Did you know that gum disease affects approximately half of adults in the U.S.? Sadly, many people dismiss this condition, believing it is not a big deal because it is so common. Nothing could be further from the truth! It is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults, and it is associated with an increased risk of systemic health issues, including heart disease and stroke. Certainly, you should do everything in your power to protect yourself from gum disease. How can you do so? One major step you can take is simply to use your dental insurance benefits.
Preventive Care Fights Gum Disease
Most dental insurance plans cover two cleanings and exams each year, often at no out-of-pocket cost to the patient. During these appointments, your dental team will thoroughly remove plaque and bacteria from along your gumline, which could prevent them from sneaking beneath the soft tissue there and causing an infection.
Plus, your dentist can identify early signs of gum disease. If you already have a minor infection, changes to your at-home oral hygiene routine might be all that is necessary to get your oral health back on track. Your dental team can coach you on the products and techniques that would be best to rid your mouth of harmful bacteria.
If you have not yet had your second dental checkup of 2025, now is the best time to schedule it so you can start 2026 with a clean, fresh, and disease-free smile.
Insurance Often Covers Treatment for Gum Disease
Most dental insurance plans will at least partially cover the cost of gum disease treatment. For example, scaling and root planing (a deep cleaning of the mouth) is often classified as a basic service, so up to 80% of its cost might be covered. (Some plans classify it as a major service and provide 50% coverage.) If you need surgery for your gum disease, it might be up to 50% covered.
Also, keep in mind that most insurance plans have an annual maximum. If you start your treatment in 2025, you may reach your yearly benefits limit. However, since 2026 is right around the corner, it should not be long before you can start using your new benefits to finish your course of care.
Gum disease is dangerous! Fortunately, your insurance plan may provide the financial help you need to keep your smile free of its devastating consequences.
Meet the Practice
At D&G Dental, our dedicated team of five dentists is proud to provide top-quality care for the West Orange, NJ, community. We welcome dental insurance, and we are in-network with most PPO plans. If you would like more information on how you can use your benefits in our practice to fight gum disease and enjoy healthy teeth, contact our office at 973-731-2200.