You’ve been investing monthly in dental insurance, but you’re not exactly sure what it covers, which is why you haven’t used it. In order to get the most out of your benefits, it’s important to know the fine print of your policy and learn what services are 100% covered and which ones aren’t. Keeping up with your oral health can do a lot more than give you a bright smile, it can also protect your overall health. Read on to learn whether your insurance plan covers semi-annual checkups and cleanings and how visiting your dentist in Altavista regularly could benefit you.
Common Procedures Dental Insurance Covers
Typically, no matter what insurance plan you have, they’ll cover either a portion or 100% of the cost of preventive care. This includes regular checkups and cleanings, fillings, dental crowns, root canals, and tooth extractions. All of these treatments help protect your mouth against dental decay and infection and save you stress, time, and money in the long-run. Some policies also cover a portion of restorations like dentures and bridges.
The breakdown of most dental insurance plans goes as follows: 100% preventive care coverage, 80% basic procedure coverage, and 50% of major procedures. Certain policies may not cover preventive treatments like sealants, so before you schedule an appointment with your dentist, it’s best to read the fine print of your insurance plan. Another thing to consider is that every plan has a cap on what they will pay each year. Once you hit the cap, you’ll pay all expenses after that.
Semi-Annual Checkups and Cleanings
Most plans cover two checkups and cleanings with your dentist each year. During the first part of your visit, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums, inspecting for problem areas or anything out of the ordinary. They’ll use a small mirror to check between the gumline. They’ll also perform an oral cancer screening, looking for any common signs like sores, redness, and patches in your mouth. If they determine an X-ray is necessary, they’ll also do that.
The last part of your visit will be your professional cleaning. Using special tools, they’ll remove plaque and tartar from below your gumline you couldn’t get with a regular toothbrush. They’ll also remove any food debris trapped between your teeth. To finish everything off, they’ll polish your teeth and send you on your way!
Benefits of Visiting Your Dentist Regularly
Attending your regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist can help prevent small problems like cavities from turning into huge ones. When dental issues go untreated, they can require more invasive treatments and procedures like root canals, which is why it’s important to catch them early on.
You can protect your oral and overall health by taking advantage of your dental benefits and going to your covered checkups and cleanings twice a year. After all, there’s nothing more reassuring than a happy and healthy smile!
About the Practice
Dr. Hooks welcomes you to their Altavista, VA dental practice. At Hooks Family Dentistry, we treat patients of all ages and warmly welcome you and your family to our clinic.
From dental treatments like fillings and root canals to cosmetic procedures like veneers and even preventative care like exams and cleanings, we do it all in a warm and friendly environment that will leave you smiling from ear to ear!
To schedule an appointment with our dental team, please visit our website, or call 434-215-0363 today!