How To Choose The Right Dental Plan For You

Jan 22nd, 2023
Easton Dentists Oct 5th, 2023

Here are some useful tips for choosing the right dental plan for you:

1. If you presently have a regular dental provider, ask her/him for a recommendation. If you are seeing a favorite dentist that you’d love to keep visiting, check with that dental professional about what plans she/he belongs to. Dental professionals also are great resources to learn what plans you should avoid.

2. Select a dental insurer that has experience and great reputation. If you are unfamiliar with a certain dental insurance provider, call the Better Business Bureau in your area or additional consumer protection agency.

3. Coverage Comparison. Compare all plans you are considering within these areas:

Yearly maximum: It’s the maximum quantity the plan pays for services within a given year for coverage (adult). $1,000 is standard for the majority of plans, although some might provide less and some might provide more.

Deductible: It’s the quantity you’ll pay prior to the benefits of the plan kicking in. Usually, the deductible resets every year.

What is covered, and at which level: Many dental plans categorize dental procedures in 1 of 3 categories: preventive and diagnostic, major restorative, and basic restorative, and assign a payment percentage for all categories. However, plans may vary as far as what category a service is thought to be: for example, root canals, might be within the basic restorative services classification of one plan, and within the major restorative services classification of an additional one. The difference within the quantity paid by the plan might be several hundred dollars. Prior to purchasing a dental insurance plan, think about which services you’ve needed in the past as one way of predicting which kinds of services you’ll require in the future.

Coverage for kids: The ACA (Affordable Care Act) involves coverage for kid’s dental care.

What isn’t covered: Some kinds of services aren’t covered whatsoever – for example, corrective orthodontics often isn’t covered within individual dental plans. A few procedures, like teeth whitening, might be excluded. Waiting periods might be imposed for a few services. Once again, prior to purchasing a dental insurance plan, think about which services you’ve needed in the past as one method of predicting which kinds of services you’ll require in the future.

4. Review networks. A few dental plans will require that you to obtain all services from a dentist inside their network. Many plans permit you to visit any dentist you want, yet there’ll be advantages if you visit a dentist participating in the plan’s network. Therefore, if you already possess a regular dentist, see if she/he is a network provider for the plan you are considering. Plus, if you do not have a dentist, search the plan’s provider network to see how many network providers are within your locality.

To discuss your dental insurance company plans contact Easton Dentist (Serving Columbus, Gahanna, Westerville, and New Albany areas) at (614) 414-0111.

Are Dental Benefits Really Necessary?

May 13th, 2019
Easton Dentists Jun 3rd, 2019

Should you find that your employer offers dental benefits (or a potential employer) , then you are in a great position and should take advantage of those dental benefits, because they are the one of the best employee benefits you can find. Fewer and fewer employers have dental benefits plus health benefits, so if you find yourself in a position where they are available to you, taking your employer up on that option only makes sense. And, no, you should not wait until you have an urgent need to see an emergency dentist before making this decision.

Why do employers get the best benefits?

Sheer numbers are the main reason why employers are able to get the best dental benefits. They can offer the insurance company higher premiums – this is because the employee pays a portion of the premium, and the rest is paid by the employer. Multiplied by several employees, and especially within large corporations where there can be several thousand employees, the insurance company will be receiving high premiums each month. The insurance companies then offer large companies excellent rates on their insurance policies, because they know the overall contract will be large. This allows employers to offer better overall dental plans to their employees than the employees would be able to get on their own.

When a dentist joins a dental network, they agree to offer discounted benefits to those on the plan. This discount can be as much as thirty-five percent. Dentists are also monitored to ensure that all patients are receiving quality care.

Many employers split the cost of the dental plan with their employees, which means that the employees can have affordable dental insurance benefits, which are typically better than individual dental insurance policies, for the same or less cost than an individual dental policy. When they go to the dentist, a portion of all bills will be paid by the insurance company, with a co payment due from the insured patient. This is better than a dental discount program, which simply offers discounted dental care and may be limited in its scope of coverage, although most typically cover visits to an emergency dentist.

Regardless of your current insurance situation, remember that your emergency dentist is always available. Call today to set up an appointment.

Are Dental Procedure Costs on the Rise? 

Sep 30th, 2018
Easton Dentists Oct 30th, 2018

Over the last several years, the cost of dental care has been increasing at a faster rate than most healthcare services. With such rapid developments made to dental procedures, technology, and education, the average American cannot afford many of the treatments that are often recommended by dentists. Although most Americans are insured with some form of healthcare, the expense of a dentist visit often outweighs those benefits, especially during the more demanding procedures, such as root canals and tooth extractions. As a result of this abrupt increase in the cost of dental care, research has shown that only 36% of Americans actually go to the dentist on an annual basis. Unfortunately, when cost is the only thing standing in the way of proper dental care, we are either forced to pay the expenses out of pocket or skip the recommended treatment overall. This in turn, can lead to further health complications down the road. 

