Although many Americans are hopeful that the Affordable Care Act (or ‘Obamacare’) may help with dental care, there are no signs that the ACA will provide much help.

In some states, dental care for children is being incorporated into supplemental Medicare coverage for low income families. For others, individual health care plans offer dental coverage as a separate option. Added dental coverage, in many cases, has a conservative maximum coverage, such as $2,000 a year. This may cover fees for two 6-month check-ups and cleanings and one or two crowns. For those who need extensive work, relying on dental insurance or Medicare supplements will likely fall short of providing the dentistry needed to restore good oral health.

Some states have increased Medicare funding for low-income families who have purchased insurance through the Affordable Care Act. However, the number of physicians, dentists, and dental specialists who accept Medicare is limited. Caregivers often avoid being a Medicare provider because of the low reimbursement level and extended time it takes for reimbursement.

Although Medicare has the most frustrating track record for the dental profession, HMO and PPO dental coverages can also leave dentists in challenging positions. While reimbursement is slightly better than Medicare, lag time between insurance filing and reimbursement is traditionally slow.

Resolving the nation’s health care issues will likely take years. In the meantime, don’t assume that ample dental coverages will emerge any time soon. While it may be a challenge to pay for quality dental care, it is an investment well worth the commitment. Your smile is a major part of your appearance, self-confidence and digestive system as well as an aid in lowering overall health risks. Research has linked the bacteria of periodontal (gum) disease to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies and more.

Americans spend thousands on automobiles and wide screen televisions with access to hundreds of sports and entertainment channels while dental health ranks poorly on their budget’s priority list, regardless of insurance coverage. Until dentistry is deemed a necessity rather than an elective option, insurance coverage or supplemental plans will mean little in providing a confident smile that lasts your lifetime. That’s up to you.

For most denture wearers, the reason that prevents replacing them with Dental Implants is the cost. Yes, Dental Implants are more expensive – upfront. Over time, however, their initial cost can save you greatly.

When a denture is first made, it conforms to your gum ridge. Although it may feel snug in the beginning, you’ll eventually notice a change. It will begin to move while you chew. Biting becomes less secure and even adhesives won’t help much. While relines help, the “re-fit” is only a temporarily fix.

Without tooth roots in the jaw bone, the ridge that once held natural teeth begins to shrink. Dentures add to this bone loss through the pressure they place on the ridge. For those who sleep in their dentures, this continual pressure accelerates the rate of bone loss even more.

It is a fact that denture wearers have more gastrointestinal problems, take more medications and are less socially active. Additionally, many sacrifice the fiber and protein-rich foods they once enjoyed for softer foods that dissolve easily in the mouth.

Dental Implants are tooth root replacements that halt bone loss. With the jaw bone as their foundation, your ability to bite and chew is stable. Plus, you can eat all the foods you love without worry of slips or uncomfortable rubbing.

Dental Implants are also designed to last your lifetime. Dentures and the detrimental problems they contribute to will require ongoing expenses – in your mouth and with your overall health.

When weighing the REAL cost of dentures vs. Dental Implants, look into the future. The higher, one-time expense of implants may be the best investment you ever made! Call (828) 274-9440 to learn more.

Several years ago, a survey showed how men’s oral care habits differ from women when it comes to the care of their teeth and gums. It found 86% of females brush their teeth twice or more a day while only 66% of males do.

For women in the dating world, it’s not unusual to hear female patients share how “turned off” they are by men with poor dental hygiene. Some share things like, “After that first kiss, I knew I wouldn’t be kissing him again.” Some tell about men who show up for dates with food stuck in their teeth or bad breath.

The solution is so easy, guys! Be committed to your 6-month oral hygiene visits, brush twice daily (at least 2 mins.), floss daily and use a tongue scrapper to sweep away embedded bacteria. A clean, healthy mouth helps you avoid bad breath and projects a positive impression to everyone, including the ladies you want to attract!

If you’ve been infrequent with dental check-ups or see blood when you brush, you may have periodontal (gum) disease. It is imperative that you rid your mouth of this problem as it will only worsen without treatment. Gum disease causes persistent bad breath, tender gums and eventual tooth loss. Call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation or to schedule an examination to get you started.

When most people think of dentistry, ‘comfort’ is not usually a word that comes to mind. Yet, our patients compliment us frequently on the level of comfort we provide.

Although we offer Oral Sedation for fearful patients or those having lengthy procedures, it is my belief that a gentle touch and communication with the patient enhances their comfort level regardless of sedation with their treatment.

Numbing medications begin with a swab placed on the area for injection. This has a numbing solution on it and removes the ‘stick’ you typically expect. Going slow with the needle and administering novocain at a slow pace helps avoid those jolts that can result otherwise.

We also communicate with patients who are not sedated throughout the procedure. We find patients are more at ease when they know what is being done. We also reassure patients that, at any time during the process, they can signal that they are experiencing discomfort or need a break.

Typically, after one appointment, patients who were once fearful or dreaded dental procedures realize they are in good hands! If fear or anxiety is an issue for you, begin with a Consultation. During this time, we’ll discuss options that are appropriate for your specific needs. Call (828) 274-9440 to speak with a friendly staff member.