The end of the year is rapidly approaching, which means you’re running out of time to receive preventive care utilizing this year’s dental coverage. As you read along, you’re challenged to consider whether you are wasting your current dental insurance. Along the way, your dentist in Lincoln explains how preventive care visits help to maximize your coverage so you can get the greatest return on your investment into your oral health!
Why is Preventive Care Important?
To gain an understanding of why preventive care visits are so vital to getting the most from your dental insurance, let’s first take a look at how different procedures are typically covered:
- Preventive Care – Examinations, cleanings and X-Rays are some of the functions of a preventive care visit. From a savings standpoint, these appointments are vital to maintain because insurance companies will usually cover 80-100% of the costs.
- Basic Care – Procedures like root canals or cavity fillings are considered to be basic care. Typically, 50-80% of the costs are covered by your insurance.
- Major Care – Procedures like the placement of a dental crown, a bridge or dentures are considered to be major care and can leave you with up to a 50% copay.
Take notice of the trend shown above – that preventive care provides the greatest value and as the procedures become more complex, the coverage wains.
Specific Benefits of Preventive Care
Not only are preventive care visits more cost-effective because insurance companies provide the greatest coverage for them; they also save you money down the road. That’s because they spare you from the more expensive and complex procedures that require greater out-of-pocket participation.
Preventive care visits should be attended at least semi-annually. The following happens while you’re there:
- Cleaning – Your dental hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth to remove harmful plaque and tartar that seek to corrode your digits and seep beneath the gumline.
- Examination – Your mouth, teeth and gums are then examined to check for signs of cavities, gum disease, oral cancer or other dental maladies.
- Consultation – You’ll also have a chance to sit down and talk with the dentist to discuss strategies for better dental care and to ask any questions you may have.
What Happens if You Don’t Use Your Coverage?
Ignoring preventive care not only leaves you more vulnerable to dental health issues but also amounts to wasting your current benefits. This is because most carriers will renew your coverage at the beginning of a new year. Thus, the money you spend monthly on dental insurance premiums become fruitless investments.
To make the impact you want on your oral health and your wallet, reach out to your local dentist today to schedule a preventive care visit before the years ends, and prepare to reap the benefits of being proactive about your oral health!
About the Author
Dr. Louis Olberding earned his dental degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. He has since gone on to further hone his skills and expand his knowledge through continuing education courses. Dr. Olberding uses the latest techniques and most advanced equipment to provide patients with the best in oral health and to help them maximize their dental health coverage at Olberding Dental. He can be reached for more information through his website.