The post When Would You Need a Dental Crown? appeared first on Carolina Oaks Dental Care.
]]>The good news is that dental crowns can stop the damage caused by cavities and restore your mouth to a place of health. (Plus, they may be covered by your dental insurance!)
Figuring out when you need a dental crown can be a bit confusing. That’s why our Greenville family dental practice has compiled a list of everything you need to know about crowns.
Dental crowns are permanent tooth-shaped “caps” that are placed over weak or damaged teeth to protect and restore them. Think of crowns like a snug hat for your tooth. The crown restores the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance.
Dental crowns can be made of metals, porcelain, resin, and ceramics. They typically don’t require special care over time other than good oral hygiene.
A dental crown is used to replace the enamel covering of your tooth. So, a tooth needs a crown when the enamel is no longer performing its proper function, usually because you’re missing a significant amount of tooth structure.
Dental crowns are used to cover damaged, cracked, broken, or even missing teeth. You may need a dental crown if you are looking to fix any of the following:
Your dentist may have discussed “temporary” and “permanent” crowns concerning your dental crown procedure. Here’s the difference.
A permanent dental crown is designed to be worn for decades. These types of crowns are produced in a dental laboratory. They are based on the precise measurements of your mouth. Permanent crowns mimic the shape and color of your natural teeth perfectly.
Temporary crowns are made to be worn for only 2-3 weeks, while a permanent crown is custom-made for you. At your first dental crown appointment, your dentist will prepare your damaged tooth for its permanent crown by removing any decay and shaping it. It’s vital that your tooth is protected after it’s prepared — that’s where a temporary crown comes in. When the permanent crown is ready, you’ll return to the dental office for a quick procedure to securely attach it.
Dental crowns are a tried and true way of restoring the appearance and function of teeth that are damaged due to injury or decay.
If your tooth has an issue that is serious enough for a dental crown, the procedure has no downside. Dental crowns are a necessary restorative treatment to keep your mouth healthy and happy!
The cost of a dental crown depends on your insurance coverage, dental office, and if there are any added procedures needed for your treatment. It is important to note that your insurance may not cover crowns requested for cosmetic purposes. If you’re scheduling your dental crown at Carolina Oaks Greenville, our experienced team will walk you through the cost of your treatment plan.
If you think you need a dental crown procedure in the Greenville area, Carolina Oaks is here to help. Our dentist-owned practice can provide a comfortable, natural-looking crown to restore your bite and smile. Schedule an appointment with our Greenville, SC dentists today!
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]]>The post Dental Bridge vs. Implant: Weighing Your Teeth Replacement Options appeared first on Carolina Oaks Dental Care.
]]>When it comes to teeth replacement options, it’s no surprise that each patient is different. However, two of the most popular procedures are dental bridges and dental implants.
In this blog, we will compare dental bridge vs. implant in depth to empower you to understand your options more clearly.
For many years, patients who had lost teeth had to choose between getting a fixed bridge or using removable dentures. Luckily, science has advanced considerably, and dental implants are a safe, aesthetically pleasing option for replacing a missing tooth or even multiple teeth.
Why do missing teeth need to be replaced? Well, not only does the issue make you feel self-conscious, it can also be detrimental to your health. Missing teeth adversely affect chewing patterns, cause bone loss, and can contribute to further tooth loss.
The term implant can seem rather broad, so let’s break down what exactly a dental implant is. Essentially, a dental implant is a small titanium screw. The implant replaces the tooth’s roots and provides a stable foundation for a new tooth.
The dental implant is surgically inserted into the lower or upper jaw, which allows the replacement teeth to fit securely into the gums and imitate the appearance and feel of natural teeth. Though the term surgically inserted can seem intimidating, the procedure itself is quite seamless and is done in office.
While many patients do opt for some form of sedation, we can place a dental implant with just local anesthetic. Once in place, the implant is allowed to heal for several months. During this time, the screw fuses with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration.
