How do the costs at Dental Care by Design compare to other local dental practices?
At Dental Care by Design, we offer competitive rates for our dental services. Our goal is not to be the lowest-priced dental office in the area but to provide the highest quality care at an affordable price. We invest significant time in our patients and ensure that all treatment is done with great care and expertise.
What dental services have standardized pricing at Dental Care by Design?
We are preferred providers for Delta Dental Premier Insurance. We also accept and bill all other PO insurance plans, assisting our patients in maximizing their reimbursement based on their specific plans.
Why do the costs of some procedures vary?
The cost of dental procedures can vary due to the nature of each specific treatment. Some procedures require less chair time and fewer materials, resulting in lower costs. Other treatments demand more intensive labor and expertise from the dentist, leading to higher prices. For instance, a tooth may require a crown, a cap that covers and protects the tooth to prevent it from fracturing. Some teeth may only need a crown without an additional filling, referred to as a buildup, which keeps the overall procedure cost lower. In other cases, both a buildup and a crown may be necessary, which increases the cost. Our dentist will evaluate the tooth and inform the patient during the dental examination about the necessary procedure. We cannot provide price quotes prior to the examination, as we are not dentists and cannot assess the specific needs of each tooth.
Can Dental Care by Design help me understand if my insurance will cover the cost of my dental care?
Yes, we take the responsibility of explaining each patient's insurance coverage very seriously and do our best to be as knowledgeable about each plan as we can. We routinely contact insurance companies on behalf of our patients to facilitate a better understanding of treatment costs. Given the wide variety of insurance plans and their specific variations, it can be challenging to determine the exact out-of-pocket costs for each procedure. Any quotes given are always an estimation. Interestingly, patients often find that their insurance companies are more responsive when they reach out directly.
If my insurance will not cover the full cost of my dental care, are financing options available?
Yes. If your insurance does not cover the full cost of your dental care, we provide convenient payment options, including two to three installment payments for treatment exceeding $1,000. Additionally, we offer financing through third-party options such as Care Credit or Lending Club if needed. Your oral health is our priority, and we strive to ensure that you can complete the necessary treatment to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Does Dental Care by Design offer a discount for paying in cash upfront?
Yes, we are pleased to offer a discount to patients who prepay in full for their treatment using cash or check.
Why do I need regular dental checkups?
Dental checkups prevent bad dental conditions like decay, gum and bone disease, dental infections, and soft tissue pathologies in the mouth from going undetected. For example, if you have a decayed tooth in your mouth and it has been going undetected for a long period of time, it will develop into a bacterial infection of your nerve inside the tooth. Nerve infection will result in severe toothache and possible tooth loss. This can be prevented by finding a smaller cavity in your tooth and fixing it before it gets any bigger. During dental checkups, different dental and mouth pathologies are detected, and early treatment can save teeth and, in some cases, patients' lives. Some types of cancer develop in the mouth and throat and can be diagnosed during dental checkups.
How often should I get a dental checkup?
Dental checkups usually occur when you come for your dental cleaning appointments. On average, this happens every six months. If you have high decay risk, gum and bone loss disease, or other oral pathologies, it is important to get checked every six months or twice a year. Some of our patients come to us every 12 months for dental cleanings and checkups. Twelve months can be acceptable when you have very good home care and a healthy mouth condition.
Can dental checkups prevent oral health issues?
Yes, dental checkups can prevent oral health problems such as tooth decay, gum and bone disease, dental infections, and inflammation. By identifying issues such as poor home care, plaque accumulation, dry mouth syndrome, and other underlying conditions, your dental provider will notify you about such problems. The following action may include changes in home care, dietary modifications, or using additional dental remedies to prevent deeper problems.
What is included in a dental checkup at Dental Care by Design?
At our Dental Care by Design office, you will often receive dental checkups during your cleaning appointment. This saves you time by eliminating the need for a separate checkup appointment. We also take X-rays of your teeth and bone every 12 to 18 months to ensure that radiographic diagnosis is used. Visual and X-ray diagnoses complement each other and can't be complete without one another. They are necessary parts of the dental checkup and early detection and prevention of dental-related diseases.
What is a dentist looking for during a dental checkup?
Our dentist and hygienist will assess the overall condition of your mouth, such as the amount of plaque around your teeth, signs of decay and tooth infection, signs of soft tissue pathologies, early signs of bone loss, and gum inflammation, or how stable your current bone loss disease is. Our goal is to be your friendly guide to optimum dental and mouth health. We will not shame or hurt you, but will guide you with compassion and respect to build good habits that will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for the rest of your life.
How long does a dental checkup take?
Dental checkups take a few minutes. When combined with dental cleanings and X-rays, it is about a one-hour appointment and done every six months.
Do dental checkups hurt?
No, dental checkups should not hurt you. We will not press or push on your teeth. Our dentist uses a light stream of air to improve the visibility of the teeth and gums, making your checkup very comfortable.
What is the best way to schedule a dental checkup?
The best way to schedule a dental checkup is to call us and request a checkup appointment.
I hope we've been able to answer some of your questions on dental checkups, but if you have additional questions or if you're ready to take action, please give us a call at (360) 800-2372. We're here to help.
