If you’re paying for a dental plan but not going to the dentist, you’re not alone! Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s estimated that nearly half of Americans with dental insurance are skipping regular dental visits. Fear of going to the dentist is a common factor contributing to this.
Dental anxiety is very common and often stops people from seeing the dentist. It’s important to remember that fear comes at a cost, and that cost escalates the longer you wait to visit the dentist.
Dental coverage encourages preventive care
Dental benefits are one of your biggest advocates for preventive care. That means that regular visits to the dentist for cleanings and checkups are covered at the highest percentage. In most cases, these preventive checkups are 100 percent covered!
Click here to find a dentist near you.
Preventive care appointments with your dentist every six months stop bigger problems from forming in your mouth. These problems, like periodontal (gum) disease, cause longer appointments, require treatment plans, can be more uncomfortable, and also cost more than preventive care.
If you have dental coverage but are skipping appointments due to fear, it’s important to talk with your dental team and let them know what’s going on. They will likely have many solutions to make you feel comfortable in the office.
For mobile games to help ease dental anxiety, check out this article.
Dental coverage on basic restorative procedures
Restorative dental care is the next step in treatment when it extends beyond preventive care. These procedures repair decay and gum disease through cavity fillings, root canals, and other similar treatments. They cost more than preventive care but are often covered at a lower rate. That means you’ll pay more out of pocket to have them done than a regular preventive checkup.
Don’t let fear of going to the dentist stop you from going to the dental office. The best way to help avoid restorative dental care is to attend regular preventive check-ups. Seeing your dentist every six months allows them to do a dental caries risk assessment and nip any problem areas in the bud.
Dental coverage pays less for major procedures
The big stuff, like crowns, bridges, and dentures are classified as major procedures. They are expensive and covered at the lowest percentage rate in dental plans. Don’t lose out on making the most of your dental benefits by skipping the dentist. It’s not worth waiting until you may need a major procedure. Save time, money, and discomfort by sticking with regular visits.
You can overcome fear of going to the dentist.
Overcoming fear of going to the dentist takes practice. The more you ‘practice’ going to the dentist regularly, the more comfortable you will be going. Additionally, there are many ways to help ease your anxiety before and during your appointment including:
- Meditation
- Deep breathing exercises
- Working out before your appointment
- Bringing distractions such as mobile games on your smart device
- Talking with your dentist before the appointment
Good oral health habits will help reduce the amount of work needed and lessen the likelihood of paying more out of your pocket. Those are great reasons to smile!
