What does Dental Insurance Cover?

Dental insurance is a type of health insurance that covers the costs of dental care, including preventive, restorative, and emergency treatments. The extent of coverage varies depending on the insurance policy you have, but most plans cover a range of dental procedures.

Preventive Care

Preventive care is the cornerstone of dental health. It includes regular check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays. In most cases, dental insurance plans cover preventive care in full or at a very high percentage. This is because preventive care reduces the risk of more expensive treatments down the line, such as fillings, root canals, or extractions.

If you have dental insurance, you are likely entitled to at least two preventive visits per year. During these visits, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums, clean them, and take X-rays if necessary. Your dental insurance will typically pay for these services in full or at a high percentage.

However, keep in mind that some insurance plans may limit the type or frequency of preventive procedures. For example, some plans may only cover one cleaning per year, while others may not cover certain preventive treatments such as fluoride treatments or sealants. Be sure to check your policy for specific details.

FAQ

Question
Answer
What is preventive care?
Preventive care is the regular maintenance of your dental health, including check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays.
How often can I get a cleaning?
This depends on your insurance plan. Some plans cover one cleaning per year, while others cover two or more.
Does dental insurance cover fluoride treatments?
This depends on your insurance plan. Some plans cover fluoride treatments, while others do not.

Restorative Care

Restorative care is for when something goes wrong with your teeth, such as a cavity or a broken tooth. It includes fillings, crowns, bridges, and dentures. Dental insurance plans typically cover restorative care, but the amount of coverage varies depending on the procedure and the plan.

For example, some insurance plans may cover fillings in full, while others may only cover a percentage of the cost. Similarly, some plans may cover crowns and bridges in full, while others may only cover a portion of the cost.

Keep in mind that some dental procedures are considered cosmetic and may not be covered by insurance. For example, teeth whitening, veneers, and orthodontics are generally not covered by dental insurance unless they are deemed medically necessary.

FAQ

Question
Answer
Does dental insurance cover fillings?
This depends on your insurance plan. Some plans cover fillings in full, while others may only cover a percentage of the cost.
How much does a crown cost with dental insurance?
This depends on your insurance plan. Some plans cover crowns in full, while others may only cover a portion of the cost.
Is teeth whitening covered by dental insurance?
Teeth whitening is generally considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by dental insurance unless it is deemed medically necessary.

Emergency Care

Emergency dental care is for when you have a dental problem that requires immediate attention, such as a toothache, a broken tooth, or a knocked-out tooth. Most dental insurance plans cover emergency care, but the extent of coverage varies depending on the plan.

Some plans may cover emergency treatment in full, while others may only cover a percentage of the cost. In addition, some plans may require you to see a specific dentist or go to a specific facility for emergency care.

FAQ

Question
Answer
Does dental insurance cover emergency care?
Most dental insurance plans cover emergency care, but the extent of coverage varies depending on the plan.
What is considered a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is a dental problem that requires immediate attention, such as a toothache, a broken tooth, or a knocked-out tooth.
Do I need to go to a specific dentist for emergency care?
Some dental insurance plans require you to see a specific dentist or go to a specific facility for emergency care. Check your policy for details.

Conclusion

Dental insurance can help you save money on dental care by covering the costs of preventive, restorative, and emergency treatment. However, the extent of coverage varies depending on the plan, and some procedures may not be covered at all. Be sure to check your policy for specific details and talk to your dentist about what treatments you need and how much they will cost.