The study, focused on Ohio, found that more than 80,000 patients in the state take issues such as broken teeth, gum disease and cavities to the ED each year. More than half of the patients seeking emergency care for dental issues were Medicaid patients.
The total cost for dental ED visits in Ohio between January 2010 and June 2011 was $188.5 million. Half of that total was paid by Medicaid, while the other half was paid out-of-pocket by patients, according to the report.
An ED visit for a dental issue can cost $400 to $1,500, while an office visit can cost as little as $40 to $200, according to the report.
More articles on dental issues:
Sleeping in dentures ups the risk of pneumonia
3 dentists win Dental Excellence Award
Western Dental opens new office in California
