Posted by Meghan Weaver on Fri, Mar 19, 2010 @ 11:50 AM
According to a recent New York Times article, dental costs are rising faster than inflation. Also, more than 100 million Americans don't have dental coverage. For these individuals dental costs can really add up.
That toothache you may have originally thought was no big deal could turn into a several thousand dollar procedure like a crown or an implant. Even cleanings, x-rays and fillings will set you back several hundred dollars. In today's economy, this is all money many of us don't have.
However, a large body of recent research shows a major connection between the health of your mouth and the health of your body. That means it's up to you-the consumer-to find ways to reduce your dental costs without sacrificing your oral health.
In this blog series, we'll offer you three tips for keeping your mouth and your wallet healthy, even if you don't have dental insurance.
Tip number one is PREVENTION:
Unlike medical problems which are often unpredictable and catastrophic, dental conditions are generally predictable and preventable. Seeing your dentist regularly for preventative care is well worth your time and expense, here's why:
Average cost in Massachusetts for preventative
care:
Cleaning and exam $93
Average cost in Massachusetts for restorative
care:
-
Root Canal - Molar $1,030.00
-
Porcelain on Gold Crown $1,248.00
So, would you rather pay $186 dollars for 2 cleanings and exams per-year or over $1,000 all at once for a root canal because you delayed your dental care?
When you look at the costs for restorative procedures in Massachusetts, $93 twice a year looks like a pretty good deal. However, for those without dental insurance it isn't exactly a small bill.
With Universal Dental Plan, all members get free oral exams and cleanings discounted down to $56. To learn what else you can save, visit our website (www.universaldentalplan.com) and download our complete fee schedule.