If you have dental insurance, there’s a good chance you still have benefits you have not used yet. And for many plans, those benefits renew at the end of the year. That means unused coverage may not roll over, and you could be starting fresh with a new annual maximum and deductible.

If you have been putting off a cleaning, ignoring a sensitive tooth, or delaying a recommended crown, now is a smart time to take action. Sala Family Dentistry in Reno, NV, offers same-day appointments when available, which can make it easier to get in before your benefits renew.

How to Make the Most of Your Dental Benefits in Reno, NV

The end of the year can be one of the best times to schedule dental care because you may be able to apply remaining coverage toward the services you already need. Rather than guessing, focus on a few practical steps that help you maximize value.

Here are smart ways to use your benefits efficiently:

  • Use preventive visits you have not scheduled yet (often exams and cleanings)
  • Address small problems early (like cavities or minor damage) before they become bigger procedures
  • Complete recommended treatment while this year’s coverage is still available
  • Plan ahead for multi-visit care so you can make the most of this year’s benefits and next year’s renewal

What Dental Insurance Benefits Typically Renew Each Year

Every dental insurance plan is different, but many share similar annual limits and categories. Understanding what often renews each year makes it easier to decide what to schedule now.

Annual Maximum (Your Plan’s Yearly Limit)

Many plans have an annual maximum, which is the total amount insurance may contribute toward your dental care during your plan year. If you have remaining benefits, using them before renewal can help reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Preventive Care (Exams, Cleanings, & X-Rays)

Preventive care is commonly covered at a high percentage and often includes:

  • Routine dental exams
  • Professional cleanings
  • Routine X-rays

If you are due for a visit, scheduling before renewal is an easy way to use benefits you already pay for.

Deductible & Coinsurance

Some plans require a deductible before coverage applies to certain services. If you have already met your deductible this year, completing treatment before renewal can be more cost-effective than waiting for it to reset.

What To Schedule Before Your Dental Benefits Renew

If you are trying to decide what to do before your plan year ends, these are some of the most common services patients prioritize.

Exams & Cleanings If You Are Due

A routine visit helps protect your smile and can also identify issues early, when treatment is usually simpler.

Fillings & Basic Restorative Care

Sensitivity, food catching between teeth, or a small chip can be a sign something needs attention. Treating a small cavity now can prevent a larger problem later.

Crowns, Root Canals, & Major Dental Work

Major services often come with higher out-of-pocket costs, so using available coverage before renewal can make a meaningful difference. If you have already been told you need a crown or root canal, earlier scheduling can help you avoid delays.

Gum Care & Periodontal Treatment

If you have been recommended deep cleanings or periodontal maintenance, staying consistent matters. Scheduling before renewal can help you keep your treatment plan moving while benefits are still available.

Same-Day Dentist In Reno, NV

When you are trying to use benefits before they renew, timing is everything. Schedules can fill quickly near the end of the year, and it is easy for a “I’ll do it later” plan to turn into next year’s out-of-pocket expense.

Sala Family Dentistry offers same-day appointments when available, which can be helpful if you:

  • Have tooth pain or sensitivity and need to be seen quickly
  • Want an exam soon to confirm what treatment is needed
  • Need to move forward with treatment while current benefits are still active

Even if you are not sure what you need, a same-day visit can help you get answers and a clear plan.

End-Of-Year Dental Checklist For Reno, NV

If you want a quick, no-stress plan to follow, this checklist helps you take the right steps in the right order.

Review Your Remaining Benefits

Check your annual maximum, remaining preventive visits, deductible status, and coverage percentages for basic and major services.

Schedule An Exam & Cleaning If You Are Due

This is often the best starting point because it confirms your oral health status and helps prioritize what to do next.

Complete Any Recommended Treatment

If you already have a treatment plan, finishing recommended work before renewal may reduce your out-of-pocket cost.

Plan Bigger Treatment Strategically

For multi-visit care, ask about timing that uses remaining benefits now and takes advantage of renewed benefits after your plan renews.

Dental Insurance Timing Tips

Plan Renewal Dates are Not Always January 1

Many plans renew at the start of the year, but some renew on a different date. Confirming your plan year helps you schedule with better timing.

A Remaining Cleaning is Often The Easiest Benefit To Use

If your plan includes two cleanings per year and you have not used them both, booking now is a simple way to maximize coverage.

Same-Day Appointments Can Help When You Are On a Deadline

If you are trying to fit in care before benefits renew, same-day availability can help you get evaluated quickly and move forward with treatment sooner.

Insurance Changes Next Year Can Affect Your Costs

If you are switching plans, using remaining benefits now may help you complete needed care under your current coverage.

Schedule Your Reno, NV Dental Visit Before Benefits Renew at Sala Family Dentistry

If you have been delaying dental care, now is a smart time to act. Using dental benefits before they renew can help you save money, protect your oral health, and head into the new year with confidence.

Sala Family Dentistry in Reno, NV, is here to help you understand your coverage and get the care you need. Call today or request an appointment online, and ask about same-day appointments.

Contact

Hours

Mon - Fri 7:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday 7:00am - 3:00pm
Sunday Closed

Location