If you’re paying for a dental plan but not going to the dentist, you’re not alone! According to Delta Dental’s 2022 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report, about three in five (59%) adults made a preventive visit in 2021 to reduce their chances of experiencing serious dental issues. A contributing factor to the 40% of adults who did not make a preventive visit could be a fear of going to the dentist.
About 36% of people in the U.S. experience some form of dental anxiety which could stop people from seeing the dentist. It’s important to remember that fear comes at a cost, and that cost escalates the longer you wait to visit the dentist.
Dental coverage encourages preventive care
Dental benefits are one of your biggest advocates for preventive care. That means regular visits to the dentist for cleanings and checkups are covered at the highest percentage. In many cases, these preventive checkups are 100% covered!
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Preventive care appointments with your dentist, which should occur every six months, stop bigger problems from forming in your mouth. These problems, like periodontal disease, cause longer appointments, require treatment plans, can be more uncomfortable and also cost more than preventive care.
If you have dental coverage but are skipping appointments due to fear, it’s important to talk with your dental team and let them know what’s going on. They will likely have many solutions to make you feel more comfortable in the office.
For more ideas to ease dental anxiety, check out the apps in this article.
Dental coverage on basic restorative and major procedures
Restorative and major dental care are the next steps in treatment when it extends beyond preventive care. Restorative procedures repair decay and gum disease through cavity fillings, root canals and other similar treatments. Major procedures include crowns, bridges and dentures. Generally, restorative and major procedures cost more than preventive care, and you could end up paying more out of pocket to have them done than you would for a regular preventive checkup.
Don’t let fear of the dentist stop you from going to the dental office. The best way to avoid restorative dental care is to attend regular preventive checkups. Seeing your dentist every six months allows them to check for cavities or other oral health issues and nip any problem areas in the bud.
You can overcome fear of the dentist
Overcoming fear of going to the dentist takes practice. The more you go, the easier it could become. Additionally, there are many ways to help ease your anxiety before and during your appointment, including:
- Meditation
- Deep breathing exercises
- Working out before your appointment
- Bringing distractions such as games on your smart device
- Talking with your dentist before the appointment
Good oral health habits may help reduce the scope and scale of dental procedures needed down the road and could end up costing you less out of pocket in the long run. Those are great reasons to smile!
*Updated May 2023
