The Hidden Cost of Waiting: Why a Toothache Is Cheaper to Fix Today Than Next Month
That unexpected twinge in your mouth when you bite into an apple can be concerning, but you might be tempted to wait and see if it goes away on its own. A week later, that small pain has become a toothache you can’t ignore. You may have trouble sleeping, sipping your morning coffee, or enjoying your crunchy tacos. But going to the dentist sounds scary, and you’re worried about the cost.
Even when it’s clear that a visit to the dentist is in order, the perceived expense is a common reason many people avoid care. At Beckham Square Family Dental, we understand the concerns some patients have about paying for a procedure. However, if you wait for a toothache to worsen, you’ll likely face a more complex treatment that ends up costing more.
Here’s why addressing a toothache as soon as possible is a wiser financial decision than putting it off.
Waiting on a Toothache Isn’t Worth It
We’ve seen many patients delay getting the dental care they need. For example, they may experience a mild, intermittent ache. Or there might be no pain at all, and the symptoms might not seem serious or even be visible.
There are also financial reasons, such as insufficient dental insurance or the burden of out-of-pocket costs. Some patients are unsure whether the dental visit would be covered. Another reason is that if a toothache doesn’t seem serious, why pay to treat it?
Putting aside cost for a moment, any tooth pain that appears out of nowhere is urgent. At Beckham Square Family Dental, we treat all toothaches as emergencies. We don’t want you to feel alarmed by this, but any pain typically signals that something in your teeth or jaw isn’t working properly. For example, that small pain could signal the formation of a cavity, which will only progress if it doesn’t get attention as soon as possible.
Preventing Dental Problems Before They Get Expensive
Postponing dental treatment, especially if it’s minor like a cracked or broken filling that doesn’t hurt, might seem like a legitimate cost-cutting strategy. But you’ll usually pay more in the long term because small dental problems like toothaches rarely go away. They typically worsen.
Before we break down the hidden costs of delaying urgent dental care, let’s consider what you or your insurance plan would pay for basic preventive care. Two dental checkups and professional cleanings per year would cost $400-$600. There’s also the X-ray, which costs $100-$200. That totals $500-$800 annually. Fortunately, these preventive procedures are typically covered, or at least partially covered, by a good dental insurance plan.
Catching a toothache early could mean uncovering a cavity in its early stage, which means paying $150-$300 for a single filling. Depending on your insurance coverage or deductible, you may have to pay up to 20% of the cost. However, a cavity filling is less expensive than more invasive treatments for advanced tooth decay and damage. Here’s what you can expect to pay for the following:
- Root canal: $800-$1,500
- Single crown: $1,000-$1,500
- Root canal with crown (when the cavity reaches the nerve): $2,000-$3,500
- Periodontal (gum disease) treatment: $1,000-$3,000
- Single dental implant: $3,000-$5,000
Even if your toothache requires more expensive restorative work, you still save money by addressing it as soon as possible rather than putting it off and letting the issue worsen. Also, while some policies cover 50-80% of crowns and root canals, they usually don’t reimburse for implants. You also have to consider that many plans cap benefits at $1,000-$2,000 per year, which can be quickly exhausted depending on the dental work you need.
Beyond cost savings, addressing a toothache or any dental issue early offers other benefits, including less time away from work. For preventive care and minor procedures like fillings, you might be able to schedule your appointment during a lunch break. However, if you need a more complex treatment, expect to take more time off work for the procedure and recovery.
Take the Stress Out of Paying for Dental Care
At Beckham Square Family Dental, we know that oral healthcare isn’t cheap. However, we don’t want fear of the dental bill to be the reason you continue to tolerate your toothache. That’s why our staff will take the time to break down the costs for you. They’ll also review your insurance policy with you and help you understand exactly what’s covered.
If you don’t have insurance or are underinsured, we encourage you to check out our In-Office Dental Savings Plan. This plan lets you choose a membership level that fits your dental needs. The plans differ in the procedures they include, but all three include the basic preventive care necessary for optimal oral health, such as annual cleanings, exams, oral cancer screenings, and one emergency visit per year.
If you have a toothache or another dental concern, don’t wait for it to worsen. Contact us today at 513.489.7800. You can also complete our online contact form to schedule an appointment or ask a question. We’re here to help, whether it’s an emergency or preventive dental care that supports your long-term oral health.