After the healing period, your Greenville cosmetic dentist will design a custom dental crown. The crown will be attached to the dental implant. If you need to replace multiple teeth, we can place individual dental implants for each missing tooth or only place a few implants to support a dental bridge or fixed denture.
A dental bridge is sometimes referred to as a fixed bridge since it’s bonded in place and long-lasting. A bridge consists of two dental crowns with a natural-looking false tooth in the middle, called a pontic.
The teeth on either side of the gap are fitted with the dental crowns. These are known as the abutment teeth. The pontic then sits in the middle, filling in the space left by the tooth that was lost. So, a dental bridge literally bridges the gap.
If you have more than one missing tooth, we can create a bridge with additional crowns and, if needed, abutment teeth.
Your Greenville, SC dentist will take impressions to design a custom bridge that looks and feels natural. They’ll numb the area and shape the abutment teeth to fit under the crowns. While you wait for the lab to create your permanent bridge, we can place temporary crowns.
When your bridge is ready, you’ll come back to the office. The dentist will gently remove your temporary crowns and place the bridge. They’ll check the fit and aesthetics before bonding it in place.
When comparing a dental bridge vs. implant, both options will:
If you’re ready to replace missing teeth, schedule a visit at Carolina Oaks Dental Care of Greenville. Dr. Molly Netzler or Dr. Tait Carpenter will assess your oral health and needs and help you decide on the ideal treatment for your case and lifestyle. Our practice offers a host of cosmetic and restorative procedures including dental crowns and bridges, dentures and dental implants in South Carolina.
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]]>The post How to Handle 5 Common Dental Emergencies appeared first on Carolina Oaks Dental Care.
]]>Maybe you went down too hard in football tackle. Maybe you tripped while running and your front teeth took the brunt of the fall. Whatever the cause, losing one of your permanent teeth is one of the most common tooth emergencies and it requires immediate attention. First things first, avoid touching the root. Then keep the tooth and root moist either by placing it back in its socket, safely keeping it in your mouth between your gums and cheek, or storing it in a container filled with milk, saliva or a tooth preservation product. Then contact our office to book an emergency dental appointment in Greenville. The sooner you’re able to get into your Greenville dentist, the better chance you have of restoring your beautiful smile.
What do popcorn and olives have in common? Besides both being delicious snacks, they can also both contain unexpected hard bits that can crack your teeth. It’s extremely common to chip your teeth on a rogue popcorn kernel or olive pit (and any number of other hard, crunchy foods) — but what do you do if it happens? Rinse your mouth with water to get rid of tiny fragments and then book an appointment with your dentist to fix up your broken tooth. Going forward, avoid biting into hard foods or substances, and never use your teeth for anything other than eating (like opening packages).
An unexpected toothache can cause serious disruption to your daily life. They can get extremely painful, especially if left untreated, so if you’re experiencing tooth pain, it’s important to see a dentist right away. Toothaches can be caused by infection, abscesses, severe decay or fractures. Treatment will depend on what’s causing your toothache but may require a filling, root canal or, in extreme cases, tooth extraction. Fortunately, by following proper oral hygiene practices, you can avoid the conditions that cause toothaches. Be sure to floss and brush your teeth regularly, and visit your dentist for a routine check-up every six months.
Speaking of tooth abscesses, these painful infections that affect the teeth and gums are a serious oral health concern. If left untreated, abscesses can lead to tooth and tissue damage, and the infection may even spread throughout the body. If you notice a pimple-like lesion on your gums that causes pain, call us immediately and we’ll get you in for an emergency appointment. To relieve discomfort and draw the infection out, make a saltwater solution with ½ teaspoon of salt and eight ounces of water. Use this to rinse your mouth several times a day.
