As you pay for your dental insurance policy month after month, you might wonder if it is worth the money. Perhaps you are even thinking about dropping your coverage. Before you do that, though, it would be wise to pause and consider how your insurance might be able to help you save a significant amount of money. This blog post discusses some of the benefits you can enjoy if you use your policy to the full.
Preventive Care Is Covered
Many dental insurance plans completely cover the cost of preventive services, including cleanings, checkups, routine X-rays, and more. If you visit your dentist just twice each year for a basic exam and cleaning, the value of those services alone may exceed the annual cost of your dental insurance policy. This is especially true for individuals whose dental insurance is subsidized by their employer.
You Can Prevent Expensive Procedures
If you diligently visit your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup, you give them the opportunity to diagnose most oral health problems while they are still in their early stages. For example, you might have a small cavity. If you receive prompt treatment, your insurance will likely pay for up to 80% of the cost of your filling.
On the other hand, if you do not have insurance, you are less likely to attend cleanings and checkups. You might have an oral health problem that you do not know about until it starts to cause serious pain. Something that started out as a small cavity may progress to become a severe spot of decay. You might end up needing root canal therapy and a crown. You could even need to get the tooth removed altogether and get it replaced later on. Such services can cost thousands of dollars.
You Can Protect Your Overall Health
Did you know that there is a strong connection between oral and overall health? Research has found that untreated gum disease is associated with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, dementia, and other major medical conditions.
If you commit yourself to taking care of your smile, you might delay or prevent the onset of serious illnesses. You can therefore enjoy a better quality of life and lower overall medical expenses.
Is dental insurance worth the money? It is if you use it! Take time to familiarize yourself with your policy so you can use it in an advantageous way.
Meet the Practice
The team of experts at Gillis Dental is proud to provide top-quality care for our community, ranging from basic preventive services to advanced procedures. We accept more than 200 different dental insurance plans, including those from popular companies like Guardian and MetLife. If you would like to learn how we can help you maximize your benefits, contact our Needham office at 781-202-6357.