North Idaho Dental Group
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Understanding Your Dental Insurance: What’s Covered and What’s Not

June 14, 2024
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Posted By: Dr. Ben Gates
mom and daughter in ponderay

Navigating dental insurance can sometimes feel like a puzzle. At North Idaho Dental Group, we want to make it as easy as possible for you to understand what’s covered and what’s not. With two convenient locations in Ponderay and Coeur d’Alene, we’re here to help you get the dental care you need without any confusion.

What’s Typically Covered?

  • Preventive Care — Most dental insurance plans cover preventive care, including routine checkups, cleanings, and x-rays. These visits are crucial for maintaining oral health and catching potential issues early. Our dentists in Ponderay and Coeur d’Alene recommend taking full advantage of these covered services to keep your smile healthy.
  • Basic Procedures — Insurance often covers a portion of basic procedures like dental fillings, extractions, and periodontal treatments. North Idaho Dental Group strives to provide high-quality care to ensure these procedures are as comfortable and effective as possible.
  • Major Procedures — Coverage for major procedures like crowns, bridges, dentures, and root canals varies. It’s essential to check with your provider to understand your specific plan. We’re here to help you navigate these details and provide clear cost estimates before any major work begins.

What’s Usually Not Covered?

  • Cosmetic Procedures — Cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening, veneers, and cosmetic bonding, is typically not covered by dental insurance. These procedures are considered elective because they enhance appearance rather than address medical needs. However, our Ponderay and Coeur d’Alene team can discuss financing options with you to make these treatments more affordable.
  • Orthodontics — While some plans offer partial coverage for orthodontic treatments like braces and aligners, many do not. If you’re considering orthodontics, reviewing your policy or talking to our team about potential costs and payment plans is essential.

Visit Our Dental Offices in Ponderay or Coeur d’Alene

Our knowledgeable Ponderay and Coeur d’Alene staff are always ready to help you understand your insurance benefits. We’ll work with your provider to maximize your coverage and minimize your out-of-pocket costs. If you have questions about what’s covered under your plan, don’t hesitate to contact us.  

We welcome patients of all ages from Hayden, Newport, Sandpoint, and beyond. 

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