What is Tooth Decay? Tooth decay is the destruction of a tooth’s outer surface from acid-forming bacteria produced by food containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches). Tooth Decay Prevention: Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Preferably, brush after each meal and before bedtime to help prevent bacteria from staying on your teeth for a certain length. Consider these helpful tips: Floss your teeth daily to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Check with your dentist about using supplemental fluoride, which strengthens your teeth and helps prevent tooth decay. Consider dental sealants; sealants are placed on the top of the molars to protect the teeth from decay. Use mouthwashes with fluoride. Many kill 50% or more of the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Chewing gum with the ingredient Xylitol © may also kill some of the bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Question: I need to find a family dental plan where we can all go to the dentist whenever we need to and pay the dental office bills after the dental insurance company pays their part before making us pay our share of the cost.

In the past, we had plans to pay the dentist upfront for the total cost of our dental services and wait for the insurance company to refund us. In this day and age, who can afford to do that? I know we can not. 

Those types of dental insurance plans keep us from going to the dentist, and at that point, I do not see paying $120 a month for a dental insurance plan we do not even use because we can not pay upfront for dental services. What options are left for us that would be more affordable?

Reply: Welcome! I hope you are doing well today. I want to discuss dental insurance plans and how claims are processed. I can understand why the claims process can be upsetting, particularly regarding how claims are paid. Let me assure you that you are not alone. Many people have questions about dental insurance plans and how they work.

Based on what you have told me, you have either a dental PPO or an Indemnity dental insurance plan. If you like the plan benefits and coverages overall and it is just about how claims are paid, consider talking to your dentist. With dental PPO and Indemnity plans, the payment process and how the dentist gets paid is really up to the dental office. It does not typically come from your insurance company.

The dentist can choose to submit the claim and get paid by the insurance company before billing out any remaining balances to their patient. In the past, many dental offices processed claims that way. However, sadly, many patients would fail to pay their part, and then the dentist’s office would have to chase them down for payment. This is why many dental offices have started billing their patients in full and making them file claims to the insurance company to get paid back (refunded) the part due them.

Some dental offices charge you what they think your part of the cost would be based on your policy coverages, then bill or credit you depending on the outcome. However, few dentists still do this, as it can still be an issue of fully getting paid for services already rendered.

Based on what we have discussed, it is not an issue with the insurance plan per se but more of knowing how your dentist is willing to file claims and how they expect you to pay for services. Therefore, if you are still facing issues with your dental insurance plan, you may need to change your dental office, not your dental insurance plan. I hope this information was helpful to you. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Question: I have a PPO that has a waiting period for almost everything. Since I have the plan for seven months, I only have five more months until I can have significant services. When I bought the plan, I did not think waiting periods would be an issue and that I could wait them out. Now, I need a crown that will cost about $900.00. After the waiting period, the insurance company that I am with will cover 50% of the cost.

I need the crown now; are there better ideas than waiting five more months? My dentist said I should get the crown now since it will help protect my chipped tooth. Can I get the crown and file the claim after the waiting period? That way, I will at least get my $450.00 back in the five months after I file the claim. I hate spending money that my insurance company should pay out for.

Reply: I can understand your frustration with waiting for the insurance company to cover the cost of your crown. It’s good that you have consulted with your dentist and know the importance of getting the crown to protect your chipped tooth. 

Consider asking your dentist if they offer any payment plans or financing options. A payment plan could allow you to get the crown and pay for it over time rather than waiting for your insurance to kick in. 

I would advise against filing the claim after the waiting period. Most insurance companies have policies requiring claims to be filed within a specific time frame, typically within a few months of the service date. 

It’s important to understand that filing a claim for a service received during a waiting period but saying it was after could be considered insurance fraud. If someone files a claim with false information, the insurance company may deny it, revoke the policy, or even pursue legal action.

Suppose an individual receives crown treatment during the waiting period of their insurance policy and submits a claim stating that the treatment was accepted after the waiting period. In such cases, the insurance company considers this act as fraudulent. If the insurance company uncovers this false information, it will reject the claim and inquire into the policyholder’s other claims and medical history. This could result in a considerable hike in insurance premiums or even policy cancellation. Moreover, most dental offices file the claim to the insurance company, and it is doubtful that they would mistakenly mislead the insurance company about the date of service.

