More people are heading to the emergency room with dental problems.  The increase people going to the emergency room with dental problems is largely driven by young adults who do not have dental benefits, according to the ADA Health Policy Resources Center.

The number of dental emergency room visits in the U.S. increased from 1.1 million in 2000 to 2.1 million in 2010, according to the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. The survey also showed dental ER visits as a percent of total ER visits increasing from 1.06 percent in 2000 to 1.65 percent in 2010—a change HPRC cites as statistically significant.

Question: My dental office stated that they take Delta Dental but the problem is I am finding out that there are several Delta Dental products/plans. Which one would my dentist take?

Answer: In regards to the Delta Dental plans we have to offer if you are looking at any of their PPO plans we do provide a link to search for providers once you click to review plan details.  We also have Delta Dental Indemnity  plans which will let you go to any dentist you want because there is no providers.  If you are not sure about the PPO plans we sell their Gold, Diamond and Platinum plan just call your dental office up and confirm if they are in the plan network.

There are a few reason why your jaw can hurt when chewing or talking.  If you been noticing jaw pain talk to your dentist about TMD temporal mandibular joint disorder.  Also jaw pain can be a sign that you are clenching or grinding your teeth.  Many people do this when stressed.  If you are having high stress currently, try to be more aware of this.

People can also grind or clench their teeth while sleeping. In this case it can be harder for you to know if that is what you are doing. However normally your jaw can be more sore in the morning when you first wake up.   Consult with your dentist.  Regardless of why your jaw is hurting your dentist will be able to determine the correct course of treatment.

Question: Two days ago I went in for my regular dental cleaning, check up visit.  My dentist told me that I needed to have a deep cleaning.  I told him I would look into it and see if I can afford to have it done after speaking with my insurance company.   I called my dental insurance company that stated that without the ADA codes they could not tell me my cost for the service.  I told them it is just a deep cleaning but they said it was not enough information for them to tell me cost.  What are ADA codes and where do I get them?

Answer: You would get the ADA codes from the dentist that you are going to. There are many different types of deep cleaning codes depending on what your dentist feels would be best for you.  That is why some insurance company will not quote out a rate for dental services without knowing the ADA codes. The insurance company does not want to give you the wrong cost information. To give you an idea of codes for periodontics dental work I listed some of those codes for your review.

4210 Gingivectomy/gingivoplasty, per quad
4211 Gingivectomy/gingivoplasty, per tooth
4250 Mucogingival surgery, per quad
4260 Osseous surgery, per quad
4341 Periodontal scaling & root planing, per quad
4355 Full mouth debridement
4381 Delivery of chemotherapeutic agent
4910 Perio maintenance (following active therapy)
4999 Initial perio charting for moderate or advanced cases

There are many possible reason for having sensitive teeth. One of the reason why you may have sensitive teeth could be that you have a receding gum line that exposes part of your tooth root that is not covered by your tooth enamel.   The tooth root which is exposed has tiny tubules leading to the tooth’s nerve center. So when you have hot or cold items it reaches the nerve in your tooth, which can then results in the pain you may feel.   The same thing can happen if you have a wearing down of your tooth enamel.  Make sure to talk to your dentist about any prolong problem of teeth sensitively

When shopping for dental insurance and or a dental plan, it can get to become over whelming if you are not sure what is best for you and your dental needs.

Dental Discount Plans   A discount plan is really great if you have current dental needs that have to be address right away. Such as a toothache. Since most dental discount plans start the next business day from signing up. Thus allowing you to see the dentist right away as well as reducing your dental costs.  Another great benefit with a discount plan is that you get discounted saving off on dental services that may not be covered under most dental insurance plans. Such as Whitening, Veneers and Implants to name a few.

Note: A dental discount plan is not dental insurance, therefore it is not a filed product with the department of insurance. You must stay within the network of providers . Only the network dentist have agree to reduce or discount their cost to you as a plan member.

Dental HMOs insurance:  DHMO refers to a dental health maintenance organization  These insurance plans, also known as “capitation plans,” operate like their medical HMO cousins. This type of dental plan provides a comprehensive dental care to enrolled patients through designated provider office.  Generally speaking HMO do not have waiting periods, yearly maximum limitations or deductibles.

Like a dental discount plan you have to go to dentist that participate in the plans network. There is no out side net work coverage.  companies that sell HMO dental insurance plans are regulated by state insurance departments.  What was stated is generally how each type of plan works. However, each plan is different that is why it is important to read and understand the plans terms and conditions before making your final choice.

Question: My five year had to have three crown put on this year, one of them just came off.  My daughter did not have a good experience last time and I am wondering if the dentist will numb her.  I hoping since I saved the crown it can just be re-cemented.  Her dental appointment is in two days from now.

Answer: Generally speaking as long as there is not any additional damage to the tooth in question, your dentist should be able to just re-cement the crown back onto the tooth.

Question: I want to change my old silver filling to tooth color fillings.  Thinking about getting dental insurance to help with the cost.  What would be the best dental insurance plan for that?

Answer: Generally dental insurance will not cover changing out silver fillings to tooth colored fillings unless there is new dental decay in the tooth that needs to be address. What you want to have done is more cosmetic and is not a covered benefit in most dental insurance plans.   Therefore you may want to review a low cost dental discount plan. Under a dentist discount plan you can save money for that type of dental service at least 20 percent or more.

