What is a Dental Sealant?

A dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where decay is most likely to occur. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting the enamel from plaque and acids. It is a safe and effective way to prevent cavities in kids. Dental sealants are usually applied to permanent molars when they come in, around age 6 for the first molars and age 12 for the second molars.

By going to a dentist, a dentist would be able to put on dental sealants to help protect your children’s teeth. However, even knowing this, only about one-third of children ages 6 – 19 have sealants. Cost can be a factor; dental insurance can help control the cost of dental sealants. Many dental insurance plans cover sealants as part of preventive care. You may not have to pay anything out of pocket for the procedure. Without insurance, the cost of dental sealants can vary depending on the dentist and the region where you live. However, the cost of sealants is generally much less than that of treating a cavity. So, having dental insurance and a plan that covers sealants can help many people and their families afford this preventive dental treatment.

Although Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) isn’t directly linked to cancer, it may lead to a more severe condition called Barrett’s esophagus, which may raise your risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Research has found people who have more frequent symptoms tend to have a higher risk. But GERD is ubiquitous, so it’s essential to keep in mind that most people who have it don’t develop esophageal cancer, which is very rare—accounting for about 1 percent of all cancers diagnosed in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute. It’s still a good idea to seek care to be sure your GERD doesn’t develop into Barrett’s esophagus.

How Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Affects Your Dental Health

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can significantly impact your dental health. The acid from the stomach that comes up during an episode of reflux can cause erosion of the enamel on your teeth, leading to tooth sensitivity, discoloration, and even decay. In addition, the acid can also cause inflammation of the gums and increase the risk of gum disease. If you suffer from GERD, talking to your dentist about protecting your teeth and gums, such as using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash and avoiding acidic foods and drinks, is essential.

Long-term care involves the assistance or supervision you may need when you cannot do some of the basic “activities of daily living” (ADLs), generally eating, continence, bathing, dressing, or moving from a bed to a chair. You might need assistance with ADLs if you suffer from an injury like a broken hip, an illness, a stroke, or from advanced age and frailty. Other people may need long-term care because of mental deterioration, called “cognitive impairment,” which can be caused by Alzheimer’s Disease, other mental illnesses, or brain disorders.

Long-term care is sometimes called “custodial care” or “personal care.” Formal long-term care (the kind of care you must pay for) is provided by skilled and unskilled workers. Unskilled workers are sometimes supervised by qualified medical personnel such as registered nurses. Unpaid family members and friends frequently provide informal long-term care.

Long-term care services can be provided in your home, in a community program like an Adult Day Care Center, in an assisted living facility licensed as a Residential Care Facility (RCF) or a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE), or in a nursing home.

Long-term care is not necessarily “long-term.” Some people only need long-term care for a few months, for example, while recovering at home from a broken hip, while others may need care for the rest of their lives.
Source: CA Dept of Ins

What is a Dental Cavity? A dental cavity is a small hole or opening in a tooth due to tooth decay. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that produce acid, which eats away at the tooth’s enamel and dentin. If left untreated, cavities can lead to more serious dental problems, such as infection or tooth loss. That’s why visiting a dentist regularly and addressing cavities is essential.

No one wants to have a cavity, but they do happen. To treat a cavity, the first step is to remove the decayed part of the tooth. A dentist can offer three choices for decay removal: the “drill,” microabrasion, and laser treatment. This post will address the more traditional method of drill. The handpiece drill remains the technique of choice for removing tooth decay. High-speed handpieces make dental treatment quicker and more comfortable than in the past; however, with the handpiece, you may feel vibrations during the dental treatment.

Why Have Dental Insurance: Having dental insurance before treating a dental cavity can benefit you in several ways. First, dental insurance can help you save money on the cost of the treatment. Without insurance, the price of treating a cavity is high, especially if the cavity requires more extensive treatment, such as a root canal or crown. Second, dental insurance can encourage you to seek regular dental care, which can help prevent cavities from developing in the first place. Finally, having dental insurance can provide peace of mind, knowing that you are covered in a dental emergency or unexpected dental problem.

