Does this scenario sound familiar? You recently visited your dentist’s office and learned that you need a dental filling. Troubled by the reality that additional treatment is required, you contemplate holding off until after the new year to seek treatment. After all, the busy holiday season is quickly approaching. But is this a good idea? Instead of holding off, read on to learn why it’s better to take care of your smile now while you still have dental insurance benefits that are available to use.
You Can Prevent the Decay From Spreading
One of the key reasons to use your dental insurance benefits now is so that you can save money while also preventing decay from spreading further and harming nearby healthy teeth. When a cavity forms that requires a dental filling to fix, the process takes only one appointment and is one of the most conservative ways to treat the problem.
However, by waiting, you risk causing further damage to your smile.
Dental Insurance Will Pay More
If you have met your deductible, it is in your best interest to move forward with a dental filling because it will cost less than if you wait until the new year.
Your insurance company will pay more for this type of restorative treatment (around 80%) once you’ve met your deductible. This means that you’ll only be required to pay 20% of the total bill, which will have you keeping more money in your pocket this holiday season.
Dental Benefits Do Not Rollover
If you have a plan that is built to offer benefits that are available from January 1 to December 31, you should plan to use your available funds (annual maximum) before the end of the year. Otherwise, your benefits will not roll over. What this means is that any unused money will be transferred to your insurance company on January 1, and your deductible will be reset to $0.
Before your insurance company will pay for any more treatment in 2025, you will first need to meet your deductible again. This reason alone is why it’s beneficial to go ahead and take care of your smile now instead of waiting until 2025.
Your smile shouldn’t be something that you gamble with. Instead, get the care you need while you still have available benefits. Doing so will not only ensure the positive state of your oral health but also have you getting the most out of your dental insurance.
About the Author
Dr. Teresa Knott is a general dentist with nearly 20 years of experience. Earning her dental degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, she graduated in 2003 and worked as an associate dentist throughout the Dallas Metroplex. Three years later, she opened Town Center Dental and is pleased to lead a team that cares about patients’ smiles. Offering comprehensive and affordable care, she encourages patients to use their dental benefits when seeking preventive and restorative care. If you want to make sure your available funds don’t go to waste, visit our website or call (972) 530-5200.