Dental procedures can undoubtedly be quite costly. Understandably, cost is one of the biggest reasons why many Americans don’t pay regular visits to the dentist. However, we can’t afford to overlook the innumerable benefits that modern dentistry brings to our lives either.
It’s frustrating not being able to afford what we need. Typically, those who can’t get a good dental plan have the most trouble.
That’s why Dr. Zeitouni, the #1 dentist in Locust, NC, wants to give you a bit more information on dental procedures, how dental insurance works to cover them, and how getting certain dental procedures can benefit you in the long term and save you money too.
What Is Dental Insurance, and What Does Dental Insurance in Locust, NC Cover?
Dental insurance is a type of insurance plan that specifically covers the costs of your dental care. Usually offered to employees by their employer, dental insurance requires its beneficiaries to dedicate a certain amount of money every month for the insurance to fully or partially cover the cost of different procedures. This is known as a premium.
On average, dental insurance will cover 50-80% of your dental costs, which leaves you paying a small fraction of the total cost out of pocket. There are different types of dental plans that you can choose from based on what you need and what you want to pay. These plans and their policies dictate the percentage of your dental fees that will be covered and what types of procedures will be covered.
It’s important to note that not all dental services are covered by dental insurance. Major procedures such as fillings, root canals, extractions, crown placements, and preventive care are covered by most dental insurances. However, that doesn’t mean that they can’t be done if your dental insurance plan doesn’t cover them.
Cosmetic Procedures
Cosmetic procedures will typically not be covered by your dental plan since they aren’t deemed medically necessary. Cosmetic procedures are usually covered by the patient out of pockets.
Teeth Whitening Procedures
Procedures like teeth whitening, veneer placements, tooth shaping, and gum contouring will also typically not be covered in a dental plan. These procedures are only done to improve the appearance of a patient’s teeth. Hence, they are generally not seen as dental procedures that will make a huge difference to a patient’s general health and well-being.
Tooth Extractions
Tooth extractions are sometimes covered by dental insurance, but it’s still possible to afford this procedure if you are not insured. Some dental offices offer dental payment plans and other types of financing options to help you with their cost.
You can check in with your dentist to see if they offer any dental payment plans that will suit your pocket.
Cavity Fillings
The cost of a cavity filling usually varies based on the cavity size, how badly the tooth is affected, and the location of the cavity. Instead of putting off the appointment because of the cost, however, it’s in your best interest to ask your dentist to see if they have suitable dental payment plans for you.