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for Your Oral Health
Why Are Some People More Prone to Cavities Than Others?
Dental Insurance vs. Dental Membership Plans
When it comes to paying for your dental care, there are a few different ways to access more affordable services. Two of the main methods are dental insurance and dental membership plans. With both, you’re able to lower your out-of-pocket expenses, but they do have quite a few differences. To help you decide which is the best option for you and your family, we put them side by side for a quick comparison.
Dental Insurance 101
Dental insurance works the same way as your regular health insurance. You pay a monthly premium for a specified amount of benefits. Once your deductible is reached, then the insurance pays either all of part of the service costs up to the maximum in your plan. What is covered and by how much will vary from plan to plan. Many dental insurance plans do cover twice-a-year preventive visits at 100%.
Some companies offer dental insurance to their employees. However, many times people must choose and purchase their own dental insurance plan.
Dental Membership Plans 101
These plans are an attractive option for those without dental insurance. However, dental membership plans are not actually an insurance plan. Rather than covering dental expenses, these types of plans (also called dental savings plans or dental savers plans) offer access to discounted services. The exact amount of the discount depends on both the plan and the type of service. Many times, dental membership plans also include routine preventive care at no additional cost. To join, you have to pay an annual membership fee.
One of the biggest advantages of dental membership plans is that there’s no dealing with any of the things that can make insurance a bit overwhelming. That means there are no deductibles, waiting periods, exclusions, claim submission forms, or annual maximums.
Dental Wellness Club at Springs Village Dentistry
We offer our own dental membership plan called the Dental Wellness Club. There are three membership tiers, depending on your oral care needs. Preventive care is included in the plan in addition to one emergency dental visit. Members are also entitled to a discount on additional preventive treatments and many restorative procedures. Oral surgery is also discounted. We also accept insurance at our dental practice in Holly Springs. If you have more questions about either dental insurance or our dental membership plan, the Springs Village Dentistry team is happy to help! Contact us today, and we’ll be there to guide you through your financial options.
Why Mom’s Oral Health Is Crucial for the Newborn
It’s no secret that a pregnant woman’s health is tied to her baby’s health. But what does that mean when it comes to oral health? What happens to that connection when the woman has given birth? In this blog post, we tackle why it’s so important for mothers to take care of their dental health and how that relates to their baby.
During Pregnancy
Dental health is an important part of prenatal care. Keeping up with your regular dental exams and cleanings is crucial. Many people may not realize that the hormone and diet changes that come with pregnancy can increase your risk of certain oral health issues like cavities and gingivitis. Aside from concern about the mother’s dental health alone, why does this matter? Well, research has found a connection between gum disease in the pregnant woman and premature birth. Needless to say, this opens the door to the other concerns for the newborn’s health associated with premature delivery.
After Birth
Dental decay can be transmitted from person to person. That means that every time a mother tests her baby’s bottle with her mouth, tries her baby’s food before feeding them with the same spoon, or cleans the baby’s pacifier by putting it in her own mouth, there’s a chance that her cavity-causing bacteria will be transmitted to the baby. Long story short, keeping your dental health in check is helping keep your newborn’s dental health in check.
Family Dental Care in Holly Springs, NC
Do you have any other questions about this parent-newborn oral health connection? Whether you’d like to know more about kids’ dental health care, or you have concerns about your own oral wellness, the Springs Village Dentistry team is here to help. We welcome your whole family to Springs Village Dentistry, and we’d love to be your partners on the path to healthier smiles. Call or email us today to set up an appointment!
What To Do if I Have a Tooth Abscess
A tooth abscess is an infection that needs immediate treatment. If you put off going to the dentist, you may experience serious consequences such as bone or tooth loss. Springs Village Dentistry wants you to know what to look for in order to preserve your dental health.
What Are the Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess?
A tooth abscess can form in the root of your tooth or on the gums. The most common symptoms include:
- Severe toothache
- Fever
- Swelling of the gums
- Sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink
- Bad breath
When Should You Visit the Dentist for a Tooth Abscess?
If you are experiencing the symptoms listed above, get in touch with us at Springs Village Dentistry to schedule an appointment. Early intervention is best! It is easier and cheaper to treat the problem immediately rather than letting the infection fester. A tooth abscess is usually a dental emergency, so let our team know about your symptoms so we can see you on the same day or as soon as possible.
How Is a Tooth Abscess Treated?
Depending on the severity and location of the tooth abscess, there are different treatment options. Here’s a look at what may happen if you are diagnosed with a tooth abscess.
This dental procedure will remove the infection inside the tooth and restore its strength with a dental crown.
If a tooth abscess is too severe to save the tooth, you may get the tooth removed and replaced with a dental implant.
A small incision is made to drain the pus from the abscess. You may also get irrigation to prevent further infection.
Dental Treatment at Springs Village Dentistry
If you suspect you have a tooth abscess, please schedule an appointment with our Holly Springs office right away. We can do a full evaluation and recommend a treatment plan that works for you. Contact us today to get treatment for a dental abscess.
Are Root Canals Preventable?
The truth is that tooth decay is mostly preventable. A root canal is necessary if tooth decay is so severe that a filling won’t correct it. Read on to learn more about how you can avoid the need for a root canal.
