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.

Can you whiten your teeth during pregnancy? 

Although a study has not yet concluded that whitening your teeth during pregnancy is harmful to your child, waiting until after the baby is born to whiten your teeth may still be a good idea. The concern is that the chemicals in teeth whitening products could be swallowed during the whitening process and the effects that may have on your baby. Some dentists will encourage you to wait until after pregnancy, and even some teeth whitening produce recommend not to use during pregnancy. However, if whitening your teeth is essential, consult your doctor and a dentist before having your teeth whitened to go about it in the safest way possible.

Changing your child’s dentist from a Pediatric dentist to a Family Dentist. 

Since most Family or General dental offices do not see children under the age of five or six, many people take their younger children to see a Pediatric dentist. However, Pediatric dentists may not be covered under a dental insurance plan, or they are at lower coverage because Pediatric dentists are considered specialists and not general dentists. Therefore you need to know your plan benefit coverage for specialists. 

Once your child is old enough to see a family dentist, many people wish to make the change so their child’s dental care can become more affordable. However, if the change is done abruptly, it can be overwhelming and cause some anxiety. But if you’re both prepared and plan accordingly, it can be a smooth process. Try and find a general/family dentist that still provides a kid-friendly office. Make sure the dentist you see is well-equipped to handle younger children.

Dependents under the plan are anyone other than the primary member that is covered by a dental insurance plan. A dependent could be a child or spouse.

A deductible is the dollar amount each member must pay toward covered services before the company pays the insurance benefits. The deductible can also be referred to as the member’s out-of-pocket costs.

A covered service is a dental treatment for which payment is provided under the terms of a member’s dental insurance policy.

Gum Disease can affect anyone at any age. 

For some people gum disease happens to older people and not children. However, that would not be correct. Gum Disease ( Periodontal disease) can affect anyone at any age. Gum Disease is an infection of the tissues and bones that help support the teeth. Suppose untreated gum disease can become a severe dental issue causing teeth to become loose and even fall out. Gum disease is one of the main reasons people in the U.S. lose their teeth. It is usually caused by plaque buildup. Plaque contains bacteria, which produce toxins that irritate and damage the gums. Having proper dental habits at home (brushing and flossing twice a day) and regular dental checkups can help prevent gum disease. A child should start seeing a dentist when they cut their first tooth or on their first birthday.

Keeping your Baby Teeth Healthy from Baby to Adulthood. 

Proper dental care for your child begins before your baby cuts their first tooth. As an infant, you want to keep your baby’s gums clean. You can do this by running a damp washcloth over your baby’s gums following feedings, by doing this can help to prevent the buildup of damaging bacteria. Once your baby has a few teeth showing, you can brush them with a soft child’s toothbrush. Feeding habits for babies are essential in maintaining dental health. Even babies can have problems with dental decay when parents do not practice good feeding habits. Putting a baby to sleep with a baby bottle in its mouth may seem convenient, but it can harm your baby’s teeth. Parents should consider taking their child to a dentist specializing in treating kids. Pediatric dentists are trained to handle the wide range of issues associated with kids’ dental health

What is a Claim Form?

Claims Forms are information a dentist submits to the dental plan to get paid for services performed for a member. A dentist is responsible for the accuracy of all information on a claim form. Talk to your dental office to understand their claim handling process.