Dental cavities are so common that they are rated among the top health problems globally. It affects primarily children, the elderly, and teenagers, but can also affect any person of any age group as long as they have teeth. Dental cavities are caused by taking a lot of sugary snacks or drinks, the presence of bacteria in your mouth, and a lack of proper dental hygiene.
What does a cavity feel like? A cavity can vary depending on its size and its location, but as the tooth decay enlarges, the hole affects your tooth, and you may experience symptoms such as
- Sharp pain when taking anything cold or hot
- Pain when biting
- Persistent toothache
- Pits on the tooth
- Tooth Sensitivity
- Stain on the tooth’s surface; the stain is black, white, or brown.
Whenever you experience any symptoms, you need to see a dentist as soon as possible. The dentist will examine the problem you might be having.
To maintain healthy teeth and gums, you must visit your dentist regularly. Unfortunately, over 180 million Americans fail yearly dental exams that help prevent dental cavities and decay. The American Dental Association recommends that every American visit a dentist every six months (source).
Most Americans don’t have routine checkups by the dentist because they find it costly to pay. While some people can afford basic procedures like cleaning and fillings, complex procedures like bridges and root canals remain a dream for many. Fortunately, with dental insurance, you can access the dental services recommended by professionals.
Here are reasons why you should get dental insurance.
Life without Dental Insurance?
Industry statistics show that about 74 million Americans don’t have dental coverage and that most don’t have routine dental checkups because of cost. The dental service charges vary according to the service. For example, a simple checkup might cost you $85-$100; cavity filling charges range between $230-$300; and other complex procedures may charge more, making it unaffordable for people without dental plans.
With a dental plan, you will maintain healthy teeth, but people without dental insurance mainly experience tooth removal, which might result in troublesome dentures. If tooth removal is not the end of the problem, they might visit the dentist often for gum disease treatment.
Reasons Why you Need a Dental Plan
Its Cost Friendly
Most people don’t have regular dental checkups because of the high cost, but with dental insurance, you can have financial security and routine checkups. With a dental plan, you don’t have to worry about having teeth cleaned, filled, crowned, or root canalled since the plan covers it. You will pay a low monthly fee, and the insurance will cover your dental-related problems. The best thing about the dental plan is that you can use it for preventive or treatment procedures.
Protects Your Child’s Oral Health
Most children get tooth decay problems, which is very common, and without a dental plan, it might take some time before you take them to the dentist. So it’s recommended to get your children’s dental insurance to get treated when they have oral pain. Small kids may be having a little problem cleaning their teeth, so they need regular dental visits to get their teeth cleaned.
Avoid Disruptions During Working Hours
America loses $575 billion per year due to poor health conditions, which is a massive loss in productivity. With routine dental checkups, you will go for preventive services, and in the case of a tooth cavity, you will get treated on time and avoid missing work. When you are absent from work, your productivity decreases, and you might not meet your client’s expectations.
You never know when the tooth will strike; that’s why you should be prepared in advance for that day. There are different dental plans to choose from, but much to consider. When weighing deductibles, coverage levels, and premium plans, choose the dental plan that will suit you best. If you do a thorough research study, you will end up with a plan with insufficient coverage, which might disappoint you in case of an emergency. Additionally, do not go for a more costly plan than what you might have a budget for.
Types of Dental Insurance Plans
Preferred provider organization The PPO plan is used by most people with access to a network of dentists who offer services at a reduced cost for specific covered services. This plan means patients must pay low prices out of pocket when receiving treatment from this network of dentists. Once the patient pays the reduced fee (coinsurance), the dental insurance plan pays the remainder of the money.
Discount plan: This allows members to choose from a range of participating dentists who offer their services at a discounted fee. Members pay a dental fee directly to the dentist during the treatment. This plan has no paperwork, although it has a lower premium than the Managed Fee Service Plan and PPO.
Managed fee for service plan: this plan is also called a traditional plan or indemnity, and offers the most expansive network of dental service practitioners. Like in a PPO, its members pay a certain percentage fee, and the plan pays the remaining percentage. However, this plan’s rate varies depending on the member’s service.
Dental Health Maintenance Organization: this DHMO plan mainly covers lower-cost coverage since it focuses on preventive care. It is recommended to use the DHMO in-network dentists; this plan is smaller than the PPO plan, and its premium is lower, making it cost-effective.
Conclusion
Different dental insurance companies offer other plans, but all will make you forget what a cavity feels like without money. You have to do your homework thoroughly since different dental plans will provide various benefits. For example, after weighing other insurance plans, check considerations such as anticipated care level. For example, an adult younger than 30 years old will need less dental care than older adults. You will also have to decide if you will still use your current dentist for routine checkups and cleanings or the dentist within the plan network.
