Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss, and it can easily sneak up on your smile. The good news is it’s preventable! Even better, your dental insurance likely already covers the preventive care needed to keep your gums healthy. So, if you haven’t used your benefits yet this year, now is the time. Continue reading to learn how taking advantage of your insurance can help you avoid gum disease and other costly treatments down the road.
How Will Dental Insurance Prevent Gum Disease?
Most dental insurance plans cover preventive services like cleanings, exams, and X-rays at little to no cost. These routine visits are your best weapon against dental issues, allowing your dentist to remove plaque and tartar buildup—the main culprits behind gum disease.
Skipping these appointments means plaque can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a professional. The longer it stays, the greater your risk for gingivitis and more serious gum infections.
What Happens If You Don’t Use Your Benefits?
Unfortunately, many dental plans reset their support at the end of the year, and unused benefits don’t roll over. That means if you haven’t scheduled your cleanings or exams, you’re leaving free preventive care and reduced-cost treatment on the table. In fact, every year, Americans leave billions of dollars in unused benefits hanging, allowing it to be swept up by their insurers.
Also, gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth. Research from the Harvard School of Medicine suggests it’s been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other serious health conditions. So, failing to use your benefits not only contributes to the bonuses of insurance company CEOs, but can also affect your health!
How to Maximize Your Dental Insurance Benefits
If you’re serious about making the most of your dental insurance coverage, here are some excellent tips to follow:
- Schedule Your Cleaning and Exam ASAP: Openings fill up fast as the year ends, so it’s best to snag your preferred time early!
- Check Your Plan’s Coverage: You’ll need a firm understanding of what your plan covers to take advantage of it. If you need help, your dental team will know how to find all the ways for you to save.
- Pay Attention to Limitations: Most dental insurance plans only pay around 1500 to 2000 dollars a year for treatment. However, you need to meet any requirements like deductibles first—the amount you have to pay out of pocket before insurance will cover the rest.
Taking care of your gums now saves you from more expensive treatments later. By using your dental benefits before they reset, you protect both the health of your mouth and your bank account!
About the Author
If you’re worried about your gums, or your budget, Dr. Keyvan Kar is an experienced dentist & prosthodontist who can help. He earned his dental doctorate at the University of Cologne School of Dentistry and a Certificate of Advanced Education in Prosthodontics from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry. Since then, he’s assisted countless patients with their oral health, creating custom-tailored treatment plans to fit every unique smile. Call (214) 260-9911 to schedule an appointment at Advanced Dental Care of Allen. You can also visit our website to explore other services.