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We hope you never have to encounter one, but dental emergencies do happen. There can be a fine line between regular dental issues and a dental emergency. Knowing the differences can help you choose an insurance plan that can help cover your dental needs.1
It can also be helpful to understand the waiting periods in your dental plan, so you know what to expect if a surprise issue arises.
In addition to finding a dental insurance plan that covers emergency needs, you may want to explore other kinds of benefits. Aflac’s dental insurance also offers hearing and vision care, so you can take better care of your overall health, alongside affordable rates and no waiting period for preventative care.
Every dental emergency is different, so there may not be a one-size-fits-all solution. There are a few scenarios where it may make sense to go directly to the hospital and other situations where it’s best to go to your dentist as soon as possible. Below we’ve outlined what to do in a dental emergency, depending on the issue at hand.
A hospital trip typically makes more sense if something happens to your facial bones. Any issue that impacts your ability to breathe should also be immediately attended to at a hospital. If any of these events occur, it’s best to call 911 and get help as soon as possible.3
On the other hand, a dentist trip is better if you are in serious pain, but the issue is non-life-threatening. If you can breathe properly, a trip to the dentist would likely be all that is necessary.4
Trips to the hospital and dentist to get emergency dental care without a dental insurance plan can add up quickly. For example, root canals are typically needed when deep tooth decay, cracked teeth, gum infection or severe facial trauma take place. Depending on the location and severity of the issue, the root canal procedure and necessary treatments on average can cost anywhere from $700 to $1,800.5
Some dental insurance plans help provide emergency coverage to help make emergency dental care costs more manageable. Depending on your location and medical history, Aflac offers a variety of benefits that can help cover expenses related to emergency dental procedures.
Additionally, getting regular dental care may help prevent an oral emergency from happening later.
Aflac Dental Insurance Can Help Cover Your Dental Emergency
You may be able to get help covering emergency dental care with Aflac’s dental insurance. If you already have a dental plan, we also offer supplemental dental insurance to help cover treatments and procedures that your primary provider may not fully cover. This can be especially helpful if a dental emergency catches you and your wallet by surprise.
1 Investopedia - 4 Important Steps for Choosing Dental Insurance. Updated: May 31, 2021. Accessed: Oct 30, 2022. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/120914/4-important-steps-choosing-dental-insurance.asp.
2 ADA - What Constitutes a Dental Emergency. Updated: Mar 30, 2021. Accessed: Oct 30, 2022. https://success.ada.org/~/media/CPS/Files/Open%20Files/ADA_COVID19_Dental_Emergency_DDS.pdf.
3-4 Verywell Health - Should I Go to a Hospital or a Dentist for My Dental Emergency. Updated: Mar 22, 2021. Accessed: Oct 30, 2022. https://www.verywellhealth.com/dental-emergency-go-to-the-hospital-or-see-a-dentist-1059301.
5 New Mouth - Cost of a Root Canal Without Insurance and With Insurance. Updated: Sep 27, 2021. Accessed: Oct 30, 2022. https://www.newmouth.com/blog/root-canal-without-insurance/.
This is a limited benefit plan and provides dental benefits only.
Aflac's insurance plans are not an alternative for comprehensive health insurance. The policy provides limited dental, vision and hearing benefits only. Benefits are supplemental and are not intended to cover all medical expenses.
Coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Aflac Incorporated. Dental claims are administered by Aflac Benefits Solutions, Inc. Vision claims are administered by EyeMed Vision Care, LLC. Hearing claims are administered by NationsBenefits, LLC Coverage may not be available in all states. Tier One does not offer coverage in NM, NY or VA. Rates may vary based on the coverage selected. Plans may contain waiting periods and limitations and exclusions. Refer to the specific policy form(s) for complete details, definitions, limitations and exclusions.
In Arkansas, Policy T80000AR. In Idaho, Policy T80000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T80000OK. In Oregon, Policy T80000OR. In Texas, Policy T80000TX.
NOTICE: The coverage offered is not a qualified health plan (QHP) under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and is not required to satisfy essential health benefits mandates of the ACA. The coverage provides limited benefits.
Aflac WWHQ | Tier One Insurance Company | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
Z2201105
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