If you’re due for a dental checkup or have a cavity that needs attention, right now is the best time to plan a visit with our dentist in Dumont.
Why Do I Need to Use the Benefits by the End of the Year?
The majority of dental insurance plans run from January to December, resetting each year on January 1st. That means any benefits included in your coverage that go unused will automatically expire on December 31st. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to “stack” or roll them over into the next year (even if you didn’t use them.)
Your plan likely includes 100% coverage on preventative services like cleanings and exams. Taking advantage of these resources helps you keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout the years while lowering your chances of dental disease and emergencies.
Each plan also includes an annual allowable amount, which is a dollar figure that they will pay up to per year on restorative or therapeutic services. Such as dental implants, crowns, fillings, dentures, or dental extractions. The average plan includes an allowance of somewhere between $1,000-1,500, depending on the fine print. Each year you’re able to use up to that amount on restorative treatment before the allowance expires on December 31st. If you’ve already paid toward your deductible, it’s more affordable to plan those procedures before the end of the year instead of waiting for them to reset on January 1st.
Some of our clients plan to split their treatments between December and January, using their coverage toward the first phase of treatment, then their reset benefits on the second phase. Our treatment coordinators can help you map out the most effective, affordable plan for your situation.
Should I Use or Lose My Dental Benefits?
It’s smarter—both dentally and financially—to treat oral health concerns early. The longer conditions go unattended, the more complex and expensive they become to correct. Even if your tooth doesn’t hurt, the best thing to do is tend to the issue while it’s smaller and less invasive to repair.
But your smile and your budget aren’t the only things at risk. Your health depends on it too. Untreated oral disease can significantly raise your chances of systemic health concerns like diabetes, pneumonia, heart disease, and reproductive irregularities in both men and women.
Utilizing your plan’s included benefits is a smart decision overall. You’re already paying into a monthly premium, so don’t let your coverage go to waste. Be sure to make time for your dental appointment before the holiday season uses up all of your personal days.
When Should I Schedule an Appointment to Use My Remaining Benefits?
For checkups and cleanings, most individuals benefit from visits every six months. Depending on your particular insurance plan you may be able to plan two cleanings closer together, as long as they fall within a 12-month calendar period. You can always call our office to find out what we have on file for your particular policy.
Treatments such as dental fillings, crowns, or other restorative work need to be scheduled earlier, rather than later. Since these visits require set amounts of time to complete, it’s best to book them at your earliest convenience. The longer you wait, the greater the risk there is for those infections to spread into neighboring areas or teeth. Earlier treatments keep therapy minimally invasive as well as more affordable. Limited visits are still available through the end of the year, so don’t put these essential care appointments off longer than necessary.
Call Our Dentist in Dumont
Palisades Dental Care is currently offering limited appointments now through the end of the year. Contact our Dumont dentist today to reserve an appointment at our state-of-the-art dental facility.
