Your dental health is very important to your wellbeing, so it’s crucial that you see your dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups. That being said, many people avoid their routine dental visits because they are worried about the cost of their treatment. If you have access to it, dental insurance is an excellent way to make your oral healthcare more affordable. Before you buy a dental insurance plan, here are some things you should know.
Preventive Care Is Usually Covered
Having a regular cleaning and checkup every six months can become costly very quickly. This usually includes a cleaning, examination, and routine X-rays. Fortunately, when you choose a dental insurance plan, these preventive visits are usually covered 100%. Just be sure to confirm this when you choose your plan so that you don’t run into any surprises.
Restorative Care Also Receives Some Coverage
Most dental insurance plans cover about 80% of minor restorative procedures, like dental fillings. You are only left to pay the remaining 20%. For instance, if you need a filling that costs $400, you will only be left to pay 20% of that, which should come to about $80.
For major restorative procedures, like dental crowns and root canals, you will likely also receive coverage. Most plans cover these procedures at about 50%, so you will be left to pay half of the cost of your overall treatment.
Dental Insurance Plans Have Waiting Periods
Dental insurance can save you lots of money in the long run. However, there is usually a waiting period before you can start utilizing your coverage. In most 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 services, they may not be covered for a few months after you start receiving coverage. You should learn about any waiting periods when you choose your plan.
Dental Insurance Doesn’t Cover Every Service
Dental insurance provides coverage for preventive and restorative care. However, elective procedures are not usually covered unless they also benefit your oral health. Corrective services, like orthodontic treatment, only received coverage on certain dental insurance plans, so this is something you should ask about if you are interested in these types of treatments.
Dental insurance is different from the medical insurance you are used to, so it can be difficult to navigate at first. By asking questions and doing your research, you can become informed to choose the plan that is best for you and your family!
About the Author
Dr. Nelson Y. Howard is an experienced dentist with more than three decades of experience! He earned his dental doctorate from the UCLA School of Dentistry and is a proud member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Society for Dental Aesthetics. To learn more about dental insurance, or to schedule an appointment at his office in San Marcos, visit his website or call (760) 599-6559.