Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Basics of Dental Insurance

Today, Bertagnolli Dental in Westminster has the basics of dental insurance. We get a lot of questions from our clients about how their dental insurance works. So, we have laid out some helpful points to guide you through the process of using your dental insurance with Bertagnolli Dental.

Deductibles
Your dental insurance plan is going to have a deductible. This means that you will first pay out of pocket for dental procedures, such as a crown or filling, before the insurance coverage and co-pays come into play. Fortunately, insurance rarely applies a deductible to appointments for cleanings or exams.

Annual Maximum Benefit
Based on the calendar year, your Annual Maximum Benefit is generally around $1,000-$1,500, which is how much total dental work your insurance will pay. Once you’ve reached this amount in services, you must wait until the next calendar year to receive additional coverage, unless you pay out of pocket.

Your annual maximum benefit is “spent” on different levels of procedures and typically by a certain percentage. Here’s a quick example:

·         Type 1 Services, Preventative Dental Care: Insurance provides 100% coverage for x-rays, exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants.

·         Type 2 Services, Basic Restorative Dental Care: Insurance pays 80% of the cost for fillings, root canals, periodontal scaling, root planning (deep cleanings), and extractions.

·         Type 3 Services, Major Restorative Dental Care: Insurance pays 50% of the cost for bridge work, dentures, crowns, posts, and buildups.

What About Exceptions?
Exceptions are one of the unavoidable basics of dental insurance, so read through you policy to better understand your dental care coverage. You can also call your insurance carrier for clarifications.

Waiting Period
If you are just getting new insurance, you may have to wait six months for coverage to begin on Type 2 Services. This is an industry standard, so set your calendars for any basic restorative dental care services including fillings, root canals, periodontal scaling, root planning (deep cleanings), or extractions.

Missing Tooth Clause
If you are looking to get a bridge or implant, hopefully, you still have the tooth or teeth needing help. If the tooth was already missing as you started your new dental insurance coverage, then your insurance will typically not cover the work.

Frequency
Your dental care group plan only allows services at certain intervals. This includes cleanings only every 6 months. If you schedule a cleaning before the 6 month period is up, your insurance will not cover it. At Bertagnolli Dental, we can advise and set up appointments so you’ll never have to worry!

Be sure that your dentist is contracted with your insurer to ensure coverage. You can also ask for a pre-treatment estimate to be sent over to your insurer. That way, you will see just what they will cover of your dental treatments, so there are no surprises in the bill.


At Bertagnolli Dental, we always work with our clients to get the absolute best benefits coverage and service. We appreciate our patients and want your experience with us to be a pleasant one. Now that you have the basics of dental insurance down, you are ready to schedule your visit with us.

Sunday, April 15, 2018

When to Worry About a Toothache

Know when to worry about a toothache with these tips from Bertagnolli Dental in Westminster. Toothache pain does not come from only one cause or symptom. There is a myriad of reasons you are experiencing it. Read on to get the facts on when to worry about a toothache and seek treatment.

If you’re experiencing a ton of pain with your toothache, it’s best to make an appointment immediately with your dentist. Remember, that you may have to wait a few days for a time to open up, so the sooner you call, the better.

In the meantime, take a written account of the pain you are experiencing. You can also take a painkiller, apply numbing gel, and a cold compress. Most importantly, keep your teeth clean. This will do the most good in this situation until you can meet with your dentist.

Schedule with your dentist immediately if:
·         Your toothache is causing you severe pain
·         Your toothache is lasting longer than 1-2 days
·         You have pain by simply opening your mouth
·         You have an earache as well

Additional Causes/Symptoms of a Toothache:
·         Chest pain
·         Jaw pain
·         Excessive pain
·         Dull or sharp pain around the tooth
·         Difficulty chewing or swallowing
·         Bleeding gums
·         Facial rash

Allergy and Sinus Problems
Believe it or not, you may have a sinus toothache. If you have recently gotten sick or have an infection, your mucus lining may swell up. This will lead to blockage of the nasal passages, clogging up your sinuses and trapping bacteria inside, leading to a toothache.

Trauma
Have you done any recent activities, such as playing sports, where you got hit in the face? You may be experiencing the effects of unintended trauma to your teeth. Your dentist can diagnose you and provide appropriate treatment.

Wisdom Teeth
The pain you are experiencing may also be from your wisdom teeth coming in. Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible for an accurate assessment. 

Abscessed Tooth
If you have had any issues with your mouth for a while and did not get treatment, you may have an abscessed tooth. The sooner that you can get to the dentist, the better. An abscess qualifies as when to worry about a toothache.

Tooth Decay and Cavities
If your cavity has gotten extreme, it will begin to expose nerve endings and start to hurt. Get to your dentist quickly to resolve the issue.

Cracked Tooth
Cracked teeth can happen for a number of reasons including less than perfect oral hygiene, a misaligned bite, or trauma to the mouth. Get to the dentist quickly if you have a cracked tooth.

Gum Disease
A toothache can also stem from gingivitis. If your gums appear inflamed or bleed easily, it just might be showing up as a toothache. Seek help from your dentist immediately so that they can assist.


Now you have the facts on when to worry about a toothache, get help with your toothache today from Bertagnolli Dental. We are service-oriented, providing excellent dentistry to our clients. Don’t delay; call or schedule online today to get your toothache under control.