Long Family Dental of Cleburne Blog

Take Advantage of Your Dental Benefits Before 2014

November 27, 2013

Though it may not seem important, taking advantage of your dental insurance before the year ends can save you money in the long run. Because most insurance companies run off of the calendar year, whatever benefits you haven’t used before midnight December 30 is long gone.

Not comparable to your cell phone minutes, your dental insurance benefits don’t roll over to the new year if you have not used them. You work hard for your benefits, and not taking advantage of them before the year is up can possible leave you wasting hundreds of dollars. If you use your benefits before the New Year, you’ll be able to take advantage of your deductible before it resets. It’ll also give you the ability to use up your annual maximums. Another important reason is to take care of any dental woes before they get any worse! Even though it may seem like a small stain or discomfort now, along the line, it can possibly mean a more extensive procedure.

If you are unsure about what your dental benefits may be or when they expire, ask your employer, or use the company handbook as a reference. Either way, being able to use your dental benefits before the year ends is beneficial for your money, and, more importantly, your teeth.

At Long Family Dental, we provide quality general, restorative and cosmetic dentistry services in Cleburne and Midlothian. Give us a call today to schedule your next appointment. Dr. Bob and Dr. Chris Long are here to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.

Halloween Candy and Your Child’s Smile

October 17, 2013

Halloween is fast-approaching, so we want to take this opportunity to remind you and your family about candy, sugar and the impact they can have on your child’s smile. It is important to be mindful of the amount of sugar your child is consuming, especially because of the potential impact on their smile.

Children’s teeth are still growing and developing, so they can be especially vulnerable to decay and cavities. Halloween candy is fun and should be allowed, but in a controlled amount. We recommend that after trick or treating is over, that you and your child sort through their candy together. Pick a certain amount of candy that your child is allowed to eat, and pick a certain time for this to happen.

It’s better to snack all at once rather than nibbling throughout the day because each time you’re eating, you’re opening your mouth up to bacteria all over again. Sticky or chewy candies are among the worst for your smile because they stick to your mouth longer than other candies. This gives bacteria a better place to grow and breed.

When you’re having fun collecting candy and celebrating this Halloween, remember to be mindful of what you’re eating and how much. Sugar is fine in moderation. By taking the time to care for your smile, it will last you a lifetime. Call your dentist if you have any questions about decay and cavities.

Teeth Whitening in Cleburne and Midlothian

September 20, 2013

Smiles can become discolored and stained over time for a variety of reasons. If your smile is looking yellowed or dull, you may find yourself trying to avoid the mirror or hiding your smile. There’s no need because your dentist can brighten your smile with teeth whitening.

Teeth whitening is a great cosmetic dentistry solution that can have a substantial impact on the appearance of your smile. If you’ve tried over the counter whitening solutions and been left feeling disappointed by the results, you should give this a try. Professional teeth whitening is stronger and produces better results than other alternatives on the market.

We can even offer take-home whitening trays, making this solution possible for any schedule. Your dentist will fit you for a custom whitening tray that you’ll fill with professional whitening gel and wear as directed. After about two weeks, you’ll achieve maximum results and have a bright, dazzling smile once again.

If your dull or stained smile is bringing you down, give your dentist a call. Teeth whitening is a simple treatment that can have a big impact on the appearance of your smile. You’ll have a smile you can’t wait to share with the world.

The Effect of Sugary Drinks

August 27, 2013

Here at Long Family Dental, we have seen several patients this summer with rampant decay. When asking the patients about some of their dietary habits, one common thread is apparent: Sipping on sugary drinks throughout the day.

Now, for years most dentists have expressed concerns about too much sugar in a diet and how that can negatively impact the health of teeth. The truth is dentists are not anti-sugar! It’s how you consume sugar that has a large impact on your teeth.

Having a soda or Gatorade or energy drink is not the problem. Sipping on it all day long is the problem. If you crave a sugary drink, have one with a meal, or all in one setting, and then stop. It’s having the sugar and acid constantly in the mouth all day, little sips at a time that is wreaking havoc and causing massive decay, in some cases on every tooth!

