Understanding Dental Coverage
John Adams • December 18, 2016
The best way to get the most out of your dental coverage is to understand its many features. For instance, most insurance companies have various plans befitting the needs and circumstances of different individuals. As well, dental benefits are calculated within a benefit period, which is typically one year (though possibly not a calendar year). There’s much to learn about dental coverage, so here are a few aspects to help you get a better idea of it, especially if there are any benefits left before the end of the year.
Maximums
Most dental plans have an annual maximum, which is the dollar amount a dental plan will pay toward the cost of dental care within a specific period, even if a patient’s costs exceed the limit. The patient is personally responsible for paying costs that exceed the annual maximum. A common annual maximum is $1000 or $1500 while some can go as high as $2000 or $3000. These totals can be individual or family maximums.
Deductibles
Most plans have a specific dollar deductible. The amount of dental expenses is the responsibility of the beneficiary before a third party can assume liability for payment of benefits. In other words, you personally have to pay a portion of your bill before your benefit plan will contribute to your costs. Each plan varies—for example, some apply the deductible to diagnostic or preventive treatments while others do not. The deductible may be a one-time charge, or it may vary depending on the program.
Coinsurance
Many plans have a coinsurance provision, meaning the benefit plan pays a predetermined percentage of the cost of your treatment. The part you pay is called coinsurance—this is paid even after your deductible has been reached. For example, you may pay 20 percent while your plan may cover 80 percent of the expenses.
Reimbursement
Many dental plans offer different classes of coverage. Each class provides a certain percentage of coverage and certain limitations and exclusions. Each plan may vary, so it’s best to go over your benefits carefully. For example, Class I may offer coverage at the highest percentage—at least 80-100 percent of the plan’s maximum allowance. Class II may cover only basic procedures like fillings, extractions, and periodontal treatment, with reimbursements usually ranging from 70-100 percent. Class III often reimburses at a lower percentage at 50 percent and may have a waiting period before services are covered.
Estimates
You may want to ask your dentist to complete and submit a request for a cost estimate. These are often referred to as pre-treatment estimates. This lets you know in advance what procedures are covered though it is not a guarantee of payment.
Exclusions
Exclusions are dental services that aren’t covered by your plan. Some dental plans are designed to help with expenses and may not cover every need, and these are referred to as limitations or exclusions. Some health groups restrict coverage for pre-existing dental conditions that are present before a patient enrolls in a plan, such as a missing tooth.
For many individuals, their next dental appointment may be their first. A far too common thought process is if you are brushing twice daily and flossing, there is simply no need to go to the dentist. That, obviously, is wrong. Regardless of how strict of an oral hygiene regimen you have on your own, bi-yearly dental visits are imperative to ensure good oral health. Now, since it may have been some time since you last visited a dentist or it is your first visit, here are some tips on how to prepare for a visit to the dentist’s office: Learn How to Brush Properly For as long as most of us can remember, we have been brushing our teeth. The question is, though, are you brushing your teeth the right way? Here are the basics in how to brush your teeth properly: · Use soft-bristled brush · After adding toothpaste to the brush, place the brush at the gumline at a 45-degree angle and brush gums before brushing your teeth · When done along the gumline, focus on brushing the front of the teeth before doing the rear · The brush should move vertically across the teeth rather than horizontally (this helps remove plaque from all angles) · Ensure you reach the rear of your mouth to brush the molars (which are often missed, creating the biggest problems for dental visits) Flossing Properly After you have brushed and rinsed, it is time to floss. This will ensure the small food particles left behind and wedged between teeth and under gumlines are removed. Start flossing at the rear bottom, slipping the floss between the teeth and gently moving it upwards. Once the lower level is done, repeat the process on the upper level. For even better results, invest in a water flosser, as they are far more effective than using standard floss. Using Mouthwash The use of a proper mouthwash is just as vital as the first two steps. Today, there are so many varieties and brands, it is virtually impossible not to find something both effective and palatable. You may want to discuss a specific brand with your dentist to ensure you are using a mouthwash most compatible with your needs/concerns. When rinsing, swish a small amount of mouthwash around vigorously for about a minute, then spit out. Looking for a new Nashua, NH dentist ? Krothapalli Family Dental is now accepting new patients and we would love for you to become part of our dental family. For more information about our services or to make an appointment, please click here .
