What Is Considered Basic Services Dental Care?
By Dr. Eastwood – Summerbrook Dental & Implants, Fort Worth, TX
Patients often ask me, “What is considered basic services dental care?” Dental insurance companies use this term to describe the treatments that fix early or moderate problems. Basic services are a step above preventive care but not as complex as major treatments like crowns or dentures. At Summerbrook Dental & Implants, I help patients understand exactly what falls into this category and how it affects their coverage.
Basic services dental care typically includes fillings, which are used to repair cavities before they grow bigger. Tooth-colored fillings blend in naturally, restore strength, and keep the tooth from getting worse. Basic care also includes simple extractions, which remove teeth that cannot be saved easily. These are usually quick, comfortable procedures, especially when combined with modern numbness techniques.
Another part of basic care is gum therapy for early gum disease. When plaque and bacteria build up under the gums, they can cause swelling and bleeding. A deeper cleaning, sometimes called scaling and root planing, can remove this buildup and help the gums heal. Treating gum problems early is important because it prevents bone loss and protects your long-term oral health.
Basic dental services may also include tooth bonding to repair small chips or minor damage. While bonding is often thought of as cosmetic, it also strengthens and protects the tooth, which is why many insurance plans include it under basic care.
Most dental insurance plans cover 70–80% of basic services, making them affordable for many patients. At my office, my team reviews your insurance benefits with you so you know exactly what your plan covers before we start. You’ll always get a clear estimate, and we never pressure or judge.
Even though I offer advanced treatments—like dental implants, bone grafting, sinus lifts, snap-in dentures, and full-mouth reconstruction—basic services are still a key part of keeping your mouth healthy. Taking care of small issues early helps prevent the need for major dental work later on.
So, basic services dental care includes fillings, simple extractions, early gum treatment, and small repairs. These treatments protect your smile and keep problems from getting worse.