What Does My Dental Insurance Policy Cover?
From Procedures Like Crowns To Simple Dental Exams, Your Dental Insurance Policy Can Help Offset The Cost Of Expensive Dental Visits.
Depending on the dental insurance policy you have, your plan is designed to cover all or a portion of a wide range of dental services that include routine preventative care to major surgical procedures. Many covered procedures can include X-rays, Dental Exams, Crowns, Tooth Fillings, Tooth Extractions, Root Canals and Implants. In some cases, your insurance may cover orthodontics or dentures.
Dental insurance companies tend to group dental procedures into three main categories that include preventative, basic and major. There are several plans available that will cover preventative care at 80% to 100%, basic services at 50% to 70% and major surgical procedures at around 50%. However, what you can expect to pay really depends on the policy you have. Many plans place a cap on what they will pay throughout the year and depending on how long you have had a plan, that cap can change.
To make matters more confusing, what an insurance company considers preventative, basic or major differs from company to company. When selecting a plan, it is important to understand clearly on what your plan covers and what the insurance company considers preventative, basic and major dental procedures.
What Kinds Of Procedures Are Covered By My Dental Insurance Policy?
Preventative Care Covered By Dental Insurance
Dental Exams
It is recommended that you see your dentist twice a year for a routine dental exam and in most cases, your dental insurance will cover the complete cost of your visit.
X-Rays
Dental X-Rays are an important diagnostic tool for dentists that allow them to spot hidden problems below the surface of the gum line or the tooth itself. Most insurance companies will fully cover the cost of a set of x-rays every two years.
Teeth Cleaning
Most insurance companies will fully cover the cost of a basic cleaning of your teeth twice a year. However, if your dentist requires a deep cleaning, there may be extra costs associated with the extra procedures needed.
Basic Procedures Covered By Dental Insurance
Tooth Extractions
Dental insurance should cover tooth extractions by up to 50% in most cases. However, typically that is after a six month waiting period. Also, many plans will only allow one or two extractions per visit, which means if you need several teeth removed, it will have to occur in multiple visits if you want coverage by your policy.
Tooth Fillings
Fillings are one of the most common dental procedure and insurance companies typically cover 50% to 70% of the cost of metal fillings after a six month waiting period. If you wanted porcelain fillings, however, you will likely have to pay out of pocket.
Major Dental Insurance Coverage
Root Canals
A root canal may be needed when you have a broken or damaged tooth. The cost can run you anywhere between $700 to $1,100 per root canal needed. Dental insurance usually covers about 50% of the cost.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown may be used along side a root canal procedure as a way to restore the appearance of the teeth. A crown can run between $600 to $1,500 per tooth. Your dental insurance policy will often cover around 50% of that cost for you.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is important for supporting the surrounding teeth where there may be a gap or a missing tooth. Only after a 12 month waiting period, the insurance company may cover up to 50% of the cost of your bridge.
Implants
When you are missing teeth, implants are the most recommended solution by dentists because they function identical to real teeth. Some policies will cover the cost by up to 50% after a 12 month waiting period. However, many insurance companies consider implants a cosmetic procedure. It is best to double check your policy to see what is covered before scheduling a service for dental implants.
Let Your Dental Insurance Policy Help Offset The Cost To Maintain A Great Smile
The costs associated with your oral health may seem overwhelming and trying to figure out what your insurance provider does or does not cover can make things even more confusing. However, it is worth taking the time to learn if dental insurance is important to you. In most cases, it can significantly reduce the costs for even basic procedures.
For more information, visit the insurance page of our website to learn what policies we accept here at The Dental and Denture Care Center.
