Prioritize your oral health in 2021
If you made a New Year’s resolution to prioritize your oral health in 2021, there are a variety of things you can do to achieve this goal. Cutting back on harmful habits – limiting sugar intake, cutting back on alcohol and quitting smoking – all will greatly help in this effort. Another main thing to do is schedule a dentist appointment. The reasons below help outline the importance of making a dentist appointment a priority in the New Year: Life could get busy after New Year’s, and like many tasks, scheduling a dentist appointment may slip farther and farther down your to-do list. Even if you think that your oral health is in good standing, preventive care is an important way to maintain it. If you wait too long, you may delay treatment on unknown cavities or other oral health problems which will require more complicated and costly treatment in […]
Which is Better: Root Canal or Dental Implant?
More than 1 in 4 (26%) adults in the U.S. has untreated tooth decay.1 Tooth decay occurs when bacteria attacks the enamel of teeth, leading to cavities. If left untreated, it can cause pain, infection and tooth loss. Many patients and dentists have to make a tough choice when deciding between saving a natural tooth with a root canal or removing the tooth and replacing it with a dental implant. It’s important to understand each procedure to determine which treatment option is best for you. Root canals Root canals aim to save an infected or decayed tooth. The procedure removes the nerve and inflamed pulp of the tooth before it’s cleaned, filled and sealed. A root canal leaves the tooth’s functions the same as before, with only the absence of the tooth’s nerve. This means that the tooth’s sensory function no longer reacts to temperature. Most root canals can be completed […]
COVID-19 Stress Causing Cracked Teeth, Other Oral Health Issues
It remains a stressful time during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies show stress not only harms overall health but can harm your oral health, as well. Reducing stress is important to maintaining a healthy smile and good oral health. Stress has been shown to contribute to a variety of oral health conditions. For example, the American Dental Association recently shared a survey regarding dentists and endodontists currently seeing more patients with cracked teeth, with a direct correlation to these injuries coming from stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. From this survey, dentists have seen more cases of teeth grinding (59.4%), chipped and cracked teeth (53.4%) and more. Other oral health conditions that can be caused by stress include: Dry mouth Canker sores Tooth decay Gum disease Here are ways to help keep your entire mouth healthy while trying to lessen stress. Stay on track with your oral health routine. Always […]
Save Money with a Network Dentist
TruAssure gives members access to an extensive nationwide dental network.* When TruAssure members visit a network dentist, they can save between 20 to 40 percent on their dental treatment. Network dentists accept TruAssure’s allowed fees as payment in full and cannot charge patients the difference between TruAssure’s allowed fee and their submitted fee. The below chart is an example of how much you can save when you visit a network dentist. Network dentists cannot bill the difference between the TruAssure allowed fee and their submitted fee. It is easy to see how visiting a network dentist can save you money. Visit TruAssure.com to find a network dentist today. *All TruAssure dental plans, other than Basic and Preferred dental plans, are offered in association with the DenteMax Plus dental network arrangement, which includes participating dentists from the United Concordia, DenteMax and Connection dental networks in all states but North Carolina, […]
Guide to Dental Crowns
As you think about all the talking, laughing, smiling and eating you do in a day, the strength and overall health of your teeth is crucial. Cavities and tooth decay are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sugary drinks and not brushing your teeth well. Large cavities can cause a tooth to weaken or crack over time which may result in the need for a dental crown. Crowns help restore a tooth’s shape and protect it from further damage with a tooth-shaped cap placed over the tooth. They can also be used to improve the appearance of the tooth and provide needed support. A dental crown may be needed for the following: A tooth that is severely worn down, cracked or weakened. A cavity that is too large for a filling. A tooth that requires a dental bridge or tooth implant. A root […]
