In a recent poll about what people want most from their jobs, health insurance came out on top. That's what you would expect. Health insurance is something that everyone knows they need. But dental insurance is the second most-wanted benefit of a job, which might surprise you. Why is it so important and important to have dental insurance?
If you've ever had a toothache, you know that when your teeth hurt, it feels like the whole world is just one throbbing, aching tooth. A bad tooth can mess up your day more than almost anything else. Still, most people don't think dental insurance is that important, and big companies are just starting to realise how important it is as an employee benefit. Most people don't realise how important dental health is, but doctors are learning that more and more every day.
Most people are just starting to understand how closely dental health is linked to overall physical health. Gingivitis, which is an infection of the soft tissues of the mouth, can easily turn into a systemic infection that needs to be treated in the hospital. Misaligned teeth can cause pain in the neck and head, and broken teeth can lead to infections that, in the worst case, can kill you. Your health will suffer if you don't take care of your teeth.
Without dental insurance, it's too expensive for many adults to get regular dental care. Depending on where you live in the country, a simple filling costs between $125 and $200 on average. Routine exams and cleanings, which adults should get at least once a year, cost $75 and up on average, and a full set of dental x-rays can easily cost more than $200. Even more expensive are services that are needed right away. One of the most common types of oral surgery, a root canal, can cost close to $1,000. And cosmetic dentistry costs between $1500 and $3000 on average, depending on the procedure. This includes everything from teeth whitening to full bridge replacements.
Good dental insurance lowers the cost of routine dental care, often paying for one set of x-rays and a cleaning each year. That kind of regular care can stop a lot of the more expensive emergencies from happening. Even more important, regular dental exams can often find the first signs of more serious health problems. For example, the first signs of diabetes are often in the mouth. One of the most important parts of good health care is full dental insurance.
Do you really need dental insurance? Yes, without any ifs or buts.
