We all know that smoking is bad for one's health. But what does smoking do to one's teeth? Smoking causes significant, irreversible damage to one's mouth, teeth and gums. Typically, a smoker will not even realize the damage is occurring until the condition is severe.
Studies show that smoking is directly liked to periodontal disease and dental cavities. The smoke actually allows for or accelerates the hardening of the bacteria that causes these conditions. In addition, that bacteria eats away at the bone that supports the teeth. This is why many smokers lose their teeth early in life.
According to Web MD: "Researchers say smokers are up to six times more likely to develop gum disease than nonsmokers because smoking dampens the body's immune system and makes it harder for it to fight back against the disease."
Bottom line: stop smoking to save your teeth AND your life.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Thursday, December 12, 2013
The Truth About Dental Insurance
Dental insurance may be one of the most frustrating topics for any dentist to discuss. It often becomes a road block in providing patients with the highest standard of care. People who do not have dental insurance often neglect dental care due to cost or limited access to providers. Dental insurance is a contract between you, your employer and the insurance company. Dental offices assist patients with their insurance by filing claims and providing estimates for treatment.
Most insurance plans have a maximum yearly allowable amount of around $2000. This maximum has been the same since the early 1980s, while the cost of dental supplies, dental procedures and dental education has increased. Dental insurance is not so much of a help since the fee for 1 crown in our area at the 80th percentile is $1250. I like to say that medical insurance usually kicks in when you need it the most, whereas dental insurance runs out when you need it the most.
One of the most frequent questions I hear in my office is,“What does the insurance cover?” I wish this was an easy question to answer, but unfortunately it is not. There are hundreds of different insurance companies and thousands of different groups within those insurance companies, making it virtually impossible to obtain a complete benefit summary. Furthermore, there are exceptions, frequency limitations and exclusions that are either in fine-print or not provided to the dental office when a benefit summary is requested.
Unlike medical insurance, the majority of dental insurances do not require a pre-authorization for dental work. Dental insurance companies determine a patient's benefits AFTER the work is completed and the claim is received. Just listen to the insurance company hold music, read the back of your insurance card or skim the bottom of a benefits eligibility fax, it reads: this is not a guarantee of payment; benefits will be determined after the insurance company receives a claim.
For these reasons, we provide our patients with an ESTIMATE of coverage. We try our best to make sure that our estimate covers any insurance exceptions or limitations so that the patient has a better understanding of what his/her out of pocket may be. Ultimately, it is the patient's responsibility to read and understand his/her insurance benefits.
Insurance companies should not be considered a friend or foe. The simple truth is that insurance companies are a for-profit business and exist to make their stockholders' a return on their investment. If they determine that a patient is ineligible for a service, that only means they will not pay for the service. It does not mean that the service is not dentally warranted. Sometimes patients misunderstand that if their insurance doesn't cover a service, then they don’t need the service. Please remember that it is up to the doctor to diagnose and treat patients on what they need- not what their insurance may or may not cover. Often times, dental insurance companies will provide a benefit for the least-costly option, which is rarely the best dental option for the patient.
At Roselle Park Dental, our mission is to ensure the genuine comfort and care of our patients. We pledge to improve both the dental and total health and wellness of our patients. We are here to treat you as a patient and not let insurance companies dictate the quality of care we provide.
Most insurance plans have a maximum yearly allowable amount of around $2000. This maximum has been the same since the early 1980s, while the cost of dental supplies, dental procedures and dental education has increased. Dental insurance is not so much of a help since the fee for 1 crown in our area at the 80th percentile is $1250. I like to say that medical insurance usually kicks in when you need it the most, whereas dental insurance runs out when you need it the most.
One of the most frequent questions I hear in my office is,“What does the insurance cover?” I wish this was an easy question to answer, but unfortunately it is not. There are hundreds of different insurance companies and thousands of different groups within those insurance companies, making it virtually impossible to obtain a complete benefit summary. Furthermore, there are exceptions, frequency limitations and exclusions that are either in fine-print or not provided to the dental office when a benefit summary is requested.
Unlike medical insurance, the majority of dental insurances do not require a pre-authorization for dental work. Dental insurance companies determine a patient's benefits AFTER the work is completed and the claim is received. Just listen to the insurance company hold music, read the back of your insurance card or skim the bottom of a benefits eligibility fax, it reads: this is not a guarantee of payment; benefits will be determined after the insurance company receives a claim.
For these reasons, we provide our patients with an ESTIMATE of coverage. We try our best to make sure that our estimate covers any insurance exceptions or limitations so that the patient has a better understanding of what his/her out of pocket may be. Ultimately, it is the patient's responsibility to read and understand his/her insurance benefits.
Insurance companies should not be considered a friend or foe. The simple truth is that insurance companies are a for-profit business and exist to make their stockholders' a return on their investment. If they determine that a patient is ineligible for a service, that only means they will not pay for the service. It does not mean that the service is not dentally warranted. Sometimes patients misunderstand that if their insurance doesn't cover a service, then they don’t need the service. Please remember that it is up to the doctor to diagnose and treat patients on what they need- not what their insurance may or may not cover. Often times, dental insurance companies will provide a benefit for the least-costly option, which is rarely the best dental option for the patient.
At Roselle Park Dental, our mission is to ensure the genuine comfort and care of our patients. We pledge to improve both the dental and total health and wellness of our patients. We are here to treat you as a patient and not let insurance companies dictate the quality of care we provide.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Happy Thanksgiving! Updated Office Hours
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Roselle Park Dental! Here are our holiday hours for the rest of the week:
Wednesday, November 27 from 8-5
Thursday, November 28 (Thanksgiving) closed
Friday, November 29 from 9-5.
Wednesday, November 27 from 8-5
Thursday, November 28 (Thanksgiving) closed
Friday, November 29 from 9-5.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Use It Before You Lose It! Last Reminder!
The end of the year is almost upon us! If you have pending treatment or still need to get your check up and cleaning, schedule an appointment ASAP to maximize your insurance benefits. Don't forget that you lose unused insurance benefits at the end of the year. Our holiday season books quickly so call today: 908-245-1745.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Beyond the Brush Free Meeting Reminder!
Don't forget to attend our Beyond the Brush free seminar on November 3 at 10:00 am to talk about how you can get on the path to optimum oral and overall health! Our department leads will show you what you can do besides brushing and flossing that will maintain your oral health. Feel free to bring a guest!
Friday, October 25, 2013
Thank you!
We truly have the best staff! Thanks to everyone who worked today to bring dental services to those who really need it!
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Roselle Park Dental's Second Annual Charity Dental Day
Just a friendly reminder- Roselle Park Dental will host its second annual Charity Dental Day tomorrow, October 25 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Roselle Park Dental will be providing same-day dental services for free. The Charity Day is open to both new and existing patients. No appointment is needed and we will serve patients on a first come, first serve basis.
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