When it comes to making sure you have access to great health care, your first concern is probably making sure that you have an excellent health insurance plan in place. There’s nothing wrong with this, but not enough people consider the role their mouth plays in their overall health. They also might not expect that they’ll need to purchase a separate insurance policy to make sure they can get the dental care they need.
We get it, though – dental insurance is expensive. Most people in the U.S. don’t have a dental insurance plan because they can’t justify the cost of what most think is an elective insurance. As we previously stated, however, your oral health can be a major factor in your overall health. Not to mention that certain diseases can promote gingivitis, dental abscesses, and tooth decay.
Is Dental Insurance Worth the Cost?
Dental insurance and health insurance, when you think about it, really go hand-in-hand (or, they should, at least). That said, unless your employer offers free dental insurance, you’re probably on your own when it comes to purchasing a policy.
So, is it worth it? The answer to that question depends on your current or expected oral health, the type of policy you purchase, and how you use it.
Basic Dental Plans
Most plans cover the complete cost of preventative care services, such as x-rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and more. More involved procedures, such as fillings, crowns, root canals, and minor oral surgery (such as extractions) are also often covered, but only up to a certain amount or percentage of the cost.
Plans with this type of coverage are well-suited to those who don’t have a history of major dental issues and have good, reliable dental hygiene habits. They may need a filling or crown eventually, but there are no serious concerns about their oral health.
Dental Plans for Those with Complicated Oral Health
Not everyone has the best oral hygiene habits, though, and many suffer from diseases, such as diabetes, that work against even the best oral care efforts. If someone is diagnosed with a serious case of gingivitis or periodontal disease, the need for a more robust dental plan is significant.
Treating the issues that severe oral health problems can cause will quickly dry up any benefits a basic dental plan offers. For example, it’s recommended that those with periodontal disease receive three to four cleanings per year, whereas most dental insurance policies only cover two. Severe gum disease can also require deep cleaning, which is a more involved hygienic treatment that may not be covered at all.
Also, there may be limits on the number of fillings, crowns, or root canals a dental plan will cover in a calendar year. If one’s oral health is in poor condition, a basic dental plan can’t cover everything. With that said, it’s not only important for people in this position to not only have a dental plan, but to ensure they are investing in one that can cover their more complicated needs.
Conclusion
A basic dental plan can be a great thing to have if you want to ensure that you can maintain good oral health. There are affordable options out that that provide much easier access to cost-effective treatments and procedures than getting treatment without the benefit of insurance.
The need for dental insurance and a better-than-basic plan is all the more important for those with a history of oral health issues. For these people, having dental insurance shouldn’t be an option if they wish to improve their oral health and prevent further complications.
If you have additional questions about dental insurance, our experts are eager to assist you. Contact Insurance Specialists, Inc. online now to get started.