Is Dental Insurance Worth It?
Many patients wonder if dental insurance is worth the cost. Patients may also want to know the cost associated with resolving common oral health issues like a cavity. The cost largely depends on whether patients have dental insurance and will be determined based on their plan. There are different types of dental insurance plans that can range in coverage. Some plans are more comprehensive and help cover the costs of a wide variety of services, while others cover the cost of preventive care. The article below reviews the value of dental insurance and provides an explanation of whether dental insurance is worth it.
Dental Insurance
Dental insurance can add a great deal of value based on the patient’s unique circumstances. While it is possible to go without dental insurance, there is a level of risk involved in this decision. It is generally beneficial for patients to have dental insurance.
A patient may not require a comprehensive dental plan with full coverage, but they will still benefit from dental insurance. A key benefit of dental insurance is that it makes it easier for patients to maintain their oral health. Prevention is key, and it is vital to promptly address any oral health problems. Patients without dental insurance may avoid routine visits and ignore issues. The failure to receive treatment and make routine dental visits can result in serious issues. These issues can quickly become worse and require patients to undergo costly treatment.
Cost for Dental Services
In order to help understand the benefit of dental insurance, it is helpful to review the cost of typical dental services. Below is a summary of the average cost without insurance for common services.
- $80-$400: routine exams or checkups
- $140-$500: dental filling
- $75-$300: extraction or removal of a tooth
- $1,100-$1,500: crown
- $700-$2,100: root canal
Patients should work with their dentist to understand the cost of the service and how that cost is impacted by their dental insurance. The numbers listed above are averages, as there are quite a few variables that impact the cost of services.
Coverage
Dental insurance often helps patients save money in the long run. Homeowners and car insurance exist in the event something bad happens, like a natural disaster or fire. Dental insurance differs as it works to prevent bad things from happening.
Dental insurance starts with the customers paying a monthly premium to maintain an active plan. The plan helps cover a portion of the costs associated with oral health. Plans can vary based on the provider, such as MetLife and other companies. Plans vary quite a bit in their coverage. Most dental insurance plans cover the cost of preventive care, such as a screening, routine checkup, and professional cleaning. Plans can also offer coverage for other services, including a filling or a crown.
Investment and Value
Dental insurance is typically a good value for patients who are diligent in maintaining preventive care. When patients require additional treatment, the value can quickly become apparent due to the high costs of treatment. Dental insurance is certainly an investment that is often evident over time.
Preventative Care
Dental insurance helps patients prevent the need for additional treatments and care. Patients who do not have dental insurance may be less likely to make regular visits to the dentist for routine checkups and cleanings. These routine dental visits are critical for patients to maintain their oral health. Another benefit of these preventive visits is that they can help in the early detection of issues. Serious oral health issues may be avoided when patients maintain their oral health. Untreated oral health issues can result in pain, discomfort, and the need for expensive treatments.
Some employers offer dental insurance, but patients can also obtain an individual or family plan from MetLife or other providers. Reach out to the office to discuss our services and how we can help you maintain good oral health. The team can also answer questions related to dental insurance.
To learn more about our billing and insurance coverage, contact us.