Sometimes, as senior citizens, additional or more specific
dental care is required since, as all of us age, our gums and teeth become more
prone to inflammation, disease, and decay. As well, other health conditions,
such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, respiratory disease, and stroke,
also can affect oral health and vice versa, as per the ADA.
Because of such risk factors involved, it is often in
seniors’ best interests to have dental insurance on hand. For one, 27 percent
of out-of-pocket expenses for health care are for dental services—some people even
put off necessary dental care due to this expense. To learn more about dental
insurance for seniors, read on and get a better idea of what it entails.
Standard Dental
Insurance Policies
Usually, dental insurance is not offered within significant health
insurance plans, such as the kind many are offered via their employer, but
people, seniors included, can purchase their own dental insurance policy to
cover a few of the costs with a typically low-cost monthly premium.
Dental insurance does often require a waiting time for
expensive treatments, meaning you shouldn’t put off getting dental insurance until
you need it to buy it. Standard insurance plans for dental care include
biannual exams and cleanings. Other services sometimes involve a copayment or a
deductible, such as x-rays, extractions, fillings, and restorative procedures
like deep cleanings, crowns, bridges, and root canals.
Additional Dental
Policies Seniors May Require
Beyond routine fillings and checkups, some insurance
policies cover a portion of the costs for other dental services, some of which
include but are not limited to the following:
Dentures
: For denture fittings, patients typically
require many tooth extractions, which makes it a considerable procedure involving
possibly more than a few visits. A few family dentists can fit individuals for
dentures though specialty dentists are likely more acquainted with the process
and can have a quicker turnaround.
Periodontics
: Periodontal disease has numerous forms
and can ultimately destroy the bones that support the teeth. To treat this
condition, patients may receive dental implants as well as inflammation
treatment. Specialists are usually required.
Endodontics
: Root canals, which remove diseased or
decayed pulp in teeth, are most commonly how endodontics is used. A regular
dentist can usually perform this or a specialist may be referred.
Orthodontia
: This service, which most dentists offer,
involves braces for aligning crooked teeth.
Implants
: Adults who’ve lost several teeth because of
decay or an accident can receive dental implants, which can eliminate the necessity
of a bridge, as implants feel, look, and work like regular teeth. Oral surgeons
rather than family dentists usually perform this service.
Cosmetic services
: Whitening, veneers, and bonding
can be covered in some dental policies.
Dental Plans
Specifically, for seniors, two major kinds of personal
dental insurance plans are usually the best fit, and they can be found below:
Managed-Care Plans
: Also called preferred provider
organizations (PPO), these plans negotiate dental fees with particular in-network
providers. These providers only request your share of the costs and file
necessary documents for you. Procedures by out-of-network providers can be
covered, but it is often by a smaller amount.
Indemnity Plans
: These plans typically include more
providers, meaning seniors could see their preferred dentist. However, patients
often must pay the whole bill immediately before filing a claim to reimburse a
procedure.
If you are a senior trying to figure out how you will be
able to pay for your insurance, consider a New Hampshire senior discount dental
plan
for individuals and families like the Wellness Dental Plan. You can save
as much as 20 percent off your dental bills! For more information, click here.
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