The beginning of the year is always busy with insurance patients eager to start using their insurance again after it being maxed out the previous year.
Some are distraught to find out that the condition of their oral health has deteriorated from their past visit as decay and periodontal disease aren't up to waiting for your benefits. They keep up the destruction.
Some have been waiting for their new benefits so they can treat the broken down teeth in the front at the same time for ideal aesthetics. They may find out that there specific plan doesn't pay for replacing tooth structure lost from acidic erosion from GERD (while opening a beer bottle with their teeth is apparently an acceptable loss of tooth structure, thank you Delta Dental).
Dental insurance is not really insurance as we tend to think of it. Sure there are deductibles but the caps and limitations we see on dental plans is much worse than our typical health benefits. I'm sure we would be outraged if we were turned away from our health care provider because we already had a sore throat in the last two years. Dental insurance is much more like a dental coupon book that has specific limitations in the fine print. While having dental insurance can be great is fantastic for those with limited treatment needs and in the maintenance phase of treatment. There are some insurances with high annual maximums, no limitations, low deductibles that really can benefit your oral health. It is a messy subject.
Many of us do not have insurance and that caused me to figure out what alternatives there are. Those patients when motivated are typically great to work with as we don't have the worry of what insurance covers. We know our options, weigh costs, risks and benefits on the spot and determine how to proceed without the worry of what insurance companies will pay for. Quite often, costs do come into play and people put off treatment until they have some sort of insurance.
Freitas Family Dentistry is proud to offer our Dental Assurance Plan as another option. For some this will be a no brainer, some may not benefit as much. We think most will. How does this work?
For the first adult member of the family the cost for an annual membership is $250. For each additional adult (spouse or child up to age 26) the annual membership cost is $200. Each child membership (17 and younger) is $175 for the year.
The annual membership includes 2 healthy cleanings per year, all needed x-rays and exams at those visits and a 25% discount on all treatment (elective or otherwise) that can be completed in our office. The best part is that we have no annual maximums on treatments, no deductibles, no waiting period, no claims to file and no rejections from insurance companies. Of course sometimes it is best to have certain treatment completed by specialists outside the office and there will not be any benefits of our Dental Assurance Plan out of office. The cost of the annual membership is actually less than the value of the two cleanings, x-rays and exams included, so for those without insurance its a no-brainer.
We think this is a win-win for you and for us. You save money on preventative and restorative treatment and we get your commitment to letting us take care of your health for the year without having the headache of filing insurance claims, determining benefits and the other headaches we deal with when it comes to insurance companies.
If you have insurance we are ready to do a complimentary benefits check for you and help you maximize your insurance as well. We are preferred (in-network) providers for Delta Dental Premier, Delta Dental PPO, Metlife and Cigna and work with almost all PPO plans to maximize your benefits (many offer you no real benefits to see an in network provider and some do, we will check). Give us a call at (925) 634-1230 or check out our website at www.freitasdentistry.com for more information.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Benefits of Mouthwash
Some of us use mouthwash on a daily basis. Others never use it at all. There are a myriad of reasons to use a mouthwash and just as many types of mouthwashes to use.
A mouthwash, or mouth rinse, is a great addition to your oral hygiene regimen but definitely not a replacement for brushing or flossing.
Most of us use mouthwash for its cosmetic benefits of improved breath and improving the taste of our mouths. This is the most common use of mouthwash but also the reason that benefits us the least. However, it does act as a gateway into the more therapeutic uses.
Many mouthwashes are anti-septic in that they kill the germs that cause plaque, decay and gum disease. Traditionally, these main agent in accomplishing this has been alcohol. Most of us are very familiar with the sting of some of these formulations letting us know that its working. Fortunately, there are a number of new alcohol free versions that don't hurt. Trust me, they still work.
Another class of mouthwash is for anti-cavity properties. The active ingredient in this case with fluoride. We often encourage kids, whether cavity prone or not, to rinse with ACT mouthwash to help strengthen enamel and help keep the cavities away. The key here is making sure your child is old enough to not swallow. Fluoride is great topically in our mouth but we don't need to ingest the amounts in the mouthwash. Many adult mouthrisnes now contain fluoride as well. These mouthwashes are most effective if you don't eat, drink, rinse or smoke for 30 minutes after to keep the fluoride from becoming diluted. Please don't smoke regardless.
