I have always been an avid hockey player, and my love took a bad turn one day when I got struck in the mouth with the puck. It was a painful moment that left me with two teeth knocked out of my mouth. Had I taken the right steps after the accident, I could have possibly saved the teeth, but I did not know I had that option at the time. Thankfully, I worked up the courage to visit a dentist and ask what my options for teeth-replacement were. I was worried I would would have to live the rest of my life without smiling, but I was ecstatic to learn that I was the perfect candidate for dental implants. I created this blog to help others realize that there are so many options to replace missing teeth today that no one has to "just live with" an imperfect smile!
Dental problems have the power to cause both intense pain and major cosmetic issues. Sadly, some people are under the impression that there are limited procedures available for those with severely damaged teeth. Luckily, this is not the case, but if you have never needed restorative dentistry services, there is a strong chance that you may need a couple of questions addressed before choosing a treatment option.
Are Implants The Only Way To Correct Severely Damaged Teeth?
A common belief among dental patients is that severely damaged or decayed teeth will always have to be extracted and replaced with an implant. While this procedure can certainly repair the problem, it can be remarkably extensive and lengthy. Luckily, there are a couple of other options available for these patients.
For teeth that have suffered extensive structural damage, it may be necessary to put a cap and crown on the tooth. These devices are designed to strengthen the tooth before it can suffer further accidental damage. If the structural integrity of your tooth is not severely compromised, it may also be possible to repair the damage using a special porcelain filling. This material is applied directly to the tooth, and your dentist will mold it into a shape that closely resembles a natural tooth.
Are Restorative Dentistry Procedures Covered Under Insurance Plans?
Sadly, some patients may not seek these treatments because they assume the cost will be too great for their budgets. However, if you have dental insurance, there is a chance that you may be able to get these procedures covered. Without restorative dentistry, a decayed or damaged tooth will only continue to worsen, and this can eventually lead to other problems with the mouth.
Yet, every insurance policy is substantially different, and this can make it confusing to determine what type of coverage you have. Before scheduling an appointment with your dentist, you should contact your insurance agent to determine which restorative procedures are covered under the plan and which ones will require an out of pocket payment on your part. Gathering this information before you arrive at the dental office can make the treatment process far more efficient because you will be able to discuss treatment options without having to wait on a reply from the insurance agency.
Suffering damage to one of your teeth can be both embarrassing and uncomfortable, but if you have not needed restorative dentistry, you may not understand much about these treatments. Learning these two commonly asked questions and answers about this type of dental work will make you better prepared to make smart decisions for your dental needs. Talk to people like Christopher L. Schneider, DMD for more information.
Share4 February 2015
