We know the deal: the dentist isn’t the most fun place to visit. It could involve taking time off of work, extensive treatments, and maybe even follow up visits for more “fun.” However, if you have dental benefits through your insurance, there’s essential procedures and covered visits that are just waiting for you to book. In general, most dental insurances have many benefits that expire at the end of the year that do not roll over, so take advantage and stay healthy, even if it’s not your idea of a fun trip.
Dental insurance is commonly considered secondary in the medical insurance arena, but it shouldn’t be. Keeping healthy teeth, gums, and mouth are extremely important and can impact many aspects of your health. Conditions such as dementia, high blood pressure, diabetes, and possible adverse birth effects are all linked to poor dental health. Nearly 70 million Americans in 2023 did not have dental insurance when the benefits are essential to the quality of life. Private insurance, insurance through a job, or insurance through the Affordable Care Act (which has been amended to include dental care) can help provide the dental coverage needed to get a healthy mouth.
So, What Benefits are Covered with My Dental Insurance?
Most dental plans include coverage for yearly dental cleanings, x-rays, exams, and preventative care, such as fluoride treatment for young patients. If you’re in need of a cavity filling, bridge work, or a root canal, many insurances cover 50-80% of the procedure.
If you work for a place that offers prepaid accounts (Flex Cards or FSA cards) that make it easy to pay upfront, take advantage. These accounts hold money that is pre-taxed and meant for dental and medical purposes. Most FSA or Flex Cards also run out at the end of the year and do not roll over into the next. Make sure you use the funds you worked hard to stow away. We know it’s not the dream scenario to get a root canal, but at least with one of these accounts, you can worry about one less thing.
Just in case a covered teeth cleaning isn’t enticing enough, or sounds menial, here’s what it typically includes and what a yearly cleaning can do for your health. Generally, a teeth cleaning appointment will start with a hygienist or dentist checking your teeth, gums, and mouth. Any sign of underlying oral health problems like gingivitis, bone loss, or cancer could be detected during this exam. X-rays are also typical during the yearly visit. These images help your dentist see the position of the teeth, jaw issues, oral health, and many other insights a regular exam couldn’t detect. A teeth cleaning begins with plaque and tartar removal with a scraping tool or ultrasonic tools. This is needed because once plaque hardens into tartar, it cannot be removed by only brushing. The hygienist will then polish the teeth, floss your teeth, and may give you a fluoride treatment to help prevent future cavities. We can’t speak for all dentists, but there’s usually a goody bag involved at the end of a visit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and maybe even a magnet or pen, too. Yes, that’s covered too.
If you’re thinking about your dental health, or, rather, if you’re not thinking about your dental health, consider what your dental benefits are and start using them to take full advantage!
Sandy Springs Dentist in Atlanta, Dunwoody, Alpharetta and Covington Area Near Me
Book your dental appointment with us before your benefits expire this year! Feel confident in your 25 years of experience at a woman-owned practice—not a corporate one! We treat our patients with gentle and expert care whether you just need cleaning or require a smile makeover. Contact us now.
Posted on behalf of Creative Dentistry & MedSpa