On the other end of the spectrum, once we get older we tend to get more dry mouth. There are mouthwashes such as Biotene specifically formulated to keep your mouth lubricated. Without great saliva flow, we lose our natural defenses to cleanse our teeth and bacteria and decay can run rampant.
What do I use? Listerine Zero is a alcohol free mouth rinse that I love the flavor of and keeps my mouth feeling clean. Crest Pro Health is another great rinse that many love. Like Listerine Zero it is alcohol free and does contain a fluoride containing version. I personally don't feel as fresh after using it as the Listerine version, but many prefer the flavor. Even though I don't personally care for it, I have no hesitation recommending it.
Most important to remember is that these rinses are great additions to brushing and flossing and not replacements. With Valentines Day right around the corner, the freshness of breath doesn't hurt.
A mouthwash, or mouth rinse, is a great addition to your oral hygiene regimen but definitely not a replacement for brushing or flossing.
Most of us use mouthwash for its cosmetic benefits of improved breath and improving the taste of our mouths. This is the most common use of mouthwash but also the reason that benefits us the least. However, it does act as a gateway into the more therapeutic uses.
Many mouthwashes are anti-septic in that they kill the germs that cause plaque, decay and gum disease. Traditionally, these main agent in accomplishing this has been alcohol. Most of us are very familiar with the sting of some of these formulations letting us know that its working. Fortunately, there are a number of new alcohol free versions that don't hurt. Trust me, they still work.
Another class of mouthwash is for anti-cavity properties. The active ingredient in this case with fluoride. We often encourage kids, whether cavity prone or not, to rinse with ACT mouthwash to help strengthen enamel and help keep the cavities away. The key here is making sure your child is old enough to not swallow. Fluoride is great topically in our mouth but we don't need to ingest the amounts in the mouthwash. Many adult mouthrisnes now contain fluoride as well. These mouthwashes are most effective if you don't eat, drink, rinse or smoke for 30 minutes after to keep the fluoride from becoming diluted. Please don't smoke regardless.
On the other end of the spectrum, once we get older we tend to get more dry mouth. There are mouthwashes such as Biotene specifically formulated to keep your mouth lubricated. Without great saliva flow, we lose our natural defenses to cleanse our teeth and bacteria and decay can run rampant.
What do I use? Listerine Zero is a alcohol free mouth rinse that I love the flavor of and keeps my mouth feeling clean. Crest Pro Health is another great rinse that many love. Like Listerine Zero it is alcohol free and does contain a fluoride containing version. I personally don't feel as fresh after using it as the Listerine version, but many prefer the flavor. Even though I don't personally care for it, I have no hesitation recommending it.
Most important to remember is that these rinses are great additions to brushing and flossing and not replacements. With Valentines Day right around the corner, the freshness of breath doesn't hurt.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Dental Emergencies
This time of year gets very busy for everyone.
Some people are trying to maximize there dental benefits and squeeze in treatment before the year ends and that keeps us busy in the office, although there are a some appointment slots left between Christmas and New Years. However, it is the holidays that keep most of us really busy. Whether its trying to get ready to head out of town to see family, prepare the house for family that is coming to visit or just trying to get all that last minute shopping and decorating done, the countdown to the end of the year begins well before the countdown to see the ball drop in Times Square.
We all know of Murphy's Law as well. If something can go wrong, it will go wrong. The dental extension of this is that it will go wrong at the worst time possible. You may be out of town, it may be the weekend we aren't open here at the office, or you may be just too busy to get in.
Here is a quick rundown of some of the emergencies that we see year round and with increased frequency this time of year.
Lost Caps or Crowns: All those holiday caramels that your Great Aunt dropped by can definitely pull off crowns. The great hope is that the top part of the tooth did not come with it. If the tooth hasn't had root canal treatment it is probably sensitive as well. Try and get in ASAP to get it re-cemented as teeth can shift and break. Do you best to be prepared to not swallow it as well. It happens more than you think.
Broken or Lost fillings: The same candies that pull off crowns can break off fillings. Again, teeth under fillings are almost always sensitive, get in and have a new one placed.
Cracked teeth: Biting into those hard nuts and candies can break more than fillings, it can break the tooth. Teeth that are cracked are typically very painful on release of pressure. Cracked teeth can be tricky. If they crack in the best way possible, we may be able to smooth it out or put a small filling in. Most teeth that have cracks due need a full coverage crown at the very least. Depending on the path of the crack, it may break the wrong way and need a root canal, if it breaks REALLY the wrong way, it may need to come out. Some cracks are readily visible and some don't show up on xrays. Avoiding eating on the tooth is usually key to preventing pain.
