Spirit Dental Resources

When it comes to dental insurance there are two types of dental plans. Determining which plan is best for you is easier if you understand the differences in the two types of dental plans. PPO PPO stands for Preferred Provider Organization. In a Preferred Provider Organization you'll still be able to select your own provider but it must be within the list of preferred providers or you'll have to pay a lot more money. The dental insurance company and the preferred providers work together to help keep your costs reasonable. If you go out of network you will lose that benefit and likely be paying a bit more out of pocket for the services you have done. Most preferred providers work within a group setting such as a health care facility or group in your local area. By joining in with such a group they are able to help keep costs down and pass that savings on to you the consumer. Indemnity An indemnity plan on the other hand, allows you the consumer to choose from any provider that you desire. However, you will lose some of the savings that you have with the preferred provider because they aren't under the same contract to provide services at a specific rate. The indemnity plan will pay a flat rate that is pre set for services. For example: If you have your teeth cleaned they will pay a pre set rate for the cleaning, anything over that pre set rate the consumer will have to pay for. Each service will have its own pre set rate and the consumer will be responsible for all fees over that rate. Some dentists won't bill an indemnity plan and the consumer must pay the fees out of pocket and then submit the reimbursement forms to the indemnity company themselves. Choosing between the two plans can be challenging at best.  If you have great teeth and only need minimal dental care you may be able to get along just fine with an inexpensive plan that covers a few fillings and an annual cleaning. However, if you have more serious dental needs you may want more comprehensive coverage. If you live in a more rural area your options may be limited for PPO care providers. If you aren't able to drive the required distance to reach one of these providers you may need to opt with the indemnity plan for convenience sake. You'll also want to make sure you read the fine print and know how much you're paying out each month in premiums. You'll want to understand the co payments and what you'll be responsible for in the fees as well. Once you determine which plan will work best for your needs you can then explore the various PPO and Indemnity policies that are available. Always read the fine print and make sure that you understand the details of your policy before you sign the paperwork and make your first premium.

There is a reason why people can match-up PPO versus indemnity insurance, because both policies have their degree of benefits. However, there is a "right" choice so-to-speak. Not everybody has the same financial situations and in many cases the choice is purely based on what plan suites the needs of the individual. The only way to make that right choice is by understanding both PPO and indemnity policies. Indemnity Insurance It is also referred to as a fee-for-service and the purpose of this policy is to cover a portion of medical bills related to injury or illness. Take note that there are several different plans in this sector so it's important to shop around, but for the most part these types of policies cover about 80%. The rest has to be covered by the individual. The policy can only go into effect when the individual pays the annual deductible fee. How much this fee will be depends on several things, such as age and the condition of an individual’s health. Also pay attention whether a policy covers routine exams, because they usually don't. The biggest benefit of the policy is that the individual is free to go to any dentist, doctor or hospital. An individual can also switch doctors at any time. Even though indemnity policies are typically more expensive, they come with more flexibility and freedom of choice.   PPO Insurance This type of insurance policy comes with a few more complications, but it's more affordable. Individuals have to pay a monthly premium which saves more out of pocket expenses. However, there are requirements in order to benefit from the plan. The company selling the insurance is connected with several medical service providers. These include pharmaceuticals and doctors. Individuals have to go to the doctors and use medication brands that fall into the network of the insurance company, otherwise out of pocket expenses come into play. The doctors also become the gatekeepers for covered visits to specialists and pre-authorization needs to be given before the doctor visit can be made. The most obvious benefit is that an individual gets to save a lot of money in terms of out of pocket expenses, as long as the rules of the policy are adhered to of course. Note that individuals are allowed to claim even when they visit doctors outside of the network, but this will result in a deductible payment from the individual.    The Best Choice Don't be too hasty when making a decision. Yes, it's important to have insurance, but it's also important to sustain it. For this reason it's recommended to look at all the aspects of a lifestyle. Is there a need for a family plan? Are you sure you will be able to afford the insurance in the long run? Once you can establish exactly what you need and what you can afford then you will make the right choice. Just check all the details thoroughly and do your homework first.

