I just had four teeth pulled, and I am a smoker. I know I am not allowed to smoke right after having my teeth pulled, but I forgot to find out for how long. I can go a day, but do I have to wait much longer than a day? I smoke almost without thinking, so it would be hard for me to stop for an extended period. Can you please advise?

Reply: It’s essential to wait for at least 24 hours after a tooth extraction before smoking. However, waiting for 48-72 hours is best to allow the blood clot to form and the wound to begin healing, and smoking too soon after the extraction can dislodge the blood clot and delay the healing process, which can cause a dry socket. This painful condition occurs when the blood clot is dislodged or dissolved. I understand that it can be challenging to quit smoking, but it’s essential to refrain from smoking during the healing process to avoid complications. If you need support to quit smoking, there are various resources available that can help you in your journey.

Some people may feel that getting dental insurance is not worth the plan’s cost. That may be true for some dental insurance plans if the person wanting it only wants the dental insurance for short-term use. Many people put off their dental care until they are in pain or have significant dental issues. Then, they get upset when they find out that many PPOs or Indemnity insurance plans have limitations that will not be able to help them with their major dental care needs immediately. A dental PPO plan is not for those who only want to buy a dental insurance plan to fix a current dental issue and then turn around and cancel the plan once they have their dental work done. The reason is that dental PPOs are designed to be long-term plans and not short-term ones. When considering buying a dental PPO or Indemnity plan, the thing to keep in mind is your long-term dental needs. When getting these types of insurance plans, it is a dental plan you want to keep for at least a few years.

I have a nasty toothache that started a day ago. The pain is off and on, mostly when I try and eat something. My parents do not have any dental insurance, so fixing my teeth would be costly. I have not told them about my toothache because I know they will get upset. They will tell me it is because I do not brush well enough. However, I brush my teeth twice a day. I am not sure why I should have a toothache now. I am 15, so it is not like I can go to the dentist alone. What can I do to stop this toothache pain without having to tell my parents and make them take me to the dentist and pay out money they really can not afford? 

Reply: I understand that it can be challenging to have this conversation with your parents, but it is important that you let them know about your toothache. Toothaches can be a sign of a serious dental issue that requires professional attention. Ignoring the problem may only make it worse and lead to more pain and discomfort.

Your parents may not realize the severity of your toothache, and they may be able to find a solution to help you. They may be able to look into affordable dental care options or payment plans that can make it easier for them to cover the cost of your treatment.

Remember, your health and well-being are important, and it is essential to take care of dental issues when they arise. Don’t hesitate to have an open and honest conversation with your parents about your toothache. They will likely want to help you find a solution to the problem and ensure that you are feeling better soon.

Question:I require two dental crowns. I seek a dental insurance plan covering at least 50 percent or more on a crown and one without waiting periods. Is there a dental insurance plan like that?

Reply: We have two options for you; any of our HMO dental insurance would work. On the HMOs we provide, there are no waiting periods. The crown’s cost typically ranges from $100.00 – $250.00+. Another option would be our Delta Dental PPO plan. That does not have waiting periods; however, the first-year benefits on majors services such as crown run around 10 to 15 percent, and you only have 50 percent benefits on majors services once you have the plan for three years.

Dental sealant is a plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where decay mainly occurs. By going to a dentist, a dentist would be able to put on dental sealants to help protect your children’s teeth. However, even knowing this, only about one-third of children ages 6 – 19 have sealants. Cost can be a factor, which is why having dental insurance and or a plan in place will help many people and their families.

Dental PPOs and Indemnity plans allow you to choose your dentist, and for many people, that can be a deciding factor in buying those types of dental insurance plans. Dental PPO plans to give you access to a network of dentists who have agreed to accept a reduced fee for their services. You will generally pay less for dental care if you see a dentist within the network. However, if you see a dentist outside of the network, you may have to pay more out of pocket, yet you still have coverage to see any dentist you want in or out of the plan network of providers.

On the other hand, Indemnity plans allow you to see any dentist you choose, regardless of whether they are in-network or out-of-network. However, the amount that the plan pays for your dental care may be limited to a certain percentage of the dentist’s usual and customary charges. If you see a dentist who charges more than the plan considers usual and customary, you may have to pay the difference out of pocket. Note: usual and customary charges can happen in a PPO plan when going outside the plan network of providers.