Now that the warmer weather is saturating the country, the consumption of sugary drinks is going to escalate considerably. Be it sweet tea or a sports drink or soda pop, people will be tossing them down to quench their thirst and battle the heat. With each sip, though, depending on the type of drink being consumed, you could be doing considerable damage to your teeth. Sure, it may take some time to come to fruition, but all that sugar will take a toll. Defining ‘Sugary’ Drinks It is very important to make note that even some drinks deemed healthy can actually do damage if the proper oral hygiene regimen is not in place. In this particular category, fruit drinks come to mind. Drinks like orange juice, cranberry juice, and smoothies fall into this category. While they may be “healthy” drinks, they also happen to be loaded with sugars. The Damage Whenever you toss down one of these sugar-packed drinks, you are unleashing the sugar on your teeth. While you may believe you have swallowed every ounce of the drink, rest assured, remnants of it are left behind on the surface of the tooth. When this happens, the bacteria in your mouth meant to consume the sugar are also doing damage to the surface of the tooth, eating away at the enamel. Eventually, that enamel gets weaker and we see the beginnings of a cavity forming. Avoiding the Damage of Sugary Drinks The obvious answer here is to cut out sugary drinks altogether, but that is not realistic, especially for health enthusiasts and athletes. For many people, those sugary drinks are the difference in completing the long run or ride and bonking out. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to minimize the damage done and keep the risk of cavities to a minimum. Today, there are several options for rinsing your mouth on the go. Listerine is now selling “portable” chews that can be used. When you are really in a crunch, simply take some water and swish it around in your mouth to get as much of the sugar off your teeth and out of your mouth as possible. For athletes, simply carry an extra bottle filled with water and sip that after sipping on your sports drink. If you have been putting off going to the dentist, now is the time to get your oral health back on track. If you are in need of a Nashua, NH dentist , Krothapalli Family Dental is now accepting new patients and we would love to have you join our family! For more information about our dental services or our contact information to make an appointment, please click here .
More and more parents are starting to recognize how important it is to provide age-1 dental care for their kids but many are still not sure what kind of dentist their child should be seeing. According to Cindy Bauer, DDS, MAGD, a spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry, there are many general dentists who are qualified to care for children. “Parents should seek out a dental office that provides a fun environment for children, so that they are excited about coming to the dentist’s office.” This is why so many dentists have gone out of their way to create an office environment that is specifically child-friendly. They may have entertainment available for children and parents including video games, books, games, and access to movies. In order to best prepare the child and avoid any surprises, parents should speak to the dentist about what procedures will happen at the first appointment. Parents should also have a plan in mind for either reaction from the child – a positive or a negative. Remember that very small children may have trouble sitting still during the visit. Build excitement by speaking to the child ahead of time about what they can expect. Also, remember to bring the child’s complete medical history for the dentist to review. If a parent can sense anxiety in their child with regard to the dentist, they should find out whether the dentist is willing to do a pre-visit. In many cases, the dentist will use a pre-visit to ease any fears the child may have by letting them get used to the office. They will give the child a tour of the facility, show them the tools they will use during the exam, let them sit in the dentist’s chair, and possibly even demonstrate on an older family member. The most important thing, according to Dr. Bauer, is to make sure children have regularly scheduled visits with their dentist. “This will help them have better oral health for the rest of their lives.” How to Calm Your Child’s Nerves About the Dentist: · Ask the dentist about the best way to explain the dental visit to your child. · Arrange for your child to have a tour of the dentist’s office prior to their visit. · Ask if the child can bring an older family member into the exam room with them. · Avoid giving your child foods with caffeine or sugar prior to the appointment. If you are looking for a Nashua, NH dentist , look no further than the Krothapalli Family Dental. We are currently accepting new patients and would love to help you get that beautiful smile you deserve. For more information about our services to schedule an appointment, please click here .
