Does Your Insurance Cover Dental Checkups and Cleanings?

Having two dental checkups and cleanings a year is an essential part of maintaining excellent oral health; without these regular visits, plaque and tartar could build up on your teeth in areas that you’ve missed while brushing, and undetected cavities could become worse over time. But when it comes to creating a dental budget, can you count on your insurance to pay for these visits? And how can your dentist in Northwest OKC help you if you don’t have a dental plan at all?

Will Insurance Pay for Checkups and Cleanings?

Many dental PPOs follow what’s called a “100-80-50” structure, which refers to the percentage of coverage that different treatments receive. Under most of these plans, the insurance company will pay 100% of the cost for two dental checkups and cleanings a year, and you won’t even need to meet a deductible before receiving this benefit. If you have this sort of coverage, then there’s no reason not to get the preventive care you need to stop tooth decay and gum disease from causing major problems in your mouth.

Of course, every insurance carrier is different, so you should take the time to review your plan and confirm the coverage you’re entitled to. We at Bluff Creek Dental will work with you to make sure you’re maximizing your benefits. We’re in-network with a number of providers (meaning we’ve already agreed to the price range they’ve laid out), but we can also file claims for out-of-network providers at competitive rates. Don’t worry about any unwelcome surprises; our goal is to help take the mystery out of dental insurance.

What if I Don’t Have Insurance?

If you don’t have insurance, you can speak with your dentist about other financing options. At Bluff Creek Dental, we offer a discount program meant to encourage patients to get the care they need to maintain their oral health. For one annual payment (which varies depending on whether you’re paying for one person, two people or multiple dependents), you’ll receive a 100% discount on your biannual exams and cleanings – exactly what you’d get with normal dental insurance!

Our discount program also covers a certain number of X-rays each year as well as periodontal maintenance (treatments to keep the gums healthy). We’ll also give you a 50% discount for dental sealants, which can be extremely helpful for protecting your little one’s back teeth from cavities. Other procedures are also available at a reduced price.

Excellent oral health is extremely important for living a long, full life; some studies have found that gum disease and other oral health issues have been connected to heart disease and stroke. That’s why, if you think money might be an obstacle to getting preventive care, it’s important to explore all of your options and find a plan that’ll keep you smiling!

About the Author

Dr. Patrick Crowley is a member of the Oklahoma Dental Association and is constantly taking continuing education courses to keep his dental knowledge up to date. He’s happy to provide high-quality checkups and cleanings for the whole family. To schedule an appointment at his practice, Bluff Creek Dental, visit his website or call (405) 751-5515.