Swelling: If you are starting to experience swelling it is usually due to a gum infection or a tooth that needs a root canal getting out of hand. Many times you've know about it and have been putting it off. Call us immediately. If we can't be reached, urgent care or the emergency room should be your next call. You need treatment immediately.
Sometimes, things are easy to treat at home. Some cold sensitivity on breathing the freezing cold can send a sharp pain to the tooth. Trying a sensitivity toothpaste is usually a great way to take care of it. If the tooth has any lingering sensitivity that seems to hang on or cause spontaneous pain, again get in and see us.
There are many other types of emergencies, most are an obvious sign to get in, others are much more silent. Frequently, by the time something hurts, bigger treatment is necessary.
Do your best to avoid things you know aren't good for you, but if something happens we can be reached at (925) 634-1230 or visit http://www.freitasdentistry.com to check out our FAQs. After hours emergencies call (925) 240-3308 to reach us quickly.
Some people are trying to maximize there dental benefits and squeeze in treatment before the year ends and that keeps us busy in the office, although there are a some appointment slots left between Christmas and New Years. However, it is the holidays that keep most of us really busy. Whether its trying to get ready to head out of town to see family, prepare the house for family that is coming to visit or just trying to get all that last minute shopping and decorating done, the countdown to the end of the year begins well before the countdown to see the ball drop in Times Square.
We all know of Murphy's Law as well. If something can go wrong, it will go wrong. The dental extension of this is that it will go wrong at the worst time possible. You may be out of town, it may be the weekend we aren't open here at the office, or you may be just too busy to get in.
Here is a quick rundown of some of the emergencies that we see year round and with increased frequency this time of year.
Lost Caps or Crowns: All those holiday caramels that your Great Aunt dropped by can definitely pull off crowns. The great hope is that the top part of the tooth did not come with it. If the tooth hasn't had root canal treatment it is probably sensitive as well. Try and get in ASAP to get it re-cemented as teeth can shift and break. Do you best to be prepared to not swallow it as well. It happens more than you think.
Broken or Lost fillings: The same candies that pull off crowns can break off fillings. Again, teeth under fillings are almost always sensitive, get in and have a new one placed.
Cracked teeth: Biting into those hard nuts and candies can break more than fillings, it can break the tooth. Teeth that are cracked are typically very painful on release of pressure. Cracked teeth can be tricky. If they crack in the best way possible, we may be able to smooth it out or put a small filling in. Most teeth that have cracks due need a full coverage crown at the very least. Depending on the path of the crack, it may break the wrong way and need a root canal, if it breaks REALLY the wrong way, it may need to come out. Some cracks are readily visible and some don't show up on xrays. Avoiding eating on the tooth is usually key to preventing pain.
Swelling: If you are starting to experience swelling it is usually due to a gum infection or a tooth that needs a root canal getting out of hand. Many times you've know about it and have been putting it off. Call us immediately. If we can't be reached, urgent care or the emergency room should be your next call. You need treatment immediately.
Sometimes, things are easy to treat at home. Some cold sensitivity on breathing the freezing cold can send a sharp pain to the tooth. Trying a sensitivity toothpaste is usually a great way to take care of it. If the tooth has any lingering sensitivity that seems to hang on or cause spontaneous pain, again get in and see us.
There are many other types of emergencies, most are an obvious sign to get in, others are much more silent. Frequently, by the time something hurts, bigger treatment is necessary.
Do your best to avoid things you know aren't good for you, but if something happens we can be reached at (925) 634-1230 or visit http://www.freitasdentistry.com to check out our FAQs. After hours emergencies call (925) 240-3308 to reach us quickly.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Sensitive Teeth
One of the complaints we hear the most is about sensitive teeth. There are lots of reasons that sensitivity can occur and treatment can be as little as a change in toothpaste.
The most common sensitivity we see is due to a receding gumline. Much like we see with a receding hairline, there isn't a completely predicable way get your gums back to there ideal place. Recession can be cause by a many different things. Sometimes we have thin gum tissue after teeth have been moved outward with orthodontics, sometimes it's due to gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), but most frequently it is due to brushing too hard with too stiff bristles and too much toothpaste.
