Cheap Dental Care

According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation 27% of all out-of-pocket health-care costs, are related to dental services. Urgent dental needs may receive delayed care because of steep costs.

Major medical insurance policies, such as employee group coverage, do not usually include a dental policy. There are stand-alone dental plans available to cover some of your dental care costs.

Dental insurance plans often require a waiting period for type 2 or 3 treatments, so buying a plan before you have an urgent need is recommended

You can purchase an individual dental insurance plan, for premiums typically ranging from $20-$60 a month. Standard policies commonly cover these routine procedures at a family dentist office.

• Basic cleanings and exams: Most policies entitle you to a free basic cleaning and comprehensive exam twice a year.
• X-rays: Dentists periodically take bitewing X-rays of your teeth. X-rays may be fully covered, or you might make a copayment depending on your dental insurance plan,. Additional X-rays of your mouth may require a copayment, coinsurance, or deductible.
• Fillings and extractions: Fillings and extractions usually require a copayment, coinsurance or deductible in most dental insurance plans.
• Certain Procedures : Standard individual dental insurance plans occasionally include partial coverage on some restorative procedures, such as root canals, crowns, bridges, and deep cleanings. Your plan may require a copayment, coinsurance or deductible for procedures and there may be services that are not covered at all. So you know what to expect at your appointment, please carefully review your insurance plan or speak to your insurance agent before your dental appointment. You might need to search for a policy that covers more extensive services.

Some dental insurance plans cover a percentage of the costs for services beyond routine exams and fillings. Some examples include (but aren’t limited to):

• Endodontics: Root canals, or the removal of a tooth’s decayed or diseased pulp, are the most common use of endodontics. This may require a specialist.
• Periodontics: Periodontal disease comes in many forms and could end up destroying supporting bones around the teeth. Treatment may include the placement of dental implants and treatment for inflammation. A specialist is often required.
• Dentures: This typically requires many extractions, making it a major procedure, possibly involving multiple visits. Certain family dentists now fit patients for dentures. Specialty offices are more familiar with the process and sometimes offer a smoother process.
• Implants: Some adults who have lost a small number of teeth due to an accident or decay might get dental implants. Implants may eliminate the need for a bridge since the implant looks, feels, and works like a regular tooth. An oral surgeon rather than your family dentist typically does this procedure.
• Orthodontia: This type of service uses braces to align crooked teeth. Most family dentists offer orthodontia.
• Cosmetic services: Bonding, whitening, and veneers are sometimes covered under certain dental policies. Most family dentists offer whitening.

The two most common types of individual dental insurance plans available to seniors are

• Managed-care plans (PPOs: preferred provider organizations) negotiate fees with specific providers. These in-network providers request only your percentage of the cost and file any necessary claims on your behalf. Out of network providers that perform procedures may or may not be covered and if they are, it may be at a lesser amount.
• Indemnity plans often include a larger group of providers and you may be able to see the dentist of your choice. The negative side is that patients are often required to pay 100 percent of the bill up front and then submit a claim for reimbursement for the covered procedure.

It’s important to have dental insurance in place before an urgent need arises. Many seniors take daily medications that cause dry mouth, which can cause cavities. Insufficient nutrition can also affect your dental health.

Remember that health problems, like insulin resistance or pneumonia, may be caused or worsened by poor dental hygiene. Intellihealth News Service research has even found a connection between gum disease and heart disease.

Enter your zip code above if you’d like to explore your options for individual dental insurance plans in your area.

This article is for informational purposes only. Nothing in it should be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your medical provider regarding diagnosis or treatment for a health condition, including decisions about the correct medication for your condition, as well as prior to undertaking any specific exercise or dietary routine. In addition, this information includes just some factors to consider when selecting insurance and may not reflect the provisions of any particular insurance product. Always carefully check the provisions of any insurance product you have or may consider purchasing.