Last year, we had a couple blogs reminding our patients from Edison and the surrounding areas to use up their dental insurance before the year runs out. Let’s make a quick mention of it again this year. We don’t want to see you leave any money on the table.
This could be especially important during this oddest of years. We’ve noticed during this COVID-19 pandemic, many patients have avoided coming in for their twice-yearly professional exams and cleanings with our team at Gentle Dental. This isn’t a good idea for your dental health, as missing these appointments is how dental problems, such as gum disease, get a foothold. We can’t see you, so we can’t diagnose these issues when they are new and easy to reverse.
Plus, if you haven’t been in, you’re probably also leaving dental insurance dollars unused, and these typically don’t rollover into the new year. Here’s a couple things to consider before the year end.
About that insurance
If you have dental insurance, it’s quite different from your regular health plan. Most dental plans have a yearly maximum that the company will pay for your dental work within one full year. The average amount is usually $1,000 per year, per person. After you reach that amount, you have to pay for everything. If you have unused benefits, these won’t rollover into next year, so you should take advantage of them before 2020 comes to a close.
Deductible
Deductibles on most dental plans are $50. If you’ve already had something done this year, say the first of your twice-yearly exams and cleanings, you’ve met your deductible. Having something done before the end of the year saves you from paying that $50 again. And $50 is $50, right?
Come on in
So, what should you do with your unused dental insurance dollars? Here are a couple ideas:
- Professional cleaning and exam
As we mentioned above, many of our patients have skipped their twice-yearly professional cleanings and exams this year. Know that our protocols at Gentle Dental are aimed solely at keeping our patients safe. There’s no reason to neglect your dental health because you’re worried about contracting the virus. From masks across the board to intense cleaning and disinfecting, this is a safe environment. So, if you haven’t been in, this is a great use of your dental insurance dollars, and it’s a great way to keep your dental health on track.
- Replacing an amalgam filling
If you have an old silver amalgam filling that you’d like to replace with composite resin, this is a great way to use up your dental insurance, as well. No one likes having a bunch of silver and mercury in their teeth, and we replace these fillings with composite resin that is virtually invisible when it is in your tooth. It will look as if you don’t have a filling there any longer.
Need to use your dental insurance before the year ends? Call us at Gentle Dental, (732) 549-5660 to make your appointment.