Dental Insurance
Patients are often curious about what it will cost to have a cavity filled or an oral health issue resolved. It actually depends on whether the patient has dental insurance in addition to their specific dental insurance coverage. In some cases, dental insurance plans provide coverage for preventive care, while other plans offer coverage for additional services.
A common question for patients is whether they need dental insurance. The answer to this question can vary based on your circumstances. Many patients can get by without dental insurance, but this involves some risk. In most cases, it is beneficial to have a dental insurance plan. Many people do not require a plan that contains comprehensive dental coverage. Regardless of if you have dental insurance or not, it is critical to maintain good oral health and address any issues in a timely manner. When oral health problems remain untreated, they often become worse and require expensive treatment.
How Dental Insurance Works
An explanation of how dental insurance works is provided below. Dental insurance can often save money for patients long-term. While some types of insurance, such as homeowners’ insurance, exist in the event something bad happens, dental insurance intends to prevent bad things from happening in the first place.
Dental insurance is relatively simple. Customers pay a set monthly premium for their plan. The annual plan then covers a portion of the patient’s oral health care costs. The specifics of the plan will vary based on the carrier and specific plan coverage. In most cases, dental insurance covers all of the costs associated with preventive care. This typically includes routine checkups, professional cleanings, and screenings. Depending on the plan, there will be different coverage offered for additional services like a dental filling.
Value
When patients maintain their preventive care, dental insurance is typically a good value. If any additional dental care is needed, the value is quickly apparent. Dental insurance is an investment, and a summary of how that investment will pay off in the long run is outlined below.
Investment
As a hypothetical example, a patient could pay $40 monthly for their plan or $480 annually. The plan will likely include two routine checkups, which are completely covered. The provider may also negotiate the cost for routine checkups with the insurer, which can help reduce the cost. Patients who do not have dental insurance will pay an average of $400 to $500 for two routine checkups. Dental insurance may also provide coverage beyond routine care. Most plans cover a portion of the cost for additional dental services such as a filling or root canal.
Prevention
Another benefit of dental insurance is to prevent the need for additional dental care. When patients do not have dental insurance, they are less likely to maintain their routine checkups or may make these visits less frequently. These routine checkups are vital in maintaining good oral health. The regular visits are also helpful in the early detection and treatment of issues. Maintaining good oral health helps reduce the risk of serious oral health issues. Not only are oral health issues uncomfortable and inconvenient, but treatment is also expensive.
Cost
Belos is a summary of the average cost for common dental services for patients who do not have dental insurance. There can be a wide range in cost based on numerous factors. A dental insurance plan typically covers the cost of routine checkups. Depending on the plan, it may provide coverage for a portion of the cost associated with the service.
- Routine checkups: $80-$400
- Filling: $140-$500
- Tooth extraction or removal: $75-$300
- Crown: $1,100-$1,500
- Root canal: $700-$2,100
Patients should work with their dentist to understand the cost of the service and how that cost is impacted by their dental insurance.
Patients who do not have dental insurance can obtain an individual or family dental insurance plan through several companies, such as Aetna. Call the office today to discuss our services. We can also answer questions related to your dental insurance coverage.