Due to recent hikes in inflation, many people are searching for ways to trim their spending. They may do things like eat out less often and cancel unnecessary subscriptions. Some people take things a step further and begin to cut back on essential items, such as dental visits and dental insurance in Northborough. Before you do that, though, you should be aware that professional oral health care can actually help you save money. This blog post explains how that is the case.
Insurance Covers Preventive Care
A regular preventive dental appointment usually includes a thorough cleaning, an exam, and any necessary X-Rays. The overall cost for such services might be a couple hundred dollars. It might seem like attending these visits twice a year is a big expense. However, keep in mind that most dental insurance policies cover preventive care at 100%. In many cases, patients do not even have to pay a deductible.
Not only is attending routine dental visits easy to afford, but doing so can also significantly lower your risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Such problems can cost quite a bit to address, so preventing them from forming in the first place is great for both your smile and your budget.
Early Detection Saves Money
During your exam, your dentist might inform you that you have an oral health problem that needs to be treated. Try to schedule any recommended procedures as soon as possible. If you postpone care for too long, a relatively mild issue could progress to the point where it requires an expensive, invasive procedure.
For example, a small cavity is usually easy to treat with a filling, which might cost a few hundred dollars. In many cases, insurance covers around 80% of the price of this treatment, meaning that you will pay very little out of pocket. However, if the cavity grows large enough and deep enough, a filling will not be able to treat it. You might need root canal therapy and a crown. Insurance is likely to cover only 50% of your bill, and you could end up paying several hundred dollars — or more — out of pocket.
Protect Your Overall Health
Medical care in the U.S. costs quite a bit. Even patients with insurance may have to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket each year to maintain their health.
Dental care can lower your risk of numerous systemic health issues, including diabetes and heart problems. By delaying the onset of these issues — or preventing them altogether — you may end up paying much less to your medical providers.
Your Dentist Wants to Help You Save
Dentists are empathetic people; they want to help their patients save. Ask your dental team what provisions they have that can make it easier for you to afford necessary services. For example, they might participate in a discount plan or be able to offer low-interest financing. You might be pleasantly surprised to learn how easy it is to keep your smile in good shape!
At a glance, it might seem like dental care is an unnecessary expense. The reality, though, is that protecting your teeth and gums is a wise investment that can enhance your quality of life and make it easier to manage your budget.
Meet the Practice
Here at Northborough Dental Associates, we offer a wide range of general dentistry services in a welcoming environment. We accept many insurance policies, and low-interest financing is available for most patients. We also participate in the Essential Dental discount plan. To learn more about us and our financial policies, contact us at 508-571-0358.