How to Care for New Dental Implants

Identiwrite — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 07:23:00 +0000

What do dental implants and space shuttles have in common? They are both made from titanium! Durable dental implants strengthen patients’ gums and jawbones, the first step toward optimal oral health.

Dental implants look and feel like real teeth. They do not need whitening treatments and they are strong enough to anchor dental bridges. More than 97% of dental implants endure for seven years or more. With proper care, they can last a lifetime.

A dazzling smile delivers confidence, but it also fosters dental health. Strong gums prevent tooth decay and can help reduce the impact of periodontal disease.

Dental Implants 101: What to Expect

Dental implants are a big investment and it’s important to get the financial aspects ironed out before the procedures begin.

The way oral surgeons install implants is straightforward. First, they remove the target teeth and let the area heal. Next, they make sure the jaw is dense enough to accept the implant. If it’s not, they may graft some bone pieces into place.

After the extraction site heals, the oral surgeon places a titanium post into the extraction site. After a period of three to six months, an abutment and dental crown is attached to the implant.

Dental implants are a permanent way to maximize your smile and improve your oral health.

Tips for Recovering from Surgery

While the implant heals, patients may experience inflammation or pain at the implant site. They should avoid hot liquids for 48 hours and eat soft foods like pudding and jello.

Typically, swelling and bleeding should stop within 10 days. If the implant is loose or surrounded by pus, it’s time to meet with the dentist. Here are a few more strategies for long-term dental implant maintenance.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste

Soft-bristled brushes are more effective at removing plaque and food particles than hard-bristled ones. Dental implants are durable and could withstand abrasive toothpaste, but it’s a good idea to be gentle on them as a general rule.

Brush around the edges of the implant crown

Implants look and feel like real teeth, but there could be a slight plaque buildup around the edges. Take the time every day to brush each implant and the dental restoration thoroughly once they have healed. If there is lingering irritation, talk to a dentist or oral surgeon.

Floss with tape designed for dental implants

Flossing around a dental implant should be done with great care. Instead of pushing the floss deep into one side of the gums, wrap plain dental tape around the back and sides of the tooth, flossing in a side-to-side motion.

Cleanse the entire mouth with an oral irrigator

Oral irrigators do an amazing job at cleaning the gumline. They reduce the severity of bleeding gums and can eliminate halitosis. Before using one, make sure that the implant has sufficiently healed.

Dental Implants in Duncan, OK

Before you get new dental implants, it’s important to deep clean and whiten your existing teeth. This way, the oral surgeon can properly match shades. Our team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center is at your service! We provide affordable teeth whitening services to adults.

We also offer restorative and preventative dental procedures, including implants and veneers. Using the most up-to-date equipment, we make our patients look great. Ask us about our payment options.
For more than 45 years, we’ve been serving the Greater Duncan, OK area. Call us at (580) 255-4880 to schedule an initial consultation. We are looking forward to meeting you!

The post How to Care for New Dental Implants appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Answers to Your Questions About Dental Insurance

