What Could Happen Without Dental Insurance?

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August 10th, 2009

These days many people are trying to cut back on expenses, but getting rid of your dental insurance could actually cost you more in the long run. Knowing what could happen to you and your family without dental insurance might make you find another way to save money.

Paying for Your Regular Cleanings

Most dental insurance plans pay for regular cleanings and a check-up twice a year. Insurance companies pay for these services because visiting the dentist regularly reduces the need for more expensive procedures.

If you do not have insurance, however, you will have to pay for the cleanings and other procedures out of pocket. Visiting the dentist for a regular cleaning usually costs about 200 dollars. If you go twice per year, as most dentists recommend, you will spend 400 dollars just getting your teeth cleaned.

If your insurance costs less than 34 dollars per month, as many plans do, then you have already made your money back. Some people actually end up spending more money visiting the dentist for regular check-ups than they would on dental insurance plans that would pay for the cleanings.

The Benefits of Visiting the Dentist Regularly

Another benefit of having dental insurance is that you are more likely to get your regular check-ups than those who pay out of pocket. Going to the dentist regularly offers many health benefits.

Not only does preventative dental care help you avoid costly procedures like root canals and extractions, but also dental health directly relates to heart health. If you do not have dental insurance, then you probably will not visit the dentist as regularly, which means you could end up paying large healthcare bills in the future.

Paying for Costly Procedures Without Dental Insurance

Many dental insurance plans do not cover the full cost of all procedures, but they do cover a portion of most dental procedures. For instance, getting a wisdom tooth removed can cost over 800 dollars when you consider the price of X-rays, consultations, the surgery and other services. Even if your dental plan only covers 50 percent of the cost, you still save 400 dollars.

If you cannot afford to pay for the surgery, then you will have to suffer the intense pain of a throbbing, infected tooth. Even if the pain goes away after a few days, it is certain to return. If the pain is so bad that you cannot go to work, then you could lose wages, making it even more difficult to afford the needed extraction.