The Dental Center At Easton Town Center

If you have an upcoming event with a less than shiny white smile, you may be weighing your options for teeth whitening: at home, or at the dentist’s office? With dozens of at-home whitening options available, you may be wondering how professional teeth whitening options are different than over the counter options. We’re helping you make the big call when it comes to whitening your teeth.

At Home Whitening Options

When it comes to at-home teeth whitening, there is no limit to the options. Whitening rinses, gel strips, various toothpastes, and whitening trays are all common items that can be found at the local drug store. While all of these products will improve the appearance of your teeth, there are also several drawbacks to consider. For example, many whitening products that come in strip or tray form will only whiten 4-6 teeth in the front of the mouth and require up to 20 days of usage.

Furthermore, many find their teeth are too sensitive to use whitening gel or strips and experience intense pain following the application. Since at-home whitening solutions aren’t custom made for your teeth, you may end up irritating your gums and enamel, causing pain and discomfort.

Professional Teeth Whitening

Even with at-home treatments available, many people would prefer to leave it to the professionals. Pros of professional teeth whitening include:

– A custom procedure. Since this is a hands-on procedure, your dentist will customize your teeth whitening experience to suit your mouth, your teeth, and your sensitivities.

– A stronger solution. Whitening done in your dentist office result in more dramatic whitening.

– A whiter smile. At-home whitening serum’s can be cumbersome and difficult to apply. Teeth whitening in the office allows for a professional bleaching that is tailor made to your stains. For example, bleaching works very well for yellow teeth, but not for gray stains. Your dentist will be able to provide customized whitening solutions.

– Insurance options. Whether you choose at home or in the office, whitening can get expensive. Take advantage of your dental insurance and company plans.

Dental whitening is the easiest way to a healthier looking smile. Do you have an upcoming wedding, business, or family event in the Ohio area? At Easton Dentists we offer company plans and dental insurance. If you’re looking to dazzle with your whitest smile ever, contact Easton Dentists at 614-414-0111 and schedule an appointment today.

Is your mouth in need of a thorough deep clean? Root planing and scaling can give your mouth a total turnaround and help fight against gum disease, but some hesitate to make the appointment due to dental insurance woes. Does insurance consider these procedures as a standard teeth cleaning? We’re looking at what scaling and root planing can do for you, and what your insurance has to say about it.

What is Scaling?

Sometimes referred to as “deep cleaning”, dental scaling is the process of removing harmful tartar and plaque buildup from your teeth. Left untreated, tartar and plaque buildup can attribute to gum disease. During the process of scaling, your dentist will either use a hand-held instrument, or an ultrasonic one. With a hand held instrument your dentist will identify severe tartar buildup and manually scale, or remove, plaque off of your teeth.

When using an ultrasonic instrument your dentist again will identify tartar buildup and chip it off through vibrations. The removed tartar is then washed away with water. When it comes to a nonsurgical treatment for gum disease, scaling is the way to go.

What is Root Planing?

Often combined with scaling, root planing is the act of treating gum disease. When gum disease gets severe, inflammation will cause the gum to separate from the root surface. This creates what is known as a periodontal pocket, a hard to clean area where bacteria begins to form. When your dentist performs a root planing he will remove calculus and dental plaque from the root surfaces.

Why Doesn’t my Insurance Consider These Options a Standard Tooth Cleaning?

Deep cleanings can be pricey, and dental insurance doesn’t always cover it. Some insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost, but this is not always the case. Dental insurance companies may consider this different from a standard cleaning due to the process involved. This is because unlike other cleaning procedures for your teeth, dental scaling and root planing involve cleaning below the gum line.

For more information on dental insurance, company plans, dental scaling, and root planing, schedule an appointment with Easton Dentist. Call (614) 414-0111 and schedule an appointment today.

Tartar is probably a word you’ve heard many times before, often associated with plaque, but what is it? The more you know about tartar buildup, the better you’ll be able to prevent it in the future. Put simply, tartar is a hardened version of plaque found within the mouth.

Plaque forms due to a mix of various foods and proteins, and slowly begins to form a visible buildup on your teeth. Plaque can crawl its way into the crevices of your teeth, inside your gum line, and even in hard-to-reach areas, making it all the more difficult to get rid of. When a buildup of tartar occurs it will give plaque a larger surface area to appear upon, and will make surface stains more visible to the naked eye. Tartar stains are usually considered to be brown or yellow in color.

