We understand that dental care can be costly, especially if it has been a while since you were last at the dentist. It is estimated that only half of adults in the U.S. have dental insurance. If you fall under the category of “uninsured” regarding dental care, there are a few things you should know.
Regular Dental Visits Help Catch Problems Early for Less Expensive Treatment
Dental care is essential to your overall health, and it is important to see a dentist every six months (and sometimes more often), even if you do not have dental insurance. Dental problems caught early are usually easy and less expensive to fix. A filling can range from $150 to $300, depending on how big it is and where you live. However, if that decay goes on for too long, the filling could get so close to the nerve that it would require a root canal and crown. What began as a simple filling would turn into a multiple-appointment treatment and cost in the neighborhood of $2,500. As you can see, catching problems when they are small can be less costly – in terms of money and time. Even without insurance, dentistry can be affordable if you take good care of your teeth. Most problems arise when patients avoid the dentist for too long.
You Can Pay at Your Appointment without Dental Insurance
If you do not have dental insurance, you can always pay for treatment when it is performed. Dentists accept Cash, Check, or Credit card. If you need more time for your payments, you may want to consider Care Credit, a credit card that can be used for medical purchases and does not carry any interest for 12 months.
In-Office Discount Plans
Many dental offices now offer membership plans. These plans usually consist of either one upfront payment or monthly payments that allow the patient to receive included cleanings every six months. Programs may also cover x-rays and provide an emergency exam, as well as a discount on all other services.
At Cedarwood Dentistry, we offer an affordable in-house financing plan that makes preventative dental care accessible for patients without insurance. To best serve our Midlothian and greater Richmond, Virginia patients, the plan covers two annual cleanings as well as x-rays, one emergency exam, and 20% off additional services, which can be used on cosmetic procedures as well as traditional dental work.