Over the years, we’ve had a few patients who had a fear level so high that they couldn’t bring themselves to walk in our door. As a periodontal specialist, I know that many people with periodontal disease acquire it because their dental fears prevent them from regular dental care. Please know that we are experienced in caring for high-fear patients and have several options for comfort, including Oral Sedation.

Oral Sedation is in pill form, so no needles are used to administer the medication. It is safe and taken prior to the patient’s arrival at our office. This means they are typically very relaxed and comfortable by the time they arrive. Additionally, our staff members monitor sedated patients throughout their procedure. Oral Sedation also eliminates most memory of the visit and recovery is quick.

Occasionally, a patient leaves our care because their insurance becomes ‘out-of’-network,’ often due to a job change or policy adjustment. Our standard of care is such that not every insurance is sufficient for the high standards that referring Doctors and patients have come to know here. We have some patients who have out-of-network policies, yet prefer the care we provide versus others who are in-network. These patients merely pay for the portion not covered by their insurance and we file so any reimbursement is sent directly to them.

I’m proud to say I have had VERY few patients who’ve left because they were unhappy with something. In most cases, the patient never voiced a concern or expectation. While my staff and I try hard to address any issue to a patient’s satisfaction, I’ve come to know that you cannot please ALL the people ALL the time, no matter what you do.

If you have questions about any area that creates an obstacle in having care provided by us, please mention this. For those who have left and wish to return, please know our door is open. Your optimal dental health is our ultimate desire!

Very few of my patients are wealthy. Most of them are on careful budgets and watch their expenses carefully. Yet, the ones who truly understand the value of a healthy smile and ability to chew comfortably also understand that insurance is not watching out for their long-term well-being. These are typically the patients with healthy, worry-free smiles who have made decisions based on what is in THEIR best interest rather than what their insurance company approves or allows in a given year.

Although some dental needs can reach quite a high amount, our patients know we will help them every way possible. In addition to providing insurance filing, we offer several payment options. Some of these require no down payment and no interest when payments are completed in a set period of time. Some are even tax deductible.

Additionally, we are happy to structure your treatment in segments so expenses are paced in an affordable sequence. We’ve worked with some patients who’ve combined their Health Savings Account with a credit card. Some have opted for treatment based on their ability to use funds from a second mortgage.

When people understand the total health benefits of a healthy mouth and the ability to chew comfortably, achieving their goal is no longer an issue of money. As one patient put it, “I have to spend money on essentials, but I choose to invest in things that are even more important. I can’t think of anything in my mouth that isn’t worth investing in.”

Let us know if you would like to discuss financial options so you, too, can achieve the oral health and confident smile you deserve.

To achieve a younger-looking appearance, many men and women invest in facial plastic surgery. Since your smile has such a significant effect on your appearance, having an attractive smile can greatly improves appearance and erase many years. This is especially true for people who have missing teeth and wear dentures, partials or a bridge.

When natural tooth roots are missing, bone loss begins. As the jaw shrinks, deep wrinkling occurs around the mouth. The corners of the mouth turn downward, even in a smile. Jowls form as facial muscles detract from the shrinking bone. With severe bone loss, the chin looks more pointed while the mouth seems to collapse into the face. This creates a ‘granny look’ that ages the individual far beyond their actual years.

Dentures and partials tend to ‘fluff up’ the face when in place, camouflaging areas of bone loss. For a true look at the extent of bone loss that has occurred, look in the mirror when your denture or partial is removed.

When Dental Implants are placed, they become a part of you, bonding with existing bone to halt the progression of bone loss. Dental Implants restore a stable foundation for biting, chewing, speaking and laughing. An added benefit is how they give your face a healthy, appealing look!

If you wear dentures or partials and are considering facial rejuvenation, call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation. We’ll explain how Dental Implants can enhance your overall health AND appearance. And, since they are designed to last a lifetime, they make a wise investment that gives your entire body many benefits!

When we make treatment recommendations to patients, they are according to what is necessary for their long term oral health. Although dental insurance programs are designed to help with the financial requirements of many treatments, they are not intended to cover all your dental needs and goals.

Over the past decade, insurance has become a major part of health care decisions. With most plans through employers, unions, and associations, the range of benefits often have limited coverage or for specific services only.

When much-needed treatment is denied because, “My insurance doesn’t cover it,” it is the patient who loses out while the insurance company protects their bottom line. Typically, nothing in your mouth is going to improve without treatment. Delay often causes treatment costs and time to increase. And, delays can jeopardize the life of your teeth.

Make decisions based upon what is best for your long term oral health. A confident smile is worth much more than what your insurance coverage deems you deserve according to your yearly maximum.