Spirit Dental Resources

While some Americans aren’t covered by a dental insurance plan, others are fortunate to be covered by not just one, but two, policies. Secondary dental insurance isn’t common, but it typically happens when two spouses receive dental benefits from their employers and include each other as dependents.Learn more about what secondary insurance is and how it works below.Can you have two dental plans?Yes, you can have two dental insurance plans. This is what is referred to as secondary dental insurance, also called dual insurance or dual coverage.What is secondary dental insurance?Secondary dental insurance is a separate insurance policy that covers you in addition to your primary dental insurance. Oftentimes, an individual may have secondary dental insurance if they have coverage through their employer as well as a plan where they’re a dependent (e.g., through a spouse’s plan) or if they have two jobs that both provide coverage.How does secondary dental insurance work?Many people who aren’t familiar with secondary dental insurance believe that it means they get twice the benefits and coverage (e.g., getting double the free annual cleanings and exams instead of the typical two). However, this isn’t the case.Benefits carriers work together when a person has dual coverage in what is called coordination of benefits (COB). One policy — the one where you're the primary account holder — will be labeled your “primary insurance,” which will pay out benefits first. The secondary carrier accepts a claim only after the primary claim has been paid, when they will require a copy of the primary payment information. Both insurers will make sure that the combined amount paid by the two does not exceed the total amount the particular dentist charges for the service.What is Coordination of Benefits?COB is the process for determining which plan pays for dental services first when a person has dual insurance.Some COB provisions involve a detailed process to determine which plan pays for what, while others limit what a plan will cover. State laws and regulations may also dictate how COB works. Review the details of both insurance carriers and policies to make sure you understand how costs for dental services will be divided.Non-duplication of benefits rulesCertain dental insurance policies contain a clause that applies to individuals with dual coverage. In this clause, if the primary plan already paid for the same amount or more than what the secondary plan allows for the same treatment, that secondary plan will not pay out any benefits.The benefits of dual dental insurance coverageWhile you won’t get double coverage, dual dental insurance has some other advantages, including:Potential added savings for care beyond basic preventative proceduresAccess to a wider range of in-network dental care providersAvoid lapses in coverage caused by typical waiting periodsHow do I know which is my primary and which is my secondary dental insurance plan?In most cases, an individual’s primary plan is the one provided by their employer and the secondary is the one where they’re the dependent. If you are the account holder for both policies, the primary plan is the one that’s provided coverage the longest.;Upgrade your dental coverage with Spirit Dental & VisionWhether you have one dental insurance plan, two plans, or no plan, it’s time to evaluate costs and explore options to ensure you’re getting coverage for important oral health care. Different carriers and state laws will dictate how benefits work — do some research to determine whether secondary dental insurance will put you at an advantage.See available, affordable plans in your area with Spirit Dental & Vision.

