Dental insurance is used to lower the out-of-pocket costs that are often required when receiving preventive or restorative oral healthcare. There are many plans to choose from, but the common factor among them all is an emphasis on routine treatment. This is evident by the percentage of coverage that is available to patients who receive regular dental checkups and cleanings (80-100%). If you are concerned about being able to afford your next visit to the dentist, learn why using your dental insurance is one of the smartest ways to save.
The Problem with Missing Your Dental Appointments
When surveying those who frequently cancel or reschedule their dental appointments, one of the most popular reasons is cost. Many individuals assume it is too expensive to seek regular oral healthcare, so they stick to practicing good oral habits at home.
While this is better than neglecting your smile altogether, it’s often not enough. Your dentist possesses years of experience and provides high-power technologies and imaging solutions to identify the smallest problem areas. Also, the instruments used can easily remove plaque and tartar left behind by brushing and flossing.
Forgoing professional treatment because you fear you’ll be unable to pay will only increase your risk of experiencing:
- Cavities
- Gum disease
- Oral cancer
- Infection/abscess
- Tooth and/or bone loss
If these issues occur, there is a good chance you’ll need restorative treatment, which can be costlier and more time-consuming than if you were to try and prevent them from occurring.
What Makes Dental Insurance a Wise Investment?
Using your dental insurance to help pay for treatment is one of the wisest decisions you can make, especially since the health of your mouth can directly affect your overall well-being.
No matter if your dentist is in-network or out-of-network with your plan, you will save more by allowing your insurance company to bear more of the financial burden associated with your treatment. For example, if you need a root canal and have already met your deductible for the year, your insurer will pay anywhere from 50-80% of the total cost based on how much of your annual maximum remains.
This not only allows you to get the restorative care you need but also reduces your out-of-pocket responsibility.
Of course, your available benefits are usually only good for one year, so you’ll need to make sure you get the most out of your plan before it restarts on January 1. You can trust that your dentist will work with you to ensure you don’t lose valuable money at the end of the year or miss out on beneficial savings that will improve your oral health.
About the Author
Dr. Sara Saber is a dentist in Fountain Valley who is pleased to deliver affordable dental services to individuals in the area. Working closely with dental insurance companies to lower the fees associated with eligible treatment options, she recognizes how beneficial it is for many patients to receive essential care at a significantly reduced rate. If you have questions about your dental insurance or want to learn how to save, contact our office via the website or by calling (714) 962-4486.