The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that up to 108 million people in the U.S. have no dental insurance benefits, and even those who are covered have trouble getting care. For those uninsured, a simple New Year’s resolution may be to purchase affordable and reliable dental care in order to prevent health risks and the cycle of decay in the teeth. For those who can afford dental insurance and have not yet used up their yearly maximums last year, the first week of January refreshes the yearly maximum allowing you a whole new maximum to use during the New Year. Once January 1st comes and passes, whatever is not spent from your yearly maximum in the prior year will not roll over; instead, it will go directly to the insurance company.
The average annual maximum for most yearly plans is $1,000. Dental insurance plans normally cover the entire calendar year (January through December), although some insurance companies use the fiscal calendar. Although private dental plans can be expensive, some plans can be more reasonably priced if the dentist is within your insurance company’s network. With all things being equal, people should consider a dentist contracted with their insurance network.
For Orange County residents wanting to make that much needed dental office visit for the New Year, several quality dental offices in the area provide affordable and quality dental care services. In Corona Del Mar, Dr. George Saliba’s (DDS) dental office has been providing quality dental services for years, from general preventative care services to more extensive full mouth reconstructions and cosmetic dental enhancements. General dentistry services include dental exams and cleanings, teeth extractions, root canal therapy, bone grafting and inlay/onlay restorations, while cosmetic dentistry includes composite fillings, porcelain crowns, veneers and dental implants.
According to the Mayo Clinic, oral health is a “window to your overall health,” as problems in the mouth can affect the rest of your body. Although most of the bacteria in your mouth are not dangerous, some harmful bacteria can grow out of control and cause oral infections and eventually enter into your blood stream. Poor oral health has been linked to cardiovascular health, pregnancy and birth, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and other serious diseases and illnesses. So if you have not yet made a visit to your dentist’s office last year, make this New Year a new beginning for your oral health and overall health and continue smiling for years to come.
Selective Dentistry - George Saliba, DDS 