Question: I need a root canal and a crown and was quoted a cost of $1756.00.  This is just to much money for me to spend right now.  I am in need of dental insurance that can help me reduce that cost and not have the waiting periods for major dental services.

Answer: You may want to review our dental HMO insurance plans which normally do not have waiting periods (However please read the plan terms to confirm)or a dental discount plan that starts the next business day with no waiting periods.

Either should help you reduce your dental cost for the dental services you need render.

Gum disease develops slowly over time and does not always show symptoms along the way. But that does not make it any less serious for seniors. In addition gum disease will not resolve by itself. What starts with a little redness of the gums and bleeding can develop into pockets around the base of the teeth, which eventually become loose and fall out. The only way to remove plaque deep under the gums is with regular dental cleanings.

Dental insurance benefits will vary depending on the type of dental insurance plan. When reviewing the dental insurance especially when selecting a dental insurance plan, keep in mind there are various policy coverage options, plan deductibles, co-payments, limitations, restrictions and exclusions.  If  you have any questions are not sure about a plan then take the time to call the member service line.  Remember they are there to help you make the best choice for your dental needs.

For some seniors they think that gum disease is just a part of aging. However that is not the case. Gum disease is caused by a build up of dental plaque. Gum disease is more common in seniors who face changes such as receding gums and a faster build up of plaque. Other factors such as smoking, dry mouth and taking certain medications can increase the risk of periodontal disease in seniors even more. Yet by maintaining good at home dental care habits and seeing your dentist regularly you decrease your risk of gum disease at any age.

Having mild or occasional tooth sensitivity to hot or cold food and beverages is not unusual. But if it persists, it could be a sign of a cracked or broken tooth or even gum disease. The best way to get to the root of the matter is to see your dentist

Question: I need to have my two remaining wisdom teeth pulled, three root canals with crowns and another two teeth to be pulled because they have gone bad.

Would a individual dental insurance really help me save money with all the dental work I need, or would a I be better off getting a dental discount plan to off set the cost?

Answer: It can depend on the insurance plan you may be reviewing and what is going to be covered.

Tip: At this point with your current dental needs a dental PPO’s or dental Indemnity plan may not be the best to get because they normally have long term waiting periods for the very services you stated you need.

HMO’s dental insurance plans may work just make sure that if you have to go to a specialist that the plan has some coverage for that. Some HMO plan only cover for the general dentist.

Dental Discount plans would help you reduce your dental cost making your dental care more affordable. As long as there are dentist in the plan network that does do type of dental services you are looking for it should work well for your current dental needs.

Not too many people have heard of root decay. Root decay can develop when your gums recede enough to expose your tooth roots as well as the cementum that covers them. After prolonged exposure, your tooth roots can start to develop tooth decay. Signs to look out for include a yellowish tint or “notches” near your gum line.

HOW LONG MUST I KEEP A DENTAL INSURANCE PLAN?   I have started a new job that will offer me dental and medical insurance if I stay there for six months.  I have no intentions on leaving and will be getting the insurance benefits once I am able to.

My question is, I currently have some dental issues that need to be taken care of.  Can I buy a dental plan then cancel once I get my dental insurance offer to me though my job?  Or do I have to keep paying for it for a year or more.  Please advise.

Answer: With the dental insurance plans that are offer on this website you can buy the dental insurance that offers a monthly payment option and cancel at any time with a 30 day written request to the carrier, they in turn will cancel towards the next valid billing cycle.

However although many of our dental insurance plans will let you cancel, beware there are a few dental insurance companies that will make you keep the plan for a year. In addition, you may want to avoid buying PPOs dental insurance plans for short term use due to the waiting periods involved in them.

I suggest reviewing our dental discount plan as they are not only low cost plans but offer monthly payment option with no waiting periods.

Many people think of dentures and or partials when they think of replacing missing teeth. But more patients are choosing dental implants to replace missing teeth because they can look and feel more natural than dentures.

Question: I am trying to find individual dental insurance in NY without any waiting period.  Is there such a thing?  I have been shopping on line now for a few days and most dental plan I have seen come with a 12 to 18 months waiting period for major dental procedures.  Since I am going to need a root canal and a crown major dental work is what I currently need.

Answer: It sounds as if you have been reviewing dental PPO’s and or Indemnity dental insurance plans. It is common for these types of dental insurance plans to have waiting periods as well and maximum limitations and deductibles.

I suggest reviewing our dental HMO insurance plans though Healthplex and Assurant or our dental discount plans offer thought Careington, Dental Save+ and Dental Choice+.  All of these plans have no waiting periods so that you can have your root canal and crown work done at the effective date of the plan.

Question: I live in IL and I currently have dental insurance though my job but it does not even cover much at all.  I want a dental insurance plan that will cover more then just a basic dental cleaning but still be affordable for me to buy.

Answer: You may want to review our dental discount plans to help reduce your dental cost for the dental services that your other plan is not covering.

Dental discount plans are low cost and will help you with your dental needs. You will get a discounted saving for whatever you have done as long as you are going to a dentist that takes the plan.

You may also want to compare a dental discount plan to an HMO dental insurance plan. Dental HMO insurance plans are also low cost plans that provide more affordable cost for their covered dental services.

For may seniors they suffer from arthritis and or decreased mobility which makes brushing their teeth more difficult for them.  If you are experiencing that issue try consider switching to an electric or “powered” toothbrush.

If you have dentures be sure to visit your dentist for proper care and maintenance. Using an over the counter denture repair kit is temporary solution at best. If your dentures start to fit funny, be sure to see a dentist for a professional denture reline.