In short, honesty is always the best policy for filing insurance claims. It’s essential to follow the insurance company’s rules and regulations and not engage in fraudulent activities. If you have any doubts or questions about your insurance policy, it’s always a good idea to contact your insurance provider for clarification.

Ultimately, the decision is up to you. It may be worth weighing the pros and cons of waiting for insurance coverage versus paying for the crown out of pocket and considering any payment options that may be available to you.

Consider a Temporary Crown for Your Chipped Tooth: Benefits, Insurance Coverage, and Advice from Dentist

You could discuss with your dentist the possibility of getting a temporary crown until your waiting period is over. Temporary crowns are acrylic and designed to protect your chipped tooth, maintain your bite, and prevent further damage until the permanent crown is ready.

Temporary crowns are typically much less expensive than permanent crowns, which could make them a more affordable choice for you. Some dental insurance policies cover the cost of temporary crowns, even during the waiting period before placing a permanent crown. It’s always a good idea to check with your dental insurance company’s member service to verify if they cover temporary crowns. If they do, it can help you make an informed decision about your dental care and save you money. Feel free to ask your dentist about the pros and cons of temporary versus permanent crowns and which option might suit your situation.

However, it’s essential to remember that temporary crowns are less durable and long-lasting than permanent crowns and will eventually need to be replaced. Your dentist can advise you on whether a temporary crown is the best option for your situation and help you make an informed decision.  

Getting a Dental HMO Insurance Plan

An alternative solution to consider when needing a crown during a waiting period is to purchase a dental HMO insurance plan that does not have waiting periods. This option can help reduce the crown cost if you have yet to start any work on the tooth that needs the crown. 

However, it’s important to note that this may require you to change to a different dental office that accepts the HMO plan. Fortunately, many dental offices accept HMO plans, so finding a new provider that meets your needs should not be difficult. Be sure to consult with your dentist and insurance provider to discuss this option and determine whether it is the right choice.

Dental Discount Plan May Help You Save Money During a Waiting Period

Dental discount plans are an alternative option that can help you save money on dental services, including crowns, during a waiting period. These plans are not insurance policies but membership-based programs offering discounted rates for dental services. 

Dental discount plans typically have no waiting periods and can be used immediately. You can enroll in a dental discount plan and access discounted dental services, including crowns, immediately, even if your current dental insurance plan has a waiting period.

One of the benefits of dental discount plans is that they often offer significant discounts on dental services. The discounts can vary depending on the plan and the provider, but they can range from 10% to 60% off the regular cost of dental services. 

Another advantage of dental discount plans is that they are generally easy to use. Once you sign up for the plan, you can present your membership card at the dental office to receive the discounted rate. No claim forms or waiting periods; you can use the plan as often as needed.

It’s important to note that dental discount plans are not insurance policies, so they do not cover the entire cost of dental services. Instead, they offer discounted rates to help you save money on dental care. Dental discount plans may be a good option for people who do not have dental insurance or who have a waiting period on their current dental insurance plan.

Cash Discount May be an Option 

If you choose to get the dental crown during the waiting period, it’s worth discussing with your dentist whether they offer a cash discount for services not filed with insurance. Some dental offices may provide a discount for patients who pay in cash, saving them the time and cost of filing an insurance claim. It’s always a good idea to ask your dentist about any discounts or payment options.

Additionally, a cash discount could help you save money in the long run, especially if you don’t plan on using your insurance for any other dental procedures during the waiting period. However, it’s essential to remember that not all dental offices offer a cash discount, and the discount amount can vary. 

Therefore, it’s essential to discuss the cost of the crown with your dentist and any payment options available. Being transparent with your dentist about your financial situation can help them better understand your needs and find ways to work with you to provide the best possible care.

Finding Affordable Dental Insurance Plans with Dental4Less.com

In conclusion, waiting for insurance coverage for necessary dental procedures can be frustrating, but it’s essential to avoid committing insurance fraud. Filing a claim with false information can lead to severe consequences, including policy cancellation, legal action, and a considerable hike in insurance premiums. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider alternative options when needing immediate dental care, such as payment plans, temporary crowns, or purchasing a dental HMO plan without waiting periods.

Dental4Less.com offers a wide range of dental plan types that can assist you in finding an affordable and reliable dental insurance plan that meets your specific needs. Our team of experts is available during business hours of M-F 8-4, and we’re always happy to help. We understand that dental care can be expensive, and we aim to provide options that make it more affordable while ensuring you receive the care you need.

