FAQ

Until recently we did accept personal checks. Unfortunately, we got to the point when too many people were writing bad ones. Often that would be no big deal IF the check writer made good on the check later. We had too many of these bad check writers deciding that they weren’t going to make good on the checks. This meant our costs go up and ultimately all the other patients (you?) would have to pay higher fees. Not fair by my way of seeing it. So — no checks.

WE WISH! No, unfortunately it is a very rare occasion when a patient comes in who actually has 100% coverage for all treatment. More commonly you get 100% for check-ups, 80 to 90% for fillings and “basic” dental care and 40 to 60% for “major” (replacement of teeth, crowns etc.)

Most plans we deal with have a once a year deductible which must be paid by you before any insurance can be paid for basic or major treatment (not check-ups). Some plans pay based on a “fee schedule”. This means they pay a flat fee regardless of what we or any other dentist charges. Then percentages are not involved at all.

Keep in mind also that dental fees are subject to what insurance companies like to call “usual and customary” adjustments. This is the insurance company has preset the maximum fee they will pay against. With our below average fees this is rarely a problem.

A common thought is; “if it is a tooth that is going to come out eventually anyhow why fix or save it?”

Baby teeth (also called primary teeth) serve many useful purposes.

1. They hold space for the permanent teeth. If the tooth is lost too soon then other teeth can move into the space and when the permanent tooth tries to come in it can’t. Then you’ll be looking at a big bill for braces.

2. They, of course, let your child chew food. Just like you and me, if you don’t have enough or the right teeth chewing can become difficult.

3. These teeth can cause tooth aches just like adult teeth. So a cavity left unfilled can cause your child severe pain from infection.

So it is important to fix and save baby teeth. If the tooth are near time to come out, then and only then we might not treat problems on them.

Every time we treat a tooth in virtually any way we are traumatizing the tooth. Like any other part of the body a tooth can be bruised. After fillings it is not unusual for them to be sensitive to temperature (cold) and chewing pressures.

If the discomfort persists for more than a few days check with the office as some adjustments to the fillings may need to occur.

In the meanwhile using pain relievers particularly Ibuprofen types can help settle the tooth down and relieve your discomfort.