There are many people who believe that contradicting any diseases in the mouth doesn’t affect your overall health. According to them, what happens in the mouth, stays in the mouth. To the contrary opinion, this is completely misguided since the condition of your mouth is also tied to the health of the rest of your body. Remember, taking care of your teeth doesn’t stop at having a nice smile and fresh breath always. There’s more to it. Researchers from different institutions have conducted various studies trying to identify the relationship between the mouth and the overall health of the body. There are a few conclusive ideas that have been adapted but the complete relationship is not yet distinct. Here are some of the results from these studies that will help you understand the relationship between your dental care and the rest of your body. Diabetes And Oral Health It is a known fact that people with Type 2 Diabetes are also susceptible to getting gum disease. However, the reverse had not yet been identified. Thanks to a study conducted in Columbia University, it has been identified that people with gum disease have a higher incidence of getting Diabetes (especially Type 2). Although the results of this study are not yet conclusive, there are a few theories that have been adapted to find some truth in the premise. First, due to the infections present in the mouth due to gum disease, the body is susceptible to inflammation. This may result in poor sugar absorption due to damage to the insulin receptors found in the body. As such, glucose is not absorbed as it should, which is the foundation of Diabetes. On that note, the relation between oral health and diabetes is still under further studies but the initial results have proven true for most of the patients under study. Can Oral Health Lead To Heart Disease? Just as is with Diabetes, there have been a few connections between heart disease and oral health. However, the results are not yet conclusive as to whether the relation between these two is actually direct. There are a few common causes of heart disease and poor oral health. For instance, smoking has been identified to cause gum disease as well as cardiovascular issues. There have been a few studies and theories identified such as the following. First, if an individual suffers from high levels of periodontal bacteria, there is likelihood that these might be transferred to the blood vessels after consuming meals or drinking liquids. Eventually, they result in blockages which result in poor heart health. However, it has been identified that if periodontal diseases are treated earlier, it might reduce arterial blockage thereby saving the patient from riskier cardiovascular diseases. In summary, just like the rest of the body is connected so is the mouth. On that note, taking care of your teeth might go a long way in saving your heart or preventing the contraction of serious diseases such as Diabetes. Remember, there are still some studies underway in order to connect oral health with overall body health.

Have you ever come across people who are the dentists’ favorite patients simply because they never have dental problems? It could be because they take perfect care of their teeth by brushing and flossing after every meal. Or it also could be because they take note of the foods they eat to keep their teeth healthy. Whatever the reason, you need to practice good dental behavior by eating right and brushing regularly to avoid dental issues such as plaque, periodontal disease etc. Here are some foods that you should add to your diet to keep your teeth healthy. 1. Milk First on the list of teeth fortifying foods includes milk. Basically, milk contains calcium which is beneficial to all the bones in your body as well as teeth. Milk keeps the teeth stronger and healthier and also protects you from getting periodontal disease. Also, it fortifies the jawbone keeping it healthy and strong. Women are more prone to getting periodontal disease if there is lack of enough calcium in their diet. Therefore, it’s important to drink and eat calcium rich foods with milk at the top of the list. More specifically, you need to take skimmed or low-fat milk which gives you all the nutrients without any clogging of the arteries, like that experienced with whole milk. 2. Salmon Salmon, a type of fish, is the best source of Vitamin D which is essential for keeping the teeth strong and healthy. Vitamin D allows for proper absorption of calcium which protects the teeth or gums from any oral disease. Basically, taking milk alone doesn’t do all work but taking salmon or other sources of Vitamin D improves the absorption rate of calcium in the body. 3. Oranges It might look surprising but citrus fruits, more specifically oranges, improve oral health by strengthening the connective tissue as well as the blood vessels. These connective tissues are responsible for maintaining support for the teeth in the jaw. Also, vitamin C found in oranges slows down or prevents the progression rate of gingivitis. 4. Strawberries Next to oranges, strawberries are also exceptional sources of Vitamin C with help repair your gum and prevent oral diseases. Vitamin C assists in the production of collagen, a crucial protein in maintaining the integrity and strength of your gums. A cup of fresh strawberries everyday will certainly do the trick. 5. Water Drinking clean water everyday removes any debris left by food and maintains high levels of saliva thereby improving oral health. Saliva is the first line of defense against oral decay since it contains minerals and proteins which are responsible for counteracting acids that affect the enamel. Saliva contains at least 95% of water and it would work wonders if you kept yourself hydrated at all times. Remember, hydrating yourself with sugary and fizzy drinks is not advisable since the content of this drinks is harmful to your teeth. Taking water also displaces any sugary content left in the mouth thereby keeping you free from oral decay. Add all these foods in your diet and delay the progression of oral diseases or prevent them altogether.