If you must sip on something all day, make it water! Not only is that healthy for your teeth, but has many other health benefits as well!

Cosmetic Dental Bonding

August 6, 2013

Are you unhappy with the appearance of your teeth? Are small flaws detracting from your smile? Your dentist can help with cosmetic dental bonding. This is a cosmetic dentistry treatment that can revitalize your smile.

Cosmetic bonding is a treatment used to correct minor flaws that are marring your smile. It’s best used to cover up dark spots, stains, misshaped teeth or small gaps. This is a great alternative to porcelain veneers that is also more affordable. Cosmetic bonding uses resin, which is carefully color matched to blend in with the rest of your smile, giving you a natural look.

Your dentist will start your cosmetic bonding treatment by roughing your tooth surface to allow the bonding material to attach to your teeth. A primer agent is used to help the resin attach to the tooth. Once the resin is applied, it is smoothed into place and hardened with a special light. It will be shaped and polished to complete the restoration.

If your smile has some minor flaws that are detracting from the beauty of your smile, your dentist can help. Cosmetic bonding is a great way to help smooth over these minor flaws and enhance your smile. Give your dentist a call to learn more about this great smile solution.

Part 2: The Newest Challenges with Dental Insurance

July 23, 2013

As employers cut the dollars available for dental coverage, the insurance companies are coming up with creative ways to decrease benefits. Some of the challenges we are starting to see are:

Insurance considers x-rays at the basic level of coverage versus the preventive level, so the patient has to pay a deductible and a certain percentage on x-rays which historically were covered at 100%.
Insurance “downgrades” things like porcelain crowns on back teeth or tooth colored fillings on molars, causing the patient to pay more out of pocket.(Most dentists don’t even do silver fillings anymore!)
Even when a pre-determination is sent, insurance doesn’t reveal how they will actually pay once the procedure is completed and a claim sent, causing surprises for the patient after treatment.
Insurance determining a minimum age for x-rays even though a dentist is legally responsible for what is in their patient’s mouths and the conditions that exist.
Insurance only paying for an “alternate procedure” because it is the less expensive way to go, but not necessarily best for the patient’s oral health.

At Long Family Dental, we have experienced all the above and more! We do our best to give our patients an estimate for their dental treatment, but as you can see, it is challenging. Unfortunately, patients don’t understand why the estimate we give them is not always accurate. There are over 1,000 dental codes and it would be impossible to go through each one to find out the coverage and any restrictions individually. And, every time a call is made to the insurance company, there are multiple warnings that the information is not a “guarantee of benefits” and may have limits and exclusions that are only revealed once a claim is filed.

Oral health is an important part of a person’s overall health and many people do not realize how the conditions in their mouth can affect other areas of their health. Our doctors continue to stay abreast of the latest information and research in dental technologies, dental products, procedures and treatments so we can confidently promote optimal oral health. It is discouraging when a patient makes a decision about their dental treatment based on whether insurance will cover it or not, and even worse when a patient becomes upset with the dental office because their dental plan has unique benefit restrictions or limits and exclusions.

Patients should continue to look at their dental insurance as a supplement to their oral health. As the insured, you may be able to find out more about your policies limits and exclusions, but it is our hope that you will still consider what is best for your oral health. This information can only come from your dentist, not your insurance company.

The Importance of Preventative Dental Care

July 9, 2013

Many times, patients feel that if they’re brushing and flossing their teeth at home then there’s no need to visit their dentist for their dental checkup appointments. Unfortunately, this really isn’t the case. By neglecting your dental checkups, you’re putting your smile at risk.

Your regular dental checkup appointments are an important part of preventative dental care. By trying to address problems before they’ve had a chance to develop, your dentist can help to protect your smile and keep it healthy. You should visit your dentist every six months for your dental checkup appointment.

These appointments are important because your teeth will be cleaned and checked for signs of any potential smile issues. Also, preventative dental care can help identify concerns such as oral cancer or gum disease before they have done permanent smile damage.

