6 Great Ways to Use Your Medical Flex Dollars

If you’ve set aside money in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and you have money left over, don’t let it go to waste! Most employers require you to use your FSA money by December 31 – or you lose it. That’s your hard-earned money that you set aside to keep yourself and your family healthier.

Fortunately, there are some great things you can do with that money before time runs out. Take a look at some of the things that will make your mouth healthier that are FSA-eligible expenses:

Dental Cleaning

You should be getting your teeth cleaned by a dental professional every six months. This service can help ensure your teeth are healthy and free from decay. It’s also a great opportunity to talk with your dentist about your oral health and how you can keep your mouth in great shape. Your dentist will be checking for oral cancer, gum disease, and other potential problems.

Digital X-Rays

Dental x-rays can detect hidden cavities, root problems, infections, and even cancer. Your dentist can talk with you about how often you need these done. The advanced digital x-rays done at Dr. Craig Armstrong’s Houston office are 75 percent lower in radiation than a film x-ray. In addition, they allow the dentist to instantly view the images and even enlarge them on the screen.

Fluoride Treatment

Some people, particularly children, may benefit from fluoride treatments done in the dentist’s office. These treatments are quick and easy to do, and can help a child avoid future cavities and tooth problems.

Sealants

Sealants are an excellent way to help protect teeth that may be prone to cavities, often because they have deep grooves that are difficult to clean. This preventive service is often used in children who have some adult molars in their mouth, such as the six-year molars. Kids keep these teeth for the rest of their lives, so avoiding cavities now can mean a healthier mouth for years to come.

Restorations and Oral Surgery

Services such as fillings, crowns, root canals, dentures, and caps are FSA-eligible when they are used to prevent or treat a condition. Oral surgery, which may include wisdom teeth extractions, is also an eligible expense in most cases.

Don’t Wait to Use Your FSA dollars

If you’re down to the wire, call and make an appointment with your dentist before December 31. As long as the service is done before the end of the plan year, you can use your FSA dollars for that service. Your employer can also tell you whether a specific service is covered under the plan.

To schedule your next dental appointment and use your FSA dollars for a healthy mouth, contact our Westchase Houston dental practice today.