What are the Different Types of Dental Treatments?

Dental treatments are typically categorized into three main types:

• Preventive and diagnostic
• Basic
• Major

Each category serves a different purpose in maintaining and restoring oral health, with varying levels of insurance coverage, complexity and cost.

What are Diagnostic and Preventive Dental Treatments?

Diagnostic and preventive treatments are essential for maintaining oral health by preventing dental problems and detecting issues early. These services are often covered in full by the dental insurance company if provided by a network dentist.

Examples:

• Oral Exams: Regular check-ups to assess overall dental health.
• Professional Cleanings: Removal of tartar and plaque to prevent cavities and gum disease.
• X-Rays: Imaging to detect hidden dental issues such as cavities or bone loss.
• Sealants: Protective coatings on back teeth to prevent tooth decay.
• Fluoride Treatments: Applications to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities.

FAQs

• Why are preventive treatments covered at 100% by the insurance company? Preventive treatments help catch problems early and maintain oral health, reducing the need for more costly and complex procedures later on.
• How often should I have an oral exam and professional cleaning? At least once a year. Most dentists recommend two semi-annual check-ups and cleanings per year.
• Do I need preventive treatments even though my teeth are in great shape and I floss and brush diligently every day? Congrats on the meticulous dental hygiene. Yes, regular dentist visits are still necessary. The professional cleanings will reach all the tiny nooks and crannies your toothbrush won’t, and the dentist can monitor your oral health. And that’s not all: Dentists can detect signs of more than 100 diseases in your mouth and refer you to the proper specialist before those issues become serious or even life-threatening. 

Video: Why are Teeth Cleanings So Important?

This short video explains the importance of regular, professional teeth cleanings.

What are Basic Dental Treatments?

Basic dental treatments address common dental issues that are more complex than preventive care but less intensive than major procedures.

Examples:

• Fillings: Restoring teeth damaged by cavities with materials like amalgam or composite resin.
• Periodontal Treatment: Treating gum disease to prevent further damage.

FAQs

• Does the categorization of “basic” dental treatments vary from dental insurance company to dental insurance company? Yes. Different dental insurance companies may consider “basic” dental services differently. Some plans consider root canals to be basic care, while others consider them major care (see next entry). Be sure to familiarize yourself with your dental plan.
• What is the coverage for basic treatments? Basic treatments are usually covered at 70-80% by dental insurance plans, but benefits vary. You’ll want to understand the coverage provisions of your dental plan before you visit your dentist.
• Do I have to pay anything out-of-pocket for basic treatments? Yes, you typically pay the remaining cost of the treatment (such as 20-30% co-insurance) after your deductible is met.

   

What are Major Dental Treatments?
Major dental treatments involve complex and extensive procedures necessary to restore significant damage or improve the function and aesthetics of teeth.

 
Examples:

• Crowns: Caps placed over damaged or decayed teeth to restore their shape and strength.
• Bridges: Fixed prosthetic devices replacing missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent teeth.
• Dentures: Removable appliances replacing missing teeth and surrounding tissues.
• Oral Surgery: Surgical procedures, such as wisdom teeth removal, extractions of badly decayed teeth or corrective jaw surgery.
• Endodontics: Root canals to treat infected or damaged tooth pulp to save the tooth.
• Orthodontics: Treatments like braces or clear aligners to correct misaligned teeth and bites.
• Implants: Surgically implanted metal posts and artificial teeth to replace missing teeth or improve a person’s appearance.

FAQs

• Does the definition of “major” dental treatments vary from dental insurance company to dental insurance company? Possibly. Be sure to familiarize yourself with your dental plan.
• How much of major treatments is covered by insurance? Coverage varies. Major treatments except orthodontia benefits (if available under your plan) are covered at 50-80% by dental insurance plans after your deductible is met, but benefits vary. You’ll want to understand the coverage provisions of your dental plan before you visit your dentist.
• What is my next step after my dentist recommends a major dental procedure? Ask your dentist to request a Pre-Determination of Benefits from your insurance company for an estimate of what the insurance covers and how much you might have to pay out of pocket.
• Are there waiting periods for major treatments? Some plans may have waiting periods for major treatments so check your policy for details.

 

Video: Major Dental Procedures

This short video describes major dental procedures and why they might be necessary.
 

Delta Dental of Arkansas Offers Dental and Vision Insurance for Individuals and Groups

Are you interested in our dental coverage plans so you don’t have to pay the full dentist bill yourself? Check out our insurance options for individuals and families, and small, mid-size and large groups.

And while you’re browsing, take a look at our vision insurance, too.

More Dental Insurance Terms Explained

1. What is a premium?
2. What is a waiting period?
3. What is a network dentist?
4. What is a benefit period?
5. What are preventive/diagnostic, basic and major dental procedures?
6. What is a deductible?
7. What is a copay?
8. What is co-insurance?
9. What is an annual maximum?
10. What is a claim?
11. What is an explanation of benefits (EOB)?
12. What is a pre-determination of benefits?
13. What are out-of-pocket expenses?

 

Back to Dental Insurance Terms Explained: A Quick Guide

 

Are there additional dental insurance terms you’d like us to add to this series?

Email your requests to marketing@deltadentalar.com.