You don’t need dental insurance to be seen for a dental emergency at South Sound Dental Care. The emergency visit includes an exam and an X-ray so the dentist can find the source of the problem. Any treatment is separate, and our team explains what the exam found and what treatment will cost before anything begins.
If you’re in pain, have swelling, broke a tooth, or lost a filling or crown, call (253) 473-4303. We keep time available for dental emergencies during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, and will schedule you as soon as possible.
What the emergency visit includes
The emergency visit is an exam and an X-ray focused on the problem that brought you in. The dentist uses it to find which tooth is involved and what’s causing the pain, then talks you through the treatment choices. Ask about the fee for the visit when you call, and we’ll tell you up front.
Procedures such as a filling, extraction, root canal, build-up or crown are separate from the visit. Before any treatment begins, our team reviews what the exam found and the fee for the treatment you choose.
South Sound Dental Care doesn’t provide after-hours or weekend treatment. Emergency appointments are scheduled during normal business hours, and calling early in the day gives us the best chance of fitting you in.
What affects the cost of emergency dental care
Two people with the same toothache can need very different care. The total depends on:
- What the exam finds. A cavity, a cracked tooth, an infection and a lost crown each lead to different treatment.
- How far the problem has gone. Decay caught early may need only a filling. Once it reaches the nerve, saving the tooth usually takes a root canal, often followed by a build-up and a crown.
- Whether the tooth can be saved. A tooth that can’t be restored may need an extraction, and later a replacement.
- Additional needs. A different X-ray, an extra procedure or a referral to a specialist can change the plan.
Common emergency treatment paths
An abscessed tooth
An infection at the root of a tooth needs treatment even if the pain fades, because the infection can stay active and spread. Depending on the tooth, treatment may be a root canal to save it or an extraction if it can’t be saved.
A chipped or broken front tooth
A small chip can often be repaired with a filling. A larger break may need a build-up, a crown or a root canal if the nerve is exposed. The dentist will explain which applies to your tooth.
A cracked back tooth
Cracks in molars often reach deeper than they look. If the crack reaches the nerve, the tooth may need a root canal and a crown to protect it. If it runs below the gum line, extraction may be the better option.
How to pay for emergency dental care without insurance
Pay the office directly
South Sound Dental Care accepts credit cards and bank drafts. Charges are generally due when treatment is provided. If you need a special payment arrangement, talk with the office manager before receiving treatment. Arrangements aren’t automatic and must be discussed with the office.
Use CareCredit
CareCredit is a third-party health care financing program you can use for dental treatment. Approval and account terms come from CareCredit, not from South Sound Dental Care. You can apply through CareCredit and ask our team how an approved account can be used for your treatment. See dental financing options.
Consider the Healthy Smiles Membership Plan
The Healthy Smiles Membership Plan is an in-house membership, not dental insurance. It covers routine exams, X-rays and regular cleanings for a year and takes 20% off necessary treatment, with no deductible, waiting period or annual maximum. The emergency visit itself isn’t part of the plan.
The plan tends to make the most sense when you’ll also use its routine care during the year. Joining only for one small filling or extraction usually doesn’t pay off, so ask our team to walk through the numbers for your situation.
Ask about Apple Health or Medicaid
If you use Apple Health or Medicaid, call before your visit. Participation and usable benefits must be confirmed for your specific situation, so don’t assume coverage until the office confirms it.
Membership or dental insurance?
Dental insurance plans vary in premiums, copays, deductibles, waiting periods and annual maximums. The Healthy Smiles plan has an annual fee, no annual maximum and a flat 20% discount on necessary treatment. The plan page has a side-by-side comparison with a basic insurance plan. If you already have insurance, our team can help you understand how your plan applies to emergency treatment. See accepted insurance carriers.
What waiting can cost
Dental problems rarely get cheaper when they’re ignored. A small area of decay may need only a filling. If it reaches the pulp inside the tooth, saving the tooth may take a root canal, a build-up and a crown. A tooth that can’t be restored may need extraction and, later, replacement.
An abscess also needs professional attention. MedlinePlus notes that an untreated tooth abscess can stay active and spread even when pressure or pain eases for a while. Treatment depends on the cause and may include drainage, a root canal or an extraction.
Call (253) 473-4303 if you have persistent dental pain, swelling, a broken tooth or another urgent concern. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Read more about emergency dental care.
Emergency dental cost questions
How much does an emergency dental visit cost without insurance?
Ask when you call and we’ll tell you the fee for the emergency exam and X-ray up front. Any treatment is separate, and we review its cost with you before treatment begins.
Will you see me if I don’t have dental insurance?
Yes. You don’t need dental insurance to request an emergency appointment. Call during normal business hours and the team will schedule you as soon as an emergency opening is available.
Can I get a payment plan for emergency dental work?
CareCredit is available as a third-party financing option, subject to its approval and account terms. Special payment arrangements may also be discussed with the office manager before treatment.
Do you offer financing for a root canal or crown?
Yes. An approved CareCredit account can be used for eligible treatment, and Healthy Smiles members receive the plan’s 20% discount on necessary treatment.
Does the Healthy Smiles plan cover emergency visits?
No. The plan covers routine exams, X-rays and cleanings and discounts necessary treatment by 20%, but the emergency visit itself isn’t included.
Do you accept Apple Health or Medicaid for emergency care?
Call before your visit. Participation and usable benefits must be confirmed for your situation, and the team will explain the payment choices available.
Is the Healthy Smiles plan dental insurance?
No. It’s an in-house membership program that includes routine care and discounts necessary treatment. It isn’t a replacement for dental insurance.