The Effects Of Tartar
Tartar forms due to the ever-present existence of bacteria within the mouth. Those with calcified tartar on their teeth put their oral health at risk for cavities, bad breath, and gum disease. Gum disease in its various stages may cause irreversible damage to your teeth and overall oral health and may even result in complete removal of your teeth. While this is an extreme case of tartar buildup, it shows the importance of taking care of any mild oral health issues before they get out of hand.

How To Get Rid Of Tartar Buildup
Even with vigorous brushing, only a dental hygienist or dentist will be able to completely remove the hard buildup brought on by tartar and plaque. The process used by dentists to remove a buildup of tartar is often called scaling, wherein your dental professional will use special tools to remove the tartar starting at the gum line.

How To Prevent A Tartar Buildup
There are many ways to control an unhealthy buildup of plaque and tartar, all of which mean maintaining good oral hygiene. To prevent tartar buildup be sure to brush your teeth twice daily using a tartar fighting toothpaste. You should also be flossing daily, making sure to get into all of the hard to reach spots within your mouth. Another tip is to replace your toothbrush every 3 months to lessen the amount of bacteria growing on your bristles.

The final way you can ensure your mouth stays fresh and clean from plaque and tartar buildup is to arrange your dental insurance and company plans to allow for regular dental cleanings twice a year. Help keep your teeth their healthiest by scheduling a dental checkup with Easton Dentists today at (614) 414-0111.

Looking to get your pearly whites their whitest? Whether you have a career in front of the camera or are simply trying to achieve a whiter smile, cosmetic teeth whitening is a sure way to get your teeth shining their brightest.

Teeth whitening is a safe form of bleaching performed inside the mouth. The bleach is applied to your tooth’s enamel and stained teeth will appear brighter and cleaner. This is great for those who partake in practices that tend to stain your teeth, such as drinking coffee or cola, smoking cigarettes, and drinking red wine. This powerful whitening effect can last anywhere up to a year, to as little as a month long (depending on your intake of foods or beverages that often stain teeth)

Whitening your teeth can have a powerful effect leading to a brighter smile, however it may also cause tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. It’s important to speak to your dentist before undergoing a whitening procedure to discuss long-term and side-effects associated with whitening your teeth. Results vary dependent on the color of your teeth. Yellow and brown teeth respond very well to whitening practices, whereas grey stained teeth may not show as bright of a result.

Easton Dentist will be able to answer any questions or concerns you have regarding your cosmetic whitening procedure. For a bright, white new smile call Easton Dentist at (614) 414-0111 to schedule an appointment for cosmetic teeth whitening. You will not regret your results.

The Dental Center is happy to announce we are currently accepting new patients and families for dental services.

Dr. Gilmer and his staff are committed to providing quality dental service to you and your family. Our trusted dental services have been serving the Ohio region since 2009 and continues to shine as a practice in our field.

Serving the Columbus, Ohio area, The Dental Center offers restorative dentistry, periodontic dentistry, and sedation dentistry. We also offer emergency dental care for root canals and tooth extractions, with conveniently extended work hours so we can be there for you as soon as an emergency hits.

We also offer a wide variety of cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening, Invisalign, porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges, tooth colored fillings, and our innovative dental implants. For questions and concerns comes and talk to The Dental Center’s Dr. Gilmer about cosmetic dental procedures.

The Dental Center has over 160 dental insurance carriers supporting our work, all with customized treatment plans. For those who aren’t insured for dental procedures – no need to worry. We offer flexible company plans customized to fit any budget. Come speak with us and we’ll help you find which plan will work best for you and your family.

To schedule an appointment with The Dental Center, phone us at (614) 414-0111 or visit our contact page and request an appointment. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible to set up your visit and welcome you to the Dental Center.

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.

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.

If you have ever accidentally chipped a tooth or felt the pain of a wisdom tooth then you know how uncomfortable it can be to wait for the dentist office to open the next morning while you’re left with a swollen jaw. Let’s face it, emergencies are never on our timeline, that’s why when one hits you’ve got to be prepared. At Easton Dentists we provide extended business hours for urgent dental care. Our emergency dentists and dental insurance suggestions are just a phone call away.

