Question: I am 52 years old and been fighting for years to keep my teeth. After years of having major dental services dealing with dental pain all the time and not to count the expense I am tired of it all. I am thinking of pulling the teeth I have left and getting complete dentures. The dentist I going to now does not want to pull my teeth saying they do not need to be pulled and I should continue having dental care for them. Sure once they are pulled and I get dentures there will be no more dental bills. I looking for a dental insurance plan that will let me have dentures if that is what I want and not say it is elective and not cover them. Please advise.

Answer: I suggest reviewing our dental discount plans. It sounds like you would want the flexibility that a dental discount plans gives you. With a dental discount plan what you have done is up to your and the dentist within the plan. The company does not state what you can or can not have done. You receive discounted savings for all your dental needs at the time the services are render. If you want dentures you pay only the discounted cost for them as listed on the fee schedule. The thing is that you would need to find a dentist in the plan that is willing to pull out teeth that may not have to be pulled. So make phone calls and make sure you have a dentist in the plan will to work with you and your needs.

Although the rule of thumb is twice a year once every six months, there is no one-size-fits-all dental treatment. That is because some people may only need to visit the dentist once or twice a year where as others may need more visits. You are a unique individual, with a unique needs when it comes to having good oral healh care.  You want to go as often as your dental professional advises.

Your family oral health care is very important to maintain as your oral health has direct links to your overall health wellness. Therefore a few ways to maintain you and your family oral health is by having good at home oral health care habits and seeing your dentist regularly. Studies also show that families that have dental insurance in place are more likely to see their family dentist regularly. In addition dental insurance helps keep your family dental care cost lower and more affordable.

During a dental checkup your dentist and or hygienist will ask about your recent medical history, examine your mouth and decide whether or not you need x-rays. Depending on your treatment plan, the hygienist may use a special dental instruments to check your gums for gum disease. Your dentist will evaluate your overall dental health and conduct an oral cancer screening by holding your tongue with gauze, checking it and your whole mouth, then feeling your jaw and neck.

It is important to understand that your dental health start at home. Make sure you are brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily. Use mouthwash that kills germs and fights against gum disease. Seeing your dentist regularly is an important part of maintaining good oral health, by doing your part at home you help to avoid having larger dental care needs that only your dentist can address.

Question: I have healthy teeth and have good at home habits.  I do not have  an bad teeth issues. Do I still need to see a dentist?

Reply: Even if you do not have any symptoms of having dental issues, you can still have dental health problems that only a dentist can diagnose. In addition by having regular dental visits it will help prevent problems from developing. Continuity of care is an important part of any health plan and dental health is no exception. Keeping your mouth healthy is an essential piece of your overall health. It is also important to keep your dentist informed of any changes in your overall health since many medical conditions can affect your dental health as well.

The best advise when shopping for dental insurance is to read each plan terms and conditions carefully. It is in the terms and conditions that will let you know what is limited and or not covered under the plan. Fulling reading each plan is key to understanding how the plan works and if it will best fit your dental care needs.

Also remember our member services is here to help you if you have any questions about the different dental insurance and plan types provided on our website.  It is better to call us at 310-534-3444 if you have questions then to buy a plan that may not workout best for your dental health needs.

Dental Crowns and Insurance Coverage

I have often wondered why dental insurance is a separate entity from other types of medical insurance… Last I checked, my teeth were still attached to my skull, and their potential to cause misery when not functioning properly is right up there with gallbladders and appendixes and the like.  Good dental care is critically important, and should be affordable and available for everyone.

Dental crowns, also called caps, are expensive, from several hundred to several thousand dollars, with insurance typically covering only part of the cost.  Dental insurance is the most commonly used to pay for major dental problems.  Dental crowns are also commonly referred to as tooth caps, teeth crowns.  Dental benefits plans can be categorized by the options offered for selecting a dentist.  Dental plans can be categorized into three types based on the compensation and treatment provided.  Dental insurance plans differ in the level of reimbursement offered for certain procedures and in annual dental spending caps.

