Save Money by Getting the Fillings You Need Before 2022 Ends

At your last routine dental checkup, did your dentist tell you that you need a filling? If so, you might not feel an urgent need to schedule that appointment. After all, your tooth isn’t bothering you, and you’re also trying to save money. However, putting off needed fillings can actually cost you more money down the line, particularly if you have dental insurance. So, getting the procedure squared away as soon as possible – preferably before 2022 ends – can save you a great deal of money. How so? Keep reading to find out!

Why Do Dentists Recommend Fillings?

Fillings are an incredibly common treatment, and that’s because they’re extremely effective. After decay has damaged part of a tooth’s enamel, fillings restore its structure, function, and appearance with tooth-colored material. Because teeth can’t repair themselves after decay, fillings are the only way to prevent the damage from getting worse. By treating minor cavities with fillings, you can prevent the need for more advanced (and expensive) restorative procedures later on.

Are Fillings Covered by Dental Insurance?

While the specifics of each dental insurance plan can vary, the good news is that most of them will cover the majority of the cost of fillings. The exact percentage that they’ll cover will differ based on your specific plan as well as whether you’ve paid your deductible and exceeded your annual maximum. If you’re unsure how much money your provider will put toward your fillings, call the number on your insurance card. Your dentist’s team can also help you navigate the details of your plan.

What Happens If You Don’t Get Fillings When You Need Them?

Again, decayed teeth cannot heal themselves, so you’ll need restorative treatment right away. If you put off a filling for too long, you might end up needing a root canal to treat the decay, which is pricier and more time-consuming than a filling. After enough time, the tooth may even have to be extracted, which could lead to a whole host of oral health problems if you don’t pay to replace the tooth.

All that to say, getting the fillings you need now will help you maximize your dental insurance benefits and avoid expensive treatments. Most plans reset on January 1^st, and any unused coverage will not carry over into the new year. Contact your dentist now and set up your fillings appointment so that you can benefit your smile and your wallet!

About the Author

As an experienced dentist in Edison, NJ, Dr. Hiren Shah strives to provide affordable, top-quality dental care at Signature Smiles at Edison. To that end, his practice is an in-network provider for many of the most popular dental insurance carriers, including Delta Dental, Aetna, Cigna, and Horizon BlueCross BlueShield of New Jersey. Even though Dr. Shah has taken 1000+ hours of continuing education in the field of dental implants, he’d prefer to save your natural teeth if possible! That’s why he can’t recommend enough that you get needed fillings before the end of 2022. To get yours taken care of, contact Signature Smiles at Edison via our website or by phone at 908-834-8448.