Having a checkup with your dentist every 6 months can prevent issues like gum disease and tooth decay, but if you don’t have dental insurance, you might avoid making appointments. Many people feel this way because they’re worried about the cost of preventative care and don’t realize that they could end up with more complex and costly corrections down the road. For example, instead of getting a filling at the first sign of a cavity, it might go unaddressed, progress, and require an emergency root canal.
If you’re shopping for a policy but are overwhelmed by the many options, keep reading to learn about 4 things to know that can help you decide!
#1: There’s A Deductible
If you’re familiar with how health insurance works, you shouldn’t have a hard time figuring out how to navigate dental insurance because they typically function in the same way. You’ll pay a premium, which is a standard charge each month to have access to the policy. There’s also a deductible that needs to be met before the plan kicks in. This amount can vary depending on the provider so try to find one that fits your annual budget.
#2: There May Be A Waiting Period
If you’re hoping to schedule a checkup immediately after purchasing dental insurance, be sure you check whether there’s a waiting period. Many policies include a predetermined time frame that must pass before they contribute to certain services. In many cases, you can receive preventative treatments right away but it depends on the plan. If you know you’re going to want to be seen sooner rather than later, choose insurance with little or no waiting period for routine visits.
#3: Preventative Care is Often Fully Covered
Insurance companies encourage you to get routine checkups by covering most or all of the cost of preventative care. This can include routine exams, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, and sealant applications to prevent tooth decay. This ensures that your mouth stays as healthy as possible and lowers the risk that you’ll develop major issues later on.
#4: Restorative Services Are Partially Included
If you arrive for your appointment and your dentist finds that you need restorative work like dental crowns, bridges, implants, or dentures, your insurance will likely contribute to 50% of the total cost. That means you’ll pay for half the treatment on your own and then insurance will reimburse the other half. There’s also usually a waiting period for these types of services so if you suspect that you’ll need them, try to find a plan with a shorter delay.
If you’re having a hard time finding the right policy, you can contact your dentist. Their staff can let you know which plans they accept and answer any questions you may have to help you make a final decision. Then, you can schedule your next checkup to get back on track with your oral health!
About the Practice
At Lake Nona Dental Group, you’ll benefit from a team of experts who provide a full range of services from two convenient locations. That means that no matter the current condition of your grin, they can help improve your oral health. Use cutting-edge technology to enhance patient comfort while providing accurate and long-lasting solutions. They accept PPO dental insurance plans and are happy to assist with any paperwork to maximize your benefits. If you’re uninsured, they have flexible financing and in-house memberships available so you can still get the care you need. If you’re ready to make an appointment, you can request one on the website or by calling (407) 277-1779.
