Many people think that by avoiding going to their dentist, they can save money. Even if you brush and floss your teeth every day, it’s not always guaranteed that you’ll never require treatment. Plus, if you leave a small problem to continue to progress, it will likely result in the need for an invasive emergency treatment, which will ultimately cost you more in the long run. Read on to learn four ways you can save money by getting the most out of your dental insurance benefits before they expire on January 1st, 2021.
Treat Gum Disease Early & Avoid Permanent Oral Damage
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every two adults in the United States suffers from the effects of this issue. Although it doesn’t seem like it based on these statistics, gum disease is preventable and even reversible in its earliest stages. During each of your checkups, your dentist will thoroughly examine your gums in search of any common signs of the issue, such as inflammation, bleeding, and recession. With routine screenings, they’ll be more likely to catch the disease in its earliest stages, while it can still be reversed with gum disease therapy. This can help you avoid permanent damage, like tooth loss, and declining oral health.
Prevent Tooth Discoloration
At the end of each of your checkups and cleanings, which are 100 percent covered by your benefits, your dental hygienist will polish your teeth with a special gritty substance called prophylaxis paste. This will erase stains caused by everyday actions, like drinking coffee, and make your smile beautiful and bright. When left to soak into the deep layers of your teeth, these stains may only be removed by professional teeth whitening.
Detect the Early Signs of Oral Cancer
Did you know that at each of your dental checkups and cleanings, you receive an oral cancer screening? This process is fast, thorough, and simple, and many patients don’t even realize that their dentist is conducting one! They’ll examine your lips, throat, and oral tissues in search of common signs of the disease, such as red and white patches. When these are caught early on in the progression of the cancer, they’re far more likely to be able to be treated successfully than when they’re left to progress and spread to other areas of the body.
Ward Off Dental Decay & Prevent Infection
Each of your semi-annual checkups and cleanings focuses on clearing all plaque and tartar from your teeth and treating any lingering issues, like cavities, before they are able to get worse. Even if you brush and floss your teeth regularly, it’s important to receive a professional cleaning to clear all of the hard-to-reach nooks and crannies of your mouth that may be harboring harmful oral bacteria that can ultimately result in a tooth infection.
In short, the best way to get the most out of your dental insurance benefits and save money is to take advantage of the services that your plan covers, such as preventive care. By keeping up with your semi-annual checkups and cleanings, which are pretty much covered by all dental insurance plans, you’ll be able to avoid needing invasive treatments with steep out-of-pocket costs.
About the Author
Dr. Milad Rabban has been practicing dentistry for over a decade. She enjoys getting to learn about her patients’ personalities and what unique problems they face so she can provide them with truly individualized dental care. She completed her undergraduate and Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Detroit Mercy and has completed advanced training in a variety of services. She is proud to be an in-network provider with Delta Dental Premiere, and her team is dedicated to maximizing your benefits at each of your visits. For questions or to schedule a checkup and cleaning before your benefits renew, visit Clinton Township Family Dental’s website or call 586-416-1444.