If I handed you a $100 bill twice a year, would you throw it in the trash? Probably not. Yet, every single year, millions of Americans throw away hundreds of dollars in dental benefits simply by skipping their routine six-month cleanings.
If you look closely at your PPO dental insurance plan, you will notice a trend: Preventative care is almost always covered at 100%. No copays, no deductibles.
But why is the insurance company being so generous? I can assure you, it’s not just out of the kindness of their hearts. It all comes down to math and health.
The Logic Behind “Free” Cleanings
Insurance companies are driven by data. Their data proves that patients who visit the dentist twice a year for routine cleanings and exams cost them significantly less money in the long run.
Your 100% coverage typically includes:
- Professional Cleanings: To remove hardened tartar that your toothbrush at home cannot physically remove.
- Comprehensive Exams: Where I check for early signs of decay, failing old fillings, or bite alignment issues.
- X-Rays: To see what is happening beneath the gums and between the teeth.
- Oral Cancer Screenings: A life-saving, 5-minute visual and physical exam.
The Hidden Cost of Skipping Appointments
When you skip your preventative visits, plaque turns into tartar, and tartar breeds cavity-causing bacteria.
If I catch a tiny spot of decay during a routine exam, we can fix it with a simple, inexpensive filling (which your insurance covers at 80%). But if you skip your cleanings for two years and that tiny spot turns into a massive infection, you are suddenly looking at a root canal and a porcelain crown. That requires more time in the chair, and your insurance will only cover 50% of the cost.
Use the Benefits You Are Paying For
You pay your dental insurance premiums every month. Don’t let the insurance company keep your money! By taking advantage of your 100% preventative coverage, you keep your natural teeth stronger, your gums healthier, and your wallet significantly heavier.
Is it time for your six-month checkup? Don’t let your benefits go to waste. Call Leesburg Dental at (703) 777-2442 to schedule your preventative exam today, or visit our Insurance Page to learn more about what your plan covers.
