Seeing a Specialist 101

read Uncategorized
Woman talks with a dental specialist

If your dentist recommends visiting a specialist, don’t fear. We have compiled a list of helpful tips and information about the various dental specialties.

When referred to a specialist:

  • First, research the type of specialist you were referred to by your dentist.
  • Finally, check your benefit coverage levels by reviewing your dental plan handbook or visiting our Member Connection.

Want to know more? Below is a list of common dental specialists:

Endodontists perform root canals. They treat diseases and injuries of the dental pulp or the tooth nerves.

Fun fact: On average, endodontists perform nearly 25 root canal treatments a week, while general dentists perform less than two.

Do you need oral surgery? Then you’ll be seeing an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. They treat patients with a variety of ailments, from removing wisdom teeth, to treating tumors and cysts in jaws, as well as accident victims with facial injuries.

If you have a misaligned teeth, you’ll likely be referred to an orthodontist. This specialist straightens teeth by with the use of bands, wires, braces, and other corrective appliances. Check your plan to make sure orthodontia is covered.

If you were referred to a periodontist, they specialize in treating your gums (the soft tissues of the mouth) and the supporting bones – your jaws. ** teeth are not bones, please don’t reference for future blogs.

Most general dentists have relationships with specialists in their communities. Ask for their recommendation on where you should seek specialty care.

Dental Technology: The Past, Present & Future

read Uncategorized
Man using computer aided design (CAD) to manufacture a ceramic crown

The first nylon bristle toothbrush was put on the market less than 80 years ago. That means people were driving cars before they were using an effective toothbrush.

Fortunately, dentistry has come a long way in the last century. New technology allows dentists to treat patients faster and more effectively.

Look how far we’ve come:

Digital X-Rays:

If you’ve had dental X-rays recently, you may have noticed a change from the traditional film X-ray. Many dental professionals are using new and improved digital X-ray machines.

Digital imaging uses highly sensitive receptors that require significantly less radiation exposure than film. Dental professionals benefit from using digital X-rays too. The computerized pictures allow them to see the condition of your teeth in greater detail. Digital X-rays are a time saver – they take less than half the time to develop compared with film X-rays.

Dental Lasers/Laser Dentistry:

When we think of lasers, we’re more likely to think of sci-fi and Star Wars. Lasers are now common in the dental world and have a number of uses.

Laser technology cuts down on patient pain and can be used to treat an array of dental problems. The intense beams of light aid in cavity and ulcer removal, and can be used to operate on gums.

CAD/CAM Technology:

CAD/CAM stands for computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing. This technology creates digital impressions for crowns and implants. CAD/CAM technology allows dentists to make a replacement tooth in a single visit.

What’s next?

A future without dental decay? It may be possible thanks to a Delta Dental of Wisconsin-supported research company. Early research has shown Specifically Targeted Anti-Microbial Peptides (STAMPs) placed in a tooth paste or gel significantly reduced the amount of cavity-causing bacteria with one application.

Clinical trials are currently underway in the United States. If the next round of clinical trials are successful, STAMPs will be the first new anti-cavity drug introduced in nearly 60 years.

Delta Dental is trying to make a difference in Wisconsin and around the world by creating a very bright future filled with healthy smiles.

Smile-Savvy Stocking Stuffers

read Uncategorized

Hanging stockings by the fireplace is a beloved holiday tradition enjoyed all over the world.

Here are some smile-inspired stocking stuffers – perfect for season greeting grins!

Toothbrushes

  • Toothbrushes are a stocking staple. Buy a basic brush, electric model, or even a singing toothbrush. With a wide variety of colors and designs, it’s easy to find a toothbrush fit for every member of your family.

Smile Sidekicks

  • Team your toothbrush up with complementing items. Floss, toothpaste, and mouthwash are essential for a healthy grin. Pick a traditional minty flavor or go for something more extreme, like cupcake-flavored floss.

Mistletoe Mouth

  • Give your significant other a minty mouth with items like gum (look for one that contains xylitol), lip balm/gloss, or sugar-free mints.

Stuffers for Small Ones

  • There are several books that teach kids the importance of oral health. For the young athlete, pick out a mouthguard in his or her favorite color. Get children excited about brushing – stuff their stocking with an animal-shaped toothbrush holder.

