Do you have dental insurance? Whether you already have dental insurance or you’re thinking about purchasing it, you may be wondering if it is worth the cost. Dental services can be expensive from routine cleanings to complex procedures. Having insurance can cover all or a portion of the cost of some of these services, reducing the amount you pay out of pocket.
But is dental insurance worth the cost? If you have to pay a monthly premium to have dental insurance, does it actually save you money? It all depends on your situation. Here’s what to consider before you pay for dental insurance.
Dental Insurance Covers Routine Cleanings and X-Rays
One of the biggest advantages of dental insurance is that most plans cover routine cleanings every 6 months and X-Rays once a year. For healthy, low risk patients, Dentists recommend having your teeth professionally cleaned and examined every 6 months to prevent decay. Routine exams are also used to identify any dental or oral issues that need to be addressed. X-Rays are typically only required once a year to detect cavities or other dental issues that can’t be seen with the naked eye. Some plans require a copay for dental services.
Dental Insurance Makes Dental Procedures More Affordable
Most dental insurance plans cover a percentage of certain dental procedures. This is where it helps to look at the details of the plan you are considering purchasing. Consider your dental needs when it comes to choosing a plan. If your teeth are relatively healthy and you don’t need many complex procedures, a basic plan may be enough for you. But if you tend to get cavities or you know you may need a crown or a root canal, you might want to choose a higher tier plan that would cover a bigger percentage of more complex procedures.
Having Insurance Encourages People to Go to the Dentist
People who have dental insurance are more likely to visit the dentist regularly than people who don’t. When your routine cleanings are covered, it makes it easier and less expensive to go. People may forgo dental visits if they don’t want to pay for them out of pocket.
Why does this matter? Because routine dental cleanings and exams are an important part of your dental health. Removing plaque from your teeth prevents tooth decay and gum disease. If you want your teeth to last for your lifetime, you need to be under the care of a dentist. Regular dental exams allow you to catch problems while they are smaller and less expensive to treat.
Dental Insurance Through Your Employer vs Self Purchased Insurance
If your employer offers dental insurance as part of a benefits package, this is usually the most affordable option. You may have the premium deducted from your paycheck during each pay period so that you are hardly aware of it. It is still a good idea to compare the premium of your employer’s insurance and that of other self purchased insurance options. Self purchased options typically have more restrictions and less reimbursement than Employer sponsored plans. With self purchased plans you need to carefully review information related to waiting periods and missing tooth clauses.
Dental Practices That Are “In-Network” vs Those That “Accept” Your Insurance
If you have dental insurance or you choose to purchase it, it is important to know the difference between two common insurance terms. Some dental practices will be “in-network” with your insurance provider, meaning that the dentist and the insurance company have negotiated a special price for typical dental services, usually lower than what an out of network dentist will charge. You will pay less out of pocket when you go to an in-network dentist. Your dental insurance provider can offer you a list of in-network dental practices in your area.
Creekview Dental Works With Many Insurance Providers
If you’re considering whether or not dental insurance is worth the cost, discuss your options with Creekview Dental. We are in-network with many dental insurance providers and accept most major providers and plans. Review our patient information for insurance details.
Call (651) 738-8204 or contact us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to providing you with affordable dental care.
