Keep Care Affordable by Maximizing Your Dental Benefits

When it comes to maintaining oral health, many rely on their dental insurance to keep costs within their budget. Now, over 77% of Americans have coverage; however, according to a survey by the Urban Institute’s Health Policy Center, the cost of services is still a leading reason people do not go to their dentist regularly. Often, it is because many do not understand how their benefits work. They remain unsure about what procedures and treatments are covered. As a result, they simply skip their appointments until after a significant problem develops.

Keeping Dental Care Affordable

With the annual cost of dental coverage increasing at an annual rate of 5%, it is natural to be hesitant to visit the dentist due to the fear of an unexpected bill. However, to keep costs within your budget, it is essential to maintain your preventive appointments to reduce the risk for a costly and invasive treatment in the future.

Unlike medical insurance, which focuses on treating a problem after it occurs, dental coverage is in place to prevent a complication from developing. As a result, many dental plans cover preventive care in full to help reduce the long-term cost of services.

Skipping your cleanings and checkups cause dental issues to develop, like tooth decay. Currently, it is estimated that 27% of adults have untreated cavities. This is a common problem that could have easily been avoided with a regular appointment, but has now led to the need for a dental filling. However, tooth decay often goes undetected from lack of regular care, which will result in a more invasive procedure, like a root canal. This can cost nearly $600 with insurance.

To prevent costly procedures, it is best to learn how to maximize your dental benefits to use them to their full potential. By doing so, you not only keep the teeth and gums healthy, but keep the cost of services within your budget.

Maximizing Your Dental Benefits

Most PPO insurances, like Delta Dental, United Health Care, and Cigna, cover preventive appointments in full. This not only includes cleanings and checkups, but digital imaging and certain preventive procedures, like fluoride treatments.

However, if an issue arises, your insurance can cover as much as 80% of restorative procedures, but this amount will vary depending on your exact plan. You will also be given a yearly allowance to use toward other services, such as orthodontics or tooth replacement solutions.

Keep Your Smile Healthy

If your dental benefits are going unused, you are placing your oral health at risk. To help ensure that your teeth last for a lifetime, maximize your dental coverage to its full potential.

About Dr. Prachi D. Shah

Since 2007, Dr. Prachi D. Shah has provided comprehensive dental services to the community. With a focus on prevention, she works to keeps costs to a minimum while protecting healthy smiles. To ensure the cost of care does not impact her patients’ dental health, she works with many insurance companies. If you have questions about your insurance coverage, please contact South Arlington Dental Care today to speak to a member of our team.