Quality dental care is becoming more costly. Dental insurance is an effective way to help cover the expenses so you can receive the care you need. Research several dental plans to better understand the coverage being offered. Procedures usually fall into one of three primary categories:

Preventative

This includes routine cleanings, exams and other preventative care. Some plans even consider x-rays and flouride treatments to be preventative.

Basic

Basic coverage usually moves a step beyond preventative, covering fillings, simple extractions and sometimes even root canals. This is also called restorative coverage.

Major

Major coverage is for most of the procedures not included in basic and preventative coverage. This includes bridges, dentures, oral surgery and dental implants. Each policy should include a detailed list of coverages.

With this in mind, here are the five questions to ask about a dental insurance policy you might be considering:

1. Do I get to choose my dentist? Some dental plans require you to use a dentist who is part of their network. If this is the case, check to see if your preferred dentist is part of that network. It may be possible for your dentist to join the network, too. This is usually a matter of filling out a form to submit to the insurance company.

Some insurance policies do not require you to use a network dentist, but let you choose your own.

2. Will my dentist and I have control over my treatment? Some dental plans restrict the treatment that a dentist can provide. This means that your condition may have to reach a certain level of severity before you can be covered for procedures such as dentures or oral surgery.

However, some plans leave it to the good judgment of the dentist to determine what you need to have done.

3. What procedures are covered? A quality dental insurance policy will provide for regular cleanings and exams at no charge. These regular visits may also include x-rays and fluoride treatments, depending on the coverage. Most policies allow for an exam and cleaning every six months.

4. Will I be able to get an appointment when I need it? Under certain policies, your dentist may limit the times you can come in for an appointment. This is not a problem if you have good dental health, but if you have troublesome teeth and gums, such limitations can be painful. Search for coverage that allows you to see your dentist as needed.

5. What will it cost? Premiums for dental insurance are often less per year than paying for your annual dental care out of pocket. Aside from premiums, you may have a copay for certain procedures or to pay a percentage of the total cost of a procedure. This varies from plan to plan.

When you start researching dental insurance plans, be sure you get the answers to these questions. And also make sure you understand exactly how your chosen policy works.