Now you’re ready to enjoy a holiday stuffed with smiles.

‘Tis the Season for Crafts: DIY Holiday Gifts for All

read Uncategorized
Cinnamon Sugared Almonds packaged in a mason jar

Charitable

December is here, and the third is Make A Gift Day! Crafting can be therapeutic, so try channeling your holiday stress into a creative craft. Loved ones always enjoy presents filled with (your) presence. Here are some dental-inspired DIYs for every one on your list.

The Foodie: If you have a friend who loves gourmet, whip up a batch of cinnamon sugar almonds. They’re loaded with tooth-healthy protein, vitamin E, and fiber. Use mini cellophane bags and ribbon for extra holiday cheer.

The Naturalist: Concoct a minty peppermint mouthwash, made using 100% natural ingredients. Store the refreshing rinse in a reusable glass vessel, and voila­ — your gift is ready to be received.

The Makeup Maven: Make a moisturizing lip balm for the makeup-minded gal. This recipe only contains a few ingredients, so it’s simple to customize the flavor and scent. Soft lips are the perfect complement to any healthy smile.

The Super Mom: Try your hand brush at a kid-themed bathroom sign. Moms likely get tired of repeating variations on the daily spiel, “Wash your hands. Brush your teeth!” Hopefully an encouraging bathroom sign will help to give your favorite mom a break.

Happy Make A Gift Day, but most importantly, happy crafting!

Top 3 Reasons Your Teeth Love Turkey Day

read Lifestyle
Top 3 Reasons Your Teeth Love Turkey Day

Family, fellowship, and food are just a few of the reasons why we love Thanksgiving. When the food is flowing at the Turkey Day table, the smiles are too! Believe it or not, your teeth love Thanksgiving just as much as you. Here are the Top 3 Reasons Your Teeth Love Turkey Day:

1. Pumpkins 

Pumpkins are decorative and delicious, but did you know they’re good for your teeth too? Pumpkin pulp is filled with enamel-building Vitamin A, fiber and potassium. Your teeth love all parts of the pumpkin – including their seeds! Pumpkin seeds are a good source of magnesium, a nutrient that can strengthen teeth.

2. Turkey

Turkey is unarguably the main attraction of the Thanksgiving table. Turkey is loaded with protein, making it a fan favorite for both your body and smile. Protein has phosphorus in it, and when phosphorus mixes with calcium and vitamin D, it creates strong bones and teeth.

Turkey is a healthy option for a great smile.

3. Produce

Turkey may be the star of the table, but side dishes can shine too. We love all veggies, but our Thanksgiving favorites are the ones filled with nutrients and fiber. Nutrients (like carbs, fats, and proteins) build strong bones and teeth, while fiber stimulates salvia flow, which acts as a defense against cavities.

Try making oven-roasted asparagus, balsamic carrots, or delicious collard greens.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Using Dental Benefits Out-of-State: A Go-To Guide

read Insurance Resources and Dental Benefits
Using Dental Benefits Out-of-State: A Go-To Guide

Thanksgiving marks the unofficial start of the holiday season, as well as the busiest travel time of the year. If you’re one of the many Americans traveling to spend time with loved ones, you’re probably already in the planning mode.

No matter how much preparation goes into your travel plans, unexpected things can happen. Expect the unexpected – learn how to handle common dental emergencies (hyperlink text “handle common dental emergencies” instead of using “click here”).

What about your dental benefits? How do they work when you’re far from home?

Fortunately, most Delta Dental plans allow you to visit a dentist anywhere within the 50 states and receive the same benefits you would receive at home. Make sure to check your dental benefit handbook carefully for exclusions on this policy.

With Delta Dental of Wisconsin, you can typically visit any licensed dentist. You will usually save money on out-of-pocket costs when you choose a Delta Dental PPO dentist. The Delta Dental Premier network, which includes more than 80% of dentists nationwide, also offers cost-saving features.

If you need to find a dentist while you’re on the road, visit deltadentalwi.com/provider-search/. Simply enter a zip code to see a list of Delta Dental dentists near you.

Happy traveling!

Pregnancy and Oral Health

read Lifestyle
Pregnancy and Oral Health

Pregnancy is a beautiful time, but the symptoms? Not so much. With a million things to think about, it can be easy to forget about your oral health. You’re already glowing from pregnancy – shouldn’t your smile shine too?