Summer is finally here, and many people are finally going on their long-awaited vacations. Of course, nobody wants to have an issue with their teeth when they are away from home but being prepared for this type of issue can help you deal with it faster and get back to your vacation. Here are a few tips on how to handle a dental issue while you are on vacation. They always say that the best defense is a good offense. Make sure that you are up to date on your dental checkups before you leave on vacation. This will help you identify any small issues with your teeth that have the potential to turn into major problems while you are away. Not only will you have more peace of mind, but your dentist will have updated records just in case you do run into trouble. Of course, emergencies sometimes occur, even when you have taken all the right steps to prevent them. Keep contact information for your dentist with your travel documents and make sure that you have the office number in your phone. In many cases, your dentist will be able to help you solve your dental problem over the phone and help you get comfortable until you can come home and have an appointment. If you are out of the country, getting the dental care you need may be a bit more complicated, but it is still possible. Contact the US embassy to find a dentist who was trained in the United State. Cruise ships and resort hotels often have a list of providers for emergency dental services. Ask the concierge to help you set up an emergency appointment. When you are out of the country visiting friends or family, go with their best recommendation for dental care. In the hustle and bustle of preparing for a vacation, we often forget something as simple as packing a toothbrush. If you are stuck without a toothbrush and nowhere to get one, you can still take simple steps to clean your teeth. Rinse thoroughly with water to remove bacteria and sugars from the surface of your teeth. You can also put toothpaste on a washcloth until you are able to locate a proper toothbrush. When you do track one down, an ADA approved toothbrush is best but, if that isn’t possible, try to find one with soft bristles. Most of your favorite toothbrush brands can be purchased in any area of the world. Make sure that when you do pack your toothbrush, you do it with care. When we are at home, our toothbrushes have a chance to dry out. Bacteria won’t grow in a dry environment because it needs moisture to live. However, if you brush your teeth right before you leave, you might not have time to let it dry before you need to pack it. In this case, put your toothbrush in a clean plastic bag and keep it away from other items in your suitcase. As soon as possible, take your toothbrush out so that it can dry completely. Sugarless gum is one of the most important things you can keep on you for your dental health while you are traveling. For one thing, it will offer much-needed relief if you experience ear pressure during a plane takeoff or landing. However, sugarless gum can also help reduce your risk of cavities. If you are indulging in a lot of sweet treats during your vacation, chew a piece of sugarless gum afterward to protect your teeth. If you have a crown or bridge in your mouth that becomes loose during vacation, you can use sugar-free gum as a temporary hold until you can get to a dentist. It can also help as a temporary solution for tooth sensitivity when you’re on the road. Remember that not all areas where you travel will have water that is ideal for brushing your teeth. If you aren’t sure, pour bottled water onto your toothbrush instead. You do not want to have your vacation ruined by an illness as a result of ingesting contaminated local water. After your vacation, get right back to your normal oral hygiene routine. Spend some extra time brushing and flossing to make up for any lapses during your trip. Get back to healthy eating habits. There is no problem with indulging on vacation if you can get back to your normal habits when you get home. Looking for a Nashua, NH dentist ? Krothapalli Family Dental is now accepting new patients. For more information about our services or to request an appointment, click here .
We all know how expensive raising a family can be in today’s world. When you start adding dental bills into the mix, the costs can really start to get out of hand. Unfortunately for most parents, it is a do as I say world, but that is not how children work. They are like sponges and watch every move we make. More importantly to realize is the fact because parents are literally their world, they try to emulate everything mom and dad do as well. Keep that in mind when it comes to your oral health regimen because you need to set the example for your children and show them how to properly care for their teeth the moment they understand tasks like brushing and rinsing. Here are some tips to help ensure you keep your child’s dental health in check and maybe yours as well: Don’t Miss Dental Appointments – this is literally the most basic of oral hygiene regimens. You simply cannot afford to miss a dental appointment because what often happens is you start to become afraid to go for fear of what you may find out. Keep the appointment, period. Sweets Between Meals – ideally, you avoid sweets. But, let’s face facts, we like them just as much as our children do. When picking snacks for the children, try to pick snacks that are healthy and hand them a bottle of water with the snack. Instead of candy, try some frozen grapes or blueberries. Make a game of swishing water around in the mouth after they are done eating to reduce the residue on their teeth. That will suffice until you can get them home to brush. Drinks Before and After Bed – if you are like me, you tend to take a drink to bed with you. For many parents, this often means some type of fruit juice in a sippy cup for the children, which is a big mistake. All the sugar in the drink will be sitting in their mouth all night long eroding away at the tooth enamel. The nighttime drink should be water, period. Brushing Before Bed – getting kids to brush their teeth before bed can be a nightmare, but it is a must to ensure good oral health. Today, there are numerous children-themed toothpastes as well as cool toothbrushes that can be used to make it fun. Put an egg timer on the sink and if they brush for the entire two minutes, give them a reward. You have to make them want to brush their teeth because this is a habit that will last them a lifetime. Do you need to make a dental appointment for your children? If you are looking for a Nashua, NH dentist , Krothapalli Family Dental is accepting new patients. For more information about our services or to request an appointment, please click here .
