Did your dentist say you needed fillings at your last checkup? During this busy time of year, it can be tempting to avoid scheduling that appointment, especially if you’re not in pain. However, leaving a cavity untreated can have serious long-term consequences. It can also end up costing you! Why not save money and get your fillings out of the way now? Keep reading to learn why now is a great time to use your dental insurance in South Windsor for a filling.
The Oral Health Risks of Delaying a Filling
What happens if you put off getting a filling? The decay your dentist spotted can spread and worsen, destroying enamel and eventually reaching the inner pulp of your tooth. If this occurs, a filling will no longer be able to repair your tooth and prevent further decay. Instead, your dentist may recommend one of these two options:
- Root Canal – Your dentist will remove the infected pulp, clean the inside of the tooth, and then seal it. The tooth will likely need a protective crown after root canal therapy.
- Extraction – Given enough time, decay can wreak such havoc on a tooth that not even a root canal will be able to save it. Instead, your dentist may need to extract the tooth and replace it with an implant or bridge.
The Financial Risks of Delaying a Filling
Although every plan is slightly different, most dental insurance providers follow what’s known as the “100-80-50” coverage model, which includes:
- 100% of Preventive Care – Routine dental exams, cleanings, and fluoride treatment.
- 80% of Basic Procedures – Dental fillings, simple extractions, and root canals.
- 50% of Major Procedures – Crowns, bridges, and dentures.
As you can see, the longer you wait to get a filling, the larger your bill could potentially be. If you take action now, your insurance will likely cover up to 80% of the cost of your filling.
If you wait too long, however, you may need to extract and replace your tooth. Dental implants and bridges usually cost more than a simple filling. In addition, dental insurance typically only covers around 50% of bridges, while dental implants often have little or no coverage at all.
Dental Insurance: Use It for Lose It!
Ok, you now know the financial and health risks of delaying a filling. But why is it so important to act before the end of the year instead of waiting until January or February?
The reason is because most dental insurance coverage resets at the beginning of each year. Instead of rolling over, any unused benefits are automatically returned to the insurance company. Whether you have $50 or $500 worth of coverage left, you should take advantage in order to get your money’s worth. If you wait until 2022 to get a filling, you will likely have to pay your deductible again before your insurance kicks back in.
So don’t wait! Talk to a dentist today about taking advantage of your dental insurance in South Windsor and getting that filling.
About the Author
Voted one of Connecticut’s Top Dentists in 2020, Dr. Sara Curcio delivers quality oral care to patients in South Windsor. She is a Delta Dental dentist and is also in-network with many other major insurance carriers. To learn more about how to maximize your insurance benefits, visit the South Windsor Dental website or call 860-644-2476.