You may wonder why medical and dental coverage are under two separate plans when you enroll in your company’s benefits package. While general care and oral health services are both crucial to your overall health, medical and dental insurance plans usually function in very different ways. Here’s a brief guide to the differences between medical and dental coverage and why it’s so important to see your dentist regularly for routine checkups.
How Does Medical Insurance Usually Work?
Medical insurance plans are generally designed to cover unforeseen health issues such as injuries, cardiovascular events, and infectious illnesses as well as routine care and checkups. This helps ensure that policy holders can receive care when they suffer unpredictable maladies that could not be prevented.
How Does Dental Insurance Work?
With the exception of dental emergencies, most oral health problems can be avoided with excellent hygiene and regular checkups. To keep rates low for their policy holders, dental insurance companies typically design plans to emphasize preventive care such as routine checkups and regular x-rays, as these services can prevent a host of expensive issues like cavities, gum disease, and other nasty infections. While preventive care is typically covered 100%, restorative services like fillings and periodontal therapy are usually covered by 50% to 80%.
Why Are Routine Dental Exams So Important?
Routine dental exams allow your teeth to be monitored by a qualified oral health professional who can address issues in their early stages and recommend better hygiene habits for you to implement at home. These checkups can help a patient avoid painful oral infections and dental emergencies that can be quite expensive to treat. It’s always preferable (and less costly) to prevent oral health issues than have to deal with them, so attending routine checkups at your dentist’s office can save you much suffering and expense.
You pay for your dental insurance benefits, so it only makes sense that you’ll want to get the most out of them by preventing painful infections and injuries. Seeing your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings will help you keep your smile beautiful, healthy, and comfortable for life.
About the Author
Dr. Austin Amos earned his dental degree at the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston and refines his skills further through continuing education coursework. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentists. His office in the Colony provides general, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To schedule your next dental checkup, contact his office online or dial (972) 625-4746.