Lack of dental coverage sends patients to ER
More Americans are turning to the emergency room for routine dental problems a choice that often costs 10 times more than preventive care and offers far fewer treatment options than a dentist's office, according to an analysis of government data and dental research.
The recession has contributed to the trend, when a family member loses a job, dental care may take a back seat to food and other necessities.
Preventive dental care such as routine teeth cleaning can cost approximately $100, versus $1,000 for emergency room treatment that may include painkillers for aching cavities and antibiotics from resulting infections.
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