What Is Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay is when bacteria or plaque build-up and cause damage to the tooth. Plaque can cause sugar to turn into acid, leading to problems like cavities or gum disease. Cavities are tiny holes in your enamel. Early detection is key to preventing small cavities from becoming deep cavities. If you catch a cavity early enough, you may only need a filling to prevent further damage to your tooth.
When Do You Need a Root Canal?
Dr. Molta or Dr. Moore may recommend a root canal if the decay is severe and has reached the interior of the tooth. A root canal will clean out the infection and save your natural tooth. Some symptoms of needing a root canal may include:
- Severe toothache
- Chronic tooth sensitivity, especially to extreme temperatures
- Tooth discoloration
- Tender or swollen gums
Tips on preventing a root canal
It’s ideal for you to have a proper oral health care routine to remove plaque, food particles, and other bacteria that could cause tooth decay. At the least, you should brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. Don’t forget to use fluoride toothpaste for the best results. Visits to Springs Village Dentistry for a dental exam every six months allow our team to notice cavities early before a root canal is needed to treat the tooth. We can also offer you personalized advice on how best to take care of your teeth and any treatment options you may need.
Comprehensive dental care in Holly Springs, NC
Do you need your biannual dental exam? Or have you started to notice tooth pain? At Springs Village Dentistry, our friendly dental staff is ready to help you. Please give us a call and schedule an appointment.
What Is It Like to Be Under Dental Sedation
Sedation dentistry is an option for people who feel anxious about going to the dentist. The experienced and gentle team at Springs Village Dentistry understands your stress and will make you feel comfortable for your appointment with sedation options. Other situations where people receive sedation include patients that are undergoing an advanced restorative treatment. Many people wonder what to expect and what they should do to prepare for sedation. Here is what you should know.
What is it like to be under nitrous oxide sedation?
Nitrous oxide is also known as laughing gas. This is a mild but effective sedation treatment. The nitrogen and oxygen blend is delivered by a mask that goes over your nose. You will remain conscious and alert while under nitrous oxide sedation. You will also feel deeply relaxed and not feel any fear. Nitrous oxide wears off within a few minutes of breathing normal oxygen and is completely safe.
What is it like to be under oral conscious sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is a medication that you will take before your treatment begins. The oral medication may make you feel mildly or moderately sedated. You will still be conscious, but you may feel more deeply relaxed compared to nitrous oxide. You will be able to communicate with your dentist and be aware of your surroundings while under sedation. Since this is more heavy sedation, you might end up feeling groggy for the rest of your day. It may also take a few hours for the effects to wear off.
How should I prepare for sedation therapy?
You will want to discuss your medical history and current health with our team to determine if sedation therapy is the right choice for you. If you’re going to use nitrous oxide sedation, you won’t need to make any advanced preparations. If you’re using oral conscious sedation, you need to bring someone with you to the appointment. You will not be able to drive yourself home since the sedation will not wear off in time.
Sedation Dentistry at Springs Village Dentistry
Regardless of if you are getting sedation for anxiety or because of advanced treatment, our team in Holly Springs, NC is ready and prepared to help you have a smooth experience with us. Are you ready to schedule your next visit? Give us a call to make an appointment at a time convenient to you.
How To Prepare My Child For Their First Visit To The Dentist
Going to the dentist can be scary for kids, so preparing them well is important. Kids should visit the dentist around their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth’s eruption. Here are some ways to prepare your child for this big milestone.
Introduce them to books & videos about the dentist
There are many books and videos for kids about going to the dentist and dental care. Many are available at your local library. Showing them to your kids when they’re very young prepares them for future visits and a lifetime of good oral hygiene. They’ll have a better understanding of what to expect at the dentist and why it’s important to go.
Be positive about the dentist
You may get anxious about going to the dentist, but it’s important not to let your fears worry your child. Kids are very aware of their parents’ emotions, so if they see that you’re nervous, they’ll get nervous, too. When talking about the dentist, speak positively and don’t bring up your bad experiences. When you have an appointment, act excited. When your child sees you happy about visiting the dentist, they’re more likely to feel good about their first visit.
Introduce them to the office beforehand
For many kids, the newness of an experience is very intimidating. Your child will likely feel more comfortable at their first appointment if they’ve seen the office beforehand. Call us about popping in and touring before your appointment. We also have pictures of the office on our website.
Schedule the appointment at the right time
We’ve found that kids do better at morning appointments because they’re more alert. If they’re sleepy and grumpy, their experience won’t be as positive. Having the appointment early also means you don’t have to deal with hours of anticipation. It’s also a good idea to leave yourself a little extra time to get to the appointment. Hurrying and worrying about being late can also stress kids out.
Kid-friendly dentistry in Holly Springs, NC
At Springs Village Dentistry, we offer a variety of services for children, including cleanings, exams, sports mouthguards, fillings, sealants, and more. We’re also registered with the Baby Oral Health Program. For your convenience, we have block appointments, so it’s possible to get your whole family’s dental care taken care of in one visit. If you have any questions or want to schedule a visit, please contact us today!
Connect with us
We can’t wait to meet you.
Call (919) 825-3131 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.