Even if you need dental fillings, you might be tempted to delay treatment. That’s a normal reaction – many patients will put off care until the last minute. Still, it’s best if you don’t indulge this idea. The better option is to get fillings before the year’s end. Otherwise, treating your oral issue will become more expensive. Your local Tyler dentist can explain the details if you’d like. So, here’s a summary of why to get fillings ahead of the new year.
A Reminder: What are Dental Fillings?
To be clear, dental fillings are combinations of metal, plastic, and glass used to repair teeth. Those used today often rely on composite resin.
Generally, fillings “fill” the areas where decayed tooth material was removed. They’re thus ideal for treating cavities and similar holes in your enamel. That said, they can also restore cracked or broken teeth. Filling material can also address dental wear from nail biting and tooth grinding.
Unlike other dental issues, cavities don’t heal on their own. In fact, they typically worsen when left untreated. Therefore, putting off fillings too long will cause further health complications. You might even be forced to get root canal therapy or a tooth extraction instead.
Dental Insurance Covers Fillings
Cost-wise, the best move is to get fillings while they’re a viable choice. Dental insurance usually offers major coverage for them.
You see, most dental plans view fillings as a “basic restorative service.” That means they’ll often cover 70-80% of the treatment cost. If you’ve met your deductible, then, you could get a big discount on care.
Of course, there are still other factors that impact fillings’ cost. The final price will depend on your unique oral needs, the specifics of your insurance, etc. Still, the right dental plan will make fillings highly cost-effective.
Dental Benefits Don’t “Roll Over”
If you do want insurance to cover your fillings, you should get the latter before December 31st. Your plan will effectively “reset” after January 1st.
Sadly, your (unused) dental benefits don’t “roll over” from year to year. You have to pay an annual deductible to regain access to them. As such, putting off fillings until next year will raise the cost of treatment. You’ll have lost your chance to save a large amount of money.
Ultimately, it’s financially sound to get fillings before the year’s end. That being the case, see your dentist for treatment before 2023 is over!
About the Practice
Stansbury Dental is based in Tyler, TX. Led by the wonderful Dr. Dennis E. Stansbury, our practice gives each patient top-quality oral care. We thus offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, as well as emergency dental treatments. Our team is also a certified provider of both Six Month Smiles® and Invisalign® clear aligners. For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (903)-561-1122.