Staying healthy requires a lot of work, especially if you have an autoimmune disease. Since your body struggles to fight off infections, problems can develop virtually anywhere, including your mouth. However, even general checkups and cleanings can help maintain a cavity- and disease-free smile. Of course, these services cost money, so what should you do? Read on to learn how your dental insurance benefits can make a big difference in helping you save.
What Dental Problems Can Develop with Autoimmune Disease?
From your body’s inability to fight off infection to the medications required to manage your disease, the most common dental problems that can develop include:
- Cavities
- Dry mouth
- Advanced gum disease
- Oral blisters
- Canker sores
- White or red patches in the mouth
- TMJ pain
Any of these conditions requires essential dental care to prevent worsening symptoms, but treatment costs can add up. Instead of putting it off, use your dental insurance benefits to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
How Can You Use Your Dental Insurance to Lower Costs?
When you find a dentist who accepts your plan, make sure to ask how you can maximize your available benefits throughout the year. If you have an autoimmune disease, regular visits can positively impact your overall health.
Using your dental insurance can help you save, regardless of the preventive or restorative treatment you need, and here’s how:
- Most dental insurance companies will cover biannual checkups and cleanings at 80% to 100%, which means you pay little or nothing at all for these two visits.
- If you need restorative treatment (i.e., tooth-colored fillings, gum disease treatment, dental crowns, tooth extractions, etc.), your insurance will usually pay 50-80% of the total cost as long as you’ve met your annual deductible. It’s safe to say that if your dentist recommends treatment, don’t wait to move forward. Get it done now so that you don’t have to pay your deductible again in the new year.
- Using your available benefits before the end of the year prevents you from losing thousands of dollars. Most plans are valid for one calendar year, so the funds your insurance company provides must be used within that period. If any remain at midnight on December 31, they are returned to your insurer rather than rolled over to the next year.
Your dental insurance is designed to minimize expenses so that you stay healthy. Don’t hesitate to ask team members about what you can do to get the most out of your plan before it’s too late.
About the Author
Dr. Hiren Patel delivers world-class service to his patients and enjoys building long-lasting relationships that include transparency, honesty, and superior results. As a dentist in San Antonio, he sees families from all walks of life and understands that dental insurance is important for lowering high out-of-pocket costs. This is why he is in-network with many plans and encourages patients to use their benefits before the end of the year. If you have questions about your policy, visit our website or call us at (210) 590–2736 to schedule an appointment.