So now you know what to do if you break or lose a tooth, but what if a filling falls out? While not as urgent as some other dental emergencies, it’s still something you’ll want to get fixed as soon as possible. In the meantime, keep the area clean and clear of food particles to avoid bacteria build-up, and use dental cement or sugarfree gum to temporarily pack the empty space.
Tips to Prevent Dental Emergencies
While dental emergencies are often unavoidable, there are things you can do to prevent damage to your teeth and gums. Here are some of the best (and easiest) ways to keep your mouth safe from harm:
And remember, if you do experience a dental emergency, Carolina Oaks Dental Care of Greenville is happy to offer urgent dentistry. After all, dental emergencies are stressful — but getting proper care doesn’t have to be. Just call our Greenville dental office and we’ll get you in for an emergency appointment.
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]]>The post It’s Women’s History Month! Get to Know Our Greenville Female Dentists appeared first on Carolina Oaks Dental Care.
]]>What is Women’s History Month?
All too often women’s contributions to our society, history and culture go overlooked and unnoticed. Women’s History Month, which is held in March every year, began as a way to overcome this. It’s an opportunity to acknowledge, commemorate, study and celebrate the vital role women have played throughout our history, through organized events and educational initiatives. The first Women’s History Month was celebrated in 1978 in Sonoma, California, but it became an annual tradition in 1987.
The cornerstone of Women’s History Month is International Women’s Day, which falls on March 8th. This global event first took place in 1911 and now countries around the world celebrate the economic, political and social achievements of women on this day. The theme for International Women’s Day 2022 was #BreakTheBias. Women have historically been up against endless discrimination but the time is now to end those stereotypes. And as female dentists in Greenville, the doctors at Carolina Oaks Greenville truly have broken the bias.
A Brief History of Women in Dentistry
Dentistry has always been a male-dominated industry. Even today, although roughly half of dental school graduates are female, women only represent about a third of practicing dentists. Fortunately, we’ve come a long way and women throughout history have made incredible advancements in the field of dentistry. Here’s a brief background on some key women in dental history:
Meet the Women Dentists of Carolina Oaks Greenville
Dr. Susan Maxwell
Dr. Susan Maxwell was born and raised right here in Greenville. She completed all of her dental education in South Carolina, from her undergraduate degree through her doctorate to her residency. Dr. Maxwell joined the Carolina Oaks team in 2012 where she focuses on treating each patient with kindness and compassion. She is deeply empathetic and dedicated to her patients, believing that dental health is a major factor in overall health and wellness.
Dr. Maxwell met her husband, Joey, in college and they married in 2010. They have a young daughter (Ella Kate), two cats (Alex and Cleo) and two dogs (Mack and Rue). She often refers to her family as the Maxwell Family Zoo. In her spare time, she enjoys going on family adventures and giving back. Dr. Maxwell has been a volunteer with the Greenville Free Medical Clinic since 2012 and has made several trips to the Dominican Republic as part of her church’s medical mission team. She has a small obsession with health and wellness products and could not function without CycleBar.
Dr. Tait Carpenter
Dr. Tait Carpenter grew up in Summerville, South Carolina. After studying biology at College of Charleston, she completed dental school at the Medical University of SC. There, she met her husband Matt. After they graduated from university, Matt joined the US Army and the couple were stationed in Savannah, Georgia. When he retired from the army in 2015, they returned to beautiful South Carolina to settle into their permanent home. Dr. Carpenter joined the Carolina Oaks family in 2016.
Dr. Carpenter loves all facets of general dentistry and treating people of all ages. Most recently, her continuing education has focused on teeth straightening, cosmetic dentistry and treatment of temporomandibular disorders. She now has four children (Finn, Henry and twins, Penny and Elizabeth) and two dogs to keep her busy at home.
Dr. Molly Netzler
Dr. Molly Netzler also grew up in Summerville and was first exposed to dentistry by her father, Dr. Tim Jeter, who is a general dentist in North Charleston. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and then attended dental school at the Medical University of South Carolina. While in dental school, she was chosen as one of fifteen dental students nationwide to train and do research in dentistry at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research in Bethesda, Maryland.