Updated Nov. 2022 Seeing a dentist regularly for checkups, cleanings, and restorative treatments can help keep your teeth and gums healthy, bright, and strong. But if you aren’t comfortable with your dentist or you don’t feel like you’re receiving the highest quality care, you may be reluctant to schedule your appointments.   Whether you aren’t happy with your current dentist or you’ve moved and are in search of a new dentist, choosing the right one can help you feel at ease every time you need to have your mouth examined. But how can you be sure you’re making a smart choice? Check out the tips below to learn about some of the best ways to select a great dentist.  Ask around When it comes to finding any medical provider, getting referrals from people you trust is a good way to go. Consider talking to friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors. After all, they can tell you about their direct experience with a dentist, and you can use that information to gauge if that dentist would also meet your needs.  If that doesn’t point you in the right direction, consider asking a medical professional, such as your doctor, chiropractor, or pharmacist, for some recommendations. Moving away? Consider asking your current dentist for recommendations. He or she might know one or more talented dentists who will be able to help keep your mouth healthy once you’ve settled into your new home. Research and compare dentists Don’t just take a person’s word for it; research a dentist yourself. Whether you’re searching online for dentists in your area or you’re relying on referrals, see what information appears when you look up information about a provider. Head to their website to learn more about how their office works, and to see what services they provide and what fees they charge. Also, try to access details about their background, such as their education, certifications, and experience.  Perhaps you don’t feel comfortable seeing a dentist who hasn’t been practicing that long. Maybe you want to go to someone who uses the latest technology to diagnose and treat patients. Or, you might want a dentist who has specialized training in areas like root canals, gum disease, or dental implants.  The right research can provide you with the answers you need. Then, you can compare dentists and narrow down your options to those who would likely be the best fit for your needs.  Check reviews online Take your research a step further by reading reviews written by patients. Even if you get a referral from someone you trust, checking out reviews can be super helpful because you can learn from people’s good and bad experiences.  Rather than only being exposed to the positive stories that came with a referral, you can see if anyone had negative things to say about the same provider. This may give you greater insight into whether someone is a good choice after all.   Confirm insurance coverage Dental insurance can help you save money whenever you need to see the dentist. But not all dentists accept all the dental plans that are available in your area. So, to be sure you can take advantage of your insurance, simply contact a dentist directly to confirm that they accept the policy you’re enrolled in.  Keep in mind that the amount of support you can receive may be based on whether a dentist is in-network or out-of-network. Oftentimes, selecting an in-network dentist is the best way to save the most money, especially if you have a plan that doesn’t provide any coverage for out-of-network providers.  Note: Your insurance company might be able to give you a list of in-network dentists in your area. This might be another easy way to choose a dentist you can trust!  Ask for a consultation Reading about a dentist and interacting with them in person are two completely different things. That’s why it’s a great idea to make an appointment to meet a potential new dentist.  By meeting with a dentist, you can see how clean their exam rooms are and how organized the staff is. Plus, you can use this as an opportunity to ask questions, discuss expectations, and talk about your oral health.  By the end of your appointment, you might feel that the dentist is a great fit for your needs, or you might know that you have to keep looking.  Finding the right dentist doesn’t need to be a challenge Though it might seem like a daunting process at first, finding the ideal dentist doesn’t have to be tough. Just have a strategy in place so you can follow a few simple steps that can lead you in the right direction. And, remember, you might be able to use your insurance as a guide by looking into the in-network dentists that provide high-quality care.       Sources: https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/oral-health/8-tips-for-choosing-a-general-dentist https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/dental-care-concerns/how-to-choose-a-dentist https://www.humana.com/dental-insurance/choosing-a-dentist

Most people know the importance of visiting a dentist regularly, and they want to know their dentist is highly qualified as a professional. When you are trying to decide which dentist to call for an appointment, it is not a good idea to just pick one from the telephone directory. There are several methods that are likely to have a good result, but the first may be to consult another medical professional. Your family doctor is probably the best source of information regarding qualified dentists in the area, but if you have just moved to the area you may not have a general practitioner either. Pharmacists are often a great source of information, and most are familiar with medical professionals in their area. The ADA (American Dental Association) has a convenient website that offers a list of State and local dental societies. It is probably a good idea to choose several dental clinics from the list and do an online search for current reviews from clients. The list can be narrowed down to just a few that you can call for more detailed information about the services they offer. You will want to verify whether or not the dentist is a provider for your insurance or dental plan, and how much of your expense will be covered. If you do not have dental insurance, you should obtain a price list of the services they provide. Some dental clinics offer package prices and payment plants for their regular customers. The type of dentist you choose will depend greatly on your age and whether or not you have children at home. It is essential that children receive the right kind of dental care during their early years since this can prevent problems in the future. One or more of your kids may need braces or some other type of corrective procedure, so you will want them to see a pediatric dentist. If you are a senior, your dental needs are likely to include the placement of bridges, implants or dentures. If you are one of the many people who is nervous about having dental work done, you should inquire as to what type of anesthesia the dentist is certified to administer. Having dental work done is much less stressful when you are able to relax during the treatment. Most people want to have a comfortable relationship with the dental team that treats them. Although you may need to visit more than one clinic, it is important that you trust the dentist and other professionals in the clinic. The office should be clean, the staff courteous and you should feel comfortable there. Last but not least is location and office hours. If you can find the right dentist in your neighborhood, that is great, but you should be open to traveling a little for the right dentist. You do not want to be taking time off from your work for regular dental checkups, so evening and Saturday hours are definitely a plus.