According to a survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 35 percent of Americans haven’t received dental care within the last year. More often than not, it is finances that keep people from getting the treatment they need, whether a routine cleaning or complicated tooth extraction.
Maintaining good dental health is more important than you might think. Cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections and diabetes are just some of the serious health issues tied to poor oral health. Out-of-pocket payments for dental procedures and treatments can really add up, which is why some people benefit from getting dental insurance.
Dental insurance can be purchased as a stand-alone policy, or part of a general medical insurance plan. There are group dental insurance plans, typically provided through an employer, as well as private policies.
How do dental insurance policies work?
Insurance premiums can be more expensive than footing your own bill for regular cleanings and dental checkups. The real advantage lies in the savings for larger, “big ticket” procedures and dental emergencies that can easily cost thousands of dollars.
An estimated 70 percent of dental insurance policies in the U.S. are preferred provider organization (PPO) policies. Under this system, dental services are cheaper if you see a specialist that is within the preferred network, and slightly more expensive if you see an out-of-network professional.
Increasing plans are covering dental implants
Many, but not all, insurance plans have waiting periods before patients can have standard dental procedures covered by the policy. This period can range from 6 to 18 months. A growing number of companies, however, are offering policies with zero waiting period for major procedures like wisdom tooth extraction and up to $4,000 a year in coverage.
Most plans do cover wisdom tooth removal
It definitely pays to shop around for a dental insurance plan that works for your needs and budget. In addition to routine dental care, most policies offer partial coverage for wisdom teeth removal. The exact amounts of this coverage will depend on individual policies, but most will cover up to 30 percent.
Innovative Implant and Oral Surgery accepts dozens of dental insurance plans and is pleased to help our patients reap the maximum benefits from their policies.
For those who don’t have dental insurance, we offer a variety of flexible payment options, ensuring our patients receive the care they need. If you live in Montgomery County or Bucks County, PA and have questions about dental insurance or financing, call our Feasterville office today.
Additional Resources on Dental Insurance:
- NerdWallet, Dental Insurance Benefits, Costs and Alternatives https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/health/dental-insurance/
- Investopedia, How does dental insurance work? https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/111715/how-does-dental-insurance-work.asp