Severe pain, visible damage to teeth, and uncontrollable bleeding of your gums or mouth can be signs that you need care right away.
Log In
Does health insurance cover a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is when you need immediate care to relieve pain, prevent infection, or repair or save a tooth.
Whether it's from a major accident or a seemingly simple incident, like a playful headbutt from an infant, immediate attention can make all the difference.
In some cases, your medical insurance may cover part of your treatment for a dental emergency. Trauma, infections, draining abscesses, or dental conditions related to a medical condition may be covered under medical insurance.
How dental coverage works
Your general dentist, an emergency dental clinic, or a hospital can help you determine whether to file for medical insurance or dental insurance.
Dental insurance plans often cover emergency dental care, but your out-of-pocket costs vary by coverage. For example, you may have limits on crowns or veneers to fix a broken tooth.
You may also be referred to a specialist, such as an endodontist for a root canal.
Severe tooth pain or sensitivity
This pain may be felt constantly, when chewing, or when the tooth is exposed to heat or cold.
Knocked-out tooth
Sometimes teeth can be saved, but you may also have gum damage that needs immediate attention.
Broken teeth
Although you may be able to wait, it's best to have these looked at to avoid more severe problems.
Loose or dislodged teeth
Gum swelling can cause a tooth to feel loose. While it may get better over time, it's still best to have the tooth checked out if it's painful.
Abscesses or oral infections
Trauma to the mouth can allow bacteria into the gums and cause painful infections.
Cuts, bleeding, or bruising of the mouth and gums
Even when teeth look unaffected by an accident, damage to the gums and tissue in the mouth can be a dental emergency.
Where to go in a dental emergency
First, call your dentist or visit an emergency dental clinic. The dentist will take immediate steps to reduce pain, prevent or treat infection, and stabilize the damaged tooth.
If your dentist can't see you, you can visit an urgent care center or hospital emergency room. The physicians in urgent care or ER cannot repair the tooth, but they can stop bleeding, control pain, and take steps to treat or prevent infection.
After emergency care, schedule a follow-up with your dentist to ensure proper healing.
Our Knowledge Center features helpful articles with simple and reliable information for all your insurance questions, from how to submit a claim to how to find the right doctor.
Does insurance cover braces?
When exploring dental insurance options, it's important to know if braces are covered and how to manage the financial aspects when orthodontic treatment is not included.
Where to go for care
Knowing where to go when you have a health scare is vital to getting the care you need, when you need it. It can also save you time and money.
How does dental insurance work?
Learn how dental insurance can benefit your long-term dental health.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in its health programs and activities. Learn more about our non-discrimination policy and no-cost services available to you.
Information in other languages: Español 中文 Tiếng Việt 한국어 Français العَرَبِيَّة Hmoob ру́сский Tagalog ગુજરાતી ភាសាខ្មែរ Deutsch हिन्दी ລາວ 日本語
© 2025 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. ®, SM Marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans. All other marks and names are property of their respective owners. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.