An Easy Explanation of Root Canals

Root canals are a part of dentistry called endodontics, which is concerned with the pathology of dental pulp and the area surrounding the root.  The root canals travel from the tip of the tooth’s root into the pulp chamber, which also contains blood vessels and connective tissue that nourish the tooth.  The percentage of success in root canals is in the high nineties, so when you have a root cancel on your tooth, you can be pretty sure that this root canal is going to work.

If your root canal is performed by an endodontist; a dentist that specializes in root canals, he will place a temporary restoration and send you back to your general dentist for the restoration.  Very small instruments are used to clean the pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals and to shape the space for filling.  The topic, root canals and the problem with bacteria that get trapped inside the microtubules of the tooth, of an infected tooth, can migrate throughout the body, they can infect an organ, gland or tissue, they can damage the heart, kidneys, joints, eyes, brain.

The tooth’s nerve lies within root canals, which lie within the roots or “legs” of the tooth.  The root canals travel from the tip of the tooth’s root into the pulp chamber, which also contains blood vessels and connective tissue that nourish the tooth.  The idea that root canals pose a risk to general health comes from research suggesting that bacteria and viruses left behind at the tip of the root canal might persist and multiply in the space around the tooth.

Dental discount plans are a good low cost alternative to dental insurance. Like insurance it has it pros and cons.

Pros:

* Most dental discount plans starts the first of next month or within the next business day from ordering it on line.

* Most dental discount plans do not have any waiting periods, max limitations, or deductibles

* You are not assigned to a dental provider office though you do need to go to plan providers.

Cons:

* You have to go to plan providers. There is no outside dental discounts.

* You pay for all dental services but at a reduced or discount price.

* Dental discount plans are not insurance they are discount plans..

When choosing a dentist you want to start with the basics. We talked about how having regular dental visits is important part of maintaining a healthy smile. Therefore choosing a dentist that you will like and go to is just as important.  Here are some basic tips on how to find a dentist and what you may want to consider.

* Is the dental office easy to get to from your home or job? Location is key if a dental office is too far you may be less willing to go.

* Do they have convenient office hours? Like the above dental office hours are important in being able to make and keep regular dental appointments. Don’t forget to ask if they are open on a Saturday or do they have a day that they work longer for people getting off of work.

* If you have dental benefits, is this dentist in your network? Keep in mind with plans like HMO insurance, you have to choose a dentist in their network of providers. Where as other plans like PPO prefer you choose a dentist in their network but will normally let you go outside their provider list (sometimes at reduce benefits) keeping in mind when you do so you increase your risk of having UCR fees.

* Doctor-patient communication is very important. Do you need translation or interpreter services? This is important if English is not your first languish and you would prefer a dentist that speaks or has someone that speaks another languish beyond English.

Brush your teeth twice a day with a tooth paste that contains fluoride. Preferably, brush after each meal and before bedtime to help reduce the bacteria from staying on your teeth for a certain length of time.

You may wish to consider these helpful tips as well:

* Floss your teeth daily to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

* Check with your dentist regarding the use of a supplemental fluoride which strengthens your teeth and helps prevents tooth decay.

* Consider dental sealants which is a plastic like substance placed on the top of molars to protect the teeth from decay.

* Use mouth wash with fluoride. Many of them kill 50% or more of the bacteria that cause tooth decay.

* Chewing gum with the ingredient Xylitol © may also kill some of the bacteria which causes tooth decay.

Question: I do not think that my sister has good oral and dental health care. Her teeth look really yellow to me and when I ask if she seen a dentist she says she can not afford to see one. She is a single mom, I would like to help her out because I do not think she has the money too get the dental care she needs. Is there a cheap dental plan out there?

Answer: I would suggest reviewing our lower cost dental HMO insurance plans and or our dental discount plans options. They are lower cost plans that will help to greatly reduce the cost of her dental care compare to not having dental insurance. Seeing a dentist regularly is important as you know, and cost can be a factor therefore these plans may be a good option for her to be able to better afford the needed dental care.

In prior post we talked about the importance of going to the dentist and maintaining your oral health checkups.  Yet you still need to do your part at home to have proper health care habits and to fully maintain good oral health.

You can practice good oral, by always brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth once a day with floss, replacing your toothbrush every three or four months and by eating a balanced diet and limiting between-meal snacks. Do not forget to schedule regular dental check-ups to keep your smile, and yourself, healthy.

Did you know that even today still 100 million Americans fail to see the dentist each year, even though by having regular dental examinations and good oral hygiene you can greatly reduce your risk oh having most dental diseases.

