Only 2 Months Left! See a Dentist Before Your Insurance Benefits Disappear

True or false: Unused dental insurance benefits roll over at the end of the year. False! If you’re like most people, you answered ‘true’, but when it comes to dental insurance, it’s actually a “use it or lose it” situation. And one common reason people lose hundreds of dollars in benefits is failing to schedule with a dentist in Southlake before their plan expires (which usually happens on December 31st). In this blog, you’ll learn why using your insurance plan wisely is so important for both your finances and oral health. Learn more below!

Why You Shouldn’t Let Your Insurance Benefits Go To Waste

Dental insurance is not only a way to save money, although it certainly helps you do that. It also greatly minimizes the amount of dental work you need. With the primary goal of preventing dental problems altogether, most plans cover dental checkups and cleanings at 100%. They want to encourage their members to get preventive care because they know that leads to less major dental work overall.  

In fact, over 2 million dental emergencies are treated in the emergency room annually, many of which are from uninsured people who aren’t getting routine checkups and cleanings. With insurance, these visits cost you little to nothing out of pocket. They also lower the chances of emergency toothaches and keep you from spending a lot of money on complicated procedures like root canals.

Schedule Checkups and Unfinished Treatment Now

By simply using your plan to get regular checkups and cleanings, your wallet and your smile will thank you. But, since the end of the year is fast approaching, it’s important to schedule your appointments as soon as possible. If a dentist finds that you do need treatment, you’ll have time to schedule it.

Also, most plans have an annual maximum (the amount they’ll spend on your dental work in one year) of between $700 and $1,500. Since the majority of plans expire on December 31st, that’s going to disappear on New Year’s Day. Since you have insurance, you may as well use that money to improve your dental health.

What Dental Insurance Covers

While each plan different, here are some ballpark figures for how dental care is usually covered:

• Preventive services – Checkups, cleanings, and X-rays are typically covered at 100%. Some plans cover sealants and fluoride treatments for certain ages as well.
• Basic dental work –  An example of a basic service is dental fillings, which are often covered at 80%.
• Major dental work – Procedures such as root canals, dental crowns, and dentures are usually covered at 50%.

Don’t Forget To Ask a Dentist For Guidance

Navigating dental insurance can be difficult, so don’t hesitate to ask a dentist to explain your coverage or help you take advantage of your plan. They’re accustomed to working with various insurance companies and often have ways to maximize your benefits.   

Dental insurance is a great way to get the dental care you need as affordably as possible. By using it wisely, you’ll achieve a healthy smile and save hundreds of dollars in the process! 

About the Author

Dr. J. Lee Pettigrew is a dentist in Southlake with 30 years of experience and a graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He and his staff are always available to help patients navigate their plans and want to help everyone afford the dental care they need. If you have any questions about dental insurance, he can be reached via his website.