Things to Remember About Your Dental Insurance

More Americans than ever before have dental insurance, but only 3% meet or exceed their annual limits. Despite paying monthly premiums for dental coverage, people often believe they still can’t afford to visit a dentist. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Dental insurance is an investment in discounted rates for the services you need to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Here are 4 things you should know about your policy.

1. 100% of Preventive Expenses are Covered

Dental insurance focuses on prevention to stop common oral health issues from occurring, like tooth decay and gum disease. By doing so, it prevents tooth loss and lessens the need for costly procedures later. Research has found that every $1 spent on prevention can save up to $50 on restorative care. 

By paying your premiums, you have access to 100% coverage for preventive services after a co-payment. You can get the cleaning and checkups you need to keep your mouth healthy. You will avoid a costly dental bill later and keep tooth loss at bay.

2. Up to 80% of Restorative Expenses Covered

Don’t delay dental work if money is tight. Your dental insurance covers up to 80% of common restorative services. After meeting your annual deductible, you have access to a yearly allowance to offset the cost of many procedures, like fillings, crowns, root canal therapy, and tooth extractions. 

You won’t have to delay dental work because of the expense. You can quickly rehabilitate your smile to avoid a painful dental emergency later.

3. You Can Choose Any Dentist

Your dental insurance recommends choosing a dentist that’s in-network to benefit from more coverage at the time of services. An in-network dentist has pre-negotiated rates with the insurance company for specific services.

You can visit any dentist that accepts your insurance. You will have to pay the difference between the dentist’s fees and your insurance’s allowable amount. You can benefit from more freedom to choose the exact treatments you want with an out-of-network dentist.

4. Your Benefits Don’t Last Forever

Your dental insurance does not last forever. Your benefits reset at the end of the year. You will lose anything you don’t use and nothing will carry over to accumulate. You will not be reimbursed for your premiums or deductibles. You could waste hundreds to thousands of dollars that could have been spent on your smile.

Your dentist will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize your benefits. You can achieve your best smile without it costing you an arm or a leg.

About Dr. Sufian Mahmoud

Dr. Mahmoud earned his dental degree at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine and has continued his education in many specialties, including oral maxillofacial surgery. He accepts many dental insurances to keep dentistry affordable. Request an appointment through our website or call (201) 350-1227.