How Regular Visits to the Dentist Can Save Your Smile- and Your Money!

With many people experiencing budget restrictions these days, it can be very easy to try and save a buck or two by cutting “unnecessary” costs. But while nixing that daily latte may help save a little bit over time, there are a few expenses that you should never scrimp on. Here’s why when it comes to your oral health, eliminating preventive care now could end up costing you more in the long run!

Smile Savings: The Importance of Preventive Care

The American Dental Association recommends that every person visit the dentist every six months for a regular dental exam and cleaning. Thankfully, if you’re lucky enough to have dental insurance, these appointments are usually completely covered or only require a very small copay. This makes regular preventive care much more affordable.

Unfortunately, however, some patients believe that cutting these appointments will help them save money. The truth is, though, that if you currently have dental insurance, you’re already paying for these appointments whether you attend them or not, and if you’re not, you’re essentially throwing your money away. Worse yet, avoiding routine care can leave you vulnerable to painful and expensive problems later. Without regular monitoring from your dentist, a cavity can get bigger, gingivitis can become periodontitis, and what could have been treated with a root canal could instead need an extraction and replacement.

Paying for Dental Care with Dental Insurance

The great news is that if you have dental insurance, some of your care in addition to preventive exams may be covered. Typically, most plans follow these basic guidelines:

• 100% Coverage for Preventive Dentistry
• 80% Coverage for Basic Dental Care, such as fillings
• 50% Coverage for Major Dental Work, such as crowns or bridges

This means that while not all your restorative care will be covered, your dental insurance should offset some of the cost after you have met your deductible and paid any co-pays. Be aware that many plans also have an annual maximum, so they may only cover up to a certain amount each year. Still, the best way to save money is to keep up with your preventive care and at-home oral hygiene routine. This will lower your risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and tooth infections that could require costly treatment later.

Remember, while it may be tempting to skip your regular preventive dental care to save a few dollars, without these routine screenings you could end up missing a painful and expensive dental problem later. Thus, to save your smile and your money, be sure to visit your dentist every six months for your routine exam and cleaning!

About Dr. Noble

Dr. Joseph Noble has been practicing dentistry for over 20 years. He earned his undergraduate degree at Texas A&M and his dental doctorate at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Dr. Noble is a current, active member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, and the San Antonio District Dental Society. To schedule your preventive dental exam and cleaning, please visit our website or call us today at 210-342-1001.