When you have dental insurance, you need to pay a monthly premium in exchange for coverage. You may find yourself wondering if the cost is worth it; in many cases, the answer is yes, particularly if you’re proactive about taking advantage of your benefits. Below is a closer look at the advantages of dental insurance that can make paying for it worthwhile.
Dental Insurance Can Make It Easier to Fit Dental Care Into Your Budget
Even if the only dental services you need during the year are routine checkups and cleanings, dental insurance can significantly reduce the amount that you need to pay out of your own pocket. Many insurance plans offer 100 percent coverage for preventive care, and those that don’t will still typically pay most of the cost. As such, you can potentially save a lot of money on your biannual dental visits.
In the event that you need treatment for a cavity or another type of oral health issue, dental insurance can make it much easier to get the care you need. You can usually expect anywhere from 50 percent to 80 percent coverage for medically necessary treatments, meaning you won’t have to worry about paying as much out of pocket for unexpected dental expenses.
Dental Insurance Can Encourage You to Pursue Preventive Care
People with dental insurance tend to be more likely to pursue preventive dental care. This can be attributed to the coverage that dental insurance offers for such services. Visiting your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings can make all the difference for your smile, significantly lowering your chances of suffering from serious dental issues – and thus making it less likely that you’ll need to pay for more costly dental services.
Dental Insurance Provides Coverage for Dental Emergencies
Even if you do everything you can to protect your smile, a dental emergency can still strike when you least expect it. Many dental insurance plans will cover one emergency exam per year; said exam will allow your dentist to identify what’s causing the problem and determine what treatments can help get your oral health back on track. You can also usually expect your dental insurance to help pay for many of the services that are often recommended in emergency situations, such as root canal treatment.
In short, dental insurance can be a wise investment for many people. If you currently have dental insurance, you should make sure that you’re doing everything you can to maximize your benefits. Remember, you can always talk to the team at your dentist’s office if there’s anything you don’t understand about your coverage.
About the Author
Dr. Zachary Brice went to the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Dental School for his dental education. His San Antonio practice, Brice Dental, offers many services under a single roof and gladly accepts all PPO dental insurance plans. If you are interested in scheduling a consultation with Dr. Brice, visit his website or call (210) 903-5565.