Why December Matters for Your Dental Benefits
As the year winds down in Brentwood and West Los Angeles, many people don’t realize just how much of their dental benefits are still unused. Every December, patients rush to take advantage of the cleanings, exams, and treatments their insurance covers before everything resets on January 1.
At Dental Design of Brentwood, we see a major increase in calls from patients asking what they can still use, what expires, and what’s worth scheduling now. Many are surprised to learn that unused benefits don’t roll over—meaning that covered cleanings, X-rays, fillings, and other treatments are lost once the year ends.
If you’re unsure what your plan covers or whether you should schedule before January, this guide will walk you through the essentials.
Most Dental Benefits Don’t Roll Over — And That’s Why Timing Matters
Many Brentwood residents are unaware that the majority of dental insurance plans operate on a use-it-or-lose-it basis. PPO plans, FSAs, and some HSAs typically reset each calendar year. When that happens, you lose:
- Any unused annual maximum
- Remaining preventive services
- Eligible treatment coverage
- FSA dollars you haven’t spent
For many patients, this means missing out on hundreds of dollars in available care—care that could prevent bigger, more expensive problems next year.
What Your Insurance Actually Covers at Year’s End
One of the most common December questions we hear is, “What does my plan cover?”
While each plan differs, most PPO dental insurance covers the following before deductibles are met:
- Twice-yearly cleanings
- Comprehensive exams
- X-rays (usually every 6–12 months)
- Fillings
- Crowns (partially covered)
- Periodontal therapy
- Emergency dental visits
Many Brentwood patients don’t realize how much is included until it’s almost too late. And since benefits reset January 1, December is the ideal time to get these services taken care of.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until January
Dental concerns rarely improve on their own. Small problems often become larger—and more expensive—when patients wait until the new year.
Common symptoms Brentwood residents ask about in late December include:
- Tooth pain that comes and goes
- A cracked or chipped tooth
- Bleeding gums
- Sensitivity to cold
- Bad breath
- A loose crown or filling
These are all signs that should be checked now, especially while your dental benefits still apply.
If you have untreated decay, gum inflammation, or failing dental work, addressing it before January helps prevent emergency visits during holiday travel or early next year.
Can You Use FSA/HSA Funds for Dental Treatment?
Yes—another frequent December question.
Most dental procedures are FSA-eligible, including:
- Cleanings
- Exams
- X-rays
- Fillings
- Crowns
- Nightguards
- Emergency visits
Cosmetic-only services (like whitening) may not qualify, but your FSA funds do cover functional treatments that protect your oral health.
Brentwood patients often forget that unused FSA funds expire at year’s end, making December the best time to take advantage of them.
Starting Treatment Now Can Save You Money Next Year
Patients often wonder, “If I start a treatment now, can I finish it next year with new benefits?”
The answer is often yes—and it’s one of the smartest ways to maximize your insurance. Multi-step treatments like:
- Crowns
- Dental bridges
- Periodontal care
- Nightguards
- Some restorative procedures
…can sometimes be split across benefit periods, reducing your out-of-pocket cost.
Our team at Dental Design of Brentwood helps patients plan smartly so they can use this year’s remaining benefits and next year’s new benefits strategically.
Cleanings and Exams: The Most Overlooked End-of-Year Benefit
Preventive visits are the #1 thing Brentwood residents forget to use before they expire. Even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms, your insurance almost certainly covers a cleaning and exam—at little or no cost to you.
These visits help prevent:
- Plaque buildup
- Gum disease
- Cavities
- Bad breath
- Undetected oral issues
A quick cleaning before the new year sets you up with a healthy, fresh start.
Unsure What You Still Have Available? We Can Check for You
One of the most common December questions we get is:
“Can your office see what my benefits still cover?”
Yes—we handle that for you.
Our office works with most PPO plans and helps Brentwood patients understand:
- What benefits remain
- What treatments are covered
- What expires soon
- How to use insurance efficiently
We take the confusion out of dental insurance so you can focus on staying healthy.
Don’t Let Your Dental Benefits Expire — We’re Here to Help
If you haven’t used your covered cleanings, X-rays, or available treatment benefits, now is the time. December appointments fill quickly across Brentwood, Santa Monica, and West Los Angeles, so booking early ensures you maximize your coverage.
Call Dental Design of Brentwood at (310) 820-5703 or schedule your year-end appointment online.
Start the new year with a healthier smile—and without leaving valuable dental benefits behind.
