Do you have dental insurance? Are you using it as you should? Has it been years since your last dentist’s appointment? If you are paying a monthly premium for a plan you only use when a serious toothache or dental emergency occurs, you may be surprised to learn that you are actually losing a lot of money each year. Because your insurance benefits don’t roll over, any unused money provided to you by your insurance company is returned to them. As a result, you’re likely left with worsening oral health and less money in the bank. If you want to avoid this pitfall moving forward, hear from a dentist who explains how regular visits can keep more of your hard-earned dollars in your pocket.
The Benefits of Seeing Your Dentist Regularly
Seeing your dentist twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings can do more than leave your breath minty fresh. The problems you can avoid and money you can save in the process should be enough that you eagerly mark your appointment dates on the calendar as soon as possible. But if you’re still unsure about how much of a cost-savings these visits can be, here are a few examples of how various (preventive) problems can lead to expensive dental care:
- Gum Disease: If gingivitis or a more aggressive form known as periodontitis is present, you can be faced with needing periodontal therapy. In the most severe cases, you can experience bone and tooth loss, which will require extractions and/or tooth replacement that often lead to years of maintenance and more frequent dental visits. With regular dental cleanings, your hygienist can remove plaque and tartar build-up around your teeth and gums and lower your risk (or reverse the symptoms) for gingivitis.
- Oral Cancer: Early detection is key when dealing with oral cancer. When found too late, the results are often fatal. However, if your dentist can identify signs and symptoms early on, you may be able to avoid costly, intensive chemotherapy and instead, more readily treat the cancer before it spreads.
- Tooth Decay: Much like gum disease, regular cleanings can minimize your risk for cavity development, allowing you to keep more money in your wallet instead of spending it on dental fillings, crowns, or even the more invasive root canal.
Ways to Save Money
To ensure your dental treatments remain affordable, your dental team will likely discuss various payment options during your visit. Some of these can include:
- Using dental insurance: If your dentist is in-network with your insurance company, you can expect to pay the lowest possible price for the services you receive.
- Flexible financing: If you are receiving cosmetic treatment or require financial assistance for a more complex, restorative service, you can apply for a low or no interest payment plan through CareCredit.
- In-House Dental Plan: Your dentist may also offer in-house savings plans if you are uninsured. These allow you to pay one low annual fee for basic dental care in addition to receiving discounts on a variety of other services.
Don’t believe the misinformation that dental care isn’t affordable. If you want to take better care of your smile and save money in the process, make sure to keep your regular dental appointments every year.
About the Author
Dr. Deval Parmar has more than 13 years of experience working in the field of dentistry. Leading a team of qualified staff at Archway Dental, she understands dental care can be costly, which is why she employs only the best and most talented team members to help patients better understand their treatment and maximize their benefits to the fullest extent. In addition to being in-network with numerous insurance companies, their team also offers flexible financing through CareCredit as well as an affordable in-office dental family plan. To learn more about ways you can save on your oral healthcare, contact us at (972) 972-4646.