Since graduating, Dr. Netzler has completed over 500 hours of continuing education, including the training to become Invisalign certified. She has since enjoyed the opportunity to help her patients achieve straighter, healthier smiles. She is also a member of several national and local dental organizations, including the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry and the Occlusal Study Club. Dr. Netzler and her husband, Peter, have a son, Ford, and two daughters, Grayson and Eva. Dr. Netzler has been practicing with Carolina Oaks since 2014.
Now that you know a little more about our team of female dentists in Greenville, come visit us in person! Contact Carolina Oaks Dental Care of Greenville today to book a complimentary consultation.
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]]>The post The Top 5 Benefits of Dental Implants appeared first on Carolina Oaks Dental Care.
]]>Are you interested in learning more about dental implants in Greenville, SC? Contact Carolina Oaks Dental Care and we’ll help you understand your options. Call us today at 864-235-3949 for an appointment with Dr. Mark Workman or Dr. Susan Maxwell.
Possibly the most noteworthy benefit of implant prosthetics is the fact that they feel and act more like natural teeth. Because the titanium bases are firmly implanted in the jaw, and fuse with the jaw bone, they form a solid foundation for prosthetic teeth. This means they are as stable as natural teeth, and don’t slip loose when you are eating. Implant dentures are securely attached, so they don’t come out until you remove them for cleaning.
They are also more comfortable in the mouth because they are always a perfect fit. Traditional dentures may fit well at first, but as your body slowly loses bone tissue (an inevitable effect of losing teeth), the dimensions of your mouth will change. This leaves you with dentures that slowly fit worse and worse, and need to be relined frequently. With dental implants, jawbone deterioration is eliminated from the equation entirely.
With a better fit comes the ability to eat and smile comfortably among others without worrying that your dentures may slip loose. Perhaps more importantly, dental implants prevent the diminishing jaw effect that comes with traditional dentures. If you’ve ever known someone who has worn dentures long-term, you’ve probably noticed how the lower jaw shrinks slowly over time. This is one of the most visible signs of aging and it alters your appearance immensely. Dental implants let you maintain your face’s natural appearance, so you can keep looking like you.
Simply put, because they are more comfortable and more firmly rooted in the jaw, implant-based dentures allow you to eat a broader range of foods. With traditional prosthetics, it’s not just the slipping loose that prevents you from eating the same foods you can eat with natural teeth; it’s also the gum irritation. Poorly fitting dentures rub against gum tissue and can make eating a painful experience. As we age, we tend to eat less overall, so the quality of our diet needs to be considered. If conventional dentures make eating unpleasant at all, it can stop us from getting the nutrition we need. Because implant dentures are more stable and comfortable, all dietary options are possible.
One of the best things about implant-based prosthetics is the fact that they allow for versatile restorations. A single tooth can be restored with one implant and crown, a partial or bridge can be formed with two, or a whole arch of dentures can be attached to just four implants. This also means that more healthy teeth can be preserved, as restorations can be more conservative when they are firmly rooted in the jaw. Implant dentures can also be attached permanently, which may be preferable for patients who cannot take care of themselves independently or are more prone to losing their dentures.
While the up-front commitment of implant dentures may be more involved than that of traditional prosthetics, the payoff is years of continuous use. Most patients will need fewer trips to dentist, as no relining or refitting will be needed, and they will have fewer painful problems that need attention.
Are you interested in learning more about dental implants in Greenville, SC? Contact Carolina Oaks Dental Care and we’ll help you understand your options. Call us today at 864-235-3949 for an appointment with Dr. Mark Workman or Dr. Susan Maxwell.
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]]>The post Why Dental Checkups Are So Important appeared first on Carolina Oaks Dental Care.
]]>Six month visits are the best way to avoid cavities and prevent costly and painful dental conditions—and we’re going to tell you why!