Many patients ignore toothaches and other oral health problems, assuming they’ll subside on their own. However, a lot of the time these are symptoms of something far more severe.An example of this is a tooth abscess. While it may seem minor at first, if left untreated, an abscess starts to impact other areas of your body.Learn more about what causes a tooth abscess, symptoms to look out for, and how to treat it before it worsens.What is a tooth abscess?A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that forms around a tooth as a result of a bacterial infection. Not only is it gross as it sounds, it can affect the area surrounding the tooth — including bones, gums and other nearby teeth.SymptomsThe signs of a tooth abscess may vary, but can include the following:Persistent throbbing or sharp pain in the area of the toothLoosened toothSensitivity to hot or cold food and drinkFoul-smelling breath that doesn’t go away with brushing or rinsingBitter taste in the mouthRedness and swelling of gumsIt’s recommended to visit your dentist at the first sign of these symptoms.CausesAbscesses can form in different areas around a tooth for a variety of reasons. Poor dental hygiene, tooth decay or injury, gum disease or broken or cracked teeth can all contribute to infection that leads to an abscess.There are three types of infections that can contribute to an abscess:Gingival: Develops in the gums and typically doesn’t affect the teeth.Periapical: Develops at the tip of the tooth root, and the bacteria travels to the inside of the tooth through a fracture or cavity, spreading to the bone over time.Periodontal: Develops in the bone and tissues supporting the tooth, causing periodontitis or gum disease.TreatmentsAn abscessed tooth, if caught early enough, may be treated with over-the-counter antibiotics. However, more serious cases will require in-office treatments. An x-ray, CT scan and/or thermal test may be required to determine the severity of the condition and treatment required.Upon diagnosis, your dental professional will be able to determine the best course of treatment. To eliminate the underlying infection, a few procedures may be done:Incision and drainage to remove pus from the area.Root canal to eliminate the underlying infection and restore the health of the affected tooth.Tooth extraction to allow pus to drain from the socket when the tooth is damaged beyond repair.When is a dental abscess an emergency?Ideally, you would visit the dentist as soon as you suspect something is wrong. But life can get in the way, delaying the appointment and causing the abscess to get worse. If pain isn’t managed by medication or becomes intolerable, it’s time to visit an emergency dentist. These practitioners accept walk-ins and specialize in treating certain oral issues quickly.In the case of facial swelling, fever or trouble breathing, skip the dentist and go straight to the emergency room. The infection may have begun to spread to other areas of your body.How to pay for dental abscess emergencyWhen you have a dental emergency, you may be concerned about how much it will set you back. Whether you have insurance — and the specifics of your plan — can significantly impact how much emergency treatment will cost.What insurance will coverWhen it comes to emergency dental care, one size does not fit all — different dental insurance carriers have varying definitions of what an “emergency” is. Before you enroll in a plan, make sure you understand what kind of emergency situations are covered, and by how much.Many severe dental conditions, including abscesses, occur when minor issues are ignored. The biggest benefit of dental insurance is that it typically covers preventative care in full. Visiting the dentist regularly for exams and cleanings ensures any existing problems are addressed and treated before they worsen.You can also find plans that partially cover fillings and some restorative care, which will be far less expensive and invasive than an extraction or root canal.Options outside of insuranceThe monthly premium you’ll pay for a dental insurance plan is less expensive than paying out of pocket for an emergency. But if insurance is not an option, there are some other routes you can take to lower costs.For an annual fee (typically far cheaper than insurance), dental discount plans provide discounts for certain services. Financing is similar to a credit card; use the card to pay for services and pay it back over time. Be sure to check that the service and dental professional qualify for financing under your plan. Finally, public dental clinics are community-based offices that charge for care based on what a patient can afford.No-wait full coverage dental plansDon’t let cost get in the way of caring for your health and protecting yourself from serious illness. Find a full coverage plan that gives you peace of mind in case of an emergency like an abscess. Spirit Dental offers low-cost dental plans with no waiting period so you can resolve your symptoms and get back to your life.[ Find my plan]