Are dental PPOs and Indemnity insurance plans worth the cost?

The answer is yes. If you know your dental needs and understand the terms and conditions of the insurance plan, many people are happy with their PPO plans. Trouble comes when you do not fully understand the limitations of dental insurance plans.

Under a dental discount plan, even though you are not assigned to a dental provider, you must go to a dentist who provides the plan. Make sure there are more than one or two providers available so you can change to go to a different dental office if you choose to. Also, call the dentist and confirm they are still accepting the plan before buying it. One of the biggest mistakes made with discount plans is purchasing the plan without making sure there are dental offices locally in your area.

When choosing a dental provider under a dental discount plan, there are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Make sure there are multiple providers within the plan that you are willing to go to. This will allow you to switch providers if you are unhappy with the one you initially chose. It’s also essential to verify that the dental provider is still accepting the plan before making any commitments.
2. Consider the dental provider’s location and office hours to ensure they are convenient for you.
3. Read reviews and check the provider’s credentials to ensure they are qualified and reputable.

By following these tips, you can select a dental provider that meets your needs and provides quality care at an affordable price. Call our member service line at 310-534-3444 if you have any questions about our dental insurance and plan options, as we will be happy to help.

Question: I have a family of five looking for a PPO dental insurance plan under $100.00 a month. I live in California.

Reply: Since PPO plans are typically zip code rated, without knowing your zip code, I could only say generally, our Dental PPO plans range from $120 – $230 a month, on the low side for a family plan running $120.00 a month which is over your desired cost, but when you brake it down it around $25.00 a month per member for a family of five.   

However, that is on the lower side, with a low maximum limitation of $1000.00 per person per year. We have plans with maximum limitations as high as $3000.00 per person per year. Notably, they do cost more. 

PPO plans also generally come with waiting periods. Though we provide two PPO plans without waiting periods, those would be more costly than one with waiting periods. 

You can see how, depending on the benefits you want, cost will vary. This gives you a general idea of cost as there are missing rating factors to provide a more accurate cost range. 

• Rating factors that may affect the cost of a PPO dental plan include the geographic location of the insured, the age of the insured, the number of individuals being covered, and the level of benefits chosen, such as the annual maximum, deductible, and coinsurance. 

• A maximum limitation is the maximum amount of money that an insurance plan will pay during a specific period, usually a year or a lifetime, for a particular covered benefit or service. In dental insurance, it is the maximum dollar amount an insurance plan will pay for covered dental services per person per year. Once the maximum limitation is reached, the insured is responsible for paying for additional dental services received during that period. 

• A waiting period is the time period during which an insured person must wait before certain dental services or benefits become available under their dental insurance plan. Waiting periods are typically applied to services that are more expensive or complex, such as major dental procedures like root canals, bridges, and crowns. The length of the waiting period varies depending on the dental insurance plan and the specific service or benefit. For example, some plans may have a six-month waiting period for basic services and a 12-month waiting period for major services. Waiting periods are designed to prevent people from signing up for insurance only when they need expensive dental procedures.

Call our member service line at 310-534-3444 if you have any questions about our dental insurance and plan options, as we will be happy to help.

Your family’s dental care is essential. Their oral health has direct links to their overall health care, according to several studies. Having good family dental insurance is a necessary part of your family’s oral health since people who have dental insurance are much more likely to make and keep regular dental visits. Coarse dental insurance also helps to make your family’s dental care cost more affordable.

What are the Benefits of Having a Family Dental Insurance Plan?

Having a family dental insurance plan can provide several benefits:

1. It can help to ensure that all members of your family receive regular dental check-ups and cleanings, which can help to prevent serious dental problems from developing.
2. Having dental insurance can reduce the cost of more extensive dental procedures, such as fillings, root canals, and orthodontic treatments. This can be particularly important for families with children requiring braces or other orthodontic work.
3. A family dental insurance plan can provide peace of mind, knowing that your family’s dental health is covered and that you won’t have to worry about unexpected dental expenses.

 Call our member service line at 310-534-3444 if you have any questions about our dental insurance and plan options, as we will be happy to help.