Insurance plans vary, but in general most will not reimburse patients for a replacement until a crown is five years old.  Insurance only then covers up to a certain amount per year (e.  Insurance companies are still paying for bone grafts for bony defects around periodontally involved teeth.  Insurance companies also have all kinds of little rules and limitations, which most patients with very little dental knowledge wouldn’t even know to ask their insurance company.
Some typical features of these plans: High deductibles before coverage begins (well-designed plans don’t apply the deductible to preventive services) Probationary periods on certain procedures that last up to a year Annual dollar limit on benefits Chose your own dentist Your average monthly cost: $15 to $25 companies selling these plans are regulated by state insurance departments.  Dental insurance for family can significantly change the way teeth are improved.  Dental insurance for family can give you some more offers and freebies that no other plan can give.

Question: What are the average cost of dental crowns in California and are crowns really cheaper with dental insurance?

Reply: It is important to know cost can verify from dentist to dentist but this will help to give you an idea

Average Cost for Crowns in California without insurance

* Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can cost around $500-$1,500 or more per tooth.
* Metal crowns of gold alloy or of base metal alloys can cost $600-$2,500 or more per tooth
* All-porcelain crowns require a higher level of skill and take more time to install than metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, and can cost $800-$3,000 or more per tooth.

With Insurance

* Generally dental PPO insurance plans will pay out 50% of the cost of major services (after any waiting periods the plan may have) * With HMO dental insurance plans they are fee based which means they will have a schedule of Services braking down the cost for each covered item so cost will very but in many cases crowns would still much cheaper then not having dental insurance, running around $200- $500 on covered crowns.
* It is important to note that not all dental insurance plans will cover for All-porcelain crowns so make sure you read the plans terms and conditions.

Dental Insurance for Crowns – Understanding the Basics

Dental crowns are coverings applied over the tooth’s surface, and may be made of ceramic, porcelain, porcelain fused to metal (PFM), resin, or metal, including gold.  Dental crowns are also useful in patients who grind their teeth or have bite problems, addressing the stressed area and stabilizing it to prevent damage.  Dental crowns usually require 2 to 3 visits to your dentist, depending upon the health of the tooth receiving the crown.  Today’s health insurance, including your dental plan, is designed to help you get the care you need at a reasonable cost.  If you cannot afford a dentist, or are not covered by dental insurance, go to a dental school clinic, where dentists in training work on your teeth.  I think they also offer periodic cleaning at reduced rates as well, by dental hygienists in training.

We talked in several post about seeing a dentist regularly. However there may be times beyond just having your check ups that you will need to see a dentist sooner. Below is a list of a few warning signs that you should possible see a dentist about.
* Your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold
* Your gums are puffy and/or they bleed when you brush or floss
* You don’t like the way your smile or teeth look
* You have persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
* You have pain or swelling in your mouth, face or neck
* You have difficulty chewing or swallowing
* Your mouth is often dry
* Your jaw sometimes pops or is painful when opening and closing, chewing or when you first wake up; you have an uneven bite
* You have a spot or sore that doesn’t look or feel right in your mouth and it isn’t going away

 Root Canal Cost

Dentists typically base their root canal fees on the number of individual root canals found in the tooth.  Those teeth that lie between the incisors and molars vary by the fact that they typically have either one or two root canals. The cost of root canal varies depending on some factors: The area in US the dentist located.  The fee your dentist charges for the root canal treatment will probably be less than if you required the services of an endodontist.  The average cost is $300 to $1000 for a root canal depending on the area in the U.S. the dentist is located.

There is a children’s dental crisis currently going on in this country. Many children are not going to the dentist because their parents can not find affordable dental care. That is a unfortunate because basic dental checkups, cleanings, fluoride applications, and sealants can help to prevent early tooth decay and gum disease in children.

However one of the main ways to make dental care more affordable is by having dental insurance in place. As a family dental insurance is important part of keeping your dental care cost low. If you do not receive dental benefits for you and your family though work, there still many good low cost dental insurance and dental plan options to choose from. Review what our website has to offer and if you have any questions about our dental insurance and dental plans options call our member service line at 310-534-3444 as we be happy to help you pick the right plan for you and your family.

Root Canal Treatment A Safe Way To Save Your Tooth

A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is probably the most maligned of all dental procedures, but the reputation of pain typically associated with “having a root canal” is really not deserved.  Today, root canal treatment has given dentists a safe way of saving teeth.

