure that typically requires a few steps after the initial procedure. If you are uncertain about what to expect and need more information, do not hesitate to ask your dentist for a referral to an oral surgeon. A professional who has handled the procedure in the past will be able to provide you with more information about how it will affect you.

7. Do Not Accept Tooth Extractions Just Because They Are Urgently Needed

Though some people choose to have teeth removed due to severe tooth decay, that does not mean that it is an option for everybody at all times. Some people may choose extractions for cosmetic reasons and others may be recovering from dental surgery. In these cases, tooth extraction is common, but it is not the only solution to poor dental health.

8. Do Not Let an Inexperienced Dentist Handle Your Treatment

Though urgent care dentistry often requires work to be performed quickly and efficiently, that does not mean that you should accept the first offer for urgent dental care that you receive. If your previous dentist was able to provide you with healthy teeth and a clean mouth most of the time, then it is important that you receive urgent dental care from a reputable provider who will ensure long-term oral health.

9. Know What to Expect When You Call

When you are able to schedule an appointment, it is important that you know all of the information that is necessary for your care. Knowing the insurance details and what procedures will be performed ahead of time will allow you to plan for your care properly and avoid confusion. Keep a list handy so that you can review it after each visit for any remaining questions.

10. Do Not Accept Emergency Dental Work Without Proper Care

Though urgent dental care may seem like it has the potential to save your life, a surprise phone call from an emergency room doctor may cause very little or no point in delaying necessary dental treatment. Before you decide to accept your appointment, confirm that you are able to schedule the activity and make arrangements for care after the urgent dental care.

11. Never Fax Over Medical Information

If you have a medical condition, it is important that you provide your dentist with an up-to-date list of medications and medical conditions that they should be aware of in advance. You should never request a dentist’s office to fax over this kind of information because it can easily fall into the wrong hands. Instead, send over a comprehensive list beforehand or visit in person to discuss any potential risks and precautions. Return visits may require written confirmation from your dentist, but this will often cause fewer delays than faxing over personal medical information.

In conclusion, seeking out urgent dental care is not a negative experience for patients who are prepared. Though it may be difficult to find treatment that fits your schedule and is completely covered under your insurance plan, there are options available. A knowledgeable dental office staff can do the legwork to find you a convenient appointment and providers that will work with you and your busy lifestyle. And remember, every little bit of routine care matters when it comes to oral health.