If you want to go to a functional dentist, but your insurance does not have an in-network functional dentist, you may still be able to find a dentist with similar ideals.

Even if a dentist is not classified as a “functional” dentist or registered with that academy of dentistry, all dentists should know how diet influences dental health and the mouth-body connection. By asking questions about these issues when choosing an in-network provider, you may be surprised to find a dentist who takes a more functional approach than you may first expect.

Functional Dentist addresses the root cause of disease rather than simply treating symptoms and promoting an all-body approach to dental health, recognizing that the mouth’s health reflects your overall health. A functional dentist aims to use non-toxic, or the least toxic available, materials when treating dental issues. Functional dentistry encompasses holistic, integrative, biological, and natural dentists.

If your dentist is not a provider of your current PPO insurance plan, here is a tip that may save you some money on your dental care cost.

Ask your dental insurance company for the “in-network fee schedule.” That fee schedule normalizes every dental billing code and how much they agree to make from the insurance company for those codes. Many dental offices are willing to accept this, which means you will pay similar prices with your existing dentist as you would by switching to an in-network provider of the plan.

Is your provider in your dental insurance network?

When shopping for dental insurance, one factor to consider would be your current dentist. If you want to stay with your current dental provider, you must confirm that the dental insurance plans you are reviewing will let you choose your dentist. If, however, you have to pick from the plan providers, You need to make sure your dentist is a provider of the plan.

Many people have dental insurance that lets them choose their dentist, but how do you know you are picking the best dentist for you? One way is by getting referrals. Most people have a large referral base but do not use them. Look toward your family and friends, people at work. You can even ask your friends on social media like Facebook or Twitter. Most people have been to the dentist and will be happy to tell you if they feel their dentist is a good choice for you.

Can Wisdom Teeth be the Winning Lotto Ticket in Your Child’s Mouth?

 A study suggests that the early prophylactic removal of developing third molars (wisdom teeth) can avoid future surgical problems and expenses. The developing tooth bud can supply valuable pluripotent stem cells that may be used to treat diabetes and liver disease or for anti-aging or regenerative medicine. The surgical removal of wisdom teeth has risks, including a 6% chance of permanent numbness of the tongue, lip, gums, or teeth. There is also significant discomfort during or following the procedure. However, compared to the removal of the developing tooth germ or tooth bud is a low-risk procedure that is done with minimal trauma or post-op complications. Also, more importantly, this developing tooth bud is an ideal source of powerful multi or pluripotent stem cells.

How Often Should Your Child Visit the Dentist? 

Once your baby’s first teeth erupt, you have taken them for that all-important first dental visit. How often your child should see a dentist can depend on the child. Some children are more prone to tooth decay than others. Those children that quickly get dental decay may need to see the dentist more than the standard check-up twice a year. Talk over your child’s dental needs with your dentist. Have a complete understanding of the suggested dental care and know what you can do from home to keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy.

Steps in Having Orthodontic Treatment. 

Although orthodontic treatment is customized to meet each person’s unique needs, the steps necessary for treatment remain pretty standard. First, there is Diagnostic and Treatment Planning. The diagnostic is where the orthodontic dentist will make a diagnosis to determine the most effective way to treat your bite issue. The next step is Active Treatment. Once treatment is determined, your active treatment will begin, including attaching the appliance or customizing aligner trays for invisible braces. You will return to your orthodontist’s office several times during this step for adjustments or new trays. Then the last step is Retention. Once your teeth have been realigned, you will require a retainer to ensure they do not shift back into their previous position.

Bone Creating Protein is More Effective than Bone Grafting in Dental Implants. 

A bone-creating protein has been found to be more effective than bone grafting in dental implants. Some people that get dental implants may have either not enough bone or bone that is too thin to hold the dental implant. When that happens, the current solution is to do a bone graft to anchor in the permanent prosthetic teeth. However, that technique can be problematic because it involves additional surgeries to harvest the bone. Studies at the GHSU Laboratory for Applied Periodontal & Craniofacial Regeneration found that by implanting bone morphogenetic protein in the sinus, more new bone will form within four weeks than conventional bone grafting at the same site.

In a Dental Insurance policy, what is Lifetime Maximum?

A Lifetime Maximum is the maximum amount the dental insurance plan will pay throughout a lifetime. It may apply to an individual or a family and typically to specific treatments such as orthodontic treatment.

Don’t Loss Your Teeth to Periodontal Disease. 