Call Carolina Oaks if you need a dentist in Greenville, SC. Drs. Mark Workman and Susan Maxwell provide gentle, customized care for every member of your family. Contact our office online or at 864-235-3949 to make an appointment.
Did you know that only one percent of the population will get through their lives without ever developing a dental cavity? If you think those other 99% get cavities because they aren’t brushing and flossing, think again. Even those of us with the most diligent oral hygiene are unable to properly clean specific, very small areas of our teeth; without dental cleanings those areas may develop cavities. There are also ridges in our molars that are simply too narrow for toothbrush bristles to penetrate effectively. A dental exam is the only way to make sure those places do not harbor calculus (tartar), which leads to tooth decay.
Routine dental exams are the best way to prevent cavities because we can spot areas of demineralization before the cavity even forms and apply restorative treatments to give your enamel a protective boost. They are also the best way to prevent extensive dental restorations, such as lengthy root canals and crown treatments.
Unlike most medical conditions, dental conditions like cavities and gum disease often give us no indication they are happening. By the time you get a toothache (or swollen, bleeding gums) the condition has advanced beyond the possibility of conservative treatment.
This is counterintuitive to how we normally approach our health, since we usually get an indication of medical problems in the form of soreness, pain, stiffness, or dysfunction. We usually give the pain a few days to resolve itself, as our bodies are excellent at self-repair. If the pain doesn’t go away on its own, we may eventually seek help from a doctor.
Teeth, however, are completely different from the rest of the body. They rarely tell us when something is starting to go wrong and they have absolutely no system for self-healing. That’s why prevention is such an important part of oral care.
If you think six-month visits are just about preventing and detecting cavities, there’s more to it than that!
Dental exams include:
Many patients may not even be aware they are happening, but each dental exam includes patient Q-and-A and visual scans for signs of oral health conditions other than cavities. Bruxism, TMJ disorder, gum disease, and oral cancer (especially) are conditions that are most treatable when detected in their earliest stages.
The time you spend with the dentist and hygienist is also an excellent opportunity for sharing information. The field of oral health is constantly evolving, and our understanding of factors that affect your teeth and gums is always expanding. We love being able to give our patients information that will help them make healthy choices for themselves and their families.
We also like to learn about what’s going on with you during your exam, as many medical and health conditions have a link to your teeth and gums. For example, pregnancy, diabetes, and acid reflux can have a dramatic impact on your oral health, which we can help you prevent and treat.
Call Carolina Oaks if you need a dentist in Greenville, SC. Drs. Mark Workman and Susan Maxwell provide gentle, customized care for every member of your family. Contact our office online or at 864-235-3949 to make an appointment.
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]]>The post 7 Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Dentist appeared first on Carolina Oaks Dental Care.
]]>Don’t worry about offending the dentist with this question. All dentists are required by law to be certified to practice dentistry. However, some dentists have more certifications than others. Knowing their level of expertise and experience will give you a better understanding on the treatments they can provide in-office. You may find that having a dentist that can provide pediatric dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, and restorative dentistry all under the same roof a huge plus.
Life gets busy with work, school, and juggling all the sports and family obligations. Having a dental practice that is nearby with office hours that fit within your schedule will reduce your stress levels and make dental care more convenient.
Dental emergencies are a part of life – and having a dentist easily accessible when you need one is important, especially if you have children. Ask your dentist if they have an emergency phone number and how soon they are able to schedule an appointment if a dental emergency occurs after hours. Knowing proper protocols to follow in advance will provide peace of mind.
This question will give you a better understanding on how up-to-date they are on the latest dental treatments. A dentist that participates in dental seminars and education courses has a greater chance of offering the highest quality dental technologies and techniques available in the industry. In addition, a dentist that is continually learning will provide you with more comfortable and comprehensive care.