Limitations and exclusions are terms used in dental insurance policies to describe the specific services that are not covered or are limited under the plan. Limitations are restrictions placed on services covered but with certain conditions or requirements, while exclusions are services not covered by the plan at all. It’s essential to read your dental plan’s limitations and exclusions to fully understand what services are covered, what services are not, and what services may have limitations or requirements. By understanding your dental plan’s limitations and exclusions, you can better plan for your dental care expenses and avoid unexpected costs. Additionally, you can work with your dentist to make the most of your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need.

• Medicare may pay for skilled care in a nursing home for a very short period but no longer than 100 days and only when the patient meets all the Medicare requirements for daily professional care. While people get personal care services simultaneously, Medicare will not pay unless there is a need for daily skilled services that only a nurse or therapist can provide. Medicare may pay for some personal care services at home, but again, only if you also need skilled care daily that only a licensed person can provide. For more details, see the Medicare benefits book available from your Social Security office or call the Social Security Administration toll-free at 800-772-1213.
• Medi-Cal (called Medicaid outside California) pays for necessary health care that Medicare does not cover, but only if you meet federal and state poverty guidelines. You can get the most current information about Medi-Cal from your local county Department of Social Services, legal services Program, or an elder law attorney.
• Most people commonly use Personal Resources to pay for long-term care expenses. These funds come from personal income and resources. When family members and friends at home provide care, necessary skilled care such as equipment, transportation, and other costs not paid by Medicare are also produced from the patient’s income or savings. People who use up their assets paying for long-term care are “spending down” and may become eligible for Medi-Cal.
• Long-Term Care Insurance is designed to pay or reimburse covered long-term care costs. Understanding the coverage provided and how benefits will be paid/refunded before you purchase a Long-Term Care Policy is critical. Long-term care insurance is available from insurance companies selling in California and may be cost-effective for you if you have sufficient available income to pay the premiums.
• Source CA Dept of Ins

Question: I am looking for cheap dental insurance in California. All I need is my twice-a-year cleaning and check-ups, and I am looking for an affordable dental insurance plan that will save me money on my preventive dental care.

Reply: I suggest reviewing an HMO dental insurance plan, which runs from $7.95 to $18.95 monthly, depending on the plan. HMO dental insurance plans are generally more affordable, and most provide free preventive dental care.

What is a Dental HMO Insurance Plan?

A Dental Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) insurance plan is a type of dental insurance plan that typically requires you to choose a primary care dentist. This dentist will serve as your primary point of contact for all dental needs and will refer you to specialists within the HMO network if necessary. HMO dental insurance plans usually have lower monthly premiums than PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), but they may have more limited options for dental care providers. It’s essential to review the plan details and network of providers to ensure you can get the care you need at a price that works for you.

Call our office at 310-534-3444. We are happy to review our HMO dental insurance plan options with you.

Want an individual dental insurance plan to help you with the cost of your dental care needs? If you’re looking for a dental insurance plan to assist you with the price of your dental care needs, we can help you find the right one. Many options are available in the market, so we can explore them together and find the one that suits your needs and budget.

How Does Dental Insurance Help You With Your Dental Care Cost?

Dental insurance can help you save money on your dental care costs by covering all or a portion of the expenses associated with routine checkups, cleanings, X-rays, and other preventive services. Depending on your specific dental insurance plan, it may also cover a portion of the cost of therapeutic services, such as fillings, crowns, bridges, and orthodontic treatment. By reducing your out-of-pocket expenses, dental insurance can make it easier for you to maintain good oral health and seek necessary dental care when you need it.

Having Dental Insurance Helps You Visit the Dentist Regularly

Having dental insurance can encourage you to visit the dentist regularly because most dental insurance plans cover the cost of preventive care, such as routine checkups, cleanings, and X-rays. By taking advantage of these covered services, you can maintain good oral health and address any potential issues before they become more severe and costly. Additionally, many dental insurance plans offer incentives for regular checkups and cleanings, such as lower copays or deductibles, which can further encourage you to prioritize your dental health. Overall, having dental insurance can help make dental care more affordable and accessible, making it easier for you to care for your teeth and gums.

