Posts Tagged ‘root canals’

Confused about dental insurance?

Dental insurance was introduced in the 1960’s and was originally designed to help with the cost of dental expenses, not pay for the entire treatment. This benefit was exciting for those who were beneficiaries from the generosity of the automotive companies. These benefits gave the opportunity for many to have needed dental care done. The dental benefits haven’t changed much in the last 40 years in the Detroit Michigan area. In fact they originally had a $1000 maximum per year which is now $1,200 per year: only 20% of inflation rate. Today in this economy having insurance is a blessing and at the same time it is confusing. This month’s article is designed to help you understand your dental insurance better. Here are some facts:
1. Dental insurance is a contract between the insurance company and the patient.
Each year whether it is a calendar year running from January –December or a contact year running from July-June, the insurance company allows a maximum amount that they will pay the dental provider on your behalf. The maximum is usually $1000.00. Some plans also have a deductible, which is to be paid each year, generally $25.00-$50.00.
2. Insurance companies pay a percentage of each procedure.
Here is a breakdown:
100% -Diagnostic and Preventative services, which includes exams, cleaning and x-rays
80%-Basic/Restorative services, which includes fillings
50%-Major/Restorative services, which includes, root canals, crowns and prosthodontics (dentures, partials and implants)

3. Due to insurance companies paying by a percentage, your out of pocket expenses can vary. If you decide to see a dentist that is not in-network you may have to pay more since the insurance company pays a limited amount for each procedure. To make this profitable, dentists who agree to participate with these plans may need to see more patients at one time or reduce their expenses by using less quality materials or labs.
With the collapse of the auto companies it became necessary to reduce or eliminate benefits. There are many decisions now that have to be made which in the past were made for the employee. At the same time these benefits are becoming evident which in the past were assumed.
If you have a PPO (Preferred provider organization) plan:
-You may need to pay slightly more money but still have choices in the dental office who provides care for you and your family. If you have no choice but to find a dentist in your network it can be difficult.
-You may need to check with your insurance provider for a list of dentists that participate with them. To make sure these dental providers meet your standards it may be necessary to evaluate their office by checking over the internet or by asking friends.
If you are in need for insurance:
Selecting a dental insurance company can be difficult and confusing as well. Delta Dental has a contract with AARP that may work for you. You can visit www.deltadentalins.com or call 1-866-583-2085 for more information.

Please feel free to call our office with any questions you may have. You do not have to be a patient of ours for us to help you out. You can also visit our website at www.TheGentleDentist.com or call us at 586-247-3500.

Dental implants are needed for Broken teeth that can’t be repaired, missing teeth, loose dentures, and even if you are tired of that irritating hole in the front of your mouth. Dr Robert Antolak, The Gentle Dentist located in Shelby Township, Macomb County Michigan shows in this video how a tooth that had a root canal needed to be removed and have a dental implant placed.  This procedure took about 1 hour and was done with just numbing. Failed root canals are a  common reason why dental implants are needed. They prevent the need to grind down adjacent teeth because they replace only the missing tooth.  This video goes from start to finish and does contain some bleeding.  If you are looking to have an dental implant placed then you must consider Dr. Antolak and his professional staff.

Dental infections can be dangerous if they grow and enter the spaces in the neck between the layers of muscles.  To treat the dental emergency and relieve the pressure from the puss infection can be done in a few ways.  These are to aide your body’s own natural immune system which fights off infections on a cellular level. 

Antibiotics fight bacteria so when they are used the medicine gets into the blood stream and either slows down the growth or kills the bacteria as the blood penetrates the area where the infection is.  It is necessary to have blood flow to the area where the infection is so the use of a heating pad is effective to draw the antibiotic rich blood to the area .

Dental Extractions remove the cause of the infection the fastest because the removal of infected teeth actually creates a large opening where the infection can drain.

Root canals involve the removal of dead nerve tissue inside of the tooth by disinfecting the root canal space.  After the nerve space is disinfected and cleaned a rubber material is packed into the hollow tooth root.  A small opening at the end of the tooth is made when the infected nerve is treated so this provides a small pressure release where the infection is.  It is very important to close off the opening in the crown portion of the tooth with a core and crown.  This eliminates the bacterial penetration from the mouth into the disinfected tooth. 

With all of the dental care at www.TheGentleDentist.com office located in Shelby township, Michigan we strive to make  your visit pain free.  I take a lot of time during injections and the procedure to assure  you that your needs are taken care of.  I give promises to our patients that you will be reated in the most gentle way possible and not start treatment until you are absolutely numb and pain free.  We use nitrous oxided gas and sedation dentistry for those who have a lot of fear and hate going to the dentist. 

Dental emergencies are nothing to procrastinate on and if you are swollen then either call our office at 586-247-3500, or get to your local emergency room if the infection has caused  your neck to swell and close off your breathing. 

At our office we serve Sterling Heights, Shelby twp. Utica, New Balimore,Washington Twp and Clinton Twp areas of Michigan.