How insurance works in a dental emergency

A dental emergency is when you need immediate care to relieve pain, prevent infection, or repair or save a tooth.

Whether it's from a major accident or a seemingly simple incident, like a playful headbutt from an infant, immediate attention can make all the difference.

In some cases, your medical insurance may cover part of your treatment for a dental emergency. Trauma, infections, draining abscesses, or dental conditions related to a medical condition may be covered under medical insurance.

Your general dentist, an emergency dental clinic, or a hospital can help you determine whether to file for medical insurance or dental insurance.

Dental insurance plans often cover emergency dental care, but your out-of-pocket costs vary by coverage. For example, you may have limits on crowns or veneers to fix a broken tooth.

You may also be referred to a specialist, such as an endodontist for a root canal.

First, call your dentist or visit an emergency dental clinic. The dentist will take immediate steps to reduce pain, prevent or treat infection, and stabilize the damaged tooth.

If your dentist can't see you, you can visit an urgent care center or hospital emergency room. The physicians in urgent care or ER cannot repair the tooth, but they can stop bleeding, control pain, and take steps to treat or prevent infection.

After emergency care, schedule a follow-up with your dentist to ensure proper healing.