If your dentist has found a cavity during your routine cleaning and checkup, don’t wait to schedule an appointment for your dental filling. Don’t wait to treat your tooth, even if it doesn’t hurt. Not only can you risk losing your tooth if the cavity is allowed to worsen, but your dental insurance will reset at the end of the year. Here’s why it’s the perfect time to get the filling you need.
Risks of Delaying Treatment
Dental fillings are effective in treating early stages of tooth decay. However, if a cavity reaches the inner layer of a tooth, it can infect the pulp, which is the soft tissue inside.
If an infection occurs, a dental filling won’t be sufficient. Instead, you’ll require a root canal, which is more invasive and expensive. If you continue to delay treatment, your tooth may need to be extracted.
Dental Insurance Covers Fillings
Your dental insurance is an investment in reduced rates for the services you need to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Besides covering routine cleanings and checkups, your premiums give you access to discounted fees for common restorative procedures, including dental fillings. After meeting your annual deductible, your insurance can pay 80% of the expenses. Your financial situation won’t prevent you from getting the care you need.
Your Dental Benefits Expire
Unfortunately, your dental coverage doesn’t last forever. It expires at the end of the year, and you’ll lose anything you haven’t used. On average, less than 3% of Americans meet or exceed their annual limits. You could be throwing hundreds to thousands of dollars down the drain if you fall into this category. Not only will you lose your annual allowance, but you won’t be reimbursed for your premiums or deductibles.
There’s still time to use your coverage before your benefits reset. You can get the durable filling you need to prevent a root canal or extraction for minimal out-of-pocket expenses.
Your dental insurance will recommend choosing a dentist in their network because they have some pre-negotiated rates with certain practices. You’ll enjoy more coverage at the time of services, but you can still visit an out-of-network dentist if you prefer. You’ll have to pay the difference between the dentist’s fees and your insurance’s allowable amount.
Dental insurance can be confusing, but your dental team will work on your behalf to maximize your annual benefits. They’ll explain how your coverage is being used and discuss your payment options for any remaining balance, so nothing stands in the way of saving your tooth.
About Dr. Brooke Buller
Dr. Buller attended The Ohio State University and has continued her education in many specialties, including dental implants, general dentistry, and Invisalign. She is a member of Spear Education and the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Buller accepts dental insurance and offers various financial solutions to keep dentistry affordable. Request an appointment through her website or call (614) 532-4470.