WE ARE OPEN EVERY DAY 08:00 – 20:00
Blog & Articles
Five Reasons to Schedule a Dental Checkup Before New Years’ Eve
Are you behind on your dental checkup? Like a lot of Doral families, some of us got thrown out of a routine due to social distancing, quarantines, and closures. Right now, we’re down to a matter of days before we ring in the new year.
While a trip to the dentist’s office may not be the first thing on your mind, there are some really important reasons why you don’t want to skip out on your annual dental checkups. In fact, it’s smart to squeeze one in before the end of the year. Here are five reasons why:
Insurance Benefits Run Out Dec 31st
Bottom line – the most important reason you need to schedule a dental checkup in December is because your insurance benefits will expire on the 31st. Yes, they reset on January 1st, but all of your unused allowances won’t roll over. In other words, if you don’t use them, you lose them.
This cutoff can sound like a bad thing, but it can actually work out in your favor. Especially if you need last-minute dental treatment and plan to start on other restorative care in the new year. By utilizing your remaining allowances before year’s end, those benefits work in your advantage and help to lower the overall cost of dental care. And then less pressing treatments can be scheduled in January or February, when allowances reset.
Scheduling is Limited
Like yourself, a lot of families in Mesa are trying to take advantage of the last of their annual dental benefits. As a result, December turns into a “mad rush” to try to get to the dentist’s office while there’s still time. If you’re someone with a fairly rigid schedule, it can be a bit more challenging to get that “right after work” appointment you tend to stick to earlier in the year.
Fortunately, the holidays help. Having extra time off of school or work makes it simpler to squeeze that last-minute dentist appointment in without having to rearrange your calendar. The key is to call our Mesa dentist as early as possible, while we still have openings! The quicker you get in touch with us, the more likely you’ll be able to get your teeth cleaned before New Years’ Eve.
Preventative Services Keep Your Mouth Healthy
Most preventative care (prophylactic) procedures — such as cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and more — are completely covered by dental insurance (with some exclusions) up to twice a year. By utilizing your included coverage, you pay zero out of pocket for services that improve oral health and reduce conditions like periodontitis or tooth decay.
Depending on the type of insurance you carry, your plan may allow two checkups and cleanings at any point in the year. Others request that the visits are six months apart. Nevertheless, if time got away from you this year, December is your last chance to tap into the “free” services you’re entitled to. In reality, you’ve been paying for them each month as part of your premium. Don’t let your benefits go to waste.
Earlier Treatment Reduces Out of Pocket Costs
Unfortunately, dental problems like tooth decay and abscesses don’t heal or “recover” with time. Rather, they become more complex and invade the surrounding teeth. As they become more aggressive, the treatments change from modest restorations to more comprehensive or rehabilitative procedures.
In other words, treating a cavity today will only require a small and affordable dental filling. But if you allow the decay to go untreated, the situation could evolve into a complex root canal and crown several months down the road.
Early intervention prevents unnecessary dental problems before they ever have the chance to develop. As a natural result, your overall dental care costs are lowered. Scheduling the visit at the end of the year helps you tap into unused dental benefits, instantly lowering your out-of-pocket costs.
You’ll be Ahead of the Game
By the time your benefits reset on January 1st, you’ll know exactly what’s going on inside of your mouth. If you do need treatment, you’ll already have plenty of time to get a care plan mapped out, figure which order things need to be completed in, and hit the ground running without dental problems multiplying. Your year-end dental checkup will give you the foresight of knowing what next year holds for your smile.
Are you due for your six-month checkup? Most insurance plans cover two cleanings and exams per year. Call Doral Familly Dental today to reserve an appointment!
Make An appointment
Click here if you want to make an appointment with us directly.
Follow Us
Quick Contact
- 305.960.7734
- 7800 NW 25th ST #11, Doral FL 33122
- info@doralfamilydental.com
- Doral Family Dental 2022. All Right Reserved