How Much Dental Services Are Covered By Your Insurance

A visit to the dentist can be scary, especially if you have dental work that needs to be done. But the sooner you fix a problem, the less likely it is to get worse, saving you time and money in the long run.

West Hills Dentist are usually categorized into three levels: preventive, basic and major dental work. Each level covers a different set of procedures, and how much is covered by your insurance will depend on where it falls within these categories.

Preventive services are routine cleanings and x-rays that can catch problems like tooth decay or gum disease before they become more serious. These types of services are typically covered by your dental insurance, and they should be scheduled at least once every six months.

These services can include dental cleanings to remove tartar, a hard substance that forms on teeth over time, and x-rays to check for problems in between your teeth (like cavities). They are considered preventive because they help keep your mouth healthy and can detect issues before they cause pain or other problems.

Tooth repair

When a tooth is cracked or chipped, it can be reshaped and repaired using one of the following treatments:

A dental bonding procedure uses tooth-colored resin to restore the shape of a damaged tooth. It is ideal for addressing small cracks or chips that are not highly visible, especially on front teeth. It is also used to cover worn enamel, improve the appearance of a discolored tooth, or repair chipped or broken crowns and fillings.

Dental implants are artificial teeth that replace missing ones, restoring function and improving your smile. These are typically performed by oral surgeons or periodontists and may take several months to complete.

Other restorative dental procedures include dental fillings, inlays and on-lays, veneers, bridges and crowns, root canals, and dentures. Fillings are used to repair a cavity in a tooth, and they can be composite or amalgam. Composite is a white color that blends in well with your natural teeth, while amalgam is a dark gray or black color and is more noticeable.

Many communities offer free or low-cost dental care through clinics, which holds two-day free dental clinics in fairgrounds, high schools, and other public spaces. These clinics treat adults and children, and they generally don’t require proof of income or insurance. Some dentists also offer discounts for uninsured patients who cannot afford their services. You can contact your local or state health department to learn about financial assistance programs in your area, and the American Network of Oral Health Coalitions has a tool to help you find them.