News & resources

Can You Get Emergency Dental Care Without Insurance?

A dental emergency doesn’t knock, and it doesn’t ask whether you have dental insurance or not. Be it sudden pain, cracked or knocked out teeth, or even a lost filling, the first reaction is panic. The next consideration is the treatment cost, which raises questions about whether to delay treatment due to lack of dental insurance and whether over-the-counter medicines are a viable alternative.

You should know that even without insurance, you can seek emergency dental care in Chandler. Many providers offer urgent dental care, including after-hours dental emergency care.

This blog discusses different options available even if you lack insurance. 

What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?

When you lack insurance, try not to panic and identify whether your situation counts as an emergency. Here are some of the conditions that are considered dental emergencies and require an immediate dental visit:

  • Severe, persistent toothache
  • Broken or chipped tooth with sharp edges
  • Knocked-out permanent tooth
  • Swollen jaw or painful infection
  • Lost filling or broken crown causing sensitivity or pain

You need 24-hour dental emergency care if your symptoms include infection, bleeding, and incapacitating pain. 

Can You Get Emergency Dental Care Without Insurance?

Absolutely. You can get the best dental treatment even if you don’t have insurance. At Peace of Mind Dental Studio, we understand that the lack of insurance shouldn’t hold you back from getting timely treatment. We offer the care that the urgency of the situation demands, and our emergency dental care services don’t require proof of insurance. We are committed to helping patients in pain find relief, even if you plan to pay out of pocket.

Where to Go for Emergency Dental Services Without Insurance?

Here are the places where you can go for emergency dental care without insurance:

Peace of Mind Dental Studio: We aim to ensure patient comfort before checking your insurance. Thus, you can seek our emergency care even without insurance. Our flexible payment plans can be worked out later, after you feel comfortable. We also accept credit cards and cash payments.

Same-Day Dentist Options: Call local clinics that offer same-day dental care and walk-in hours. 

Community Clinics: Community clinics and federally funded health centers. Fees are often based on income. Many provide urgent dental care on a sliding scale.

Dental Schools: Students under supervision can treat emergency issues at reduced rates. Appointments may take longer, but the savings can be substantial.

Payment Options for the Uninsured

If you visit Peace of Mind Dental Studio without insurance, do not worry. We offer the following payment alternatives to provide you with peace of mind:

Sunbit: This is a monthly payment plan that allows you to choose a comfortable option that suits your needs easily. There is no hard credit check, and almost 90% of the applications are approved. You can go to the website and start the pre-qualification process. It takes no time at all. 

CareCredit: It is a credit card that helps fulfill your health, wellness, and personal needs. Visit the website to see if you prequalify.

Monthly Subscription Plan: At Peace of Mind Dental Studio, we offer a membership plan that allows you to make monthly subscription fees in exchange for enjoying preventative care and earning rollover rewards.  

Tips for Handling a Tooth Emergency at Home 

When a dental emergency happens, and you are waiting for dental help, you must manage your symptoms to ease the pain and reduce discomfort.  

Here are a few tips that will prove to be very useful:

  • Rinse gently with warm salt water.
  • Use over-the-counter ibuprofen to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
  • Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
  • For a lost filling or cracked tooth, place sugarless gum or dental wax over the exposed area to reduce sensitivity.
  • Avoid hard or chewy foods until you have seen a dentist.

These simple tips can help prevent the situation from worsening.

Preventing Future Dental Emergencies

It is not possible to eliminate the risk of dental emergencies, but you can lower it by practicing the following:

  • Daily brushing and flossing.
  • Visit the dentist regularly for checkups.
  • Wear a mouthguard during sports or if you grind your teeth.
  • Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or sharp objects.

Preventive care is your best defense against emergency visits and costly dental treatments.

Conclusion

Obtaining emergency dental care in Chandler without insurance is possible if you are aware of the payment plans and you choose Peace of Mind Dental Studio

Our payment plans ensure that your dental treatment isn’t delayed because of a lack of insurance. Check out our detailed plans to learn more!

Frequently Asked Questions

Que: What if I can’t afford to pay for emergency dental care?

Ans: You can opt for Sunbit payment plans or our membership plan to avail the best dental treatment in Chandler. 

Que: Can I get emergency dental services from a hospital ER?

Ans: ER can manage pain and bleeding, but you will require dental treatment to undergo dental procedures. 

Que: How do I find a same-day dentist near me?

Ans: Search for “same-day dentist” or “24-hour dental emergency” in Chandler or visit Peace of Mind Dental Studio. 

Que: Is there a difference between urgent dental care and after-hours dental emergency services?

Ans: Yes, there is a difference. Urgent care means being seen promptly during regular business hours. After-hours services are available on evenings or weekends.

Que: Can dental schools provide emergency dental care?

Ans: Yes, many dental schools provide emergency dental treatment at reduced costs. 

Wisdom teeth removal is the last resort to eliminate the discomfort and constant pain. It is a common dental procedure, but healing can be challenging sometimes due to unexpected complications. One such condition is bone sequestra, a condition in which small fragments of bone remain behind, hindering the healing process. 