Periodontal disease claims more teeth than tooth decay. However, with proper preventive dental care at home and good oral habits, you can reduce your chances of having periodontal disease. Healthy dental care habits are critical in preventing gum disease. Regular and effective tooth brushing, Using a tartar control mouthwash, and daily flossing are the first at-home steps to good oral health. Good dietary habits also help to keep healthy teeth and gums. Reduce the intake of sugar. You can avoid snacks and drinks with sugar other than natural sugars in fruits and vegetables. When eating food that has added sugars, you will want to follow up by brushing your teeth. Smoking plays can cause chronic periodontal disease. So for smokers, quitting is one of the most important steps toward regaining periodontal health.

The Number One Cause of Tooth Loss is Gum Disease. 

Periodontal disease causes more tooth loss than dental decay. Many people may have no cavities but still, have gum disease. Preventive dental care at home, such as brushing twice daily and flossing daily, will help prevent gum disease. Unfortunately, according to several medical statistics, as much as 90% of people aged 35 and older struggle with some periodontal complications. The ADA had conducted research, and the results showed that people with a history of periodontal disease are exposed to a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer and other major health issues.

What is the Explanation of Benefits?

An explanation of benefits is a paper or electronic document the dental insurance company provides detailing the dental treatments and services paid for on a member’s behalf. An explanation of Benefits is different from a bill.

The cost of Dental Implants May Vary. 

When discussing the cost of dental implants, it isn’t straightforward to mention one single price. The main reason is that the dental needs of each person differ significantly. Some might have to replace only one or two teeth with implants, while others might replace the entire upper or lower teeth. Other times there is a dental reconstruction which also needs to be considered. 

When breaking down the cost of dental implants, you need to consider the following: 

• Cost of each crown and the dental implant attached to the jawbone.  
• The extra cost sometimes needed is for any additional dental work such as gum or bone grafting. 
• The cost for dental implants must factor in any consultation fees, X-rays or CT scans, check-ups, and the cost of follow-up or aftercare treatment. 
• There are extreme costs when a patient undergoes a complex dental procedure such as sinus elevation.
• Many dental insurance plans do not offer coverage for dental implants; if they do, it is minimal. That is why dental implant procedures can range between $1000 – $2000 or more per tooth. 

Dental Implants are worth their value but not something you take lightly. Make sure you talk to your dentist about the cost. Get the consultation and know all the steps needed for you to have dental implants.

Exclusions are dental services that are not covered by a dental insurance plan. It is essential to read your dental insurance policy carefully to know what is and is not covered.

A more advanced alternative to dentures or crowns is dental implants.

Dental implants have become a more advanced alternative to having dentures or crowns work. Whereas crowns, partials, and dentures will last a few years, after which you have to replace or repair them, dental implants are meant to last a lifetime. Dental implants may cost more than crowns, partials, and dentures because they look, feel, and function like a natural set of teeth. Nobody can tell the difference whether you have dental implants or a natural set of teeth. Not everyone can have dental implants, so discuss your dental care options with your dentist. Also, dental implants are not usually covered by dental insurance, so you want to budget for them.

What is an Effective Date?

The effective date is when the coverage under a dental insurance plan begins. The effective date is generally different from when you buy the dental insurance plan. So know the effective date before using your dental insurance plan.

What to do when a Toddler Injures their Teeth or Gums?

Accidents happen, toddlers learning to walk may fall, and young kids playing a sport may take a ball to the mouth. What is important is knowing what to do and being prepared. If your child’s baby tooth gets dislodged, you can not save the tooth. However, you will want to consult a dentist about a space maintainer. Baby teeth that come out too soon may need a space maintainer to prevent other teeth from shifting. 

If your child knocks out a permanent tooth, quick action is required. A permanent tooth has the best chance of survival if replaced within the first 30 minutes. Be advised when a permanent tooth is knocked out, always hold the tooth by the crown and not the root. Do not rinse the tooth with tap water. If necessary, use milk to rinse the tooth. Then whenever possible, put the tooth back in the tooth socket. Do this only if your child is old enough not to swallow the tooth. If the tooth can not be reinserted in the tooth socket, then put the tooth in a glass of milk and see a dentist ASAP. You should know your dentist’s office hours and if you can come in for an emergency at any time.

How to find low-cost braces options for your kids?

Affording dental braces can be different in good times. With the economy at a low, you may not be able to afford braces for your kids even if you have dental insurance coverage that may help toward the cost of braces. In cases like that, see what your state has to offer.

Some kids are covered by state insurance programs called Medicaid. These programs may cover braces, especially if your teeth cause problems with talking, eating, or swallowing. Though there may be a lot of paperwork required, and you may have trouble finding a dentist who works with the state-run insurance program, it is at least worth looking into since many states have taken a step to make the process easier.

What is Dual Coverage concerning dental insurance?

Dual Coverage is when a member has coverage under two different dental insurance plans. Primary and secondary carriers must coordinate the two insurance plans.