At Bow Island Dental Centre, we are more than happy to answer more of your dental health questions. Our office is always welcoming new patients. Schedule an appointment with either our Bow Island or Coaldale location.
At Bow Island Dental Centre, we accept payment from a patient’s benefit carrier. Often offered by your employer, dental plans can help you pay for various dental treatments. Insurance companies or benefit carriers reimburse you based on the level of coverage provided by your employer.
During your dental office visit, your dentist may create a dental treatment plan that may be different from what your dental plan covers. It is your choice whether or not you decide to go ahead with the recommended treatment.
It is recommended to avoid making your dental treatment decisions based solely on what your plan covers. If you agree to have the treatment, it's your responsibility to pay for the portion that your insurance will not cover.
Your dentist may offer a payment plan if you do not have a dental insurance and are unable to afford paying your entire bill at once. If you find that a payment plan is not the solution, and you still cannot afford your treatment, we recommend contacting the nearest:
- Social services agency – you may qualify for government-funded dental care
- Dental school – senior dental students provide treatment at a reduced cost
Dental services appear expensive, but in Canada, we do not have to pay directly when visiting a doctor or hospital. As a result, we may not fully realize the high cost of providing health services. In general, overhead costs are high for dentists because of staff, equipment, and various operating costs.
One way to avoid costly dental treatments is with frequent brushing, flossing, and regular visits to the dentist for exams. Although regular dental exams cost money, fixing dental issues caused by neglect are more expensive.
Once more your oral health will determine how often you need an x-ray. If you have not had any cavities or any other problems for a couple of years, an x-ray won’t be required at every appointment. However, with a less stable dental situation, your dentist may wish to monitor your progress with frequent x-rays.
Ask your dentist if you are not sure why a particular x-ray is being taken. Dental x-rays deliver very little radiation and are vital tools for your dentist in finding small problems before they develop into bigger issues.
The importance of regular dental exams and cleanings is to catch small problems early before they develop into something more serious. How often you visit the dentist depends on your oral health needs. For many individuals, visiting the dentist every six months is ideal. Your dentist might suggest more or less visits depending on the care needed for your teeth and gums. Do you have problems that require regular checkups or treatment? How fast does tartar build up for your teeth? These questions and more are considered when your dentist suggests exams.
Determining how often you visit the dentist concerns the following factors:
- Flossing every day
- Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and as your dentist instructed
- Eating a well-balanced diet from all food groups and limiting sweets
- Smoking
- Your history of cavities or gum disease
- Overall health
It is important to resist determining your need for dental care based solely on what is covered in your dental plan.
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