Use it or Lose it!

Take Advantage of Your Benefits Before They Reset in January! 

What You Might Not Know About Your Dental Insurance Plan.

If you have dental insurance then your benefits will expire on the last day of 2012. The money you have put all year toward your dental insurance deductible will disappear and you will have to restart on January 1, 2013. To some, this may be infuriating. Maybe you put all this money toward dental insurance and all you've gotten out of it was one cleaning, or maybe you started a treatment plan earlier in the year and the time has really gotten away from you. Either way, the good news is there's still time to take advantage of your dental benefits before they run out.

If you have unfinished treatment, or you've been putting off that root canal, you will save money in the long run if you have it completed before the end of the year. This is because the money you've invested toward your deductible will have reduced your out-of-pocket expense, but only until the end of the year. Don't let the money you've already put toward your insurance deductible for treatment go to waste!

When was the last time you had a cleaning? If it's been more than six months make an appointment before the end of the year! Many insurance companies pay 100% of your dental cleanings and checkups twice a year.

Many dental insurances pay between $1000-$1500 a year for treatment. Check with your dental insurance company to see how much you have left. If you have money left in your insurance account for 2012 then you should use it before you lose it! Get that cavity filled that you've been putting off or finally make an appointment to take off your temporary crown and have the permanent one placed. Some insurance companies even provide benefits for cosmetic dentistry! If you're part of the small percentage of people with adult orthodontic coverage then ask your dentist about Invisalign.

Get the most out of your dental insurance and save yourself money in 2012 by completing unfinished treatment plans by December 31st! Make sure to take advantage of your dental insurance benefits before the end of the year and make an appointment today. Call your dentist well ahead of time to ensure that you will get an appointment before January!

Call us at 610-631-3400 or visit us online to make an appointment using our online scheduler!

Family Dental Care Center

2030 West Main St., Norristown, PA 19403

www.drsethrosen.com 

Periodontal Disease FAQs

FAQs and Treatment of Gum Disease!

What is Gum Disease? 

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a chronic infection of the gums, ligaments and bone that support the teeth and anchor them in the jaw. 

What Causes Gum Disease? 

Bacteria are normal inhabitants of the mouth living in a thin film called plaque. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form “tartar”, a hard mineral shell, that brushing can’t remove. Only a professional cleaning by a dentist or hygienist can remove tartar. When plaque builds on the tartar surface, it irritates and erodes healthy gum tissue. This early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If left untreated, pockets begin to form between the teeth and gum tissues. When the supporting bone becomes badly eroded, tooth loss can result. This stage is called periodontitis.

What are the Symptoms?

• Red, swollen, or tender gums

• Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating

• Gums shrinking or pulling away from teeth

• Persistent bad breath

How Is Gum Disease Treated?

The main goal of treatment is to control the infection. The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. Any type of treatment requires that the patient keep up good daily care at home. In the early stages of gum disease, treatment usually involves removing the plaque and calculus in the pockets around the tooth and smoothing the root surfaces. This is called scaling and root planing. In combination with proper daily home care, this is all that is usually required to stop the development of the disease. If you wait until the symptoms are more advanced, a referral to a periodontist may be necessary, and in some cases, surgical treatment.

Deep Cleaning: Scaling and Root Planing

Plaque is removed through a deep-cleaning method called scaling and root planing. 

Scaling cleans off the tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing gets rid of rough spots on the tooth root where the germs gather, and helps remove bacteria that contribute to the disease. Medications, such as antibiotic gels, may be used with treatment. 

What Can I Expect After Treatment? 

You may experience some sensitivity to the teeth and gums immediately following your treatment. Any discomfort can be controlled with OTC pain relievers such as ibuprophen. 

Will My Insurance Cover Treatment?

Most dental insurance programs cover most or all of the cost of gum disease treatments. It is important that you check with your insurance carrier to find out what they provide. 

A Family Dental Care Center: Dr. Seth Rosen, DMD

2030 West Main St., Norristown, PA 19403

www.drsethrosen.com