We believe honesty is always the best policy when filing insurance claims. Therefore, we encourage you to avoid fraudulent activities and follow your insurance company’s rules and regulations. If you have any questions or doubts about your policy, please don’t hesitate to contact your insurance provider for clarification.

In summary, exploring alternative options and finding a dental insurance plan that meets your needs is a better and more honest approach than filing a claim with false information. Dental4Less.com can help you find affordable and reliable dental insurance plans that fit your budget and dental care needs. Contact us today at 310-534-3444 during our business hours of M-F 8-4, and let us assist you in finding the right plan for you.

You should think ahead when getting dental insurance.

It may seem surprising that many people do not have dental insurance. However, dental insurance benefits are only sometimes offered through work, so people do without until a significant dental need arises. The problem with waiting until you need dental insurance is that it can be too late to get the type of dental insurance you want. You may need a dental PPO plan to stay with your dentist.

However, most dental PPO plans have long-term waiting periods, so you may not get the coverage you seek when not bought early. If you have a dentist you do not wish to change, find out what dental plans you would need to stay with their dental office. If you are with a dental office that only accepts PPO dental plans, you should consider getting a PPO plan now to have a plan in place for your future dental needs, whether for preventive dental care or major dental care.

California Oral health care, Red and sore gums

I recently noticed that my gums have been hurting slightly and seem redder than usual. I brush twice a day and floss almost every day. They do not bleed when I am doing that but they just kind of hurt when I do. Could I have gum disease?

Reply: Some of the start signs of gingivitis (gum disease) would include but are not limited to, Swollen or puffy gums, Dusky red or dark red gums, and tender gums. I suggest visiting your dentist as soon as possible, so if you have the start of gingivitis, your dentist can treat it before it becomes a more significant issue. Consider buying dental insurance if you do not have any current, as it will help to keep your dental care cost more affordable.

Are You Getting the Facts Before You Buy Dental Insurance?

When shopping for dental insurance online or through an agent, know all the facts about each type of dental plan before buying one. Mistakes happen when you need clarification on how a dental plan works. Purchasing dental insurance online is easy and convenient, but people need to read and understand what they buy. Before hitting the submit button, ensure you understand the plan’s terms.

Does the dental plan have waiting periods or yearly max dollar amount limitations? Is the dental insurance plan an in-network dental provider only, or can you go outside the network of dental providers? When is the insurance plan effective? Did you call the dentist to confirm they still accept the dental insurance plan? Is what you are reviewing a dental insurance plan or a dental discount plan? What are your dental needs, and are you getting a dental insurance plan that best fits them?

Taking the extra time to fully understand the dental plan you are buying will save you from headaches and being upset later on.

I do not have current dental insurance and very little money. My dentist told me I needed dental work on my teeth, so I started looking for dental insurance. Right now, insurance seems too costly for me, but some friends tell me to avoid dental discount plans because they are not insurance. Is this true?

Reply: That is correct. Dental discount plans are not insurance. Dental discount plans help you save money on your dental care cost as long as you go to a dentist who is a provider of the plan. Discount plans are an excellent way to help make dental care more affordable at a low cost. If you want dental insurance, consider reviewing dental HMO plans. Dental HMO plans are the more affordable dental insurance option.

Individual Dental Insurance for a student in Florida.  Hello  I am a full time student part time worker living in Florida with no dental benefits.   Unlike medical where I am on my parents plan since they do not have dental either I have to find a plan I can get on my own.  So what is a good cheap dental insurance you have that I can get?

Dental care in California for a couple.  I am a single dad of a five year old.  Due to a move and change in jobs I do not receive dental benefits only major medical care.  My son see a dentist twice a year and in the next month he will be due for his dental visit.  I would like to find a lower cost dental plan for the two of us.  I would also like to know if I can pay for the cost of a couple or do I need to get a family priced plan.  Please advise.

Texas Dental Insurance, with no waiting periods, Need dental work ASAP. I need more dental work then just preventive dental care. Yet so far all the dental insurance plans that I have review have long waiting periods for anything other then prevent dental care.

Therefore I would need to have a dental insurance without waiting periods for basic and major dental services. I would rather stay with my current dentist but I am willing to change dentist if that what it will take to get a dental insurance that will help me with out all the limitations.

