“Dental insurance can help in detecting oral cancer?” was what Ruth said as soon as I sat down for our monthly lunch. What was that about?
Here’s the story Ruth told me. Remember Linda, Ruth’s sister-in-law, Toni’s sister? A few months ago, Linda signed up for a dental plan then had a crown (those wonderful pecans do have nasty shells that can be harmful). Linda recently called Ruth and told her about her latest “issue”. A couple of months after having the crown, it was time for her 6-month checkup. Linda has always had regular 6-month checkups which are covered by her dental plan. (She admitted to going every 6 months because they are covered by her dental plan.) During her checkup, Linda told her dentist that she felt like something was caught in her throat but there was nothing there. Her dentist checked her mouth and throat including feeling her jaw and neck for any lumps or abnormalities. Her dentist then referred her to a specialist to have a more detailed exam. After seeing a specialist, Linda was diagnosed with oral cancer – very, very early stage and she will be fine. Linda admitted to Ruth that, if she did not have a dental plan that covered checkups every 6 months, she probably would not see the dentist that often and that regular. Ruth asked Linda if the dentist told her symptoms/signs to look for. Her dentist told her to pay attention to 1) pain, tenderness, or numbness in her mouth or on her lips, 2) a change in the way her teeth fit together when she closes her mouth, 3) a sore or irritation that does not go away, 4) ear pain without hearing loss and 5) bleeding in her mouth. Yes, I am a huge advocate of dental insurance. Why? Dental checkups are covered by most dental plans. Checkups can be an effective way to catch small things before they develop into large, painful issues like early detection of oral cancer. Don’t wait until you’re in pain, which may result in a more major procedure that may be expensive $$. Most dental insurance covers 6-month checkups as well as minor and major procedures like crowns, implants, root canals, fillings, dentures. As you know, Medicare does not cover these dental procedures. Is dental insurance expensive? Is it cheaper just to pay out of pocket? No, dental insurance is not expensive. It might be cheaper to pay out of pocket IF all you ever have are checkups. But that’s not real life. People like Linda have accidents that result in needing a crown. Teeth get a lot of wear every day and remember they are as old as the rest of your body! Next time you go to the dentist, ask your dentist if most of their patients who have regular checkups do or do not have dental insurance. Take care of your teeth. Call me at 501-868-6650 and say “Caroline, can we talk?”
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AuthorCaroline Beauchamp specializes in personalized life and health insurance solutions. Archives
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