Help me figure out what to do here. I go to this venue all the time. It’s a sort of bar/music venue. I’ve been in a couple of fights there, but never have been the initiator. I just have a hard time sitting back when someone is hitting me. I feel like I have a right to defend myself. Well, last night, there was an event there. Some guy got drunk and said some garbage. I returned the favor and he took a swing at me. I returned the favor again. That’s when the bouncer grabbed me. I didn’t realize it was the bouncer and pushed him away. When I did that he clocked me and booted me out. No biggie. But, today, I noticed one of my front teeth is loose. My guess is that means an emergency dental visit. Can the dentist bill the venue? I’m a bit short of change and it was the bouncer who clocked me in the mouth.
John L.
Dear John,
When adult teeth are loose it is a dental emergency. Get seen!
First things first, you are correct that this is a dental emergency. Get in to see your dentist as soon as possible—preferably today. Whatever you do, avoid wiggling the loose tooth. I know it will be tempting. Hopefully, it’s just a matter of the ligaments being stretched. If that’s the case, your dentist can place a splint on the teeth to stabilize them while they heal. If you mess with them, it’s likely they’ll snap.
He’ll also need to do some x-rays to ensure there is no damage to the tooth internally. If there is then a root canal treatment and dental crown may be necessary. Because we’re talking about a front tooth, make sure you go to a good cosmetic dentist. If you do, they’ll give you an all-porcelain crown and not a metal based one.
Who Can the Emergency Dentist Bill?
Unless the venue agrees to pay for your emergency dental appointment, the dentist cannot bill them for it. Without permission, they can only bill the recipient of the service. The exception being with a minor. Then they can bill the parents or guardian.
If you truly feel they’re responsible and they refuse to cover it, you have the option of taking them to small claims court.
If it’s a matter of not having the money you need for the appointment, many dentists understand that emergencies aren’t planned and you may not have the money for it immediately. Some are willing to let you pay it out. Others work through Care Credit. It’s a sort of medical credit card, which allows you to get the treatment you need. They have low interest and there’s no penalty for early payoff.
I hope this helps.
This blog is brought to you by Kalamazoo Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.