November is almost gone and December is on our doorstep. Only weeks left in the year. 2012 went by really quickly for me, how about you? I still have a bunch of things on my to-do list for the year (including a couple of unfulfilled New Year’s resolutions…oops!). One thing on my to-do list is to visit the dentist. Have you visited the dentist recently?
We need to have our teeth cleaned every six months. At this visit we also see the dentist for a complete examination. During this examination your dentist will look for any signs of gum disease, decay, perform an oral cancer screening, and check the general health of your teeth and gums. Something to think about if you have dental insurance is whether or not your insurance benefits renew January 1st each year. If they do, you only have a few weeks left to take advantage of your 2012 insurance benefits.
You most likely have a set amount of money your insurance will pay for your dental care each year. To put it simply: if you don’t use it, you lose it. Leftover money doesn’t roll over and add to the next year’s benefits.
Have you been putting off a visit to the dentist? There are a million reasons for putting off a visit to the dentist including fear or anxiety, a packed schedule, a difficult past experience, financial reasons, etc. but there is one excellent reason to go to the dentist: your health. Your oral health affects the health of the rest of your body. Heart disease, diabetes, and pre-term labor are just a few of the medical concerns linked directly to oral health.
Discuss your concerns with your dentist. If you have been putting off your visit due to fear or anxiety possibly stemming from a painful experience in your past, communicate this to your dentist. There are many options available today for fearful patients including IV sedation. If you’ve been avoiding your dentist because of financial concern, ask your dentist if he or she offers payment arrangements. Many dental offices offer interest-free financing options through a company called Care Credit.
If you have dental insurance and are unsure whether or not your benefits renew January 1st you should find out soon so you can take advantage of your benefits if they do in fact renew January 1st. You can call your dental insurance carrier. You can also ask your place of work’s Human Resources representative. I recommend calling your dental office. The insurance coordinator should have an explanation of your dental benefits and can answer any questions you have and then help you make an appointment with your dentist.
Don’t wait for another year to begin before you get the care you need! Take advantage of your benefits and take care of your health by calling your dentist today to schedule your appointment.
Bright Side Dental is a dental group with locations in Sterling Heights, St. Clair Shores, Livonia, Canton, and Royal Oak, Michigan. Visit www.BrightSideDental.com.