How to Use Dental Insurance Benefits to Avoid Gum Disease

Gum disease affects about half of all adults in America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, many people don’t notice their gums are infected until it’s too late and the damage is done. Luckily, your dentist can spot the early warning signs of gum disease at your next checkup and take care of it before you need more expensive treatments later on. Keep reading to learn how you can take advantage of your dental insurance benefits to save money and avoid gum disease.

Your Dental Insurance Coverage

First, let’s cover how your dental insurance coverage works. While every plan is slightly different, most insurance providers these days follow the “100-80-50” coverage structure. Depending on your specific policy, your coverage may include:

• Preventive Services: 100% covered, including cleanings, checks, and X-rays.
• Basic Dental Services: 80% covered, such as fillings, root canals, extractions, and gum disease therapy.
• Advanced Dental Services: 50% covered, like crowns, bridges, and dentures.

Dental Insurance vs. Medical Insurance

A big difference between dental and medical insurance is when each one is used. You likely go to the doctor most often when you are already feeling sick or have an injury. This means you are using your medical insurance to react to a health problem. In contrast, dental insurance is designed to help prevent oral health issues from occurring in the first place. Most dental insurance plans cover two annual preventive checkups at 100%. Every $1 spent on prevention can save as much as $50 on restorative services!  

Routine Checkups and Gum Disease

The early stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis, can be difficult to detect on your own. That’s why it’s so important to see your dentist regularly for an oral examination and cleaning. If caught early on, gum disease can usually be reversed with some adjustments to one’s oral hygiene routine. However, if a gum infection is allowed to progress, it could lead to severe, permanent damage. Taking advantage of your insurance by scheduling preventive checkups every six months can help you maintain healthy gums.

Choose an In-Network Dentist

If you’re currently without a dentist and need a new one, be sure to search for a dental professional that is in-network with your insurance provider. Being in-network means the dentist has agreed to provide services at a certain rate, as negotiated with the insurance company. If you need gum disease therapy, your insurance company will likely cover a larger portion of the treatment cost if you choose an in-network dentist.

Dental insurance is a monthly investment, so be sure to take full advantage of your benefits. With fully covered preventive checkups, you can increase your chances of avoiding gum disease.

About the Author

A lifelong resident of the Michigan City area, Dr. Vidas Noreika is dedicated to helping patients preserve healthy teeth and gums. He is in-network with leading dental insurance companies, including Aetna, Assurant, Cigna, Delta Dental, and many more. To learn more ways to maximize your dental insurance benefits and avoid gum disease, visit the Edgewood Dental website or call 219-898-4545.