With another year coming to a close, that means that more of your dental insurance benefits are about to expire. If you haven’t utilized all of your benefits yet, you still have some time, but only a couple of months. That means that now is the perfect time to use them. But first let’s answer this question: what does your dental insurance normally cover?
What Does Your Plan Usually Cover?
Most dental insurance plans cover:
- Checkups and cleanings: Your insurance plan most likely covers two of these appointments a year. At these visits, your dentist will check your mouth for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and even symptoms of more serious problems like oral cancer, diabetes, and acid reflux. Your dental hygienist will also make sure your pearly whites are squeaky clean and free of plaque and tartar.
- Treatment discounts: If you need a special kind of treatment, like a filling or a crown, now is the perfect time to get it done. This is especially true if you’ve already met your deductible for this year but not your annual maximum. After you have met your deductible, your out-of-pocket costs for restorative procedures will be significantly lower, making now the perfect time of year to get those treatments. Restorative procedures are usually covered up to 50 to 80 percent by your insurance.
Why Is Now the Perfect Time to See Your Dentist?
If you have only visited your dentist for a checkup and cleaning once this year, you’re really missing out. Not only are you getting a cleaning much better than anything you could do yourself, but your dentist can examine your mouth for early signs of issues like gum disease. By the time gum disease and cavities display symptoms such as pain, oftentimes they have already done irreversible damage, and treatment will be quite extensive.
Additionally, if you already have dental insurance, you’re already paying your premiums, which more than cover two checkups and cleanings. Why pay for a service you’re not using? Take advantage of this by visiting your dentist twice a year.
Finally, if you don’t use all your benefits by the end of the year, all that money you didn’t use goes back to your insurance company. They usually won’t tell you about this because most of the time, they actually want you to lose that money. To keep from losing money, get that checkup or restorative treatment you’ve been putting off before 2020 rolls around.
Now that you have some idea of what procedures your insurance covers, it’s a perfect time to pick up the phone and book that appointment with your dentist. Quickly, before the year ends!
About the Author
Dr. Marley Rinoldo practiced dentistry for more than 8 years before opening Lyndon Family Dental in Fayetteville, NY. She completed her dental studies at SUNY Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. Her practice is in-network with a wide variety of dental insurance providers. To learn more about whether they will accept your plan, they can be contacted by clicking here.