Many dental insurance plans prioritize preventive dental care, often covering it at a high percentage or even 100%. This is because it is often easier and more cost-effective to prevent a problem than to treat it once it becomes severe. For our patients at Mint Dental Care in Sunnyvale, CA, understanding these benefits is the first step toward a healthier smile and a lighter wallet.
Understanding Your Preventive Benefits
Preventive services are designed to help you maintain a healthy mouth and catch issues early, before they become more complex or costly. These services are essential for preventing a variety of oral health conditions, including periodontitis (gum disease).
Routine Exams and Cleanings: While most dental insurance plans cover two professional cleanings and oral exams per year, many companies in Sunnyvale, CA cover up to four professional cleanings and oral exams per year. These appointments allow your general dentist to monitor your oral health, remove plaque and calculus buildup, and check for early signs of gum disease and cavities.
X-Rays: Diagnostic services like X-rays are also typically covered annually and help your dentist in Sunnyvale detect issues that aren't visible during a clinical exam.
How to Use Your Insurance to Prevent Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to other serious health issues like diabetes and heart disease. Preventing this condition is far better than treating it. Here’s how you can use your insurance to stay ahead of it:
1. Schedule Your Two Annual Visits: Don’t let your benefits go to waste! Making and keeping your biannual appointments for cleanings and exams is the most effective way to prevent the buildup of bacteria that can lead to gum disease.
2. Understand Your Coverage: While most plans cover preventative care fully, some procedures like fluoride treatments or antibacterial irrigation (Peridex) may be plan-dependent. It is a good practice to check your specific plan details to understand what is covered and if any waiting periods, deductibles, or annual maximums apply for other procedures.
3. Address Issues Promptly: If your Sunnyvale dentist finds an issue, addressing it with a basic service like a filling can prevent it from progressing into a more complex problem that requires a crown or other major procedure, which may have lower insurance coverage.
What if I Don't Have Insurance?
If you don't have dental insurance, don't worry. Mint Dental Care in Sunnyvale offers in-house dental savings plans that can provide discounts on routine cleanings, exams, and other dental
work for an annual fee. This can be a great way to make sure you get the preventive care you need to protect your oral health.
Ready to Maximize Your Dental Benefits?
At Mint Dental Care, we want to make it easy for our patients to get the care they need. We can help you navigate your insurance benefits and create a treatment plan that helps you maintain a healthy smile. If you're looking for a general dentist in Sunnyvale CA, we are here to provide the quality, comprehensive dental care you deserve.