Dental emergencies never happen at a convenient time. Panic and stress set in quickly, and it’s important to think on your feet and take appropriate action. Not only do you want to make sure any existing problems don’t get worse, but you’re also likely concerned about how much treatment will cost.In this blog, we’ll help you determine when something is considered an emergency, what to do and what you can expect to pay based on whether you have insurance. What is a dental emergency?The American Dental Association defines a dental emergency as anything “potentially life-threatening and requiring immediate treatment to stop ongoing tissue bleeding or to alleviate severe pain or infection.”This can include situations like:An injury to the face or mouth that causes one or more teeth to fall out or loosen significantly, trauma to facial bones or a swollen jawExcessive bleeding from teeth or gumsSevere painExposed nervesTrouble breathingWhat is non-emergency dental care?Most oral health care is considered non-emergency. This includes:Regular cleanings and preventative careNon-urgent tooth extractionsRestorative treatments for asymptomatic issuesOrthodontic procedures like braces and other tooth alignersCosmetic and other elective treatment Other conditions—like a dull toothache, a lost filling, food deeply lodged between teeth or a small crack or chip—should lead you to call your dentist and seek treatment as soon as possible but aren’t considered an emergency. When to go to the hospital vs. when to go to the dentistWhen a dental emergency occurs, it’s important to understand when to go to a dental office and when to go straight to the emergency room (ER). In most cases, we recommend going to your dentist or an emergency dental office right away.If you’re unable to find an emergency dentist or are experiencing severe symptoms, don’t take any chances and go to the ER. But, keep in mind that ER nurses and doctors are typically only equipped to treat certain dental issues, like bacterial infections, bleeding gums and dental fractures. They can also help to manage pain with certain antibiotics. Tips for common dental emergenciesKnocked-out toothSave the toothIf possible, put the tooth back in the socket If the tooth won’t stay in the socket, keep it moist in a cup of milkGo to the dentist right awayCracked toothRinse your mouth with warm water to clean the areaUse a cold compress to reduce facial swellingCall your dentist to set up an appointment ASAPFood stuck in teethFloss gently to try and remove the morselGo to the dentist if brushing and flossing aren’t effectiveDO NOT use sharp instruments to remove food lodged between teeth — you could cause more harmDental emergencies in childrenMost of the time, dental emergencies can be treated the same way for children as they are for adults, like in the case of an adult tooth being severely cracked or knocked out.If your child is experiencing a toothache, rinse out their mouth to keep it clean and floss between all teeth. Avoid applying aspirin to the area. If the pain continues, contact your dentist. Preventing dental emergenciesAccidents happen and at times are unavoidable, but there are steps to take to reduce the likelihood of a dental emergency:Take good care of your teeth at homeAttend regular dental appointmentsWear a mouthguard while playing sports  Don’t chew ice, hard candy and other things that can crack teethDon’t use teeth as a device for opening or cutting thingsDon’t run around with objects in your mouthBlock staircases and dangerous areas from childrenDoes health insurance cover dental emergencies?General medical insurance only covers dental emergencies if you’ve sustained other injuries or have a medical condition that affects your oral health. Your visit has to be deemed medically necessary to qualify for coverage. Dental insurance helps to cover some of the costs of emergency dentistry.Dental emergencies with no insuranceIf you don’t have insurance, you can anticipate a bill up to hundreds or thousands of dollars. The cost will depend on how severe the condition is, the treatment required and where you live. But don’t let cost lead you to avoid getting the care you need. Dental emergencies don’t go away on their own; the longer you wait to see your dentist, the worse it will become and the more expensive it will be to treat.No-wait dental insurance — get immediate coverageSpirit Dental & Vision offers dental insurance with no waiting period. Be prepared in case of an emergency by enrolling in a plan today. [ Find a plan] 

You look at your calendar and see an upcoming dentist appointment, and your stomach drops. It’s not necessarily a top priority, much less a way you’d like to spend an hour of your day. The temptation to call and cancel begins taking over… But before you pick up the phone, take a look at why you shouldn’t put off your dentist visits. 1. Avoid preventable damage and disease Practicing good oral hygiene at home is incredibly helpful for keeping your smile healthy, but nothing can quite compete with the expertise and professional equipment your dentist has. He or she can perform a much more thorough cleaning on and between teeth, as well as along the gums. A professional cleaning removes a build-up of plaque to prevent cavities, decay, gingivitis and other oral health issues.   2. Fix small issues before they get bigger Along with cleaning, your dentist gets an up close look at the inside of your mouth to examine the health of teeth and gums and identify anything that looks abnormal. By spotting existing damage and disease early, chances are they can be treated with less extensive procedures. As the condition becomes more severe, treatments will be more painful and expensive and require a longer recovery time.    3. Eliminate or decrease pain Dental treatments may not be pleasant, but the results are well worth it. These procedures heal or restore issues that can cause pain or discomfort in the gums, mouth and face—allowing you to get back to work and do things you love without irritable distraction. 