Question: I need a PPO dental insurance plan to stay with my current provider. I would like to find one with shorter waiting periods than 6 and 12 months.

Answer: Six and Twelve months are basic waiting periods for a PPO dental insurance plan. However, we have two Delta Dental insurance plans with no waiting periods you may want to review.

Delta Dental Insurance is a company that provides dental insurance to individuals and groups. They offer a variety of dental plans, including PPO and HMO plans, as well as vision and hearing plans. Delta Dental is one of the largest dental insurance providers in the United States, with coverage available in all 50 states. They work with a network of dentists to provide their customers with affordable and high-quality dental care.

Call our member service line at 310-534-3444 if you have any questions about our dental insurance and plan options, as we will be happy to help.

Where can I go for free dental care?

Reply: There are various options for free or low-cost dental care in California. One option is to check with local community health clinics or free clinics that offer dental services. You can also contact the California Dental Association or the California Department of Health Care Services for information on free or low-cost dental care programs in your area. Additionally, some dental schools offer low-cost or free dental services as part of their training programs. Go to the America Dental Association website and see if they have any programs for free dental care.

It would help to consider getting a low-cost dental HMO insurance plan. These insurance plans can be as low as $7.95 a month, yet they still provide dental care at a much lower cost than not having any dental insurance in place.

However, you should know that dental HMO plans have both pros and cons. Some pros include lower costs, no annual maximums, and no deductibles. Additionally, most preventative services are covered at little or no cost. On the other hand, some cons of dental HMO plans include limited provider networks, which means you may need to switch dentists if your current dentist is not in-network. Additionally, dental HMO plans may not cover some specialized services or procedures.

It is essential to carefully review the plan details and network of providers before choosing a dental HMO plan. Call our member service line at 310-534-3444 if you have any questions about our dental insurance and plan options, as we will be happy to help.

One of the reasons why HMO dental insurance plans are more budget-friendly is because they typically have lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs compared to other types of dental insurance plans. Additionally, HMO plans tend to have a more limited network of dental providers, which can help keep costs down. However, it’s essential to carefully review the details of any dental insurance plan to ensure it meets your specific needs and budget.

When looking for an HMO dental insurance plan, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Check with your employer: Many employers offer dental insurance plans as part of their benefits package, and this can include HMO options.
2. Research online: Many websites allow you to compare dental insurance plans side-by-side, including HMO options.
3. Look for reviews: Reading reviews from current or past customers can give you an idea of the level of service and satisfaction you can expect from a particular HMO dental insurance plan.
4. Consider your specific needs: Make sure the HMO plan you choose covers the procedures and services you need and that the network of providers is convenient for you.
5. Compare costs: Be sure to compare the monthly premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs of different HMO dental insurance plans to find the one that fits your budget.

I am in horrible dental pain. Is there anything that can help me now in making receiving dental care more affordable? 

Answer: Yes, there are a few options you can choose from. Look at our dental discount plans, starting within the next business day from your online purchase. They help reduce/discount the cost of your dental care needs. You can also review our lower-cost HMO insurance plans. These plans have no waiting periods for their services, but depending on when you buy the plan, you may have to wait at least a month before it is in effect. 

HMO plans have both pros and cons. Some pros include lower costs, no annual maximums, and no deductibles. Additionally, most preventative services are covered at little or no cost. On the other hand, some cons of dental HMO plans include limited provider networks, which means you may need to switch dentists if your current dentist is not in the plan network. Additionally, dental HMO plans may not cover some specialized services or procedures. It is essential to carefully review the plan details and network of providers before choosing a dental HMO plan. 

Dental discount plans can be an excellent option for people who don’t have dental insurance. Some pros of dental discount plans include low cost, no waiting periods, and no annual maximums. You can save up to 50% on your dental treatments with these plans. Additionally, you are not assigned to a plan dentist. You only need to choose any participating dentist in the plan. 

However, with a dental discount plan, there are some cons you should be aware of. These plans are not insurance, so you must pay the discounted amount for each service you receive. Also, the discounts offered may vary depending on the procedure and the participating dentist. Some people may find it challenging to find a participating dentist in their area. 

Call our member service line at 310-534-3444 if you have any questions about our dental insurance and plan options, as we will be happy to help.