If you or a loved one has recently undergone wisdom tooth removal and is experiencing trouble healing, it may be due to the presence of bone sequestra. It’s crucial to understand this phenomenon to recover quickly. 

What Is Bone Sequestra?

Bone sequestra or sequestrum in singular form are tiny pieces of bone that separate from the tooth during or following a tooth extraction. These fragments can occur when the blood supply to a small area of the bone is disrupted during the procedure, especially if the extraction was surgical or complex.

As the surrounding tissue heals, the body attempts to eliminate foreign materials, such as bone fragments. So, these pieces push against the surface, causing immense pain, injury to the tongue, and other complications. 

Why Does Bone Sequestra Occur After a Tooth Extraction?

During a bone tooth extraction, the trauma to the surrounding tissue can lead to reduced blood supply in small areas of the jawbone. As the portion doesn’t receive enough oxygen and nutrients, the bone parts die and separate from the healthy bone, resulting in a sequestrum. 

Some common risk factors include:

  • Surgical extraction of impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth
  • Poor oral hygiene after the procedure
  • Bone conditions
  • Smoking or delayed healing
  • Infection or poor blood clot formation

Common Bone Sequestra Symptoms to Watch For

Identifying a bone sequestra is quite easy. You can feel something hard protruding or pressing against the soft tissue. It may or may not cause pain, but it can pique your interest in learning more about it. In many cases, it’s the dentist who alerts patients. However, you can look out for the following symptoms if you suspect having a sequestration. 

  • A hard, white, or yellow piece protruding from the extraction site
  • Pain or irritation in the gum area
  • Swelling or mild inflammation around the socket
  • Delayed or slow healing
  • Mild bleeding when brushing or rinsing
  • A gritty or sharp feeling on the tongue near the socket

If you are experiencing these symptoms, visit Peace of Mind Dental Studio today. 

Bone Sequestra After Wisdom Tooth Removal

Bone sequestra wisdom tooth cases are quite common. Did you know that over 5 million people in the USA have their wisdom teeth removed every year, which translates to approximately 20 million teeth being extracted annually. 

As wisdom teeth are located deeper in the jaw, the extraction often requires removing bone tissue, increasing the likelihood of a sequestration forming. 

Can Bone Sequestra Delay Healing?

Yes, bone sequestra can delay the healing process. It is a piece of dead bone in your gum, which can result in the following:

    Preventing the complete closure of the gum tissue

    Increasing inflammation

    Causing discomfort during eating or brushing

    Leading to minor infections if not cleaned properlyOften, the body eventually expels the fragment, and healing isn’t hindered. However, you must consult a dentist so they can monitor the area and remove it, if needed. 

Treatment and Removal of Bone Sequestra

If the bone fragment is invasive and causes discomfort, your dentist may recommend extraction. It is a simple procedure that involves the following:

  • Loose tissue or debris is removed.
  • The sequestrum is removed using dental tools.
  • If the bone is lodged deeper, it requires administering anesthesia and making a small cut to remove the fragment.
  • Antibiotics are prescribed, and patients often require pain relief medications for post-surgical comfort.

Preventing Bone Sequestra After Tooth Extraction

It is not possible to prevent bone sequestra from forming, but post-operative care can help reduce the risk. 

Here are the tips that will help:

  • Keep the area clean with gentle saltwater rinses
  • Avoid smoking or using straws during healing
  • Stick to soft foods and avoid biting near the site
  • Attend all follow-up appointments
  • Don’t poke or disturb the area with your tongue or fingers

When to Seek Professional Help?

If you have had a tooth extraction and the pain hasn’t subsided despite taking your medication on time, it is advisable to consult us at Peace of Mind Dental Studio. If you witness symptoms of bone sequestra, do not attempt to remove them on your own. For a smooth recovery and to avoid infection, it is recommended that you consult a professional. 

Conclusion

A bone sequestrum isn’t an alarming problem, but like any other dental issue, it requires prompt action. Understanding these symptoms and post-operative issues will help. 

For more information on bone sequestra, tooth extraction, and the complications, book an appointment with us at Peace of Mind Dental Studio. We will be happy to assist you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Que: How do I know if I have bone sequestra after tooth extraction?

Ans: If you feel a hard, white, or yellow piece near the extraction site, protruding abnormally, it might be a bone sequestra. 

Que: Will bone sequestra go away on its own?

Ans: Yes, in some cases, the body may push out the piece automatically, but in most cases, it requires surgical removal.

Que: How long does bone sequestra delay healing after wisdom tooth removal?

Ans: Depending on the size and location of the fragment, the healing may be delayed by a few days or even more than a week. 

Que: Can bone sequestra lead to infection?

Ans: Yes, it can lead to infections as bacteria may get trapped and cause problems. 

Que: Is bone sequestra the same as dry socket?

Ans: No, it is a piece of bone lodged in the soft tissue, while a dry socket is caused by a lack of blood at the extraction site. 

Written by Dr. Silverman

Dr. Silverman is the co-founder of Peace of Mind Dental, a Chandler Arizona, general dentistry practice.

Categories