Why is that the case? Sadly because many people still believe that they only need to see a dentist if they are in pain or feels that something may be wrong with a tooth or teeth. Some stating they also do this due to basic dental care cost and not being able to afford a check up or basic cleanings, even though by delaying such services they are putting themselves at risk for even higher dental care cost do to having larger dental care needs.

Don’t put off your dental health care until you are having dental pain or dental issues with your teeth.  If cost is a factor know that in most states you can buy a low cost dental HMO insurance plan that in most cases provide preventive services for free.  Check our your dental insurance and plan options right here on DentalInsuranceHealthcare.com just by entering in your zip code in the quote box provided.

Did you know that your oral health touches every aspect of your life? Yet saddly it is often taken for granted.  Your mouth is the door into the health of your body.  Regardless of your age your oral health is important. Even though many Americans today are enjoying excellent oral health and are keeping their natural teeht thoughtout their lives, cavities still remain the most prevalent chronic disease of childhood.

Question: I have a family of six and we are without dental insurance. With the cost for dental services and the way they keep going up I really could use some help. I can not afford to get dental insurance plans right now but notice that I can afford to get a dental discount plan. I know they may not be the best but for basic care will they help me save money?

Answer: Dental discount plans are a good low cost alternative to dental insurance for a family they run around $15.00 a month and they do what they say they will. In short help you save money on your dental care needs. A dental discount plan provide discounted saving for all dental services render by their dental providers. Just make sure there is a dental provider under the plan that you are reviewing that you and your family can go to.

Most health insurance plans do not provide benefits for dental care and when they do it can be very limited.  Review your health insurance policy and make sure it have dental care and how much.  If you do not have strong enough benefits for dental sevices give serrious thought to buying a dental insurance plan to fill out your overal health care needs to it’s fullest

Sometimes when we are eat food bit do get stuck in between our teeth.  When this happens try drinking some water to flush it out if that dose not work you will want to floss it out. If you are out in public or at the family table you may want to excuse yourself then floss the stuck idem out. If you still can not get it out yourself, call your dentist.

HMO (Health Maintenance Organizations) are networks of dentist under contact with the dental insurance company that offer dental services at a pre-determined rate.

With the HMO dental insurance plan, you do not have the option to choose your own dentist. However, the HMO is usually less expensive.

What to do when you crown comes off.  If your crown comes off you will want to apply clove oil (which can be purchased at the drug store) to your tooth and coat the inside of the crown with dental cement or toothpaste before reinserting the crown and heading to the dentist.

PPO (Preferred Provider Organizations) is a network of dentist under contact with a dental insurance company which provides special rates on dental care; but the insured has an option to choose a dental care provider outside the network of dentists.

Generally the PPO dental insurance plans are higher premiums and there are claims forms to be completed by the dental client.

What to do when a filling comes out. When you have a filling come out, you will usually find that food gets stuck inside or between the teeth. You will want to do your best to keep this area free from food debris, by brushing, flossing and rinsing with warm salt water, after each time you eat. Make sure to chew on soft foods as to not cause further damage to the tooth.  See your dentist as quickly as possible so a new filling can be done.

The dental plan decision making process is not an easy task when purchasing coverage for yourself, family, business, or your employees. There are many dental plan decisions to make. Such dental insurance decisions include considering a PPO (Preferred Provider Organizations), HMO (Health Maintenance Organization), dental indemnity insurance plans, and discount dental plans.

What to if you have a Partially Dislodged Tooth. You will want to apply a cold compress on your cheek or lip on the way to the dentist.  Depending on why the tooth became dislodged a dentist can often times save the tooth if you act quickly

What is an Annual Benefit ?

In order to help contain costs and to help keep your plan more affordable, your plan may limit your benefits by number of procedures and/or dollar amount in a given year. In most cases, particularly if you have been getting regular preventive care, these limitations allow for adequate coverage.

What to do in case you knock out a tooth.  You will want to rinse off the tooth (not clean it) and place it carefully back in its socket. If that is not possible, transport the tooth to the dentist’s office (ideally, within the hour) in a small container of milk or water with a pinch of salt in it.

DentalInsuranceHealthcare.com offers dental insurance quotes for individual and family dental insurance plans for all 50 states including an option to compare national coverage. Please enter your zip code and press enter to view a list of free dental insurance quotes or to find a dentist.

The dental insurance programs listed are based upon the zip code you entered and their availability. If we are unable to offer dental insurance, we will provide a alternative dental plan, if available, and clearly state it. Please be sure to contact the dental office to confirm they are accepting new patients and the dental plan you have selected.