Dental researchers have found the first long-term evidence that periodontal disease may increase the risk of cognitive dysfunction associated with Alzheimer’s disease in healthy individuals as well as in those who already are cognitively impaired. The study offers fresh evidence that gum inflammation may contribute to brain inflammation, neurodegeneration, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Question: I have not had dental insurance for over two years since I first got complete upper and lower dentures.  At the time I did not think since I had the denture I would need to have dental insurance any more.  However, I am starting to find out that getting aliments and repairs to my dentures are costly.  Is there dental insurance for dentures?

Answer: For your needs you may want to review dental discount plans. Generally you will save at least 20% off the cost of repairs and adjustments to your dentures.  If you are want a dental insurance plan, make sure the plan offers coverage for dentures repairs, some plan will only do so if you show proof you had the dentures for at least five or more years.  Where as other plans may have long term waiting periods before they offer benefits for repairs to partials and dentures.

Question: I am missing a few teeth and I want to get a bridge.  What is the normal cost for a dental bridge and do they stay in your mouth or do you take them out?

Answer: Cost factors very greatly depending on how many teeth you are replacing and what types of material you are using.  Also cost can very depending on where you live.  I would suggest to find a dentist that is willing to give you a free consultation. That way you can get a more accurate cost quote for your dental care needs.  Dental bridges are fixed and not removable where as partials can be taken out. Talk to a dentist to see which is right for you and which best fits into your budget.

Question: Do you have any dental PPO plans that also come with vision benefits?  

Answer: Yes we do, Our AlwaysCare PPO insurance option comes with vision benefits. You may also want to review our vision website at www.BestVisionPlans.com. Our vision  website offers individual vision plans. This way you can also review all our PPO insurance plan options and if it dose not come with vision, you can choose to buy vision as well on our vision website.

There are several uses for dental crowns.  Dental crowns help to strengthen teeth.  They can also be use to help improve the condition and appearance of your teeth.  Often times dental crowns are used for repairing teeth that are broken, chipped or cracked or become damaged by either age and decay.  There is a variety of different finishes that dental crowns are available in. These include metal, porcelain, and porcelain over a metal alloy, and they can make a noticeable difference in your smile.

Whether you are searching for a PPO or and HMO for an individual dental insurance plan our website provides many plan options for both. For dental PPO plans we have plans though Delta Dental, StandardLife, AlwaysCare, Madison National. For our HMO insurance plan options with have plans though California Dental and PrimeCare.

We even provide dental discount plan options for your review. Just enter your zip code in the quote box provide in order to review all your dental insurance options we have available.

A detailed and extensive problem-focused evaluation entails extensive diagnostic and cognitive modalities based on the findings of a comprehensive oral evaluation. Integration of more extensive diagnostic modalities to develop a treatment plan for a specific problem is required.

The condition requiring this type of evaluation should be described and documented. Examples of conditions requiring this type of evaluation may include dentofacial anomalies, complicated perio-prosthetic conditions, complex temporomandibular dysfunction, facial pain of unknown origin, severe systemic diseases requiring multi-disciplinary consultation, etc.

Question: I have a family of six and dental care is costly since we have no dental insurance and can not afford it. However, I noticed your Dental Choice+ Aetna Dental Access plan.  I wondering if we all have to go to the same dental office or can we each see different dentist?

Answer: Aetna Dental Access plan is a dental discount plan. As like with most dental discount plans, you and your family members are not assigned to a dental office. However, you do need to make sure you go to plan providers. Since you will not receive any discounted savings at dentists that do not accept the plan.

Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation will typically includes evaluation of periodontal conditions, probing and charting, evaluation and recording of the patient’s dental and medical history and general health assessment. It may also include the evaluation and recording of dental caries, missing or unerupted teeth, restorations, occlusal relationships and oral cancer screening.

Question: I do have health insurance though my employer and although it does offer dental benefits it is pretty limited in coverages with regards to dental care services. Can I buy another individual dental plan and use that instead?

Answer: Yes, In fact our website currently offer 46 different dental insurance and plan options for your review. Our member services at 310-534-3444 will be happy to assist you with these options if you have any questions about our dental insurance plans.

A comprehensive oral evaluation is typically used by a general dentist and/or a dental specialist when evaluating a patient comprehensively.  A comprehensive oral evaluation is a thorough evaluation and recording of the extraoral and intraoral hard and soft tissues.

It may require interpretation of information acquired through additional diagnostic procedures. This would include the evaluation and recording of the patient’s dental and medical history and a general health assessment. It may typically include the evaluation and recording of dental decay, missing or unerupted teeth, restorations, occlusal relationships, periodontal conditions (including periodontal charting), hard and soft tissue anomalies, etc.

Question: I do not currently have dental insurance and thinking about getting some. However what I been looking at it seems that the cost of dental insurance does not match the benefits received.

Answer: You may be reviewing dental PPO plans.  Dental PPO plans are really long term dental insurance something you are going to keep for at least a few years.  Since these plan have waiting periods. They are worth getting but you need to keep the limitations in mind.  Otherwise you may wish to review dental HMO plan which are generally lower cost dental insurance plans that do not have waiting periods.