Dental Insurance Dental Care, Missing Tooth Clause. Over the coarse of many years and bad teeth care habits I have lost a few teeth. I never had dental insurance and would hardly to to the dentist because to be frank I do not like dentist very much. I am currently paying the price for having such a bad attitude about my oral healthcare and dentist. I am trying now to do the right thing and get my teeth fixed up but I am finding out that there are no dental insurance plans willing to help me.

Many of the dental insurance plans I see have long term waiting period for the dental services I know I will be needing to have. If I have not choice in the matter I may be willing to wait out the waiting periods but I was told that many dental insurance have missing tooth clause and it may not be worth my buying dental insurance since the plan will not cover the dental work I would need to fix my teeth.

Dental Discount plan in Texas, I can not find the dental ADA code I need. So I am on your web site reviewing the different dental discount plans you have listed and I am thinking about getting the Careington dental discount plan.

The main problem I am having is my dentist gave me a treatment plan with ADA codes and I am using it to find the best dental plan for me. However, there are two codes I can not seem to find on the Careington dental plan you have listed and for that matter the codes I am looking for are not on the other plans I looked at.

Does that mean that services is not covered? They are the ones that cost the most so a course they be the ones not listed. Where do I find a plan that covers all dental services?

How do I compare different dental insurance and plans in California. So I live in Los Angeles California and I am on line looking and the many different dental insurance plans and dental plans that are available in California. What I really need is help in understanding the coverages.

I know I am going to need a cleaning more then likely a deep cleaning since it has been some time since I last saw a dentist. There also a good chance that I many need to have a filling or two. When I try to review the coverages of the different plans there are more then just one filling and I not sure where to find a deep cleaning on the coverage chart.

The same thing goes for crown there too many listed and I am not sure which would be the correct crown that most people get. How am I to know what one is needed so I can figure out my cost for those services and compare it to your other plans. Please advise

California Dental Care, Don’t forsake quality when buying a dental insurance plan. Sometimes finding the plan with “the” lowest cost, isn’t the best solution. It’s should be about finding a quality dental health care insurance plan at a competitive price.

Costs for dental procedures can be quite high but, by having dental insurance it will help make dental services more affordable. Today’s health insurance, including your dental plan, is designed to help you get the care you need at a reasonable cost.

Most individual dental insurance plans tend to emphasize preventive dental care. By offing free to very low cost preventive dental care to the insured it helps the company save money in paying out larger dental claims. If preventive dental care is affordable under the dental plan, the odds are higher that you will go and have the required dental check ups and cleanings. Therefore a dentist will be able to catch small dental problems before they become major dental services. In the long run saving money not only for the company but the plan holder.

In combination with information about different costs, benefits, discounts, choices and services make sure to compare dental insurance plans carefully. Look at more then just preventive care. Compare some of the higher cost dental services whether you need them now or not. By buying a dental insurance plan that offers good benefits on more then just preventive care you will be more likely to keep and use the dental insurance plan you purchased.

Low monthly cost dental plans for Braces on a minor in Washington. My son has very crooked teeth and needs to have braces. After speaking to an Orthodontic dentist that gave me a free consult I quickly found out that I do not have the money it would take for me to afford for him to have braces.

I need to know where can I go for low cost braces for a minor. He is only thirteen and I want him to have nice teeth but braces are so costly. I was quoted $750.00 down and a $150.00 for as long as he is in them. I do not have that kind of money.

Dental Care, Toothache pain in New York, I need low cost dental plan. I woke up today with a killer toothache. I am not sure why I now have such pain I did not do anything to the tooth that I know of. But the pain ins just terrible.

I called a dentist but just having them look at it and do X-rays will be very costly. I was told that I may want to get some dental insurance first. So can you please advise a low cost plan that start right away. Also what am I to do about the pain I currently having? Tylenol is not really helping me. Is there anything else I can try to do until I get into see a dentist?

Dental care in North Carolina, Toothache pain and need dental help. I have a bad toothache and I need to see a dentist right away. However I need to find both a low cost dental plan that can help me save money off my dental care and a dentist this is willing to work out payment with me for services render.

I do not have much money but I am not asking for free dental care. I can afford about $50.00 a month. Are there dentist that willing to be kind enough to fix my tooth and let me make low monthly payments?

Individual Dental Insurance for Less in California. Dental Bridge work needed. I am currently missing four of my front teeth. I do have teeth on either side of the gap so I was told that I could have a bridge put in. I have been dealing with this gap now for over three years and I just hate the way my teeth look.