If you make regular dental visits, you may sometimes notice your teeth are a bit more sensitive after getting treatment. These sensations usually fade over time, however, there are times when that sensitivity continues without abating. Today, we are going to look at how and why this happens as well as what you can do to address it. Deep Cleaning Will Impact Sensitivity For most people, the bi-annual visit to the dentist means the removal of bacteria under the guns and tartar that has calcified on and between the teeth. The dentist or oral hygienist will use a regular pick as well as a small water pressure tool to remove this. For more severe cases, a root planing is done, usually in quadrants (generally, you are also given a local to numb the area being cleaned). When this is done, is it not uncommon to experience sore gums, bleeding gums, and extra-sensitive teeth, especially after a planing is conducted. One of the reasons the teeth will often feel a bit more sensitive is because the plaque has been removed from the surface. These parts of the tooth are once again exposed to the elements. In a normal situation, the extra sensitivity should start to subside in a day or so, and everything should be normal within a few days, a week at the longest. As you brush your teeth, carefully, throughout the week, this will actually help the situation along. In the meantime, avoid eating excessively cold or hot food. When possible, use a straw to drink your liquids to avoid direct contact with the teeth. If the problem persists, however, you should contact your dentist to alert him or her of the situation. Taking Care of Teeth After a Deep Cleaning It is important to understand that even though you may be experiencing some extra sensitivity from your teeth and gums, you still need to maintain a regular oral health regimen, however, there will be some moderate changes in the usual activity. For instance, you should avoid flossing for a day or so to allow the gums to recover. If, however, you have a water flosser, you can reduce the setting and use it to massage the gums and remove loose particles from between the teeth. When brushing your teeth, be sure to use a tooth brush with soft bristles so as not to aggravate the situation further. As mentioned above, avoid liquids of extreme temperature and use a straw to drink when possible. Are you in need of a dental cleaning? If you are looking for a Nashua, NH dentist , Krothapalli Family Dental is accepting new patients. To learn more about our service or to schedule an appointment, please click here .
Although it is an outpatient procedure, tooth extraction for both adults and children is a major medical procedure that will require at least one day of recovery. In some cases, it takes several days if several teeth were extracted or if it was difficult to remove them. Dentists recommend having this type of procedure during vacation periods when patients are already at ease and have the time available to heal. Following the extraction, it is necessary to eat a diet of soft foods that will not irritate the area during recovery. Ice Cream If a patient does not have sensitive teeth, ice cream is one of the first things that they should reach for following a tooth extraction. Even the sorest mouths can generally handle ice cream because it is both soft in texture and cool in temperature. In fact, it is so cold that it can often effectively reduce swelling of the gums as a result of the procedure. Soft serve ice cream is the best option but remember that this is not the time for candy toppings or sprinkles that can get into the healing gums and cause complications. It is also important to remember to rinse your mouth out after eating to avoid any sugar buildup. Cool Soup Another meal option following a tooth extraction is soup, served either cool or lukewarm. At certain times of the year, especially summer, smooth gazpacho may be an even better option than a cool broth. Not only is soup easy to ingest following oral surgery, but it is often packed with nutrients and protein that can aid in the healing process. Make sure you choose a soup that is as smooth as can be to avoid any discomfort. Small noodles or pieces of vegetable are fine but you should avoid any ingredients that would require you to chew while your mouth is healing. Scrambled Eggs Scrambled eggs are a great option after oral surgery because they are nutrient-rich but also soft and require very little chewing. Just make sure that they have adequately cooled before you eat them. Smoothies A fruit smoothie is one of the best ways to get your daily dose of nutrients following a tooth extraction. Blend your fruits with yogurt to enhance your smoothie with calcium, probiotics, and protein. Using a dairy base for your smoothie also reduces the acidity from the fruit, making it less likely to irritate your gums as they heal. If you are in need of dental care and looking for a Nashua, NH dentist , consider using Krothapalli Family Dental. We are currently accepting new patients and would love to hear from you. For more information about our services, please click here .
