Spirit Dental Resources

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.

When it comes to dental plans, many people are confused. It can be challenging at best to find the right insurance coverage to fit a budget. However it must be done, oral health can greatly affect your overall health. The terms PPO and indemnity are very confusing when you're shopping for the right dental insurance. It's important to know the difference. Your out of pocked expenses will vary with the plan that you select. You'll also be paying a specific premium and you'll want to stay within your budget. PPO stands for Preferred Provider Organization. This encompasses a network of providers who give dental health services at a discounted cost to the consumer. This discounted cost is part of the agreement that the Preferred Provider Organization has with the insurance companies and in a few cases with the specific group that they are affiliated with. If a person has a PPO plan they are still able to select a provider that isn't in the network, but these will be more expensive to the consumer. PPO consumers will have a pre set monthly rate that they pay and their dental insurance will cover the basics such as exams and other services. There will also be a deductible that the consumer is responsible to pay to the service provider. The dentist will submit the bill to the insurance company and the patient will pay what isn't covered. An indemnity plan on the other hand, gives consumers the ability to seek services from any dental care provider. They have no network provisions and the consumer will be reimbursed for set amounts of the fees no matter who they seek out as a dental care provider. The consumer who has an indemnity plan can receive a dental cleaning and the indemnity plan will pay a flat rate for said service. If the cost is above the set flat rate the consumer must pay that amount to the dental care provider. Each indemnity plan is slightly different so it's vital to read the fine print and know what the plan will and will not cover. If you have fairly good teeth you may only need a few fillings now and again and a good cleaning. On the other hand, if you have poor teeth or poor oral health you may require more comprehensive services. The more comprehensive the services the more costly the plan will be. While an indemnity plan may be more expensive, it may also allow for more flexibility. If you're living in a rural area for example you may not have any PPOs available. It can be challenging at best to determine which dental services will best suit your specific needs. You'll have to take into account your location (rural or city), budget, dental care needs and more. Once you understand the differences between PPO and indemnity plans you can then move forward and select the plan that will best suit your specific needs. Choosing a dental plan can be a daunting task but with the right information you'll be able to select the best plan for you and your family.

If one part of the body gets ill, it’s likely to spread to the rest of the body. Therefore, it’s quite misguided to assume that there is no link between oral health and overall health of the body. Dental care involves brushing and flossing the teeth regularly as well as visiting a dentist for checkups or treatments to cure or prevent any oral diseases. Researchers in different universities have been trying to identify the links between oral health and other ailments as outlined below. Pregnancy And Oral Health Many pregnant women are likely to suffer from gum disease especially because of the fluctuating hormonal levels in the body. There are a few who neglect oral care when they are pregnant because they are completely preoccupied. This is completely wrong. Scientists have discovered that gum disease or inflammations in the mouth might result in the production of prostaglandin. This compound has been tasked with inducing early labor. Of course, this theory has not yet been confirmed completely. However, a study conducted in 2001 identified that women in the second trimester who suffer from gum disease are likely to get early labor (as early as 37 weeks). Also, gum disease might also contribute to low birth weight for the new baby as evidence reveals. Is Their A Link Between Pneumonia And Oral Health? Although the research conducted in respect to oral health and pneumonia was done so in high risk populations, there has been established a link between oral diseases and pneumonia. A study in 2008 identified that elderly patients with pneumonia also had gum disease especially because the lungs are quite close to the mouth. Note that, regardless of whether a person keeps their mouth completely clean, there is always a bacterium roaming around. However, if a person completely neglects oral care, the bacteria spread to the lungs and causes respiratory disorders such as pneumonia. Understanding The Relation Between Pancreatic Cancer And Gum Disease In 2007, a study was conducted that identified that men suffering from pancreatic cancer also suffered from gum disease. Besides, the patients who had a smoking habit, those with a history of gum disease also had a high likelihood of getting pancreatic cancer. An infected mouth naturally produces carcinogenic compounds. Therefore, these compounds are likely to cause inflammation resulting in pancreatic cancer. Also, gum disease has been linked to people suffering from Type 2 Diabetes. Therefore, if the production of insulin and absorption of glucose is severely affected by gum disease, an individual is likely to suffer from pancreatic cancer. How To Prevent Any Of These Diseases As mentioned, although the studies are still underway, it’s important to beware about the impending health complications as a result of poor oral health. On that note, always make routine appointments to the doctor for check-ups to prevent any oral diseases. Also, brushing after every meal and drinking lots of water removes any debris or food particles in the mouth that might cause complications in your oral health. It’s important to keep yourself updated regarding any new studies in these areas to prevent further health complications as a result of poor oral health.