Although most dental practices accept insurance – they may not accept all insurances. This is an important question to ask the receptionist before scheduling your appointment so there are no surprises when it comes time to pay. Thanks to financial services, such as CareCredit and LendingClub, many dentists today also provide in-house financing options and payment plans to help you manage your cost of care. Delaying care due to lack of funds can lead to costly restorative procedures in the future.
Preventative care is crucial to managing a healthy smile and extending the longevity of your natural teeth. Ask your dentist what type of care you can expect to receive during a routine dental cleaning and examination. Does he or she administer digital x-rays every six months to check the health of your teeth and jawbone? Does he or she provide dental sealants and fluoride treatments as a means for preventing cavities? Does he or she perform oral cancer screenings? If a dentist places great importance on preventative care, they are more likely to help you maintain your smile and avoid costly and complex restorative procedures.
Finding a dentist who can treat patients of all ages makes receiving dental care convenient for the entire family. Ask how soon your child can start visiting the dentist and what types of amenities they offer for children. A dentist who specializes in pediatric dentistry will make visiting the dentist a fun and relaxing experience for your child and get them started on a healthy oral health journey.
If you are looking for a dependable dentist in the Greenville, SC area, our team of professional, friendly, and trustworthy dentists at Carolina Oaks Dental Care of Greenville, can provide the care you need for your entire family. We look forward to meeting you and serving you for many years. Contact our practice online or by calling 864-235-3949 to schedule your consultation.
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]]>The post Why You May Want to Consider Cosmetic Dentistry appeared first on Carolina Oaks Dental Care.
]]>If you are like most people, you try to keep your body in good health. You aim to eat right, exercise, and avoid factors known to cause illness and degeneration. Mostly you do this to extend your life and enhance the quality of your life, but it also feels good to look good. Looking our best is the way we show the world that we have our act together, and enjoy interacting with others. Cosmetic dentistry can help you feel better about the image you project.
Do you want to improve your smile? Call our Greenville, SC dental practice at 864-235-3949 for a cosmetic dentistry consultation. Carolina Oaks Dental Care would love to help you look and feel your best!
For the most part, maintaining our teeth is simple: brush, floss, and use a whitening rinse or toothpaste to stave off the stains that everyday foods leave on our enamel. Check that box, and then get on with your life. Consequently, there are many people out there who have no idea how much better they could look with the benefits of cosmetic dentistry.
Once a costly luxury, cosmetic dentistry is now a rich and varied field that offers a number of affordable services that can transform your smile into something you’ll want to show off. If you’ve ever noticed your smile in a photograph and been unhappily surprised by how you look, then this post is for you.
Improving your smile is one of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to instantly improve how others see you. Apart from the boost to your self-confidence, a new smile can bring you newfound joy. Numerous studies show that the acts of smiling and laughing, themselves, can improve your mood. When you have a smile you love, you’ll be feeling it and sharing it every chance you get!
Even if you are faithfully devoted to oral hygiene, the problem is that regular routines do not give us the chance to see our teeth as others do. Think about it; when you brush your teeth, you see your teeth under a layer of bubbly toothpaste, and probably think “my teeth look great!” But take away that snowy white foam, and you’ll see the edges, color, and details of your teeth more clearly. It’s not the same.
If you really want to see what your smile looks like, you have to step away from the mirror and record a short video of yourself. Try this: angle a camera at your mouth and record yourself reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, for example. Throw in a smile or big laugh every so often, as you might when relaxing with your friends. Watch the video to see what others see.
As we age, life takes a toll on the appearance of our teeth. Not only do years of wine and coffee stains add up and yellow our enamel, but small cracks, chips, and drifting teeth can age your smile significantly. Most of us probably use toothpastes that claim to whiten, but the effects of store-bought products are limited. Even if your teeth are well maintained and cavity-free, you may not be happy with how your smile has changed since you were younger. Maybe you’ve always had something that bothers you about your smile, but didn’t know how easily it can be fixed.