After recognizing the four stages of gum disease, you must take immediate steps to control your condition before it gets any worse. Gum disease that is left unattended for too long could result in the need for painful surgery or even in the loss of your teeth. Unfortunately, many people wait after recognizing the 4 stages of gum disease because they are nervous about what comes next. Knowing what to expect makes it much easier to move forward and improve your dental health. Recognizing the 4 Stages of Gum Disease There are four stages of gum disease, each with increasingly serious consequences for your overall oral health. For the best chance of recovery, it is vital that you notice the early signs of trouble with your gums. For example, if you notice blood in the sink when you brush your teeth, you may be experiencing the early signs of gum disease. Bad breath, shrinking gums, and sensitive teeth are also common signs of gum disease that often go overlooked by the folks suffering from them. A Deep Cleaning One of the first steps that your dentist will take the correct your gum disease is a deep cleaning. This is a much more in-depth process than the cleaning you would have at a normal checkup and may require more than one visit to complete. The cleaning will include work below your gum line in order to make sure that all of the bacteria is removed from the area. Your dentist may also complete a process called scaling, which involves scraping plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums. Additional Treatment In some cases, your doctor may also prescribe medication to help control the infection in your gums before it begins to spread. This may be an oral antibiotic that you take over a period of weeks or, in some cases, an antibiotic gel that you apply directly to the infected area. Whatever the case may be, it is important that you follow your dentist’s instructions and complete the prescription, even if you think that your symptoms have stopped. If you think spot any of the four stages of gum disease, you should make an appointment with your dentist immediately. Early intervention can prevent much more serious issues as your disease progresses through the stages. Although it can be scary, remember that the longer you wait, the more serious the procedures will be to correct the damage done. If you are in need of a dentist and looking for a Nashua, NH dentists accepting new patients, Krothapalli Family Dental can help. For more information about our services and location, click here .
Nashua, NH., This Halloween, Krothapalli Family Dental wants to help you earn cash for your candy and support our troops. All trick-or-treaters are encouraged to bring their excess unopened (no bites please) candy to the office and receive $1 per pound (ten pound max per family). Candy will be collected Friday, November 2nd - Friday, November 16th (during regular office hours) and will be shipped to U.S. Military deployed in combat overseas as part of Operation Gratitude. Global sugar consumption for children increases by about 2 percent annually and currently sits at 50 million tons per year, which means parents need to be sure their children's teeth are being cared for more than ever. Candy, as well as hurting children's teeth, can lead to hyperactivity and weight gain. “We forward to helping kids maintain a healthy lifestyle with minimal cavities, and being able to show our support to our troops." - Krothapalli Family Dental Team Krothapalli Family Dental – 493 Amherst Street, Unit 1 Nashua, NH 03063 Ph: 603-883-2232 https://www.krothapallifamilydental.com/
On Thursday, May 10, 2018, the family dental practices of Dr. Nanarao Krothapalli will offer dental care free of charge to patients as part of “Doctors with a Heart.” “We are pleased to provide dental care for individuals and families in need,” said Dr. Nanarao Krothapalli. “Too many people put off important dental care because they are uninsured, underinsured, or simply don’t have the money to pay. Doctors with a Heart is one small step to help people get the care they need.” Dr. Krothapalli’s family of dental practices are conveniently located in Londonderry, Nashua, Allenstown, Raymond, Weare, and Tilton, NH. All of the practices will be offering dental services without charge on May 10, including urgent dental care, fillings, oral cancer screenings, x-rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and homecare instruction. This is the seventh year Dr. Krothapalli has participated in the Doctors with a Heart program at his family of dental practices. Individuals in need are requested to contact the dental offices in advance to schedule their appointments, as we will not be able to accommodate walk-in patients on that day. On contacting the office, they will receive a brief health screening, in order to determine the appropriateness of dental care. The offices will do all they can to offer as many appointment opportunities as possible, however availability will be offered on a first come, first served basis. Dental care will be offered at the practices listed below, and patients should call the telephone numbers provided in order to be screened for their appointments. Office of Dr. Nanarao Krothapalli 25 Nashua Road, Unit D-1 Londonderry, NH 03053 https://www.smilesofnh.com (603) 432-6430 Krothapalli Family Dental 493 Amherst Street Unit 1 Nashua, NH 03063 https://www.krothapallifamilydental.com (603) 883-2232 Tri-Town Family Dental 50 Pinewood Road Allenstown, NH 03275 https://www.tritownfamilydental.com (603) 485-8464 Lamprey Family Dental 37 Epping Street Raymond, NH 03077 https://www.lampreydental.com (603) 895-3161 Tilton Family Dental 468 W Main Street Tilton, NH 03276 https://www.tiltonfamilydental.com 603 286-8618 Weare Family Dentistry 210 North Stark Highway Weare, NH 03281 https://www.wearefamdent.com 603-529-3511 “Every day we are honored to care for our patients,” said Dr. Krothapalli. “But May 10th is a special day -- an opportunity to give something back to our communities and serve those most in need. We consider it a privilege to once again offer this program.”
