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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. Read on to learn what a dental emergency is, what to do if you need emergency dental care, and how dental insurance can help cover the costs.
A dental emergency is any issue involving your teeth and surrounding tissues that requires immediate dental care. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, it’s essential to have it treated by a professional as soon as possible.
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 if you need emergency dental care, 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 to get emergency dental care would likely be all that is necessary.3
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 $600 to $1,500.4
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.
Consider your financial situation and budget when deciding if dental insurance is right for you. If you want to be prepared in case a dental emergency occurs, it can be smart to get this type of policy. Additionally, dental insurance can help you pay less in other out-of-pocket dental care costs. Aflac dental insurance comes with affordable premiums and extensive coverage for preventive, basic, and major services.
If you experience a dental emergency, it’s important to get emergency dental care as soon as possible. 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 December 21, 2023. Accessed February 22, 2024. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/120914/4-important-steps-choosing-dental-insurance.asp.
2 Cleveland Clinic - Dental Emergencies. Updated September 15, 2022. Accessed February 22, 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11368--dental-emergencies-what-to-do.
3 Verywell Health - Should I Go to a Hospital or a Dentist for My Dental Emergency. Updated on February 11, 2024. Accessed February 22, 2024. https://www.verywellhealth.com/dental-emergency-go-to-the-hospital-or-see-a-dentist-1059301.
4 New Mouth - Cost of a Root Canal Without Insurance and With Insurance. Updated February 22, 2024. Accessed February 22, 2024. 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.
This is a brief product overview only. Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to ID, NJ, NM, NY, or VA. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on plan selected. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Plans and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact plans and riders for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions. For availability and costs, please contact your local Aflac agent/producer.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.
Aflac Policies
Dental (81000 series) - In Delaware, Policies A81100–A81400. In Idaho, Policies A81100ID–A81400ID. In Oklahoma, Policies A81100OK–A81400OK. In Virginia, Policies A81100VA–A81200VA. Dental (82000 series) - In Delaware, Policies A82100R–A82400R. In Idaho, Policies A82100RID–A82400RID. In Oklahoma, Policies A82100ROK–A82400ROK. In Virginia, Policies A82100RVA–A82400RVA.
Coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
Tier One Policies
Denta;l, Vision, Hearing (T80000 series) - In Delaware, Policy T80000. In Idaho, Policy T80000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T80000OK. Not available in New York or Virginia.
Coverage underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company.
Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (Tier One NAIC 92908).
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.
Z2201105R1
EXP 5/25