With such an increase in dental bills, many of us find ourselves wondering why a trip to the dentist is so expensive. Professional dentistry requires extensive knowledge and advanced technology in order to deliver the highest quality of treatment. Studies show that 80% of what a patient pays after their dental procedure goes toward the expense of running an up-to-date dental practice. Considering the cost of office space, payroll of certified staff, health and business insurance, taxes, supplies, and updated technology, it’s no wonder why dental visits are costly. The quality of products that are manufactured in dental labs are also on the rise, resulting in a much higher demand in order to afford reliable crowns, dentures, and other dental products that are being placed inside patients’ mouths.  

Dental Fillings 

Dental fillings have come an extremely long way over the last 150 years. Dental filling advancements that might affect the higher treatment costs, include the variety of updated bonding techniques. Now, we have the option of treating our cavities with dental fillings that blend with the actual color of the tooth, making it more aesthetically pleasing to the patient. Tooth composites are also being produced to be a stronger, more translucent material. While a traditional, silver amalgam filling can cost as little as $50, there are some porcelain fillings that can cost almost $4,500. With so many options to choose from, the price of treating tooth decay will most likely continue to increase. 

Tooth Extractions 

Sometimes, dental procedures require surgical and non-surgical extractions to fix the issues that can’t be treated. While the cost of tooth extractions depend on the difficulty and length of the treatment, the actual procedure usually involves administering anesthesia. Furthermore, the latest anesthesia technology is expensive, and even the most basic forms can get pricey. Depending on the severity, the average tooth removal can cost anywhere from $75 to $700 per tooth. 

Root Canals and Crowns 

Dental procedures, such as crown placements, normally follow a root canal, turning the treatment into a couple weeks worth of dental visits. The cost of a crown is usually tied to the type of material that it’s made of. Dental labs are making the material more durable so that there are less chances of the crown cracking later down the road. The improvements made in the material of dental crowns make the overall costs range from $300-$700. That’s not to mention that the root canal procedure can cost a couple hundred dollars as well. 

Running a Dental Office 

With the rise in modernized dental procedures and technology, running a dental office as a professional can cost a small fortune. A small dental office serving roughly 1500 patients per year can cost several hundred thousand dollars per year to operate.  

Studies have recently shown that more and more people continue to skip the dentist office all together because of the unpleasant bill that comes along with the visit. However, it’s important to remember that the high costs are associated with giving the patient the best quality of care and satisfaction. Dental care is an essential part of living a healthy life, thus why such extensive measures have been taken to make all dental procedures as reliable as possible. 

 

The Dental Care Gap

Aug 30th, 2017
Easton Dentists Sep 11th, 2017

When they find themselves in severe pain, uninsured individuals tend to wind up in local emergency rooms. If their pain is caused by a broken bone or a ruptured appendix, they’ll receive the care they need immediately. On the other hand, if their pain is the result of rotting teeth and dental abscesses, they’ll receive little care. They may be given a pill for the pain or an antibiotic to fight the infection, but that’s it.

These individuals will then be sent home and forced to seek out their own dental care. Often, this means painstakingly saving money for months, taking loans they won’t be able to pay back, or waiting for an annual free clinic to come to town. As they postpone the care they cannot afford, these individuals are forced to live in agony for weeks, and even months, at a time. In addition, this wait can allow dental problems to worsen and can pose serious health risks.

Many people out there believe it is immoral to allow the poor to live in agony simply because they cannot afford dental procedures. Dental insurance should be provided for everyone who cannot realistically afford it on their own.

At The Dental Center, we’re committed to supporting increases in affordable dental insurance, but are still waiting for members of the government to step up to the plate. Instead, we’re taking action everyday to help uninsured individuals get the dental care they need. Through his work with the Dental OPTIONS program, Dr. Gilmer is actively improving the lives of the neediest members of his community.

 

 

Common Causes Of Tooth Pain

Dec 3rd, 2015
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

Do you have a toothache you just can’t shake? These are the most common causes of tooth pain, and what you can do about them.

Severe tooth pain can throw a wrench in your entire day. Now imagine the pain persists well into your week and before you know it, you’re suffering from a throbbing, swollen mouth. Dental insurance and company plans cover most causes for dental aches and pains. Don’t let something as simple as tooth pain stop you from comfortably living your life. Here are the 4 most common causes of tooth pain and what can be done to save your mouth.

Tooth Decay
When it comes to tooth aches, tooth decay is usually the main culprit. The buildup of plaque and harmful bacteria can dissolve the enamel of your teeth, causing cavities and sensitivity. Take action against the pain and call your dentist to see what they recommend.

Gum Disease
Periodontitis and gingivitis are the two main types of gum disease. Gum disease can be a serious dental issue that may cause a lot of pain. Symptoms of gum disease include swollen or tender gums, gum detachment, sensitive or bleeding teeth, as well as tooth aches. The ache stems from the pockets formed by the gums detaching from the teeth and filling with bacteria. In mild cases of gum disease, daily brushing, antibiotics, and thorough daily flossing may be enough to clean the infected pockets.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth
If your wisdom teeth have become impacted, this means they cannot fully erupt from the gums due to blockage by other teeth or improper growth. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth have grown in sideways and may affect your nerves if taken out. This can lead to intense pain, inability to open the mouth, and inflammation. The pain associated with impacted wisdom teeth may subside on its own, or with antibiotics, however it’s in your best interest to have the wisdom teeth removed to avoid future infections.