Additionally, many dentists use sealants, a preventative care tool, to help improve the health of your smile. Sealants can be used to cover the pits and grooves in your teeth where plaque accumulates because it can’t be reached by your toothbrush. This is an important way that your dentist can help you to prevent cavities before they even form, rather than just treating them once they form.

Preventative dental care is an important part of your smile care, so start today by visiting your dentist twice a year for your dental checkup. Brushing and flossing aren’t enough on their own to ensure the health of your smile. Your dentist is here to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Part 1: The History of Dental Insurance

June 25, 2013

Dental insurance was developed in the 1960’s as a separate benefit for oral health care. At that time, the standard level of coverage was $1000 maximum per year; preventive services at 100%, basic services at 80% and major services at 50%. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Most plans are still at this exact same level. There are now some plans with maximums that are a bit higher, but the coverage levels are usually the same.

Back in the 1960’s, a patient could easily have their teeth cleaned and examined twice a year, have their necessary x-rays, and have a good amount of basic care for their teeth. Now, you would be hard pressed to find anyone that doesn’t max out their benefits with their two cleanings and one crown. Dental insurance has not kept up in any way with the increased costs in dentistry.

We have known this trend for many years and encouraged patients to think of their dental insurance more like a supplement rather than a “pay-all”. However, in the past couple of years, more challenges have arisen with dental insurance. Many employers are struggling in this economy to continue to provide dental coverage for their employees. So they go to the insurance company with a certain amount of dollars for dental coverage and ask the insurance company what benefits can be provided for that amount. Insurance companies then begin to create all different kinds of limits to a plan in order to provide a policy for the designated dollar amount.

Stay tuned for more information on current trends in dental insurance.

What You Need to Know about Dental Insurance

June 21, 2013

Many people have dental insurance, which is a great thing to have and helps make your dental care more affordable. However, dental insurance is not insurance in the same way as health or life insurance. It’s probably more accurately described as a dental benefit.

The problem is that not many people understand that dental insurance does not work in the same way as health insurance. Health insurance allows you to afford all of the medical care you need to ensure you remain in good health. Dental insurance is more accurately described as a supplement, and is not designed to cover all of your dental treatments or act as a decision maker.

The dental procedures that are covered by your dental insurance are not always what is best for your dental health. It’s important to not view your dental insurance as a hard and fast guide for your dental health. It is important that you visit a dentist that you trust to guide you in the right direction about your dental care.

Next time you’re at the dentist, think carefully about what your smile actually needs rather than just what is covered by your dental insurance. Many dentists offer payment plans or additional dental financing through other companies such as CareCredit, so there’s a way to make the dental treatments that are important for your oral health work with your budget. Talk to your dentist to learn more and make sure you’re making the right decisions for your smile.

Treating Infected Teeth with Root Canal Therapy

June 6, 2013

If you’re suffering from a toothache, it’s important to give your dentist a call right away. If the pain is persistent, you might need root canal therapy to treat the infection inside of your tooth. An infected tooth is a serious threat to your dental health and should be addressed as soon as possible.

The hard enamel on the outside of your tooth serves to protect the soft inner canal where the pulp is found. Whether it’s through damage or extensive decay, when the enamel is breached it allows bacteria to enter the pulp. This causes a root canal infection.

Some signs that you might have a root canal infection include the following:

Pain
Swelling
Increased sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures or sweet things
Bad taste in your mouth
Pain while biting or applying pressure to the tooth

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, you should give your dentist a call. Delaying the treatment will only make things worse. If you end up needing root canal therapy, your dentist will carefully remove the infected pulp inside your tooth. Usually the canal will be filled and covered with a crown to prevent further infection. Your tooth will be restored and your smile will be healthy once again.

Root canal therapy is a good way to treat an infected tooth and restore it to health. If you’re suffering from tooth pain, give your dentist a call today to see if this could be the right solution for your smile. The sooner you call the better before the decay has a chance to spread any further.