by Joelie Key-Tissot
Would you rent a beachfront condo in a tropical place and never go there? Would you rent a car and leave it in the driveway or garage to collect dust? Would you fill your fridge with food and let it all expire? Silly questions, right? So, why do so many people pay for dental care all year they never end up using?
“Many insurance policies run on a calendar year instead of a fiscal one,” says Dr. Thomas Lomonte, D.D.S. of Stafford. “That means the slate gets wiped clean on January 1st. On that day, three very important things may happen: 1) Your “yearly maximum” benefits reset–the $200-$1000 or more to which you have access will probably NOT roll over. That is money you will never see again. 2) Your deductible will reset. If you have paid this deductible this year, you’re in the clear until New Year’s day! 3) January 1st is a popular day for fee increases. Today’s $50 co-pay may be next year’s $60-75. The point is, you should be benefiting from the services for which you are already paying a monthly premium.”
Even if you set aside the financial reasons for a moment, it’s just smart thinking to go to the dentist before the end of the year. A basic cleaning and checkup can alert your dentist to any problems before they get out of hand. Filling today’s minor cavity can avoid needing an expensive root canal six months or a year from now.
Thank goodness your neighborhood dentist, Dr. Lomonte is ready to take your end-of-the-year appointment calls. A proud native Texan, Dr. Lomonte grew up in Beaumont, TX; got his undergraduate degree from Lamar University and his D.D.S. from the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston. Generations of Fort Bend families have been trusting Dr.Lomonte with their smiles–from kids to moms and dads to grandparents–since 1982. Worried about finding the time to see him? “Ask yourself,” says Dr. Lomonte, “if you can really afford to throw that money away? Take advantage of your benefits and protect your smile!”
Thomas M. Lomonte, D.D.S.
“Come in as a patient, leave as a friend.”
12122 Murphy Rd.
Stafford, TX 77477
(281) 530-1440