4. Save thousands in dental bills Preventing serious dental disease means you also avoid costly procedures. Fillings, crowns, root canals and other treatments can add up to thousands of dollars in dental bills. Rather than paying for multiple visits to fix damage and disease over time, the cost of going to the dentist once or twice a year is insignificant in comparison. 5. Set your kids up for a lifetime of healthy smiles If you have children, you want to keep them healthy and do whatever you can to set them up for success. And it starts by them seeing you take care of your oral health. Further, getting them in for their first dental appointment at an early age gets them in the habit of prioritizing their oral health and seeing their dentist regularly.  Make sure you find a good dentist for yourself and your family to promote everyone’s good health. 6. Develop a roadmap to better oral health Despite all your effort, sometimes oral health problems will happen. Going to your dentist allows them to look closely at the existing issue to recommend a game plan for treatment. Share the desired outcome and your budget with your dentist, then work together to put together the best strategy for you.   7. Gain confidence  Misaligned, cracked or discolored teeth can take a toll on someone’s self-esteem. Studies show that the condition of a person’s smile affects not only their self-confidence, but their ability to get a job or promotion.  Other positive effects of a strong, beautiful smile include: Improved mood Improved social connections Lowered stress Ultimately, good oral health can improve your quality of life and wellbeing.  Spirit makes it easy to get dental care access Spirit Dental & Vision offers plans that fit your needs, with no waiting periods, high annual maximums and flexibility in what provider you see.  With a plan from Spirit, you don’t have to fear or dread visiting your dentist, because you know you’re covered. Compare available plans today.

The dental insurance landscape is a point of confusion for many consumers. When browsing carriers and policies, terms like “coinsurance” and “annual maximums” can throw people off and hinder their ability to find the best plan for their needs.In this blog, we’ll help you understand what full coverage dental insurance is, what it does and does not cover and other important details to help you in your search.What is full coverage dental insurance?As the name implies, full coverage dental plans provide benefits for a wider range of treatments, helping to cover higher-cost procedures. They help cover preventive care as well as basic and major restorative care — plus orthodontics, in some cases. Keep in mind that full coverage doesn’t necessarily mean costs are covered in full.What does full coverage dental insurance cover?While the specifics of coverage depend on the type of plan and carrier, full coverage plans generally go beyond preventive care like cleanings, x-rays and fluoride treatments.They may also include: Basic restorative care like fillings and extractionsMajor restorative care like bridges, crowns and denturesOrthodontic treatments like braces and other alignersWhat isn’t covered by full coverage dental plans?While full coverage reduces your out-of-pocket cost, procedures won’t be 100% covered. Just like with medical insurance, full coverage dental plans do not cover elective or cosmetic procedures, like teeth whitening. You will be responsible for the full costs of these types of treatments.Additionally, people with pre-existing conditions may not have certain services covered. For example, if you had missing teeth before getting your dental plan, full coverage may not offer any coverage for replacement procedures like dentures, bridges or dental implants. Specialty dentistry like orthodontia may also not be included in your policy. If you know you will need specific treatment down the line, review the details of your plan so you understand what will be covered and what you will have to pay out of your own pocket.Can you get full coverage dental insurance with no waiting period?Often, dental insurance plans will kick in to cover preventive care as soon as you enroll, but require patients to wait six or 12 months before covering more extensive and high-cost care. However, Spirit Dental offers dental insurance with no waiting period for major services.How much does full coverage dental insurance cost?The amount you’ll pay annually for a full coverage plan can differ significantly, as the following costs all need to be taken into account:Co-pays: Preset value you’ll pay to get dental treatment.Deductibles: Amount you must pay before your plan coverage kicks in.Coinsurance: Percentage of costs shared by you and your plan once the deductible is met.Annual maximums: How much your policy will cover per year.Monthly premiums: What you pay monthly to be enrolled in your plan.Whether you opt for a DPPO or DHMO plan will also impact what you can expect to pay.How do I choose an affordable full coverage dental plan?To select affordable dental insurance for your oral health needs, do the following:Understand the difference between PPOs, HMOs and other types of plans.Consider what dental care you and your family will need in the foreseeable future.Examine what is and is not covered by different plans.Add up monthly and annual costs for different plans. Even easier? Let Spirit Dental & Vision do it for you. Get a quote and get full coverage today, with no waiting period!

