If you’re one of the millions of Americans out there who has dental insurance, this is a great thing to take advantage of. Dental insurance can help you to receive more affordable care, but it can be difficult to fully comprehend since it is so different from medical insurance. Fortunately, your Delta Dental dentist in Grapevine is here to help. Continue reading to learn about some important steps that you should be taking in order to maximize your benefits before they reset at the end of the calendar year.
Keep Up with Preventive Care
You can prevent oral health issues more successfully by seeing your dentist on a regular basis for cleanings and checkups. In addition to having your teeth professionally cleaned, your dentist will check your mouth for existing issues so that they can be treated early, and you can avoid more costly and invasive procedures early on. For instance, if your dentist finds a cavity now, you can have it treated before you are in need of a root canal or extraction. The good news is that most dental insurance plans cover preventive care. This includes cleanings, exams, routine x-rays, and more! In the end, you will be left with little to no cost.
Prevent General Health Issues
Your oral health is closely related to your overall health. In fact, patients who are suffering from periodontal disease are more likely to suffer from other serious conditions in the body like hearth disease, diabetes, respiratory issues, and many more problems. The truth is that your dentist has the ability to detect more than 120 different health problems. By attending your routine dental visits, you have the possibility of preventing health issues that will cost you a lot of time and money later on.
Choose an In-Network Dentist
If you have a preferred provider organization (PPO) plan, this means that you have the ability to see any provider that you’d like, even if they aren’t necessarily in-network. While you may still get some coverage for these visits, you will generally end up with higher out-of-pocket costs. For the most part, it is a better idea to go with an in-network dental provider instead.
Use Your Flexible Spending Dollars
If you have a flexible spending account (FSA) through your employer, you should used these dollars before the end of the year. Most of the time dental expenses are eligible FSA healthcare expenses. FSAs will reduce your taxable income by putting aside money for healthcare. Ultimately, when you are using tax-free dollars to pay for dental needs, you will be able to save more money.
Review Your Dental Insurance Benefits
Since the end of the year is coming to an end soon, now is a great time for you to look over your dental benefits again. By knowing exactly what is covered under your plan and when it resets, you will be able to make smarter decisions. For most people, their benefits reset at the end of the calendar year. This means that you will be left responsible for paying your deductible again at this time. Any remaining benefits will not carry over.
If it’s been a while since you’ve been to the dentist, or you are in need of a treatment, now would be a great time to schedule these visits. This way, you can work towards a healthy smile while maximizing your dental benefits.
About the Author
Dr. Gregory D. Martin earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Howard University College of Dentistry in Washington D.C., graduating second in his class. He is currently a member of the Texas Dental Association, American Dental Association, and American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. His practice is in-network with Cigna and a premier provider for all Delta Dental PPO dental insurance plans, but they also accept most out-of-network plans as well. For more information on dental insurance or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (817) 481-1041.