I have been slowly saving up my money in order to fix up my teeth. I would like to have some idea on just how much getting a dental bridge would cost me? I tired calling a few dentist but they said they could not tell me any cost without seeing me first. I told them that I just wanted an idea of cost but even that seemed to much for them. Please advise so I know if I have enough money if I still need to be saving up some more.

Dental Insurance, Business Dental or Group Dental Plans in New York.  As a business owner, you are facing many difficult dental insurance plan decisions. One of the decisions is buying a business dental plan. Business dental insurance plans have become essential to businesses due to the increasing benefit needs of the employees, especially when they visit the dentist.

Group business dental insurance coverage is more affordable since all the participants of the plan are under one policy normally paid by the employer. Offering dental insurance to employees can aid in the employer recruitment and retention.

Studies indicate that supplemental employee benefits such as dental insurance can help retain high quality employees. The cost for business dental insurance will very, depending on the number of employees, the plan specifications, employee contributions, and the cost limitations you specify with your dental insurance agent.

Dental Insurance Coverages in New York, ADA code for a Root Canal. Last year I was told by a dentist that I should have a root canal done on a back molar. At the time I was in the process of moving so I put off having the dental work done and since then forgot all about it. Now that tooth is starting to hurt when I eat certain foods.

I been trying to find some dental insurance that can help me have a root canal done. The few places I called said that they can not give me a price quote for a root canal without an ADA code. As well as some plans stated to me that they would only cover a root canal if the general dentist in the plan can preform the service. That they do not cover specialist the plans that do still tell me I would need to know the ADA code.

I called the dentist office that told me a year ago about what I needed but got no help from them. So how do I know the ADA code that I will need and I do I know if I will need to see a specialist or not? Any advise

Dental Insurance Plans in Texas and staying with your dentist. Please do not give me any advise if it will not let me stay with my current dental provider. I have been seeing the same dentist since I was ten years old and I really like my dentist and trust him 100%. I will not change my dentist since the one time I try changing dentist to use the dental plan I get though work I had a really bad experience and will not be doing it again.

Since I have a dentist I love I am only looking for a dental insurance plan that will let me stay with him. One of the issues I seem to be running into however is that he is only a provider of Delta Dental but when I called Delta Dental I am told that they only offer group dental plan and not individual plans. How do I get insurance that will let me stay with my dentist regardless.

Individual Dental Plans in Virginia,  Looking for Low Cost Dental Care. I need some dental help. I know that I will need major dental work done to my teeth since it has been many years since I last seen a dentist. My problems was and still is that I am on an very tight income with not much left for extras.

Since I receive no dental benefits from work dental care is an extra cost that I can not always afford to spend. I was told getting dental insurance keeps you from seeing a low cost dentist that once they find out you have dental insurance they charge you more. I am not sure what to do can not afford to go to the dentist without a dental plan but worry that getting one will still not help me.

Comparing Dental coverages in New Jersey, What are ADA dental codes. Three days ago I sent in to see a dentist for just a regular dental check and cleaning. The dentist told me after taking X-rays, that my teeth were in good shape but that I will need to have a deep cleaning. I stated to him that I would look into it and see if I can afford to have it done after speaking with my insurance company.

So I called my dental insurance company that stated that without a the ADA codes they could not tell me my cost for the service. I told them it is just a deep cleaning but they said it was not enough information for them to tell me cost. I though a deep cleaning is just a deep cleaning what is a ADA code and were would I get that from?

Dental Insurance for Adult Braces in Connecticut, Wanting Invisaligns. I am over 30 and I need to have come corrected services for some gaping issues I have with my teeth. Although I do receive some dental benefits from my employer the plan they offer us does not provide benefits for adult braces.

I am willing to buy a dental insurance plan for myself as an addition to what I currently have if it will offer coverages for adult braces. In addition I do not want to have a mouth full of metal at age thirty. That said I would need the dental insurance plan to not only covers for adult braces but covers for invisalings.

Low Monthly Dental Insurance Quotes for Pennsylvania. I want to get the best dental rate for dental services render. I was told that I need to have four filling and a possible root canal with crown work done I do not have insurance so I need to get something in force before going ahead with having any dental work done.

I think I am like most people I do not have a lot of extra money after paying my required bills. I would like to keep my cost low. How do I go about not only shopping the dental insurance but making sure I am getting the best price for the dental services I will need to have?