Did you know that the health of your mouth is very closely tied to your overall health? There has been a ton of research that has found numerous links between oral health and overall health. That's why taking care of your teeth is so incredibly important. With affordable dental insurance from Spirit Dental, you can make sure you are taking care of both your dental health and overall health. Let's take a look at four of the ways oral hygiene and overall health have been linked.   1. Diabetes One connection between oral hygiene and overall health is type 2 diabetes. Doctors have known for many years that those that suffer from type 2 diabetes have a much-increased incidence of periodontitis and/or gum disease. Researchers at Columbia University found that people who had higher levels of gum disease had two times the risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared with people who suffered from no gum disease. While a lot more research is needed to further explain the connection,  there is no doubt to medical professionals that gum disease can actually lead people to develop diabetes. There are different theories as to why this happens. One of them is that the infections in your mouth can actually spread throughout the rest of your body. Therefore, the inflammation and infections can wreak havoc on your ability to process sugar, which can lead to diabetes. 2. Heart disease Just as with diabetes, there have been a few connections theorized between dental health and heart health, specifically heart disease. However, the results are not yet conclusive as to whether the relation between oral hygiene and heart health 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. Researchers have yet to figure out what directly causes this connection between dental care and heart health, but they have a couple of theories as to why this happens. One theory is that small amounts of bacteria may enter your bloodstream through infections in your mouth while chewing which can then run through the rest of your bloodstream. Because of this, the bacteria can lodge themselves in different blood vessels which can cause a lot of dangerous blockages and lead to heart disease. If periodontal diseases are treated earlier, it might reduce arterial blockage thereby saving the patient from riskier cardiovascular diseases. 3. Pregnancy complications A lot of pregnant women actually suffer from gum infections throughout their pregnancy as a result of hormone fluctuation. However, researchers have shown that it is a huge mistake to neglect oral care while pregnant because gum disease and/or inflammation in the gums/mouth can actually cause an increase in the production of a chemical compound that is known as prostaglandin. This chemical compound is actually widely known to have the ability to produce early labor. Therefore, there is sufficient evidence of another serious connection between oral health and overall health: poor overall dental care and oral health can lead to very low birth weight and other pregnancy complications. 4. Osteoporosis Sometimes a health issue outside of your mouth can be found hinting at problems in your mouth, showing another link between oral hygiene and overall health. Osteoporosis, commonly seen in postmenopausal women, causes your bones to become weaker. Believe it or not, your mouth can alert a dentist to thinning bones in other parts of your body, even though this condition typically won’t result in changes to your teeth. When osteoporosis takes hold, it causes changes within the bone that gives support to your teeth. So if your dentist notices that you have loose teeth or a receding gum line, he may recommend talking to your doctor to see if osteoporosis is to blame and to receive the appropriate treatment. Frequently asked questions about oral health and overall health We have shown four common health issues showing the connection between oral health and overall health, but you still may have questions. We have answered a few common questions we hear about the link between dental health and overall health below. What are some of the other medical conditions that might be associated with poor oral health? Besides the three we listed above, other medical issues associated with poor oral health may include:   Endocarditis Pneumonia Stomach ulcers Arthritis Alzheimer’s disease Can you sign up for Spirit Dental insurance any time? Yes, you can! You don’t have to wait for an Open Enrollment period to sign up for Spirit Dental, so you can sign up any time of the year. If you are self-employed, between jobs or retired, you can get affordable dental insurance now. And we offer dental insurance with no waiting periods so you can start taking care of your oral hygiene and overall health as soon as you sign up. Trust Spirit Dental to help improve your oral health and overall health Because oral health and overall health are linked so closely, it is important that you take care of your mouth. With Spirit Dental, it's so easy to get dental insurance quotes and have your dental care covered quickly. Compare dental insurance plans and find the one that is right for you. Let us help you care for your mouth and your whole body.