Yes, dental insurance typically covers professional cleanings. Many plans cover preventive care such as teeth cleaning and fluoride treatment at 100%, while procedures such as X-rays and root canals are usually covered at lower percentages. Most plans will also provide coverage for additional procedures like sealants or fillings that may be needed after the cleaning is complete.
Contents:
What is Dental Insurance?
Dental insurance is an agreement between an individual and an insurer, which states that the insurer will pay a set amount towards any dental treatments or procedures recommended by a dentist. It typically includes coverage for dental checkups, x-rays, crowns, fillings and other oral surgery costs. Depending on the policyholder’s plan, it may also cover orthodontic work such as braces. Generally speaking, most policies do not cover the cost of routine cleaning at regular intervals – usually three to six months apart – though there are exceptions depending on the specific terms of each plan.
For individuals who opt for private health care plans instead of public coverage through their employers, there are numerous insurers to choose from offering different levels of coverage for various services and procedures. Shopping around for various policies can allow consumers to compare features and pricing structures in order to find one which suits them best. Most companies offer several tiers of packages with varying premiums in order to meet both the needs of their clients and those they wish to attract or retain in the long term.
Alongside basic policies covering all kinds of standard treatment plans, many providers also offer comprehensive coverage geared towards more expensive procedures such as implants or advanced cosmetic dentistry treatments. Consumers should keep in mind however that even with comprehensive policies these treatments tend only be partially covered so some out-of-pocket expenses may still be required depending on the particulars of their policy agreement.
Types of Cleaning Covered by Dental Insurance
When searching for dental coverage, many consumers can be left wondering what types of cleanings are covered by their insurance plan. Generally speaking, most dental plans cover preventive care such as periodic check-ups and diagnostic exams. This usually includes professional cleanings performed by hygienists or dentists to help keep teeth free of plaque, tartar and bacteria.
In addition to the standard cleaning procedures typically included in a dental visit, some insurance plans may also cover additional services like scaling and root planing. Scaling is a deep cleaning process that removes plaque from both above and below the gum line, while root planing involves smoothing rough surfaces on the roots of teeth where bacterial deposits tend to accumulate. Both scaling and root planing can help prevent serious gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Depending on your specific policy, some insurance companies may also offer coverage for prophylaxis which is a deeper type of cleaning used to treat existing periodontal problems or issues with gums. During this procedure, special tools are used to remove tougher buildup from around the teeth that brushing alone cannot remove; these cleanings should be completed every 3-4 months if recommended by your dentist or hygienist.
Is Regular Cleaning Covered?
When discussing dental insurance, one key question is whether it covers regular cleaning. The answer to this question varies greatly from one plan to the next. Generally, most plans will cover the cost of a professional cleaning or oral exam at least twice a year, often more frequently for those with specific risks or issues.
The purpose of these appointments is for both diagnosis and prevention as part of an overall preventative care approach. During these visits, plaque and tartar buildup can be removed and further assessment conducted by the dentist to identify any potential problems that could arise in the future due to poor oral hygiene. X-rays may be taken as part of a comprehensive plan if deemed necessary by your dentist during examination.
If certain conditions are present such as gum disease, additional cleanings may be needed throughout the year outside of what is covered under your policy. In these cases you may have only partial coverage under your plan depending on its specifics; however, many policies still allow for some reimbursement for treatments not explicitly listed within their scope of benefits.
Are Deep Cleanings (Scaling and Root Planing) Covered?
With the recent shift to preventive dental care, deep cleanings (known as scaling and root planing) are becoming an increasingly popular procedure. While it is true that most traditional dental insurance policies will cover a standard teeth cleaning at least once or twice a year, it is important to note that when it comes to deep cleanings (scaling and root planing), coverage can vary.
For starters, some policies may not cover these procedures at all while others might only offer partial coverage. Many plans also require an initial diagnosis from your dentist before they will approve payment for such services. Regardless of what your plan may provide in terms of coverage, most patients should expect to have some out-of-pocket costs associated with this type of treatment. In order to determine if scaling and root planning is covered under your policy and whether there are any additional requirements you must meet prior to having the procedure completed, you should contact your insurance provider directly.
In addition to regular exams and standard teeth cleanings being considered preventative care, many dentists also recommend follow up visits post-treatment in order for them to monitor any additional treatments that may be necessary over time due to periodontal diseases or other issues related to gum health. Again, these types of follow up appointments could be either partially or fully covered by your insurer depending on their particular policy guidelines so it would be best practice for patients who want coverage for these services to make sure that they understand exactly what their individual plan offers prior beginning any treatment programs recommended by their healthcare professionals.
Understanding Benefits and Coverage Options
Understanding the benefits and coverage options of dental insurance is essential for making informed decisions about oral healthcare. Insurance providers often offer a variety of plans, each with its own set of features, limits, and deductibles. This makes it vital to review carefully what services are included and excluded in a particular policy before signing up.
When searching for an appropriate policy, individuals should always be aware of their current needs as well as potential future needs since most policies cover both preventative care such as check-ups and cleanings as well as more serious treatments like root canals and crowns. Some companies may have waiting periods that must be observed before certain procedures or devices can be covered. Therefore, consumers should inquire about this detail in advance to ensure they are not blindsided by unexpected costs down the line.
Dental plans tend to include annual maximums which limit how much money one can receive for all claims during a calendar year regardless of cost level or type of service involved. As such, it’s important to understand this limit so that you know exactly how much protection your plan provides against higher priced services. Some employers will also provide additional coverage but usually these carry different set restrictions than the primary policy so it’s best to read them over thoroughly prior to enrolling in them if available.
How to Find Out if Your Dental Insurance Covers Cleanings
Figuring out if your dental insurance plan covers professional cleanings can be an overwhelming process. While it’s recommended to visit a dentist at least once a year, different insurances have varying plans. If you’re wondering what type of coverage is included in your insurance package, the best option is to contact them directly and ask. Usually they will provide you with all the necessary information about which services are covered and their approximate cost to you.
You should also take some time to research local dentists that accept your specific insurance provider so you can get an accurate quote for any potential services you may need. This can help narrow down where you choose to go when selecting a plan so that you know exactly what will be provided before committing to any additional fees or costs. Using an online comparison service such as Dental Compare or MyDentalQuotes makes comparing multiple policies easy and straightforward.
Make sure to read through all fine print associated with any dental plans that interest you prior to making any decisions on which one would fit better for your needs. This way, there won’t be unexpected surprises down the line should something happen and require attention from a dentist during one of those appointments. By doing this extra legwork upfront, it’ll give peace of mind knowing whether or not oral hygiene visits are covered by a particular policy – giving assurance they’re worth every penny spent.
