Restorative Dentistry - Schenectady, NY • Capital District
Renew Function & Aesthetics
Many times people postpone dental care because of a busy schedule or fear of the dentist. Some think that tooth or mouth pain will simply go away. If this sounds like you, we can reverse the effects of dental decay, disease, and damage through modern, comfortable restorative therapies at our Schenectady dentistry practice.
The dentist provides a variety of dental therapies to help you regain oral well-being. As a skilled restorative dentist, she may suggest composite resin fillings to restore health and preserve your all-white smile. Durable crowns, inlays, and onlays attractively repair structurally unsound teeth. A root canal is a conservative therapy option to save an infected or sensitive tooth from extraction. For severely damaged dentition, extensive comprehensive treatment restores optimal dental well-being.
How Dental Insurance Works
There are many dental insurance plans out there, and each one is unique in the coverage it provides. We encourage you to learn about the benefits and stipulations of your specific policy so you can use it with confidence.
In the meantime, here are some general notes about how dental insurance works:
- PPO dental insurance plans allow you to visit virtually any practice, while HMO plans only offer benefits at in-network practices. (Because of this, we can only assist you with insurance if you have a PPO plan.)
- Preventive services, like cleanings and exams, are usually 100% covered.
- Fillings, non-surgical extractions, and other basic services may be 80% covered.
- Major services, such as certain types of oral surgery, are often up to 50% covered.
- Your plan may also have a deductible, a waiting period before you can use certain benefits, and an annual maximum on the value of your benefits.
- Orthodontia, dental implants, and other specialty services are only covered under certain premium plans.
What Is the Difference Between Dental & Medical Insurance?
Oral health is an intrinsic part of overall wellness, so it might seem odd that dental insurance and medical insurance are two different things. However, understanding this distinction is important in order for you to get the most out of your benefits.
Health insurance is for preventive care with your PCP, emergency services, and management of chronic illness. It does not typically cover routine oral care. Dental insurance has a strong focus on prevention of oral illness and covers a wide range of services that focus on the teeth and gums.
In some cases, there is minor overlap between the two types of coverage. For example, they might both apply to some types of oral surgery.
The Benefits of Choosing an Out-of-Network Dentist
Your out-of-pocket financial obligation might be slightly lower if you choose an in-network provider. However, Dr. Page and our Schenectady team choose to be out-of-network because providing high-quality care is our top priority.
When a practice is in-network with an insurance company, their contract can put restrictions on the care provided. For example, the insurance may encourage the cheapest treatment option even if it is not the best option for the patient. In contrast, because we are out-of-network, we can base our recommendations on what will be the most beneficial for you long-term.
Plus, you can still use your benefits in our practice! We will be happy to file claims on your behalf and handle all the necessary paperwork so you can receive compensation from your insurance company. It’s a win-win situation!