Left without treatment, pus builds up at the root tip, in the jawbone, forming a “pus-pocket” called an abscess.  Without treatment, your tooth may have to be removed.  During treatment, your general dentist or endodontist (a dentist who specializes in problems of the pulp) removes the diseased pulp.  If an endodontist performs the treatment, he or she will recommend that you return to your family dentist for this final step.  The treatment can readily be done using modern local anesthetic techniques with little or no discomfort.

 Question: A close friend of mine really needs dental health care. She does not have dental insurance and only works about 20 hours work weeks. She said she has tried getting payment plans from different dental offices, for dental services she will need but was turned down each time for poor credit.

Answer: I would suggest she review either our dental HMO insurance plans though California dental or PrimeCare or our dental discount plans though Careington and Aetna. Both of these plan type are low in cost and will help to make her dental care more affordable. However depending on how much dental care services she needs, she made still have to budget in her dental care and do a little at a time as she can afford it.

Question: I do not see the point of paying to see a dentist when I have very good at home dental care habits, and don’t have any issues with my teeth I feel need to be addressed.

Reply: Regular dental visits are important because they can help spot dental health problems early on when treatment is likely to be simpler and more affordable. I point this part out because you stated you see no point in paying a dentist for a dental check up.  Yet by not doing so you may whine up spending more money having to take care of larger dental care needs. That is because a dentist is about to help prevent many problems from developing in the first place. Visiting your dentist regularly is also important because some diseases or other medical conditions have symptoms that can appear in the mouth.

If cost is an issue with regards to having regular dental visits keep in mind most HMO dental insurance plans provide preventive dental care such as check ups, cleaning and X-rays at little to no cost and these HMO insurance plans are also low in cost running around $7.00 – $20.00 a month for an individual. Check out our dental insurance and plan options that are available to you in your state just by entering in your zip code in the quote box provided.   Give some thought in seeing a dentist regularly even if you do not feel it necessary it can save you money in the long run.

Dental plans such as PPO and indemnity plan have a coinsurance provision. Coinsurance means, the plan benefit pays a predetermined percentage of the cost of your dental treatment, and you are responsible for paying the balance. Your part of what you pay is called the coinsurance, and it is part of your out of pocket cost. This is paid even after any deductible is reached.

There are many people that will spend more time choosing the best cell phone then picking a dentist.  When it comes time to finding a dentist you will want to choose a dentist that can be a part of your total health care team. That is because so much of your dental health can impact your overall health. Try looking for someone who can be a coach to teach you important dental health care tips one that can motivate you to make and keep good dental habits, a trusted advisor to turn to when health issues arise and a partner to make dental care decisions with.

Spend the extra time needed in finding the right dentist, just as much as you do when buying your next cell phone or planning your next vacation trip.  Your dentist is someone that you need to be able to have trust and faith in, as your oral health care can effect your overall well being.

Question: I am in very bad shape and need major gum grafting care.  I am low income but I do have dental insurance for basic dental care. So my current dental insurance will not cover the gum surgery I need. Are there any teaching hospitals for dental care I can go that will provide the services for free?

Answer: Dental school will normally still charge for their services provided. However at a much lower cost. They also sometimes base their cost on what you can afford to pay. You will need to call the local school that are near you to find out what their cost factors would be.

One good way of choosing a dentist if you want to put forth a little extra time, is to make a phone call to visit the dentist.  “Schedule consultation time with the dentist in order to meet with the dentist and the dental office  staffing before making an appointment.  Have a list of questions and bring your records so the dentist can take a look at your dental history if you want to ask something more specific. By doing this you will be able to see if the office is welcoming, comfortable and neat.

When making your list of question here are a few you may want to ask.

* Will the dentist take the time to explain additional ways to help you prevent dental health problems? Is there dental health instruction provided?

* In cases of dental emergencies, how does the dentist and office staff handle them outside of their office hours?

* If you have dental insurance, is the office staff familiar with your benefit plan, and do they offer financial options for treatment costs?

* Will your medical and dental history be recorded and placed in a permanent file?

* Be sure to share your past dental experiences or dental concerns, including any anxieties you may have when it comes to dental treatment. Make sure the dentist understands your concerns and answers all your questions.