Question: What is the best individual dental plan to get? I have a budget of $40.00 a month on dental insurance, and I wonder if it is better to go with a lower-cost HMO plan or max my budget and get a PPO plan with a low max limitation of 1000.00.

Answer: This question depends on your own dental care needs. A low-cost HMO plan such as our California Dental and or Delta Dental is not only more affordable than our PPO options, but HMOs tend to make budgeting dental care services easier since they base their benefits on a fee schedule, which lets you know the cost for each covered service.

A PPO is more provider-friendly. PPO insurance plans allow you to choose from a broader provider list than HMO plans. However, they also typically provide benefits to non or outside-network providers. If you are still trying to decide about your options, call our member service line at 310-534-3444, as they will be happy to help you with the available dental plan options.

We have over 50 dental insurance plan options that provide a broad range of monthly costs that can help meet most people’s spend-down requirements to eliminate your share of cost.

ShareofCost.com is proud to be providing dental insurance plans now for over 20 years, helping people meet their spend-down requirements. We also have vision insurance which, like dental insurance, is an acceptable expense to reduce your income to help eliminate your medical/medicare share of cost.

If you have any questions about our dental insurance and plan options, please call our member services line at 310-534-3444, as we will be happy to assist you in your dental insurance search.

Knowing your options will help you make a more informed decision on your dental health care plan. At ShareofCost.com, we provide over 50 dental insurance plan options for your view so you can best pick the plan that will fit you and or your family’s needs. When choosing the right dental insurance plan for you and or your family, it is helpful to know the different plan types available.

What is a Dental HMO Insurance Plan? A Dental HMO Insurance plan is a type of dental insurance in which you must choose a primary care dentist who will provide most of your dental care. You can only see specialists if your primary care dentist refers you to them. Dental HMO plans typically have lower out-of-pocket costs than other dental insurance plans, but they also have less flexibility regarding which dentists you can see.

What is a Dental PPO Insurance Plan? A Dental PPO Insurance plan is a type of dental insurance that allows you to see any dentist you want, even if they are outside of the plan’s network. However, you typically pay less if you see a dentist within the plan’s network. Dental PPO plans tend to have higher out-of-pocket costs than Dental HMO plans, but they also offer more flexibility when choosing a dentist.

What is a Dental Indemnity Insurance Plan? A Dental Indemnity Insurance plan is a type of dental insurance that allows you to see any dentist you want without any limitations or restrictions on which dentists you can see. You will typically pay a percentage of the cost of your dental care, and the insurance company will pay the remaining percentage. Dental Indemnity plans tend to have higher out-of-pocket costs than other dental insurance plans, but they also offer the most flexibility when choosing a dentist.

For anyone who wants to address a spend-down to eliminate their share of cost, we at ShareOfCost.com have a broad range of dental insurance plans which help us meet your spend-down requirements. Just call our office, and we will go over the options available. Our member service line is at 310-534-3444, and we will be happy to assist you in buying the best dental plan for your needs.

Whether you want basic dental coverage for preventive dental care to maintain your oral health care or a specialty referral for more extensive dental care needs, California Dental Insurance has HMO insurance plans to help address your current and future dental care. 

What is a Dental HMO Insurance Plan? A Dental HMO Insurance plan is a type of dental insurance in which you must choose a primary care dentist who will provide most of your dental care. You can only see specialists if your primary care dentist refers you to them. Dental HMO plans typically have lower out-of-pocket costs than other dental insurance plans, but they also have less flexibility regarding which dentists you can see.

For people who may have a lower spend down amount, these HMO plans work well for that. These California dental HMO insurance plans range from $7.95 to $12.95 and $18.95 monthly for an individual. Making so you do not have to overspend for lower spend-down requirements. Our office can help you meet your spend-down requirement on a low-high spend-down cost requirement.

Whether you have questions about California Dental or any of our other insurance plan options, please call our member service line at 310-534-3444, as we will be happy to assist you in buying the best dental plan for your needs.