4 Ways to Cover the Cost of Dental Services

 

Regular dental care plays a critical role in overall physical health. People who don’t take care of their teeth or see a dentist regularly often develop tooth decay, cavities, and sometimes even abscesses. Degenerative conditions like these can lead to more complicated procedures like a root canal, a bridge, or even an extraction. However, many people do not have dental insurance and cannot afford the cost of twice-yearly checkups, cleanings, or fillings. Fortunately, payment options are available to help cover the cost of this important health care service.

Payment plan.

Many family dental care practices offer an interest-free or low-interest payment option to individuals or families facing significant treatment costs. For example, if a dental filling costs $250, the dentist’s office may be able to accept $50 monthly payments to cover the balance in full. Depending on the patient’s income and total bill, payments can often be adjusted on an affordable level.

Credit card.

Some people use credit regularly, like a home equity line of credit or a credit card, to pay dentistry expenses and medical bills. A dentist’s balance can be carried for one or more months to let the patient make affordable payments until the bill is paid in full. A balance transfer with 0 percent interest over several months’ time may offer a practical approach to paying a cumulative dental bill.

Savings account.

Ideally, everyone should maintain a short-term savings account for periodic expenses like dental bills that are not covered by insurance. Putting away even $50 per month can be a big help toward dental bills that pop up for every six months’ checkup. Dental patients can check with the dentist for an estimated cost of expected oral care procedures during a routine checkup, as well as the potential cost of a filling, if needed. Knowing in advance how much the dental work might cost can help patients start saving toward that expense with the option of paying any residual balance in monthly installments.

Windfalls.

It is not unusual to receive extra cash throughout the year for various reasons. Holiday and birthday gifts, stock dividends, job bonuses, yard sale profits, and insurance premium reductions can provide additional income that can be stashed away for important expenses like dental care. Although visiting the dentist may not seem like an exciting way to spend a windfall monetary gift, quality dental care is essential for good health and will help prevent higher costs associated with dental implants or orthodontic work.

Those who have dental insurance can rest easy, knowing their checkups, x-rays, and fillings are covered. But those without dental coverage can try techniques like these to ensure they receive timely dental care to keep teeth healthy and strong.  For more information, visit: https://dentalzen.com/