Invest in Healthy Gums Using Your Dental Insurance

Did you know tooth decay isn’t the only danger to your smile? Gum (periodontal) disease is also a leading cause of tooth loss in the U.S. You may not believe your smile is at risk, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 50% of adults have the preventable infection. A solid oral hygiene routine at home can lessen your risk; however, it’s only half the care you need. Routine appointments with your dentist prevent needing gum disease treatment in Richardson later on. Don’t worry if money is tight. Here’s how you can use your dental insurance to avoid missing teeth down the road. 

Maximize Your Preventive Coverage

Gum disease is caused by bacteria found in plaque and tartar buildup. Although the early stage of gum disease (gingivitis) doesn’t seem alarming, bleeding, red, or swollen gums can lead to a serious problem quickly. Brushing and flossing are your first lines of defense against cavities and gum disease, but they can’t clean everywhere in your mouth. A dental cleaning every 6 months removes any accumulations left behind by your toothbrush and floss. 

Your monthly premiums for your dental insurance in Richardson give you access to comprehensive preventive coverage. 100% of common preventive services can be covered under your dental plan. You can get the cleaning and checkup you need every 6 months after a copayment. Research shows every $1 spent on prevention can save up to $50 on restorative services by stopping dental problems from occurring in the first place, like gum disease. 

Treat the Infection Early

Symptoms of gum disease can be overlooked by an untrained eye. Visiting your dentist twice a year gives you another set of eyes to monitor your gum health. Your dentist can spot signs of the infection before it turns into a big problem to avoid irreversible damage to your smile. You’ll also avoid a more expensive procedure by restoring your gum health.

Many dental plans provide coverage for periodontal services, like scaling and root planing, so you will pay less out-of-pocket. However, if you wait until serious issues have occurred, like gum recession or tooth loss, you will end up paying more. Most dental plans cover minor restorative procedures by up to 80% while major services are only covered by 50%. 

Despite the latest innovations in dentistry, at least 120 million Americans are missing 1 or more teeth. Don’t let your smile fall victim to gum disease. Maximize your dental insurance to invest in healthy gums while reducing your future oral health expenses. 

About Dr. Javier Ortiz Dr. Ortiz earned his dental degree at the University of Puerto Rico and continued his training in endodontics at the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine. He specializes in the most complex oral health procedures, like periodontal therapy and root canals. He accepts many dental insurance plans to keep his services affordable. If you’re ready to invest in a healthy smile, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.