3 Smart Ways You Can Maximize Your Dental Insurance

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, about 23 percent of Americans didn’t have dental insurance. This percentage translates to roughly 74 million people, and this number has definitely increased as people have lost their employer-sponsored health and dental benefits. Are you fortunate enough to work for a company that offers dental insurance? If so, you should take advantage of coverage you’ve paid for and visit your dentist in Richardson. Don’t let your benefits go to waste! Keep reading to learn ways you can maximize your dental insurance.

Understand Your Dental Coverage

Most dental plans use a pay structure of 100-80-50 for different services. This means your insurance will pay 100 percent of preventive care like cleanings, 80 percent of basic treatments like dental fillings, and 50 percent of major procedures like root canals or extractions. Staying on top of your dental health is good for your teeth and your wallet. If you get a treatment while your issue is small, it can minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.

Keep Your Appointments

Each year, your insurance allots for two preventive visits to your dentist. Getting your bi-annual cleanings, exams, and X-rays can help you catch many dental issues before any major damage is done. For example, if your dentist notices the beginning stages of gum disease during a routine exam, the condition can actually be reversed using very conservative methods. This could save you from experiencing unpleasant symptoms or having to get more expensive treatments in the future.

Don’t Let Your Deductible Go to Waste

A deductible is the amount of money you must pay out of pocket before your insurance pays. For example, if your deductible is $500, you must satisfy this amount before your benefits pay toward your dental treatment. When January 1^st arrives, this fee will reset, and you’ll have to pay this expense again. If you’ve already met this amount for the year, it’s a good idea to use your remaining coverage.

Waiting until next year to take care of your oral health can be tough on your teeth and your bank account. If you have leftover benefits, now is the time to use them! Optimize your oral health and start the new year with a beautiful, healthy smile.

About the Author

Dr. Hamid Mirsepasi has been practicing dentistry since 1997. In addition to his skills in general dentistry, he is also board certified in prosthodontics and specializes in restorative dentistry. Dr. Mirsepasi and his team of dental professionals take a more conservative approach to patient care that focuses on prevention. If you’ve been putting off that restorative dental work for the last few months or need a general cleaning, contact the office at (972) 231-5744 or visit the website to make an appointment.