Got a Toothache?

In a recent blog post, Dr. Allan Melnick stated that the state of dental care and maintenance in the United States is alarming!  These are a few of the chilling statistics he quoted:

1.      16 million low-income kids did not see a dentist last year

2.      25 percent of seniors (65 and up) have lost all their teeth

3.      130 million Americans lack dental insurance

4.      55% of Americans (2 and up) didn’t see a dentist in the last year

5.      830,000 hospital ER visits in 2009 were linked to preventable dental conditions – a 16% increase in three years

6.      27% fewer people enrolled in dental school in 2003 than in 1980.

7.      Insurance is expected to cover only about 48 percent of all dental expenditures by 2013, predicts the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Eight percent ($10 billion) of all dental expenditures will be covered by government aid. The other 44 percent will be out-of-pocket expenses.

The poor economy and unemployment have dragged on now for nearly a decade.  We closely watch how we spend what little money we have. Sadly, too many Americans consider dental care a luxury rather than a necessity. 

I had an uncle who died from infections that began in his teeth, because he was afraid of dentists.  So, in addition to the financial burden of dental visits, many of us are fearful and avoid dentists altogether.

Dental work is expensive.  A standard teeth cleaning costs, on average, $127, although depending upon where you live, it can be $75 to $200.  Teeth cleaning often includes dental X-rays and a dental exam.  The cost of that routine dental visit, therefore, may cost up to $300.  If we happen to need a full-mouth deep cleaning, the cost will increase to $500 or more.  This is only for cleaning, exam and x-rays for just one family member.

If you actually need dental work done, a root canal for instance, it likely will cost $800 - $1500.  Or, if you need a crown, you’ll spend $700 and $1500.  In today’s economy, many people simply cannot afford the expense even if we know it is unwise to avoid it.

Some people purchase dental insurance, paying $12 to $50 per month (or more) premium per person.   Even if you have dental insurance, there are many limitations.  Most policies limit the policy holders to $1000 coverage per year.  So even if you have insurance, you may end up paying a great deal out of pocket.

In addition to the monetary limitations, dental insurance doesn’t necessarily cover all services.  Orthodontic and cosmetic dentistry very often are not covered by insurance.

Fortunately, there are alternatives to going without dental care and dental insurance.  Discount Dental Plans, like Xpress Healthcare, save their members 15% to 50% on their dental costs.  Xpress Healthcare uses the Aetna Dental Access network of providers, with over 90,000 dentists nationwide. There are no limitations on the amount you can save, the number of visits, age or pre-existing conditions. Everyone is accepted!

Here’s the best part… Xpress Healthcare’s Premium plan is $19.95 per month per FAMILY!  And, this plan also includes discounts on prescriptions, vision, hearing, medical supplies and vitamins. 

You could possibly save hundreds of dollars for your family’s dental care while paying less than $20 a month! 

So, what are you waiting for?  Sign up for your Xpress Dental Plan at http://ibourl.net/DiscountHealthAndDental, and then go schedule your dental appointment!