Combating gum disease requires staying on top of your oral hygiene at home and seeing your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Failing to seek professional care can lead to inflammation and infection that affect more than just your mouth; your body suffers the consequences as well. However, by choosing to use your dental insurance benefits, you can maintain a healthier smile and avoid costlier procedures in the future. Keep reading to learn how.
What Can Happen if Gum Disease is Left Untreated?
Initially, the early stages of gum disease, known as gingivitis, produce symptoms that can be reversed. Regular at-home brushing and flossing and biannual dental visits can reverse bleeding, swelling, and tenderness.
If left untreated, however, periodontitis can develop, which means gum pockets form, and the infection and inflammation spread to the root and bone. As a result, your jawbone may begin to weaken, causing your healthy teeth to become loose and eventually fall out. The infection can also enter your bloodstream and cause brain, heart, lung, and kidney problems.
How Can Using Your Dental Insurance Help You Avoid Gum Disease and Save?
There are several ways using your dental insurance can protect your oral and overall health against gum disease, all while ensuring you save the most money:
- Most dental insurance companies provide 80-100% coverage for preventive services, so you are encouraged to see your dentist biannually so they can catch early signs of gum disease and reverse the symptoms. In most cases, you may not have to pay a single penny for these twice-a-year appointments.
- Dental insurance benefits do not roll over to the next year, so if you need gum disease treatment, it’s best not to wait, as you will pay more in 2027 because you will need to meet your deductible again.
- Gum disease treatment may be covered by your dental insurance plan at 50-80%, depending on your policy and insurance company.
- Using your dental insurance to catch problems early can help you avoid costlier care down the road, including tooth extraction and replacement. The costs associated with both treatment options can add up over time, especially when considering the continual maintenance required with dentures, dental bridges, or dental implants.
Don’t let your dental insurance benefits go to waste. Use your available funds before they expire and discover how to better care for your gum health along the way.
About the Author
Dr. Meredith Todd is a dental professional who enjoys working closely with her patients, guiding them toward a healthier, happier smile. By providing safe, effective, affordable services, she can help patients maintain disease-free teeth and gums while getting the most out of their dental insurance benefits. Our team will review an individual’s policy and determine how to maximize their plan so that out-of-pocket costs remain low. If you want to improve your oral health and save more money, contact us at (410) 228–5445 to schedule a consultation.