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How to Afford Dentistry in a Recession
Under normal circumstances dentistry is expensive, but with the government running the country over an economic cliff it’s even that much worse. A common reaction in a recession is to cut out unnecessary expenses and unfortunately, dental work often falls into this category. With the exception of elective cosmetic work, regular dental checkups and getting dental treatment done in a timely manner will keep patients out of unexpected pain and higher treatment costs. Small cavities, if put off, can turn into expensive root canals, crowns, or even extractions. Teeth with large fillings or fractures can break at any time and also lead to similar problems. But with higher costs due to inflation dental treatment may seem like an impossibility. Here are a few ways that can make dental work more affordable.
For patients with dental insurance maximizing your benefits each year can help with costs. In order to use your benefits, you must actually go to the dentist. Avoiding dental visits will usually only lead to bigger, more costly problems. If anxiety is keeping you away, call the office and ask if they offer sedation. Most offices will offer some form of sedation or relaxation methods to help alleviate your anxiety.
For patients without dental insurance in-office loyalty memberships are another way to save on treatment. Offices that offer these memberships can save patient’s anywhere from 20-50% on most dental treatment. These custom memberships can only be used at the office that offers them since they are not insurance plans. There is normally a yearly membership fee that covers basic cleanings and x-rays as well as discounts on any needed dental work. This will vary from office to office.
Payment plans offered through the office or through CareCredit can make dental treatment affordable. It never hurts to ask if payments can be broken up into installments. Most offices will be happy to do this, within reason.
At our office we offer many was for patients to afford needed dental work. If we can help, please visit our website at www.batonrougedentistry.com or give us a call at 225-926-4203. We are always accepting new patients.
