When left alone for too long, gum disease can be a dire threat to your oral health. It’s therefore important to take whatever steps you can to either avoid this condition altogether or have it treated as soon as possible. The good news is that if you have dental insurance, taking advantage of your benefits can make it easier to get the care you need to protect the health of your gums. Here’s a brief look at what you need to know when it comes to gum disease and dental insurance.
What Happens If You Ignore Gum Disease?
Gum disease tends to have relatively mild symptoms early on; in fact, you may not even realize that you have it. However, if the condition is left unaddressed for too long, it will continue to grow more severe. Over time, untreated gum disease can lead to deterioration of the jaw, and it may even result in the loss of your permanent teeth. Furthermore, studies show that people with severe gum disease tend to have a higher risk of suffering from heart problems.
In short, gum disease is not a problem you can afford to ignore. Having it diagnosed and treated as promptly as possible is essential for protecting your smile as well as your overall health.
How Dental Insurance Can Help You Avoid or Treat Gum Disease
You can typically expect your dental insurance plan to cover at least two checkups and cleanings every year. These appointments give your dentist a chance to check your mouth for signs of gum disease that you may not have noticed on your own. Identifying the problem as early as possible can make it significantly easier to treat. Furthermore, a routine dental cleaning allows your dentist to remove any plaque and tartar that have built up in your mouth, thus reducing the risk of gum disease occurring in the first place.
If you already have gum disease, dental insurance may be able to help you fit the treatment you need into your budget. Many insurance plans offer 50% to 80% coverage for scaling and root planing, which is often recommended for stopping gum disease from growing worse.
Of course, before you pursue any sort of treatment, you should take the time to review your plan and make sure that you fully understand your benefits. It’s important to take note of any details that could affect the amount you need to pay out of pocket, such as the deductible or the annual maximum.
Dental insurance is an invaluable tool for ensuring that you’re able to get the care your smile needs. Making good use of your benefits could be the key to keeping the worst consequences of gum disease at bay.
About the Author
Dr. John Petty is an experienced dentist in Tullahoma who strives to maintain a minimum-stress environment for his patients. He completes more than 100 hours of continuing education every year, and he has earned the distinction of being a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. His practice, Petty Dental, offers scaling and root planing as a solution for patients with bleeding or swollen gums. If you need treatment for gum disease, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Petty by visiting his website or calling (931) 454-9499.