4 Reasons to Use Your Dental Insurance

2022 is right around the corner. As you gather with friends and family to celebrate the holidays and the new year, don’t forget about your dental insurance. When the clock strikes midnight, any remaining dental benefits will expire. Don’t lose what you have paid for all year. Here are 4 reasons to visit your dentist before time runs out.

1. Better Oral and General Health

Did you know your mouth and body are entwined? Extensive research has found oral health directly affects general wellness. Various dental issues can increase your risk of serious health concerns. Gum disease isn’t just the leading cause of tooth loss. It’s also linked to cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetic complications, and premature pregnancy. With at least 50% of adults having the infection, a quick trip to your dentist can safeguard your smile and health.

2. Lower Oral Health Expenses

The American Dental Association recommends a cleaning and checkup at least twice a year to keep common oral health issues at bay, like tooth decay and gum disease. By doing so, it preserves your natural smile to avoid a costly dental procedure down the road. Research has shown $1 spent on preventive dentistry can save up to $50 on restorative and emergency fees. You can visit your dentist every 6 months because preventive services are covered 100% after a copayment.

3. Treat Dental Problems Early

Your routine visits allow your dentist to monitor your oral health to detect issues while they are still small. You don’t have to worry about a large bill if money is tight. Your dental benefits can offset the amount you pay out-of-pocket. After reaching your annual deductible, your insurance can pay up to 80% of the cost until hitting your limit. If the cost of your treatment exceeds your remaining benefits, your dentist can split the amount into the upcoming year when your coverage resets.

4. Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Your dental insurance is a monthly investment designed to keep your smile healthy for minimal out-of-pocket expenses, but they don’t last forever. Anything that hasn’t been used won’t accumulate into 2022. You won’t be reimbursed for your premiums or deductible. On average, only 2.8% of adults exceed their annual benefits. You could be throwing hundreds to thousands of dollars down the drain.

Your dental team will work on your behalf to file the claim forms necessary for reimbursement to maximize any applicable benefits. If there’s anything not covered by your insurance, there are several payment methods to keep your treatment affordable, like third-party financing.

It’s not too late to invest in a healthy smile for the upcoming year. Contact your dentist today to maximize your dental coverage.

About Dr. Jason Kaopua

Dr. Kaopua earned his dental degree at the Oregon Health & Science University. He regularly continues his training in advanced specialty topics, like dental implants and sleep apnea. However, he also focuses on prevention to create healthy smiles that last. If you have any dental benefits remaining, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.