Dental Insurance Articles
Four Dental Treatments That Are Not Covered Under Standard Dental Insurance Plans
2010-05-13
Taking care of your teeth and gums are just as important as taking care of the rest of your body. Most people schedule a routine annual visit to their family doctor as well as their dentist. Dental bills can be very expensive, especially when you factor in the x-rays, cleaning, examinations, and other tests and procedures that your dentist performs during this visit. As well, many dental offices require patients to pay up front for their services rather than sending them a bill to pay at a later date. Dental insurance coverage can help you offset the expensive costs so that you don't have to pay as much out of pocket. For a person with a healthy mouth, basic dental services are adequate. Basic services include such services as cleaning, x-rays, fillings, and simple extractions.
There are several dental treatments and procedures that are not covered by the most basic dental plans. You will have to obtain a dental insurance quote in order to compare different plans and coverage available. Every company is different so one may offer certain services that another doesn't. If you are hoping to have cosmetic surgery performed, be prepared to spend your own hard earned money for a brighter, perfect smile. Such procedures include teeth whitening and bleaching, tooth shaping and contouring, and cosmetic gum surgery.
Some basic dental plans will not cover major surgeries and other major dental treatments. Crowns, bridges, dentures, major surgical extractions, and dental implants are only covered on more comprehensive dental plans. As well, root canals may or may not be covered. If a patient requests nitrous oxide or an alternate sedative during a dental procedure, that cost may have to be absorbed by the individual. Some exceptions include if it is emergency surgery. The anesthesiologist must be paid for his or her services. Most basic dental plans include a missing tooth clause in the contract. If a patient was missing a tooth before dental insurance was secured, the insurance company will not pay to have a partial bridge or tooth implant. This service must be paid for by the patient.
Whether you are just seeking a dental insurance quote or you already have a dental insurance policy in place, you should review the coverage and exclusions with your insurance agent to make sure that you are fully covered for the benefits that are important to you. Sit down and assess what your dental needs are and what coverage will fit into your budget. Always ask questions to clarify any doubts or misconceptions that you may have. This will help you to avoid paying too much out of pocket for services you thought were covered.