Is Tooth Extraction Covered in Dental Insurance?
No one wakes up one day and wishes to have one less tooth. Tooth extractions are not exciting, and most people dread the procedure. However, tooth extraction in Dallas, TX, is essential since they are recommended when there is no other choice.
Dental technology has made the procedure friendlier in that you can go through the whole process without feeling any pain or discomfort. Moreover, we have an excellent support system and will help you journey until you have a healed tooth extraction.
If you are scheduled for tooth extraction, maybe you wish to remove your wisdom tooth, you must wonder how much the procedure costs and if dental insurance covers the cost. If you wish to know more, continue reading. But first, let’s explore some things about tooth extractions.
What Is the Benefit of a Tooth Extraction?
Teeth are supposed to be your companions for life. But life happens, and the next thing you know, our dentist recommends that you undergo a tooth extraction. It might not be the best news or what you hoped for, but it’s usually the last resort.
But tooth extractions couldn’t be performed if they didn’t have any benefits. So, some of the benefits are:
- Tooth extractions can inhibit the spread of infection and decay. No one wishes their smile to suffer; when all the other options have failed, an extraction will eliminate the problem.
- Extractions solve the overcrowding problem. Overcrowding leads to other dental issues such as misalignments, tooth decay, and gum disease.
- Tooth extraction can help relieve pain and help you have a functional smile. You will no longer be in pain when the decay has been dealt with.
As you can see, tooth extraction isn’t all doom and gloom, but they help you smile again!
How Long Does a Tooth Extraction Procedure Take?
If this is the first time you undergo a tooth extraction, you must probably be nervous. But knowing what the procedure is all about can calm the nerves. Tooth extractions are straightforward, especially simple extractions.
In any case, the procedure commences by administering local anesthesia to ensure that you don’t feel pain while our dentist pulls the tooth. Once the area is numb, our dentist can begin the procedure. If your tooth is impacted or you’ve had several extractions, our dentist may opt that receive general anesthesia.
Either way, our dentist will pull the tooth once the anesthetic has kicked in. Gauze will be placed in the socket to stop the bleeding when the tooth is out. At times, our dentist may decide to use stitches to close the gum. Just like that, you will be ready to go home.
If a tooth was extracted, the process would take about 20-40 minutes to complete. But, if multiple teeth need to be removed, then every additional tooth will take about three to 15 minutes, depending on its location.
Can You Claim Tooth Extraction Insurance?
One major aspect of this procedure is the cost. You ought to know how much an extraction will cost for you to be better prepared. You don’t want to be in a tough spot when you understand how much you need to pay and don’t have the money to cover the cost.
That’s why people go for dental insurance. However, as you well know, insurance companies have a cap. So, the level of coverage will depend on your plan, individual benefits, the type of procedure, and the company.
But to keep your costs low and the bulk of the cost in the hands of the insurance company, you need to find out if you’ve met your deductibles.
Most dental insurance companies will use the 100-80-50 coverage structure. In other words, they will cover 100% of routine diagnostic and preventive care such as exams and cleaning. Then, they will cover 80% of the basic procedures, such as root canals and tooth extractions. Lastly, they will cover 50% of the major procedures such as bridges, crowns, dentures, etc.
So, you need to know that dental insurance will only cover 70-80% of the cost if you get a tooth extraction. This is better than paying 100%!
The best thing you can do is to contact your dental insurance company and ask them what they cover and what they don’t.
In any case, you can reach out to us at All Care Dental, and we would love to help you.