A Healthy Mouth in an Ailing Economy

Concerned about the recession and the rising cost of your health related care? If so, don't make the mistake of putting off routine dental visits. Keeping up with your regular exams, dental x-rays, and dental cleanings can go a long way toward preventing bigger and more expensive problems in the future.

Many people who have dental insurance make the mistake of not coming in for routine visits. Don't allow yourself to be one of these patients! These simple, routine office visits allow your dental clinicians an opportunity to identify areas of concern early on. In most cases, problems that are detected early are more easily treated. This means means less time in the dental chair, and less cost to the patient.

When dental issues are neglected they don't disappear, they only worsen, leading to more time spent in the dental office (and away from work) and greater cost to the patient. Routine exams, x-rays and cleanings are usually covered at a high percentage rate (often 80-100%) by many dental plans, meaning that these preventative visits may cost a patient little to nothing out-of-pocket. Simple restorative procedures such as fillings are considered a "Basic" service by dental insurance plans and are usually covered at a higher percentage rate than more involved dental work. So identifying dental problems early and treating them right away can actually SAVE YOU MONEY! Another thing to keep in mind: patients who have dental insurance that goes unused will lose those insurance dollars at the end of their "insurance year". This is essentially throwing your hard-earned money away. So, when thinking in terms of your dental benefits, it's a "Use It or Lose It" situation--and no one wants to be a "loser".

For patients who don't have the benefit of a dental insurance program, it still make the best sense to come for regular visits and treat problems early. Many employers will allow employees to put away money in a Flex-Spending account to help ease the burden of health expenses, so check with your employer about specific benefits that you may be able to utilize. In addition, financing options do exist (sometimes even interest-free), and special courtesies may be extended such as a reduced rate for senior citizens.

So, if you've been putting off your dental visit due to fear of unknown costs, at least make sure you're taking advantage of benefits you may already have. And, be sure to take care of those preventative appointments as soon as you can. Smile, and be healthy!