Question: How do I get my dentist to file the claims. I got a dental PPO insurance plan because the dentist I want to go only takes PPO dental insurance plans.  I have to deal with the waiting periods and yearly max limits in order to continue seeing my dentist.  I was fine with that but now I am being told that they are going to make me pay for my dental services in full!!  That it is up to me to file the claim to my insurance company.  They would fill out the form but that is all they will do.  

This is something they did not inform me of when I went to the trouble of getting dental insurance that will aloud me to go to them.   I am really upset off.  How do I get them to file the claim so that I only have to pay for what my plan does not?  Since my dentist changed his staffing and drop the one HMO plan that I had I am left feeling like he does not care for my business, and I am the one left jumping all of their hoops. 

Answer: There is not much you can do about it.  The dentist/dental office can choose how they wish to file out claims.  Many more dental office are filing claims in this manor and finding a dentist office that will just billing you for any unpaid balances after you have already received their services may become harder for you.  You may want to go back to an HMO dental insurance plan and choose a new provider.

Xerostomia or other wise know as dry mouth is a condition that results from an inadequate flow of saliva. Dry mouth if not treated can cause dental issues and bad breath.

How do I know if I am buying a good dental insurance plan for my family  I do not know what to look for when it comes to buying dental insurance on my own.  Can you give me some helpful advise on what I should know when it comes to buying a family dental insurance plan?

Reply: What is your budget for dental insurance. Family plan can range any where from $30- $120 or more a month depending on the type of dental plan you want.  HMOs dental insurance and Dental discount plans would be the more affordable or lower cost plans.  

Where as PPOs dental insurance and Indemnity dental insurance plans are on the higher month cost range.   My best advise to you is to make sure you read and understand the plan terms and conditions. This is so important! Some plans have waiting periods, yearly max limits, and deductibles.   Where other plans you have to stay within their plan network of dental office providers. Knowing what each plan limitations are will save you grief latter on. 

If you do have questions about a plan and you can not find the answer then call member services at 310-534-3444. They are there to help you pick the best plan for you.

Dentures are a set of artificial teeth. They can replace all of one’s teeth (complete dentures) or a section of teeth (partial dentures). Most dental insurance company will provide benefits on dentures. 

I need to get dental insurance for my son who is nine years old.   My son is in another state then where I am in since he lives with his mom for most of the year.  Can  I buy dental insurance just for him?  I called a few companies that tell me I need an adult on the plan.  I do not want to have to put his mom on the plan unless there is no other choice since it is not like she will be paying me back for the difference.  

Reply: It can be just a hit an miss with the companies on something like that. Some companies as you notice will not write a minor on a plan by themselves. Where other companies will. You will just have to continue making the phones calls to confirm. You may also want to see if you can add yourself onto the policy if it just about not wanting you ex to be able to benefit from you having to buy the plan.   

Otherwise I could suggest looking at a dental discount plan since they would not have an issue writing a minor in most cases.

A dental bridge is an appliance that fills the space left by missing teeth with artificial ones, held in place by attaching to natural teeth or implants. A dental bridge can be removable or fixed in place.

My gums have been bleeding when I brush my teeth.  I brush two to three times a day depending on what I eat.  Lately I have notice that my gums look a little redder then they use to and they bleeding when I brush.  Not a lot but enough for me to notice.  Should I see a dentist about this?  I worried that something is up.  

Answer: First whenever you feel you are having a dental issue you are unsure about, seeing your dentist is always a good idea. However make sure you are not brushing your teeth too hard, sounds as if that can also be the cause to why your gums are getting red.   You talked about how well you brush and that good but did not say if you are flossing.  Flossing is a very important step in your daily dental care habits in maintaining healthy teeth and gums.  

The Deductible is the amount of dental expense for which the beneficiary (you) is responsible before a third party (the dental insurance plan) will assume payment of benefits. Example: $50 Deductible Per Person Per Calendar Year

I need to have three filling and one crown for a cracked back molar.  I do have dental insurance but when I ask the dental office staffing what I am covered for and for how much they do not seem to know or will not give me a direct answer.  

I told the counter girl that I do not what to have any dental work done that I am not going to be covered for.  I was told that my policy pay on a percent of my dental services however they do not know the final billing until after my insurance company pays the bill.  Then they will charge me any remaining differences.   Well this does not work for me.  What happen if I get stuck with a bill I can not afford to pay.  This dental office does not offer a billing plan so I would need to pay the bill off when I get it.  I want to know a head of time.  Is this possible or do I have to hope that the bill stays low enough for me to pay.  

Reply: Dental office will normally not say this is the dollar amount you would have to pay them based only on your policy coverage’s.   The reason for this is that they know there are sometime UCR fees. Your insurance company will normally only pay out to what they feel is fair and reasonable in your area.  

As an example: Your plan may says that they cover out 50% for the cost of a crown. But they may say that the UCR rate for a crown is 600.00 However your dentist charges 800.00 what will happen in this case is that your dental insurance company will pay out 50% of the $600.00 leaving you not only the $300.00 but the remaining $200.00 that the company did not cover out for.  

You can see by that example why a dental office would not be able to confirm exact cost to you. Now what you can do is before having any dental work done is that you submit a dental treatment plan to your insurance company as a quote only.   That way before having any dental services render your insurance company can confirm to you your coverage amount. I am surprised that your dental office did not suggest this to you

Radiographic signs, detectable on an orthopantomogram (OPG) indicating the presence of close relationship between the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) and lower third molar requires further investigation to better understand its relevant course. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is an essential radiographic investigation for understanding the accurate course of the IAN in high risk mandibular third molars. This has become a standard preoperative risk assessment for lower third molar procedures – Source Dental News

Tooth decay occurs when foods containing carbohydrates, such as breads, cereals, milk, soda, fruits, cakes, or candy are left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth digest these foods, turning them into acids. The bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva combine to form plaque, which clings to the teeth. The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the teeth, creating holes in the teeth called cavities, or caries.

Decay is a term use for cavities, the decomposition of the tooth structure. Tooth decay is the process that results in a dental cavity. It occurs when bacteria in your mouth make acids that eat away at your tooth. If not treated, tooth decay can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss

I need to see a Periodontist since it seems I have very bad gums.  I been going to the dentist for my teeth an although I do not have any cavities my gums would hurt.  He  did do a deep cleaning but my gums still bleed and they are still very red.  If I do not have insurance will I need to have a referral to see a Periodontist?  Or can I just go to one on my own.  I have the money I just never bother getting dental insurance because to me dental insurance never insured what I wanted or had really long term waiting period. 

Answer: If you do not have insurance you do not need a referral to see a periodontist since you will be paying out of pocket.  However, although dental insurance plan such as PPO would have long waiting periods for periodontal services you may want to look into getting a low cost dental discount plan.  Under a dental discount plan you also do not need to have a referral to see a specialist. Dental discount plans do not have waiting periods and for specialist your normal saving is around 20 percent.  It is a good way to save some money on your dental care need at a very low cost.