Your dental health is crucial for your overall well-being, so taking the time to go to the dental office for cleanings and checkups is highly recommended. To make essential dental care more affordable, dental insurance is a great tool that can be utilized. As you choose a dental insurance plan, it’s important to be well informed. Here are some things that you should know about dental insurance.
Preventive Dental Care Is Usually Covered!
Having regular cleaning and checkups every six months can become costly quickly. This usually involves a cleaning, examination, and routine X-rays. In most dental insurance plans, these preventive visits are usually covered at 100%. Just be sure to confirm this when you choose your plan so that you don’t run into any unnecessary surprises.
Restorative Care Also Receives Coverage
Most dental insurance plans cover approximately 80% of minor restorative procedures, like dental fillings, so the patient only needs to pay the remaining 20%. For example, if you get a gilling that costs $400 and your insurance plan covers 80%, you will only need to pay $80. If you need major restorative treatment, like root canal treatment, a dental crown, or dentures, dental insurance plans usually cover up to 50%, so you will be left with half of the overall cost. Every plan is different, so it is best to confirm your coverage ahead of time so that you know exactly what to expect.
Dental Insurance Doesn’t Cover All Services
Your dental insurance plan provides you with coverage on preventive and restorative care. However, elective procedures aren’t usually covered unless they also provide a benefit to your oral health, like getting a veneer to cover and protect a cracked tooth. Corrective services, like orthodontics, receive coverage on some plans, so you should ask about this if you are interested in those types of treatments.
Dental Plans Have Waiting Periods
Dental insurance can save you a lot of money in the long run. However, there is often a waiting period before you can start utilizing your coverage. In the majority of cases, preventive care visits are covered right away, so you don’t need to wait to schedule your cleanings and checkups. However, if you need restorative treatment, this might not be covered for the first few months. You should check about any waiting periods when you choose your plan.
Dental insurance isn’t the same as the medical insurance that you are used to handling, so it can be confusing. By asking questions and becoming informed, you can find the right plan to meet your needs.
About the Author
Dr. Lewis earned her dental doctorate from the Howard University College of Dentistry. Currently, she is a proud member of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry. At Allen Smile Design, Dr. Lewis is happy to be in-network with numerous major PPO insurance plans. To learn more about dental insurance or to schedule an appointment, visit her website or call (972) 954-9728.