Going to the dentist without insurance: CareCredit and payment options

01Why it is worth going, even without insurance

Many people put off the dentist because they do not have insurance. That is understandable. But dental problems usually grow over time.

A small cavity can often be fixed with a simple filling. Left alone, it can reach the nerve and need a root canal or an extraction. Gum problems work the same way.

Early gum inflammation can often be reversed. Periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease, can damage the bone that holds teeth in place and may lead to tooth loss.

Regular checkups help catch problems while they are smaller and simpler to treat.

02Your right to a Good Faith Estimate

Under the federal No Surprises Act, if you do not have insurance, or you choose not to use it, you have the right to receive a written Good Faith Estimate of expected charges before non-emergency care. You can ask for one when you schedule treatment or any time before.

A Good Faith Estimate should list the services and items you are expected to receive and the expected charges for each. It helps you plan and compare. Keep a copy.

If your final bill is much higher than the estimate, federal rules give you a way to dispute it. You can find details by searching for "No Surprises Act" on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website.

Tips for using your estimate

• Ask what each item on the estimate is for and whether it is urgent.
• Ask which treatments can safely wait and which should not.
• Ask whether there is more than one way to treat the problem.
• Ask for an updated estimate if your treatment plan changes.

03How CareCredit works

CareCredit is a credit card made for health care costs, including dental care. You apply with CareCredit, not with the dental office. CareCredit decides whether you are approved and sets the terms. If you are approved, you can use the card to pay for your care at the office.

Before you apply, read the terms carefully. Pay attention to how any promotional period works and what happens if the balance is not paid in full by the end of that period. If you have questions about your account, contact CareCredit directly.

04Other ways to pay at our office

• Credit cards
• Debit cards
• Tap-to-pay
• CareCredit

[OFFICE TO CONFIRM: in-house savings plan or self-pay pricing]

If you do have dental insurance, the office accepts it. The list of accepted plans is not posted online yet, so call the office to check yours.

05Planning care step by step

When money is tight, a clear plan helps. Here is a practical way to approach it:

1. Start with an exam. You cannot plan without knowing what is going on. An exam and any needed X-rays show what needs attention.
2. Treat pain and infection first. Anything that hurts, is swollen, or is infected comes before cosmetic or optional care.
3. Fix small problems before they grow. Small cavities and early gum problems are often simpler to treat now than later.
4. Spread out what can wait. Ask the dentist which items can safely be scheduled over time.
5. Keep up with cleanings. Regular cleanings remove buildup that leads to gum disease and help catch problems early.

06What you can do at home

Good daily habits are the most affordable dental care there is. Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Clean between your teeth once a day.

Drink water instead of sugary drinks between meals. If you smoke, quitting helps your gums as well as the rest of your body. These steps will not replace a dental visit, but they lower your risk of new problems.

07When you cannot wait

If you have tooth pain, call as early in the day as you can. The front desk will look for the soonest time open. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have facial swelling spreading toward your eye or neck, a fever, trouble breathing or swallowing, bleeding that will not stop, or a knocked-out adult tooth.

08Talk to us before treatment

Americana Family Dental is a family practice in Orlando that sees patients of all ages. Dr. Wael Sadek will explain your options in plain language, in English or Arabic, so you can make a choice that fits your health and your budget. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM. Learn more on our insurance and payment options page, or call (407) 850-0133.

Next step: insurance and payment options page. We see patients from across south Orlando — see areas we serve and drive times.