Time is Running Out to Get Dental FIllings

Good oral hygiene at home and regular care from your dentist can keep your smile cavity-free. However, people with the best oral hygiene habits can have decay. If your dentist recently found a cavity, they probably recommended a filling. Don’t put your treatment on hold if money is tight. It may not seem like a big deal now, but a small cavity can turn into a painful infection quickly. Now is the perfect time to address any untreated decay because there’s still time to use your dental insurance to lower the amount you’ll pay. Here’s how you can maximize your dental insurance to get the fillings you need before it’s too late. 

What Happens If You Don’t Get Fillings?

Decay will progress until it spreads to the underlying layers without treatment. As a result, a filling won’t be enough to save your tooth. You’ll require a complex and costly procedure, like:

Root Canal

If decay reaches the innermost layer of your tooth, called the pulp, you’ll need a root canal. Bacteria can infect the pulp, leading to an abscess and painful toothache. A root canal will be needed to stop your pain and the infection. It’s not uncommon to require a dental crown to protect your tooth until after it has been treated.

Extraction

Decay can destroy your entire tooth to the point a root canal may no longer be an option. Instead, the only other solution is to extract the tooth and replace it with a bridge or dental implant.

Ignoring your cavity won’t make it go away. You can avoid a costly dental emergency down the road by using your insurance for a filling.

Dental Insurance Covers Fillings

Every month you pay premiums for a policy that’s designed to keep your smile healthy for reduced rates. Besides cleanings and checkups, your benefits also cover common restorative services, like dental fillings. After reaching your deductible, your coverage can pay up to 80% of the expense until meeting your yearly limit; however, every policy and situation are unique.

Unfortunately, your dental insurance doesn’t last forever. It resets at the end of the year. Anything you don’t use won’t accumulate, and you won’t be reimbursed for your premiums or deductible. On average, less than 3% of Americans meet or exceed their annual limits, so you likely have several benefits you’re about to lose. 

Don’t throw money down the drain. Use your dental insurance to repair your tooth for minimal expense. They’ll help you maximize your benefits to restore a healthy, beautiful smile without breaking the bank.

About Dr. Henry Lu

Dr. Lu achieved his dental degree at the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine and continued his education in many specialties, including orthodontics, general dentistry, and pediatric dentistry. He accepts many dental insurances to keep his services affordable for everyone. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment before the new year.