Here’s how to keep a healthy mouth and body during common pregnancy symptoms:

Morning sickness is one of the most notorious pregnancy pains. Don’t be fooled by its nickname – morning sickness can occur at any time of the day.

Solution: Eat small meals or snacks every few hours. Bland, dry foods can do wonders for an upset belly. Frequent vomiting can result in sensitivity, bad breath, and brittle teeth. If you suffer from morning sickness, rinse your mouth with a fluoride containing mouthwash. Because of the strong stomach acids produced when you become sick, immediately brushing your teeth can actually increase tooth erosion. 

Feeling fatigued? It’s not unusual to feel tired during your pregnancy. After all, you’re carrying an extra person inside of you! Who wouldn’t be exhausted?

Solution: Get outside and get moving! An afternoon stroll will boost your energy, mood, and smile. If you’re still feeling tired, balance activity with rest – try taking a short nap.

An increased appetite is common during the second trimester of pregnancy. Your ravenous appetite is due to your baby growing and requiring more nourishment. With an increased appetite, your cravings might make you long for chocolate..

Solution: Yes, you’re technically eating for two, and it’s important to give your baby the nutrients he or she needs. It’s o.k. to indulge occasionally, but try your best to stick to healthy meals and snacks. Go for protein, complex carbs and plenty of fruits and veggies. Oftentimes your body confuses dehydration for hunger. Drink plenty of water to curb excessive snack attacks, and remember to rinse or brush after snacking.

After your pregnancy symptoms are under control, make sure to ramp up your oral hygiene habits. Brush your teeth twice and floss once a day. And don’t forget to schedule a dentist appointment within the first trimester. Find out why good oral habits are important during pregnancy.

Here’s to a healthy smile, body, and baby!

Building And Counting Networks: Might Makes Right

read Uncategorized

We talk in abstract terms about the importance of accurate network listings. Here’s a specific, real-life example of what we mean.

One of our sales executives received a message from an agent a couple of weeks ago. A competing dental-insurance carrier was challenging our network listings, claiming they overstated the strength of Delta Dental’s network and understated the competing carrier’s network.

As proof they supplied their own network listings for a large metropolitan-area chain of dental clinics.

The agent passed on the accusation to the sales executive, who passed it on to me.

When we get these sorts of things – and we get them more often than you’d think – we have a standard protocol for addressing them.

First, we have a scrupulously maintained database of dentists – all dentists statewide. We have not only their network affiliation with us, but their affiliations with all the major carriers. We know at a glance who the dentists are in a county or city, what networks they belong to, and whether they practice at more than one location. We update this information monthly – or more frequently, if circumstances warrant.

In this case, the competitor had produced a listing of 24 dentists, and claimed they were all practicing at the stated locations. We found that only 10 were practicing where the competitor claimed they were – but better than that, five of these “active” dentists had not been practicing at that location for two years. Four more “active” dentists had been inactive for more than a year.

But we didn’t stop there. We picked up the phone and called the offices in question. We asked them, “Could you please tell me what dentists are practicing in your office?” The answers we received from three of the four offices corresponded perfectly with Delta Dental’s network listings.

We didn’t receive an answer from the fourth office on the competitor’s listing. It was closed – because there was no provider to practice there.

In less than five minutes we were able to show that a competitor’s listing that was touted as being 100 percent correct was actually less than 42 percent correct. And Delta Dental’s listings were 100 percent correct.

This isn’t an accident. Other carriers have a couple of professional-relations representatives to cover the entire nation. Delta Dental’s has two professional-relations experts that cover the state, visiting offices and auditing locations for accuracy—plus we devote a lot of time and effort to analyzing everyone’s network listings. We put them on a common footing and see whose numbers truly are the largest.

Coincidentally, we just released a video that talks about our approach to building and counting networks. Visit http://www.deltadentalwi.com/Alert-Resources-Aug13 and you’ll see what we mean.

We appreciate challenges like this. Personally, it gets me fired up. It’s not only an opportunity to set the record straight, but it’s another opportunity to help our agents and employers stay informed and succeed.

Next time we’ll look at how “industry-standard” numbers might not be so standard, and what we do on our end to ensure our network numbers are as accurate as possible.