Today there are several tools and treatments in cosmetic dentistry that can fix any number of complaints. Many are extremely affordable. See if any of these complaints apply to you:
If any of these sound familiar, we have solutions! At Carolina Oaks, Drs. Workman and Maxwell have the training and experience to offer dental bonding, porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, and other cosmetic dentistry services that will give you back the confidence to smile and laugh freely with your family and friends. A smile makeover might be just what you need.
If you are curious about the benefits of cosmetic dentistry, contact us at and we’ll give you a no-stress consultation and an honest assessment. We want all our patients to look and feel great, and we offer treatments to suit every lifestyle. Some patients prefer subtle improvements, while other go for dramatic change. The big choices will ultimately be in your hands, but we’ll give you the facts, so you can make a decision for yourself.
Call our Greenville, SC dental practice at 864-235-3949 for a cosmetic dentistry consultation. Come see what Carolina Oaks Dental Care can do for you!
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]]>The post Things to Consider When Choosing a Dentist in Greenville, SC appeared first on Carolina Oaks Dental Care.
]]>If you are looking for dental care in Greenville, South Carolina, call Carolina Oaks Dental Care to interview one of our friendly dentists. Call us today at 864-235-3949 for a meet-up with Dr. Marc Workman or Dr. Susan Maxwell.
Before you look at specific dental offices, check with your insurance provider for a list of in-network providers. Ask if you can see a dentist outside the network, and how coverage will be different if you do. This is an especially important step if you belong to a dental health maintenance organization (DHMO) since they tend to have much smaller lists of in-network dentists.
Decide ahead of time whether you like the idea of a small, family-oriented dentist that schedules one patient at a time or a larger dental office that sees more patients in the course of a day. If you like to get in and out of your appointments quickly during your lunch hour, with no fuss, you may be more comfortable with a larger dental practice. If you prefer more open-ended visits in which the whole staff can focus on you, look for a smaller practice.
Your neighbor may give a glowing review of her dentist, but if the location and office hours aren’t compatible, it may not be right for you. How easily you can access your dentist can make a big difference in your ability to keep appointments.
Before you start your search, think about location. If you live and work in different locales, do you want to see a dentist that is near work, or home? Also think about hours of operation. Will you want to schedule your appointments on a certain day, or time of day? Or is your schedule more flexible? If either your schedule or mobility are limited, accessibility may be a critical factor in your choice of dentists.
If you’re starting your search cold, friends and acquaintances are your best resource for information. Ask everyone which dentist they see, and what they like about the practice. Keep in mind that your friends may value different things in a dentist, and there are tons of great dentists out there. If the dentists they recommend aren’t the most accessible to you, don’t hesitate to research dentists on your own.
You may only see your dentist every six months, but the time you spend together will be put to best use if you have a good relationship and can communicate easily. When you meet dentists, look for someone you can easily understand, and who seems to be an attentive listener. When you are interviewing dentists, bring a list of questions to ask (see suggestions below) and don’t be afraid to ask a curve-ball question to see how they react. The specific answers you get may not be as important as the sense of personality that shines through. You’ll know when you’ve found someone you like and trust.
In addition to the dentist, you also want to meet the dental hygienist, who you will actually spend more time with. Not only do hygienists perform the more routine interactions, like dental cleanings and fluoride treatments, but they also serve as your best resource for up-to-date information on all topics related to oral health. When you meet these people, ask yourself if you would be comfortable sharing personal information. Do they seem like they are interested in your comfort and well being?
If you have children, think about how they will feel in each environment. How will your children interact with each of the people you meet? Does the office seem child-friendly? Do they encourage parents to stay with their children during treatments? Do they provide distractions and supports to help kids sit still and stay comfortable during treatment?
When looking at individual dentists, don’t be afraid to research them online. Your state’s professional licensing board can help you verify that your dentist is licensed and qualified, and sites like Yelp and Healthgrades can show you what other patients have to say about a specific practice.
