How Do I Know if My Dentist Is in Network?
Dental insurance can keep your cost of dental care affordable. However, this typically only applies if your dentist is in network. An in network dentist refers to a dental practice that is a part of your dental insurance’s network of providers. There are two easy ways to find out if your dentist is in network. You can either contact the dental office and ask if they take your insurance. Or, you can contact your dental insurance carrier and ask if your dentist is in their network.
What Dental Treatments are Covered by Insurance?
All dental insurance plans are different. But all typically cover preventative care, such as twice yearly exams and cleanings. Most dental plans also pay a portion of restorative dental treatments including fillings, crowns, root canals, and tooth extraction. Some plans may go a step further and cover a significant portion of orthodontic treatment including braces, Invisalign, or periodontal treatment.
Tooth replacements such as dentures, bridges, and implants may be partially covered by your insurance if you use an in network dentist. In some cases, dental bonding to repair a chipped tooth may be partly covered.
Treatments that typically aren’t covered by insurance include cosmetic services such as teeth whitening and porcelain veneers. They aren’t covered because these types of treatments are not deemed medically necessary.
Financing For Dental Treatment in the Hudson Valley
If you don’t have dental insurance, you’re certainly not alone. In fact, more than 70 million Americans don’t have dental insurance. But don’t let it prevent you from seeking preventative and/or emergency dental care. If left untreated, broken teeth, teeth that are in a state of decay, gum disease, or impacted wisdom teeth can lead to horrible pain and lasting damage not only to your mouth but to your overall health.
If you don’t have insurance, you may pay out of pocket, with cash or a credit card. Or, if you need help paying for dental treatments, CareCredit can help you get the treatments you need.
CareCredit is a credit card for health and wellness services, including dental care. CareCredit is accepted by more than 250,000 providers, including New Baltimore Family Dentistry. CareCredit can be used for both medically necessary treatments, and cosmetic treatments, such as veneers, Invisalign, and teeth whitening. CareCredit offers no interest on short-term financing up to 24 months, as long as the minimum payment is made, and the balance is paid in full by the end of the promotional period. Low-interest credit is available for up to 60 months.
Oral Health and the Link to Overall Health
Maintaining good oral health is essential. There are millions of bacteria in our mouths, and the best defense against the “bad” bacteria that cause infections is excellent oral hygiene. Likewise, it’s vital to maintain good oral health to maintain strong bones in our jaw.
There have been numerous studies linking periodontitis (gum disease) to other systemic, chronic conditions such as respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease (stroke and heart attack), diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s, and asthma. So by taking excellent care of your teeth and gums, you’re playing an active role in reducing your risk of these illnesses.
Schedule a Dental Appointment in New Baltimore
Maintaining good oral health is part of maintaining overall health. Having strong teeth, healthy gums, and strong bones is achievable with regular brushing, flossing, and dental care. To schedule a dental appointment in New Baltimore today, call 518-731-2797 or request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you improve or maintain excellent oral health.