While an aggressive routine is great at removing plaque, it can cause physical trauma to the the gums that over time will leave the root of the tooth exposed. The root of the tooth is not covered by enamel and made up of dentin. Dentin is naturally the bulk of the tooth. The crown of the tooth is also made mainly of dentin, but is covered by enamel which is much stronger.
When brushing, you want to make sure you are using as gentle a touch as possible. It doesn't take a lot of force to disrupt the plaque buildup on your teeth. Also, it is important to use the softest bristles possible. Why do firm bristles exist if they aren't good for your teeth? They are great for cleaning the grout around your toilet and that's about it. Make sure you know which brush is for which spot! Also, many toothpastes are very abrasive, especially those that are "Whitening" or "Tartar Control." We recommend using a regular toothpaste or a sensitivity toothpaste that contains fluoride and use only enough for flavor. The big strip of toothpaste in the commercials is only great at using up more toothpaste so you have to buy more.
Trauma from brushing isn't the only way to get exposed dentin though, and exposed dentin isn't the only cause of sensitivity. Other causes include recently placed tooth colored fillings, cavities near the gumline, having your teeth whitened (especially the in office Zoom type of whitening sessions, but that's for another blog), acid erosion (soda habit, acid reflux, or more sinister drug habits) and grinding of the teeth.
Don't hesitate to bring up any sensitivity issues you have and we will work with you to make sure to help limit the sensitivity. Having sensitivity is relatively common and it doesn't mean you can't enjoy a glass of ice water, or whiten your teeth, or for some, even take a breath on a cold day, it just means that a few extra precautions need to be taken.
The most common sensitivity we see is due to a receding gumline. Much like we see with a receding hairline, there isn't a completely predicable way get your gums back to there ideal place. Recession can be cause by a many different things. Sometimes we have thin gum tissue after teeth have been moved outward with orthodontics, sometimes it's due to gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), but most frequently it is due to brushing too hard with too stiff bristles and too much toothpaste.
While an aggressive routine is great at removing plaque, it can cause physical trauma to the the gums that over time will leave the root of the tooth exposed. The root of the tooth is not covered by enamel and made up of dentin. Dentin is naturally the bulk of the tooth. The crown of the tooth is also made mainly of dentin, but is covered by enamel which is much stronger.
When brushing, you want to make sure you are using as gentle a touch as possible. It doesn't take a lot of force to disrupt the plaque buildup on your teeth. Also, it is important to use the softest bristles possible. Why do firm bristles exist if they aren't good for your teeth? They are great for cleaning the grout around your toilet and that's about it. Make sure you know which brush is for which spot! Also, many toothpastes are very abrasive, especially those that are "Whitening" or "Tartar Control." We recommend using a regular toothpaste or a sensitivity toothpaste that contains fluoride and use only enough for flavor. The big strip of toothpaste in the commercials is only great at using up more toothpaste so you have to buy more.
Trauma from brushing isn't the only way to get exposed dentin though, and exposed dentin isn't the only cause of sensitivity. Other causes include recently placed tooth colored fillings, cavities near the gumline, having your teeth whitened (especially the in office Zoom type of whitening sessions, but that's for another blog), acid erosion (soda habit, acid reflux, or more sinister drug habits) and grinding of the teeth.
Don't hesitate to bring up any sensitivity issues you have and we will work with you to make sure to help limit the sensitivity. Having sensitivity is relatively common and it doesn't mean you can't enjoy a glass of ice water, or whiten your teeth, or for some, even take a breath on a cold day, it just means that a few extra precautions need to be taken.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Welcome to the first post of the Freitas Family Dentistry Dental Blog. My goals for this blog are to posts thoughts I have on different topics, especially those topics that are brought up by patients. I always want people to feel free to post questions they have regarding their oral health and I'll do my best to get helpful answers to you.
Feel free to post questions on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RobertJFreitasIIDDSFamilyDentistry?ref=hl or by emailing us a drfreitas@freitasdentistry.com. You can always bring it up at any appointment as well.
We hope people will find this blog helpful we will try and post something around once a week.
Feel free to post questions on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RobertJFreitasIIDDSFamilyDentistry?ref=hl or by emailing us a drfreitas@freitasdentistry.com. You can always bring it up at any appointment as well.
We hope people will find this blog helpful we will try and post something around once a week.
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