A dental emergency can happen at any time, day or night. But the even greater challenge is whether you could afford it. Can you see an emergency dentist with no insurance?

The answer is yes. You cannot be denied dental services if you do not have insurance. Yet, you will need to be able to make a plan as far as making payments go.

People with dental emergencies don’t go to a dentist because they don’t have insurance. They also fear that they will be turned away. Ignoring dental emergencies can turn into something worse.

If you have no dental insurance and are dealing with dental issues, keep reading. We will discuss what makes up a dental emergency and what you can do if finances are a challenge on your end. Your dental health is as important as your physical health.

What are my options for low-cost dental care?

The good news is that you have plenty of options at your disposal in regards to a no insurance dentist. Let’s take a look at what they are so you know whether they are available in your local area:

Public dental clinics

A public dental clinic will be owned and operated by a local or state health department. The clinics are funded by the taxpayers. This is the best option for those who have a low income and are unable to afford traditional dental care.

The prices are usually low. They offer basic procedures such as x-rays, cleanings, fillings, and root canals. If you are looking for a payment plan dentist, a public clinic will be able to help. 

Your payment plans will be based on what you can afford at the moment based on your income.

Dental schools

A dental student will need hands-on experience while in school. Becoming a student’s patient for this purpose will serve as the best opportunity for you. On top of that, they can perform dental care at affordable prices. 

The dental student will perform these procedures under the supervision of their instructors. They will be present with you and the student for the duration of the appointment. If there is a dental school near you, check with them to see what you need to do to set up an appointment with them.

Non-profit clinics

Some non-profit organizations will offer dental clinics for those with no insurance. Including those who have a low income or are unable to afford dental care at all. Dentists volunteer their time to provide dental care including the basics. These services will cost little to nothing depending on your financial situation. 

Finding a dentist when you have no insurance

This can be a daunting task for you. Especially if you are in a situation where you have no insurance. Yet, finding a dentist is the best course of action for you no matter what.

This can be as simple as plugging in ‘emergency dentist no insurance near me’. Depending on where you live, your options may be limited. But it’s better than nothing.

Your local area may not even have a dental clinic that solely focuses on emergencies. At that point, a regular dentist’s office may accept emergency patients. If you live in a larger city, you might have at least one emergency dental clinic.

Even if you have no insurance or a policy that doesn’t cover dental emergencies, a dental visit is necessary. You can make arrangements if need be to ensure that you get the dental care you need as soon as possible.

Can an ER doctor deal with dental emergencies?

The short answer is no. That’s because emergency rooms will not have the best equipment.

While ER doctors can treat head trauma and other injuries, the dental staff to the experts can do it best. The good news is, an emergency doctor can prescribe something to hold you over until you can see a dentist. Usually, this will include pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

What makes up a dental emergency?

Let’s discuss what could be considered a dental emergency. These are some of the more common issues that emergency dentists see regularly:

Severe toothache

A severe toothache can be enough to warrant a visit to an emergency dentist. This can be due to advanced decay or even an abscessed tooth. In the event of the latter, you may need to watch for other symptoms. These include pain in the jaw, fever, the presence of pus in the affected tooth, or bad breath.

A severe toothache will usually result in an emergency extraction most of the time.

Broken/Knocked out tooth

A knocked-out tooth can be saved if you visit an emergency dentist in the quickest time possible. If the tooth is knocked out, be sure to pick it up by the top. Avoid touching it at the root.

Rinse the tooth carefully. While you can reinsert the tooth, it may be a risky thing to do. Instead, be sure to store it in a small container of milk and get to a dentist.

A dentist will be able to reattach the tooth and be able to save it. 

Cracked or chipped tooth

This can be an emergency if the fracture is serious enough. In this situation, you want to clean your entire mouth using warm water. Next, apply a cold pack outside of your face so you keep any swelling at bay.

Take a pain reliever like Advil or Tylenol. Do not take anything that is considered a painkiller.

Final Thoughts

Those without dental insurance will forgo seeing a dentist in the event of an emergency. This can be the biggest mistake you can make. Know that you have options on hand in the event of such situations.

You can make payment plans after the appointment and they can be adjusted based on your income. You are not alone in emergency dental situations and have a lack of or no insurance at all. Don’t worry about what you don’t have, worry about your dental emergency as it is very serious.