So what is a dental emergency, and what should be done when one happens?

1. You Chipped or Knocked out a Tooth
Stay calm. While it doesn’t always feel easy to do so after losing or chipping a tooth, keep yourself under control and calmly try to locate the missing tooth. Call or visit a dentist immediately. The sooner you can get your tooth into a dentist office, the more likely it will be to take root again. If there is any bleeding, have some tissue or gauze handy to bite down on.

2. Swollen gums around Wisdom Tooth
While wisdom teeth are likely to cause discomfort when growing in, intense swelling and pain may be associated with an infection or abscess and should be looked at by your dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, swish salt water in your mouth after eating and drinking to clean the potentially infected area.

3. Broken Fillings
The loss of a filling is uncomfortable, and sometimes painful due to sharp edges around your teeth. Especially when you are trying to eat or drink. Breaking a filling is a common dental emergency and may even make your mouth feel hypersensitive. Take an anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen to ease the sensitivity until you can get to your dentist, but never rub Advil or Aspirin directly to the area as it can burn your gum tissue.

4. Pain when Whitening Teeth
While this doesn’t exactly fall under an “emergency”, pain associated with at-home teeth whitening kits can be uncomfortable, and to some – unbearable. If you are experiencing this common trouble with whitening your teeth, desist using the product and make an appointment with your dentist to discuss why you may be experience this discomfort.

To discuss any emergency dental procedures, contact Easton Dentist at (614) 414-0111.

Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime.  Brushing, flossing, and proper oral hygiene help to keep your teeth strong and healthy over the course of your life.  Sometimes, however, damage can occur to a tooth, most often from a deep cavity or an injury that causes a tooth to crack, and this can cause the interior of the tooth to become infected.  The infection can damage the pulp of the tooth, which is a network of blood vessels and nerves.  If left untreated, the damaged pulp can cause infection that will damage the bone around the tooth, which will then lead to swelling and pain.  If the damaged tooth becomes infected, your dentist may have to preform a root canal to save the tooth.

A root canal involves opening the tooth, removing the damaged pulp, cleaning, shaping, filling and sealing the tooth.  Root canals are a very common and effective procedure used to save the infected tooth from having to be removed.  Root canals do require two appointments because a permeate crown needs to be fitted and molded before it can be applied to the tooth.  During the first appointment, your dentist will remove the infected pulp and drain any abscesses.  The root canal will then be cleaned and shaped for a temporary filling.  During this visit impressions will be taken so a proper fitting crown can be molded for the infected tooth.  During your second visit, your dentist will check the tooth and make sure all of the infection has cleared.  Once this has been completed, the permanent crown will be applied to the tooth.  Any adjustments to the shape of the crown will be made so that the new crown does not affect your bite.

After your root canal has been completed, your tooth will look and feel as good as new.  Proper oral hygiene will help prevent any additional infections to the tooth.  If you are experiencing any sensitivity or discomfort, schedule an appointment with your dentist today to address the issue and prevent any further decay.

If you’ve been experiencing tooth sensitivity or pain, how do you know if you need a root canal?  This answer unfortunately is sometimes painfully obvious, and that pain is caused within the affected tooth.

Anyone can experience some degree of tooth discomfort.  An issue within a tooth’s root canal is not necessarily always the cause for discomfort.  You might experience sensitivity to hot or cold liquids or foods, which isn’t usually a sign of a serious problem.  These symptoms could also be the result of a loose filling, a small area of decay, or an exposed root surface.  If you are experiencing sharp pain that occurs when you bite down, pain that lingers after you’ve consumed hot or cold food or drinks, or a constant ache from an area that is difficult to pinpoint, these may all be symptoms of infection or inflammation within the root canal.  An infection within the pulp tissue of a tooth is typically treated with a root canal.

A root canal dentist will be the only one who can determine whether the pulp tissue inside your tooth is the cause of the pain.  If this is confirmed, then a root canal procedure can be the most effective way of relieving the pain and preventing further damage to the area.

If you ever begin to feel severe aching or pressure in your mouth that does not subside, or if you begin to notice sensitivity and swelling in your gums, don’t wait for the problem to fix itself!  These symptoms are all major reasons to schedule an appointment with your dentist and have the issue checked out and treated.