Dr. Matthew Bridges — Tue, 18 Dec 2018 15:44:25 +0000

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none” last=”no” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]What comes to mind when you think about insurance? Paperwork, copays, deductibles, and getting the run around may top your list. At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Bridges and our team want to make dental care affordable and accessible to all families in the Duncan, OK area. To that end, we’re in network with a few dental insurance companies, and we file just about all dental insurances for our patients. What does that mean, exactly?
These FAQs should answer most of your questions about dental insurance, but if not, give us a call at our Duncan dental office, at (580) 255-4880. We will be happy to explain how your insurance works and how we can maximize your benefits. [/fusion_text][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]How is dental insurance different from health insurance?[fusion_title hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” content_align=”left” size=”1″ font_size=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” text_color=”” style_type=”default” sep_color=””]How is dental insurance different from health insurance?[/fusion_title][/fusion_text][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]In the United States, citizens must have medical insurance, but dental insurance isn’t mandatory. Medical insurance and dental insurance are never on the same policy. Your dental insurance (and deductible) will be completely separate from your medical coverage.[/fusion_text][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]Will dental insurance cover my checkup and cleanings?[fusion_title hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” content_align=”left” size=”1″ font_size=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” text_color=”” style_type=”default” sep_color=””]Will dental insurance cover my checkup and cleanings?[/fusion_title][/fusion_text][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]Most dental insurance will pay for all or part of twice-a-year checkups and cleanings. [/fusion_text][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]Will dental insurance cover more extensive procedures, like bridges, crowns, and root canal therapy?[fusion_title hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” content_align=”left” size=”1″ font_size=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” text_color=”” style_type=”default” sep_color=””]Will dental insurance cover more extensive procedures, like bridges, crowns, and root canal therapy?[/fusion_title][/fusion_text][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]Dental insurance usually covers a portion of the cost of necessary procedures, such as bridges, crowns, and root canal therapy. It will not generally cover elective procedures, such as teeth whitening and porcelain veneers. [/fusion_text][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]Does dental insurance cover dental sealants for my kids?[fusion_title hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” content_align=”left” size=”1″ font_size=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” text_color=”” style_type=”default” sep_color=””]Does dental insurance cover dental sealants for my kids?[/fusion_title][/fusion_text][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]Oftentimes, coverage will include dental sealants. Some policies pay for all of the cost, while others pay only a portion.[/fusion_text][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]Does dental insurance cover orthodontic braces?[fusion_title hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” content_align=”left” size=”1″ font_size=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” text_color=”” style_type=”default” sep_color=””]Does dental insurance cover orthodontic braces?[/fusion_title][/fusion_text][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]If you need braces, check your policy for coverage information. Some dental insurances will cover part of the cost for orthodontic therapy. Not all policies include orthodontics, though.[/fusion_text][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]How do I file a dental insurance claim?[fusion_title hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” content_align=”left” size=”1″ font_size=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” text_color=”” style_type=”default” sep_color=””]How do I file a dental insurance claim?[/fusion_title][/fusion_text][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]For procedures done in our office, we will file your claim. Simply bring in your dental insurance card and identification.[/fusion_text][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]Who do I call if my insurance company wants more information about my procedure, before they’ll cover the cost?[fusion_title hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” content_align=”left” size=”1″ font_size=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” text_color=”” style_type=”default” sep_color=””]Who do I call if my insurance company wants more information about my procedure, before they’ll cover the cost?[/fusion_title][/fusion_text][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]Call us. Usually, if we file your claim, your insurance company will contact us directly for any additional information needed to process the claim. However, if you are contacted, just take a name and phone number and pass on the information to us. We will take care of you![/fusion_text][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]What if I can’t afford my co-pay or deductible?[fusion_title hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” content_align=”left” size=”1″ font_size=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” text_color=”” style_type=”default” sep_color=””]What if I can’t afford my co-pay or deductible?[/fusion_title][/fusion_text][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]Depending on your policy and dental treatment plan, you may have a significant out-of-pocket expense. We work with CareCredit, a reputable third-party financing institution that helps patients by extending low- and no-interest, monthly payment options. If you need to finance dental work, ask us about CareCredit or visit the website to apply online.[/fusion_text][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]Does Chisholm Trail Smile Center accept my insurance?[fusion_title hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” content_align=”left” size=”1″ font_size=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” text_color=”” style_type=”default” sep_color=””]Does Chisholm Trail Smile Center accept my insurance?[/fusion_title][/fusion_text][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]We are in network with two companies, Health Choice and Delta Premier. However, we are happy to file with any dental insurance company. Simply bring your card and identification to your appointment.[/fusion_text][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]How do I know what my insurance company will pay?[fusion_title hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” content_align=”left” size=”1″ font_size=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” text_color=”” style_type=”default” sep_color=””]How do I know what my insurance company will pay?[/fusion_title][/fusion_text][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]After your consultation with Dr. Bridges, we will look up your insurance provider’s information and estimate your out-of-pocket expense. You’ll know how much your provider should pay, and what you should expect to pay. We cannot guarantee that the insurance coverage estimate we provide is accurate, because many factors contribute to whether a provider will cover a claim. However, most of the time, our estimates are spot-on.[/fusion_text][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]Contact Us Today[fusion_title hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” content_align=”left” size=”1″ font_size=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” text_color=”” style_type=”default” sep_color=””]Contact Us Today[/fusion_title][/fusion_text][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]For affordable, quality family dentistry, turn to Chisholm Trail Smile Center and Dr. Bridges. We are dedicated to providing excellent dental care, as well as great service, to our patients. Schedule your visit today by calling our Duncan dental office at (580) 255-4880.[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”none” top_margin=”25″ bottom_margin=”25″ sep_color=”” icon=”” width=”” class=”” id=”” /][fusion_builder_row_inner][fusion_builder_column_inner type=”1_3″ layout=”1_3″ last=”no” class=”” id=”” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all”][fusion_blog layout=”grid” blog_grid_columns=”1″ blog_grid_column_spacing=”40″ number_posts=”1″ offset=”0″ pull_by=”category” cat_slug=”” exclude_cats=”” tag_slug=”” exclude_tags=”” orderby=”date” order=”DESC” thumbnail=”yes” title=”yes” title_link=”yes” excerpt=”hide” excerpt_length=”10″ strip_html=”yes” meta_all=”no” meta_author=”yes” meta_categories=”yes” meta_comments=”yes” meta_date=”yes” meta_link=”yes” meta_tags=”yes” scrolling=”no” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” /][/fusion_builder_column_inner][fusion_builder_column_inner type=”1_3″ layout=”1_3″ last=”no” class=”” id=”” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all”][fusion_blog layout=”grid” blog_grid_columns=”1″ blog_grid_column_spacing=”40″ number_posts=”1″ offset=”1″ pull_by=”category” cat_slug=”” exclude_cats=”” tag_slug=”” exclude_tags=”” orderby=”date” order=”DESC” thumbnail=”yes” title=”yes” title_link=”yes” excerpt=”hide” excerpt_length=”10″ strip_html=”yes” meta_all=”no” meta_author=”yes” meta_categories=”yes” meta_comments=”yes” meta_date=”yes” meta_link=”yes” meta_tags=”yes” scrolling=”no” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” /][/fusion_builder_column_inner][fusion_builder_column_inner type=”1_3″ layout=”1_3″ last=”yes” class=”” id=”” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all”][fusion_blog layout=”grid” blog_grid_columns=”1″ blog_grid_column_spacing=”40″ number_posts=”1″ offset=”2″ pull_by=”category” cat_slug=”” exclude_cats=”” tag_slug=”” exclude_tags=”” orderby=”date” order=”DESC” thumbnail=”yes” title=”yes” title_link=”yes” excerpt=”hide” excerpt_length=”10″ strip_html=”yes” meta_all=”no” meta_author=”yes” meta_categories=”yes” meta_comments=”yes” meta_date=”yes” meta_link=”yes” meta_tags=”yes” scrolling=”no” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” /][/fusion_builder_column_inner][/fusion_builder_row_inner][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

The post Answers to Your Questions About Dental Insurance appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

care credit Archives - Chisholm Trail

How to Care for New Dental Implants

Dental Implants 101: What to Expect

Tips for Recovering from Surgery

Dental Implants in Duncan, OK

Answers to Your Questions About Dental Insurance