Preventive / Basic Services
Preventive and basic services cover routine and common dental procedures that maintain and restore oral health. Preventive services include cleanings, X-rays, and exams, while basic services include fillings, extractions, and simple restorative work.
These services form the foundation of most dental plans and are usually covered at higher percentages, between 70 and 100 percent. Many plans provide immediate access to preventive care and impose short waiting periods for basic treatments.
Example:
If a filling costs $200 and your plan covers 80 percent for basic dental, the insurer pays $160 and you pay $40.
What to Watch For:
Annual or combined maximums may limit how much you can claim in total for preventive and basic services combined.
See also Preventive (Dental Subcategory)