Plaque is one of the leading causes of oral decay for most people in the world. It is caused by leftover food particles in the teeth that rot and cause discoloring in the teeth. Even worse, it’s the start of many dental issues that might develop later on. Brushing and flossing after every meal are two ways you can keep your teeth healthy. This way, you can get rid of all the food particles or sugars that combine with other bacteria in your mouth to form plaque. Besides these two, consuming foods that are healthy for your teeth is yet another good way to delay progression of gum disease, tooth decay, cavities and much more. There have been numerous studies done by researchers set to identify the best foods for this fete and the results have concluded the following foods. 1. Tea Black or green tea contains compounds, referred to as polyphenols that can reduce the growth rate of bacteria that contribute to plaque. A recent study in Chicago identified that rinsing your mouth with black tea just for a minute at least 10 times every day will reduce plaque buildup even better than doing it with water. Even better, black tea contains compounds that fights halitosis (bad breath) since it suppresses the formation of bacteria responsible for creating smell in the mouth. 2. Cheese A recent study identified that preteens who consumed cheddar cheese regularly reported lower levels of acid in their mouth compared to those who consumed milk regularly or sugar-free yogurt. After eating cheese, rinsing your mouth with water basically reduces the acid levels in the mouth that are responsible for tooth decay among other oral health issues. Besides that, cheese also improves production of saliva which is responsible to reducing the acid levels in the mouth. 3. Raisins Raisins contain natural sugar not processed types like sucrose which is bad for your teeth. Plaque is mostly produced if a person fails to rinse the mouth after consuming sugary products that stick to the surface. Raisins also contain phytochemicals which are responsible for obliterating bacteria in the mouth. Also, raisins contain compounds that slow down the growth of bacteria responsible for periodontal disease. 4. Crunchy Foods Eating crunchy natural foods such as cucumbers, carrots or apples might take some serious effort to break down completely. It might seem in vain, but the chewing is responsible for disturbing dental plaque thereby cleansing the teeth from any related bacteria. Of course, it’s important to rinse your mouth of eating such foods to remove any debris that might cause plaque or cavities. 5. Foods Rich In Vitamins Cheese, leafy greens and almonds contain calcium, phosphorous and vitamins that are responsible for keeping oral decay at bay. This keeps the enamel strong and healthy. On the other hand, it also helps clear out any bacteria responsible for causing plaque or other oral diseases. Fruits and vegetables also fall under this category and adding them in your diet will keep your teeth healthy. Try out all these types of foods and keep your teeth healthy!

When it comes to maintaining your oral health, it’s very important to see the same dentist regularly. This medical professional will be familiar with your history, the results of past checkups and the oral health problems you experience most frequently. Though choosing a good dentist is incredibly important, many people have no idea how to get started. The American Dental Association (ADA) has created its own guidelines, which are very simple to follow and will guarantee the selection of the best possible dentist. What Kind of Dentist are You Looking for? Are you in need of a general dentist or do you have slightly more specialized oral health needs? Look for the right professional, in order to make the most of the interactions. A general dentist is the oral healthcare practitioner that most people need. This dentist does the regular checkups and helps patients with the most common problems (like cavities and plaque buildup). An endodontist specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental pulp conditions. The endodontist does all kinds of root canal treatments. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a healthcare professional that has highly specialized knowledge and skills. This surgeon treats face, mouth and jaw issues that require a surgical intervention. Accident victims that have suffered head trauma, individuals in need of reconstructive or dental implant surgery will all be looking for an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Pediatric dentists specialize in the treatment of children. A periodontist treats gum and soft tissue problems. Finally, a cosmetic dentist is the one that can give you an ideal smile through teeth whitening, bonding and veneers, among many others. Important Questions to Ask When Choosing a Dentist Do a bit of preliminary research. Internet can give you a lot of information about reputable dental clinics that are located conveniently. You can also ask friends and relatives for recommendations. Use this information to narrow it down to just a few options. After you’ve chosen several dental clinics that you’re interested in, you’ll need to pay these facilities a visit. Get ready for this meeting in advance. Pay attention to some important aspects and ask the staff of the clinic certain questions. For a start, make sure that the clinic utilizes modern equipment and it adheres to the highest safety and hygiene standards. Inquire about the work hours and the availability of emergency dental services. Next, you should meet the dentist. Ask about their education and training. Where was it obtained? How long has the particular oral health practitioner been working with patients? Inquire about their take on preventative dentistry, about the fees and the available treatment plans. What kinds of diagnostic processes will be used to identify problems? Does the clinic posses new and safe X-ray equipment (like a digital X-ray machine)? Getting the answers and assessing the communication style of the staff at the same time will both be important. The best oral health professionals should make you feel comfortable and they should answer all of your questions thoroughly. If you’re still missing some important information, chances are that the clinic isn’t the right one for you. Online research and personal evaluation are both needed to find the right dentist. Take your time and don’t rush the decision. The cost of dental services is relatively high, which is why you shouldn’t accept a quality compromise. Ask questions and if necessary, call again to do follow-ups. The more information you get, the easier it’s going to be to make up your mind.