Does My Dental Insurance Cover Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. They can cause a lot of discomforts, such as pain, swelling, and infection, and may need to be removed. However, the cost of wisdom teeth removal can be a concern for many people, and they may wonder if their dental insurance covers it.
What is Dental Insurance?
Dental insurance is a type of insurance that covers the cost of dental care. It helps people pay for routine dental check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and other dental procedures. However, the coverage varies depending on the policy and the insurance company.
Types of Dental Insurance
There are two main types of dental insurance: dental health maintenance organizations (DHMOs) and preferred provider organizations (PPOs).
DHMOs are a type of managed care plan that requires you to choose a primary care dentist. You can only see dentists that are part of the DHMO network, and you may need a referral to see a specialist. DHMOs typically have lower monthly premiums, but you may have to pay more out of pocket for certain services.
PPOs, on the other hand, allow you to see any dentist you want, even if they are not in the PPO network. However, you may have to pay more if you see a dentist outside of the network. PPOs typically have higher monthly premiums, but they may cover more services than DHMOs.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Wisdom Teeth Removal?
The answer to this question depends on your dental insurance policy. Some policies may cover wisdom teeth removal, while others may not. It is important to check your policy to see what is covered and what is not.
In general, dental insurance policies cover medically necessary procedures. If your wisdom teeth are causing problems, such as pain or infection, your dental insurance may cover the cost of their removal. However, if the removal is considered a cosmetic procedure, such as when the teeth are healthy but are being removed to prevent future problems, your dental insurance may not cover it.
What to Consider When Choosing Dental Insurance
When choosing dental insurance, it is important to consider several factors:
- The monthly premium
- The deductible
- The annual maximum benefit
- The coverage for routine and major dental procedures
- The network of dentists
You should also check if the dental insurance policy has any waiting periods. Some policies may require you to wait a certain amount of time before you can use the coverage for certain procedures, such as wisdom teeth removal.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth removal can be an expensive procedure, and it is important to check your dental insurance policy to see if it covers it. However, the coverage varies depending on the policy and the insurance company, so it is important to do your research and choose a policy that fits your needs.
