Use Your Dental Benefits Before They Expire in Lafayette

As the year winds down in Lafayette, many people focus on holiday plans, end-of-year work deadlines, or getting the kids ready for finals. But one thing that often gets overlooked is dental insurance and any expiring coverage. If you haven’t scheduled your dental visits or completed pending treatment, your unused benefits may disappear on December 31. At Barras Family Dentistry, we help families throughout Acadiana understand how to make the most of their coverage before time runs out.

Dental insurance doesn’t work the same way as medical coverage. In most cases, you’re entitled to a set annual maximum that resets every year. If you don’t use it, you lose it. And that means leaving value on the table that could have supported your health.

“We often see patients who put off care, only to realize too late that their insurance benefits expired,” says Dr. Chris Barras. “Our goal is to help you plan smart and stay ahead of preventable issues, not play catch-up when it’s too late.”

Why You Should Use Your Dental Insurance Before the End of the Year

Most dental insurance plans operate on a calendar year, and the majority have an annual maximum between $1,000 and $1,500. That’s the total amount the insurance company will contribute toward your dental care within the year. If you’ve only used part of that benefit, or none at all, it doesn’t roll over to the next year.

In addition to annual maximums, many plans include a deductible that resets in January. Once that deductible is met, your insurance typically covers a higher percentage of services. By planning treatment before year’s end, you can avoid having to meet that deductible again for services that could have been completed under the current benefit year.

Timely use of insurance isn’t just about cost savings. It’s also about reducing your risk of oral health issues. Small cavities caught during routine exams are far easier and less expensive to treat than more advanced decay or infection. Taking action now could help you prevent a dental emergency later.

Common Services Covered by Insurance

While plan details vary, most dental insurance covers preventive care at or near 100 percent. This includes two exams and professional cleanings per year, along with routine X-rays. These services are foundational to maintaining oral health, yet many people don’t realize they’ve already paid for them through their premiums.

Beyond prevention, insurance often covers a portion of basic and major restorative treatments. Your plan details may vary, but here are some general rules of thumb.

• Fillings: Usually classified as basic care, fillings are covered at 70 to 80 percent on many plans.
• Crowns and bridges: Considered major procedures, these are often covered at 50 percent after the deductible.
• Periodontal therapy: Deep cleanings for gum disease may be partially covered when diagnosed appropriately.
• Root canals: Depending on the tooth and complexity, many plans offer moderate to high coverage.

Coverage percentages may depend on whether you’re in-network, whether the procedure is deemed medically necessary, and whether you’ve met your annual maximum. Our front desk team at Barras Family Dentistry is happy to walk you through your specific benefits and help you get the most out of what you’ve already paid for.

How to Maximize Your Dental Benefits

The most effective way to get value from your insurance is to be proactive. If you’ve delayed treatment that was diagnosed earlier in the year (such as a cracked tooth needing a crown or a filling that’s starting to fail), this is the time to schedule it. By completing part of your care before December 31 and the remainder in the new year, you can strategically use two benefit years for one treatment plan.

This approach is especially helpful for patients needing multiple crowns, periodontal care, or phased full-mouth restorations. We also recommend booking your second cleaning now if you haven’t used both of your preventive visits yet. Preventive care doesn’t just help your teeth stay healthy; it can also reduce future insurance claims and out-of-pocket costs.

If you’re unsure where to start, a simple comprehensive exam can help identify what’s needed and what your plan will support. We’ll take digital X-rays, perform a full oral health evaluation, and help prioritize your treatment based on urgency and insurance timing.

Barras Family Dentistry Accepts Most Insurance Plans

We work with many major insurance providers and offer guidance every step of the way. Our team can help you verify your coverage, explain your benefits in clear terms, and file claims on your behalf so you can focus on your care, not paperwork.

For patients without insurance, or for services not covered by your plan, we offer payment arrangements and financing through reputable healthcare lenders. Our team will never pressure you into care you don’t need. We focus on what’s best for your health and budget, and we’ll strive for a plan that works for both.

At Barras Family Dentistry, we’re ready to help you make the most of your coverage. Whether you’re due for a cleaning, need a small restoration, or want to finish a treatment plan you started earlier this year, we’ll work with you to find the right time and strategy.

Schedule Your Appointment Before It’s Too Late!

As December winds down, schedules tighten and appointment slots fill fast. If you’re hoping to complete treatment or even just get your second cleaning in before the year ends, now is the time to act. If your deduction is allowed to reset in January, any unused benefits may vanish.

We proudly serve patients throughout Lafayette, Broussard, Youngsville, and the surrounding communities. We’d be happy to walk you through your remaining coverage and schedule the services that make the most of what you’ve already paid for.

Call us today or request your visit online before those benefits expire. It’s one of the easiest ways to protect your health and your budget as you head into the new year.

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions. Your results may vary.