Damage To The Teeth
If you have chipped a tooth, this damage may be the source of the tooth ache. Broken or damaged crowns, fillings, or chips in the teeth can easily be fixed by making an appointment with your dentist.

Are you suffering from tooth pain that just won’t go away? Don’t go on suffering when there are easy solutions to rid your mouth of pain. With dental insurance and company plans available, call and schedule an appointment with Easton Dentist’s today at (614) 414-0111

New To Dental Insurance? Here’s How It Works

May 18th, 2015
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

Are you just now entering the complicated world of dental insurance? If so, the process can sometimes be overwhelming and difficult to understand. At the Dental Center we’re happy to help you through the complicated process of your insurance plan. Dental insurance can be summed up in these 3 easy points:

1. How do you get dental insurance? Dental insurance is provided either by your place of full-time employment, or bought independently by you. There are three main types of dental insurance: indemnity (which allows you to choose any dentist you prefer who accepts your specific coverage), PPO or Preferred Provide Network, or DHMO “Dental Health Managed Organizations” wherein you will be assigned a specific in-network dentist and insurance package.

2. What does it do? Dental insurance provides you access to basic and major dental care and covers a wide variety of services, such as fillings, root canals, fillings, cleanings, and extraction. When purchasing dental insurance on your own, you are likely not going to be covered for cosmetic dental surgery such as tooth whitening.

3. Try and find a preferred provider accepted by your dental provider. Each dental office is going to have a network of preferred providers, or insurance companies, that they like to work with. Our dental practice has over 160 dental carriers to ensure you can work with your most comfortable choice.

Getting approved for dental insurance is relatively easy. Much like other insurance plans, some dental services (such as a root canal) may be subject to deductible and co-pays, so be sure to go through your insurance agreement with a fine tooth comb before you decide which company you’d like to work with.

At the Easton Dental Center we’re happy to provide company plans to fit any budget, we also work with over 160 dental insurance carriers to ensure you can work comfortably with The Dental Center and your trusted insurance agency. If you don’t have dental insurance we are more than happy to offer you flexible payment plans. Please contact us for personalized payment plans or information about insurance and to learn more about our services.

Dental Insurance Providers and Plan Ranges

Apr 15th, 2015
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

Do you have Dental Insurance? If not, you likely know the stress involved with keeping your own personal dental health, as well as your family’s, in check. Those working part time, low-income jobs, those who are self-employed, or have no company plan should be interested to know that there are still great dental opportunities for them when it comes to premium dental insurance. For others who aren’t sure of what they’re looking for in a Dental Insurance Provider, here are some great options in the Ohio area.

What is an Indemnity Plan?
This means that your carrier will pay for your dental services after getting the bill. You will pay your dentist up front for any work done, but will be reimbursed by your insurance provider.

What is a Managed-Care plan?
In Ohio, many dentists within this network have agreed to a negotiated rate. Many see this as a more cost effective way to manage your dental insurance.

Anthem Dental Insurance
Anthem currently offers three different plan choices, with the ability to enroll yourself or your whole family into the programs. There is no waiting period for preventative or diagnostic services, and best of all you can still stay with your current dentist or choose from Anthem’s network of professionals for a lower rate. Choices come in the Dental Blue Basic package, including basic coverage and routine checkups. Dental Blue Essential package includes basic services, as well as specialty services such as root canals or denture work. Finally, the Dental blue Essential 200 offers basic dental work, specialty services, and offers you a larger choice of dentists available in the network.

United Health One
United Health One offers dental insurance that won’t be out of your price range. They have a healthy selection of dentists available, meaning you may not even have to switch from your current dental provider.

DenteMax
This dental insurance company offers over 216,000 dentists nationwide, and agrees to charge their clients a lower fee than normal for talented professionals.

Nationwide Dental Plans
Nationwide offers a comprehensive list of plans, from basic to voluntary, covering large or small groups, families, and annual benefits. Their plans come in Basic, Diagnostic and Preventative, Major, or Orthodontia. Nationwide also offers oral cancer screening, maternity care, dental implants, and a carryover program for unused benefits.

Dental Insurance Plans Ohio
If you’re still not sure what will work best for you, Ohio has five different types of insurance plans available at Dentalinsurance.com, including discount dental plans, managed-care plans, indemnity plans, and more. Simply visit the website and enter your postal code to see what plans are available to you.

Your financial situation should never prevent you from getting the oral care that you need. There are options available to you in dental emergencies, such as allowing University Dental School students to work on you, or by contacting your city’s health department regarding free or low cost dental clinics for low-income families.

To discuss your dental insurance company plans contact Easton Dentist at (614) 414-0111.