Your smile is important. Not only does it make you look good, but it’s also an important part of your overall health. That’s why it’s important to take care of your teeth and gums. While it can be tempting to put off dental care because of the cost and other reasons, putting off dental care can lead to bigger problems down the road, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting the dental care you need. Even leaving a cavity untreated can lead to pain, infection, and tooth loss.
Unfortunately, 1/3 of adults haven’t seen a dentist in the past year, and the cost is often cited as the reason why. It’s not surprising that so many people choose not to book an appointment with a dentist. Routine cleanings, x-rays, and other preventive care can cost hundreds of dollars, and more serious procedures like fillings, root canals, and crowns can run into the thousands.
What Impacts The Cost Of Dental Care?
There are a number of factors that can impact the cost of dental care. These include:
The Type of Dental Care You Need
The type of dental care you need will have a big impact on the cost. For example, routine cleaning is going to be less expensive than a root canal.
Where You Live
The cost of dental care can vary depending on where you live. In general, dental care is going to be more expensive in urban areas than in rural areas. This is because the cost of living is generally higher in urban areas, and dental practices in these areas have to charge more to cover their expenses.
Type of Dental Insurance You Have
If you have dental insurance, the type of plan you have will impact the cost of your care. For example, if you have a plan with a high deductible, you’ll have to pay more out-of-pocket for your dental care.
Type of Dental Practice
The type of dental practice you visit can also impact the cost of your care. For example, a specialist is going to charge more for their services than a general dentist. Just like with anything else, you get what you pay for when it comes to dental care. It’s important to remember that dental care is an investment in your health. When you choose a dental practice, be sure to select one that uses high-quality materials and has experienced, skilled dentists. This will ensure that you get the best possible care.
Paying for Dental Care
The above are just a few of the factors that can impact the cost of dental care. The best way to know how much your dental care will cost is to schedule an appointment with a dentist near you and get an estimate. While we understand you may be worried about the cost, there are a number of ways to pay for dental care, including:
Health Insurance
One way to pay for dental care is through health insurance. If you have health insurance, your policy may cover some or all of the cost of dental care. Most health insurance plans have a yearly deductible, which is the amount you have to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance plan starts to pay for your care. Once you’ve met your deductible, you may still have to pay a co-pay or coinsurance for your care.
If you’re not sure if your health insurance plan covers dental care, the best way to find out is to find an affordable dentist near you, give them a call, and ask if they accept your insurance. It’s also a good idea to ask about any limitations or exclusions in your policy. For example, some policies may not cover certain types of procedures, like cosmetic dental care.
Out of Pocket (Cash, Debit, Credit Card, Etc.)
Another way to pay for your dental care is out of pocket. This means you pay for your care with cash, a debit card, credit card, or some other form of payment. When you pay out of pocket, you’re responsible for the full cost of your care.
Some people choose to pay out of pocket because they don’t have dental insurance or because their dental insurance doesn’t cover the cost of the care they need. Others may have dental insurance, but they may choose to pay out of pocket because they’ve met their yearly deductible and they don’t want to pay their coinsurance or copay.
Cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards are all ways to pay for your dental care out of pocket. Some people choose to use cash because they are in fear of going into debt paying for their dental care using credit cards. Others may choose to use debit or credit cards because they can earn rewards, like cash back or points, which they can then use to offset the cost.
West Richland Family Dental Membership Club
We understand that dental care can be expensive, which is why we offer our patients a membership club. For a monthly fee, you can get discounts on your dental care. The membership club is an affordable way to get the dental care you need.
A child membership is just $29 a month and an adult membership is $35 a month. The memberships include 1-2 exams, cleanings, and X-rays per year, as well as discounts on other dental care services.
A perio membership, which is for patients with periodontal disease, is also available. For $52 a month, you can get 1-2 exams, 3 perio maintenance cleanings, and X-rays per year, as well as discounts on other dental care services.
To join, just give us a call or stop by our office. We’ll be happy to sign you up.
Invest in Your Dental Health Today
At West Richland Family Dental, we offer high-quality dental care at an affordable price. We accept most major insurance plans, out of pocket payments, and we offer a membership club for patients without insurance.
To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, give us a call today at (509) 642-6660.