At Nevada Sun Dental, we accept many different dental plans to ensure convenience for our patients. If you are unaware of the details of your dental insurance, contact your provider for more information. Various questions to ask may include:
- What will my deductible be?
- How often am I allowed preventative care visits?
- Is there a copay attached to my plan?
- What are the annual benefits?
- Are there are any clauses associated with my coverage?
- Are any cosmetic procedures included?
- When is pre-authorization required?
Dental insurance is a contract between yourself or your employer and a specified insurance company. The insurance company agrees to pay for your dental work while you pay them a determined amount each month. These monthly premiums keep the contract alive, though it does not carry on from one year to another. ― When you need to have dental work done, bring your insurance card to Nevada Sun Dental, and we will bill the insurance company for your treatment.
Some insurance companies have a waiting period in which they will not cover the costs of your dental work. They do this to establish a commitment on your part to better protect their company from individuals who might apply for a policy to cover a procedure they know they need right away.
Another critical point to keep in mind is that you may have to pay deductibles and copays upon your visits. A deductible is an amount that the insurance company requires you to pay before agree to cover any costs. After the deductible is met, individuals often have a copay, which is a dollar amount required as a portion of each payment. ― Every insurance company differs in their requirements, so it is important to find a company that offers the best dental insurance benefits to you.
Each insurance provider offers something different regarding coverage. However, most will cover the entire cost of preventative care. Preventative care includes x-rays, cleanings, sealants, and routine exams ― all of which should be done at least two times a year. When insurance companies pay for the entirety of an appointment, you do not pay a deductible, co-pay, or any other out-of-pocket costs.
Basic dental procedures are different in comparison to preventative care as providers may only pay 50% to 80% of the cost. Basic dental procedures include extractions, fillings, crowns, and other similar services. Though insurance plans vary, patients are typically required to pay a copay at the time of the appointment with the remainder of the cost billed after the insurance company has paid their portion.
Cosmetic procedures are another type of treatment to consider. These include teeth whitening, veneers, implants, and white fillings. ― all of which are reviewed differently depending on the provider. Some insurance companies may not cover any of the procedures, while others may pick up a portion of the costs. Some may require the procedure to be deemed necessary by the dentist, rather than something the patient wants before they even step in to consider the coverage. Speaking with a representative from your insurance company is the best way to find out more details on your specific case.
Dental insurance is a great benefit for many reasons. Some individuals feel that if they keep their teeth in great condition by regularly coming in for fully covered bi-annual cleanings, they will prevent other larger expenses such as fillings or crowns. However, some individuals may feel the best dental insurance is out of their price range and not worth the premiums.
Unfortunately, even those with exceptional dental hygiene can experience dental emergencies or need a dental procedure once in a while. Certain situations that you cannot foresee, include:
- Tooth Aches – Even after brushing and flossing twice a day, your teeth can become damaged and develop an achy feeling. If the pain is so intense that it interferes with daily activities, it is time to see a dentist.
- Lost Teeth – Whether you are out playing ball or are in a car accident, losing teeth can be a traumatic experience. Having insurance will offer you the peace of mind you need to better deal with the damage and potential pain of future required procedures.
- Chips and Breaks – Chipping and breaking teeth causes needed repair to ensure your mouth stays healthy and pain-free. Repairs may include a bridge, crown, implant, or extraction.
- Lost Fillings – When time interferes, an old filling or crown can become loose and fall out. This makes your teeth susceptible to further decay and pain and requires a replacement to prevent so from happening adequately.
At this point, you may be wondering how to make the most of your dental insurance. As you are the one paying the monthly premiums, you should understand how to make it work best for you. The following are a few tips to maximize benefits:
1. Understanding Your Plan – Truly study and learn your plan. Ask your provider the questions that need to be asked. At Nevada Sun Dental, we will walk you through as much as we can, however, your provider knows the ins and outs of your coverage. If you do not understand something, do not be afraid to take steps to find out.
2. Understanding Your EOBs – Each time you receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB), read it to understand fully. Make sure everything is correctly recorded and that you are only paying for what you are supposed to pay for. Mistakes happen, so make it your priority to contact your provider to better comprehend why a claim was denied or unpaid.
3. Understand Your Limits – If you have a maximum annual benefit, be sure you understand what it is. If your dental work can be prolonged until the next calendar year and you have already reached your maximum, it might be the best idea to wait.
4. Understand Prevention – As was mentioned previously, it is critical to attend every 6-month preventative cleaning appointment. They are typically covered 100%, and doing this has proven to reduce the need for additional dental work in patients.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Whether you are an existing patient or someone looking for a new dentist, call Nevada Sun Dental today to speak with a friendly staff member. We will help you understand what you need and will walk you through the insurance process so you can make the most of your visit. Contact us today to get your appointment scheduled!
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We accept most insurance plans.