Spirit Dental Resources

Missing teeth are nothing to smile about. But with dental implants, you can fill those gaps permanently, brighten your smile and boost your confidence. Unlike dentures or removable bridges which may be loose or uncomfortable, dental implants look better, feel better and give you back your biting power. Corn on the cob, anyone?  The Dental Implant Downside Unfortunately, replacing missing teeth with dental implants isn't always an option. Why? A basic dental implant typically costs $1,250 to $3,000 -- or as much as $60,000 for a full set of implants on both upper and lower jaws. Clearly, dental implants are a major investment.  Because implants are classified as cosmetic dental procedures, they are often excluded by dental insurance. Other dental insurance plans offer some coverage but require waiting periods of up to five years before implant coverage begins. Other insurance plans exclude implant coverage if it’s linked to a pre-existing condition.    All Spirit Dental Plans Cover Tooth Implants With Spirit Dental, you don’t have to worry about exclusions buried in the fine print. Our policy is clear: Every Spirit Dental plan covers tooth implants. With Spirit Dental you also have more flexibility, more preventive care and more annual coverage.  Choose your own dentist No waiting periods Guaranteed acceptance Implants and major services covered 3 cleanings per year $1200, $2500, $3500 annual maximums *Spirit Dental does not cover implants for teeth that are missing prior to dental coverage. More Questions?  Why don’t all dental plans cover implants? Implants first came into practice in the 1990s, and are still considered a cosmetic solution. Because implants are more expensive than bridges or dentures, dental plans often choose the most affordable fix. If you compare dental insurance companies, you’ll find Spirit Dental among the leaders in implant coverage. What is reasonable and customary? The term “reasonable and customary” refers to basic norms regarding procedural costs. While dental procedure costs vary by region, a generally accepted “reasonable and customary” cost helps guide reimbursement. Find out your cost with a simple Spirit Dental 30-second quote. Are there any waiting periods? Many dental insurance policies impose a waiting period on certain procedures. With Spirit Dental, there are no waiting periods. Period.

Updated May 2021Did you know that millions of people end up in the emergency room each year because of dental pain, and the number of people visiting the ER for oral health problems has been increasing? It’s true and, unfortunately, it leads to high costs. Continue reading to learn about why people visit the ER for oral health problems and how much it can cost. Why Would Someone Go to the ER for Dental Issues?Dental problems are common, and people of all ages are affected, from kids to seniors. But why would they go to the hospital instead of a dentist’s office? Put simply, the problem is often an inability to afford dental appointments and procedures. In other words, people lack the funds to pay out-of-pocket, and they don’t have insurance that will help cover the bill when seeing a dentist. Also, when people can’t afford to see the dentist, they’re more likely to let their dental problems worsen over time. Once the pain, decay, or infection becomes unbearable, they go to the ER for help.  Tip: If you’re experiencing symptoms of an oral health problem, such as swollen and bleeding gums or tooth pain, it’s important to see a dental care professional as soon as possible. Waiting to receive care will only cause the problem to worsen and become more difficult and costly to treat. And, sometimes, people end up needing to be hospitalized because their condition becomes so severe. Yikes!The Problem with Going to the ER Instead of the DentistWhen it comes to tooth and gum problems, it really is best to go to a dentist’s office for diagnosis and treatment. If you end up going to the emergency room, you’ll probably discover that they don’t even have a dentist to help you. What, if anything, can hospitals do for you? Well, many times, people are just given antibiotics or painkillers to ease symptoms until they can receive proper care from a dental professional. But if you never go to the dentist to treat and resolve the problem, odds are you’ll end up at the hospital again. Another major problem with going to the ER for oral health problems: the high cost! According to the American Dental Association, if you have dental pain and you go to the emergency room, the average price might be anywhere from $400-1,500, which is much higher than what you’d typically pay at the dentist. And if you need to be hospitalized, the costs will be much higher.  The Solution Is Simple: Affordable Dental Insurance and Preventive Steps!Compared to people who have dental insurance, people who don't get individual dental insurance end up in the ER more often because of oral health problems. If you thought this type of insurance is expensive, think again. These days, there are surprisingly affordable options, so you don’t need to go without dental care. Take the plans offered by Spirit as an example. You can find policies that will cover everything from cleanings to checkups, and we even have major restorative dental insurance. And you can rest assured that your whole family will be covered too! A strict at-home oral hygiene routine combined with regular trips to the dentist with the help of insurance can make a huge difference when it comes to preventing oral health ailments, as well as finding them in their earliest stages when they’re easier and less expensive to treat. Taking a preventative approach goes a long way, so don’t hesitate to look into the Spirit dental insurance plans available in your area!Sources:https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Public%20Programs/Files/ER_Utilization_Issues_Flyer.ashxhttps://www.dentistrytoday.com/news/industrynews/item/7226-emergency-room-visits-for-dental-problems-cost-2-billion-a-yearhttps://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/dental-emergencies-and-sports-safety/seeking-treatment-for-oral-care-problems-in-emergency-roomshttps://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/06/29/er-dental-visits/29492599/https://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/action-for-dental-health/er-referral