Your focus will be on finding a dentist whose skills and demeanor are compatible with your family’s needs, but you should also take a good look at the whole practice. Does the office function as a well-oiled machine? Are all staff friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful? Is the environment cheerful and clean? Inconsistent policies, high turnover, or confusion among staff may be a sign of dysfunction that can alert you of a less-than-professional establishment. Trust your intuition; if something feels off, you may encounter problems down the road.
Overall, there’s a wealth of qualified dentists in practice today. Think about your family’s needs, keep an open mind, and trust your gut to tell you when you’ve found a match. The most important part of dental care is keeping your appointments, so choose a practice that you’ll want to come back to.
If you are looking for dental care in Greenville, South Carolina, call Carolina Oaks Dental Care to interview one of our friendly dentists. Call us today at 864-235-3949 for a meet-up with Dr. Marc Workman or Dr. Susan Maxwell.
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]]>The post Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Insurance appeared first on Carolina Oaks Dental Care.
]]>We receive a lot of questions from our patients about dental insurance, so we’ve compiled these frequently asked questions (FAQs) to offer general guidance on the sometimes confusing role of dental insurance.
If you need dental care for your family, contact Carolina Oaks Dental Care. We can help you understand the ins and outs of your insurance plan, and get you the care you need! Call our Greenville, SC, dental practice at 864-235-3949 to make an appointment today.
This is a complex question, and one that every family will need to consider individually. Most insurers offer basic and extended coverage, and the best way to decide between the two is to consider your predicted dental needs.
There are many factors you may want to consider:
If you are comparing dental plans and not sure how your family’s situation might be affected—call us and ask. What is a complex question to you is routine for us. At Carolina Oaks Dental Care, we always want to help our patients have the knowledge they need to make good decisions for their families.
Before you compare dental plans, it’s important to understand the different levels of dental care you may need. Most insurance plans offer very similar coverage, but you should know which differences to look for, based on your circumstances and predicted dental needs.
In general, most plans cover the following treatments:
A DHMO is a plan that offers you dental care from a smaller list of contracted dentists. If you are looking for the most affordable plan that will benefit your family, A DHMO will get you the care you need. However, you may be more limited in your choice of dentists and services than with a PPO.
A PPO offers a wider network of providers to choose from in-network, and will usually cover out-of-network providers, though at a different rate. You will have more flexibility with a PPO, but the monthly cost will be higher than a DHMO.
While everyone should have medical insurance, there are actually plenty of people who may not need dental insurance. If you are a single person, whose teeth have always been in relatively good condition, there may not be a need for dental insurance at this time. It may actually cost you more to enroll in a plan than to pay for routine preventive and restorative treatments out of pocket.
If you are calculating the need for insurance, add up the cost of two routine preventive visits per year (dental cleaning and dental exam), along with the cost of one or two fillings. Emergencies notwithstanding, you may pay less without insurance coverage. If emergencies come up, many patients refer to companies such as CareCredit, which offer extended payment plans with little-to-no interest.
The best person to help you determine whether you need insurance is actually your dentist. It’s best to get a professional assessment of the general health of your teeth before you try to predict the future.
We do not recommend the no-insurance path if you haven’t been to the dentist for routine visits in a number of years. Avoiding dental visits is the best way to cause dental disasters. If you have gone without a dental disaster (and without routine care) for a period of time, there’s a good chance your lucky streak will end in the future!
For more information, look to dental insurance sites that aim to inform, rather than sell. They can offer objective information that will help you compare plans and coverage options for you and your family. Your employer may have benefits comparison charts available, as well, so ask!
If you need dental care for your family, contact Carolina Oaks Dental Care. We can help you understand the ins and outs of your insurance plan, and get you the care you need! Call our Greenville, SC, dental practice at 864-235-3949 to make an appointment today.
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