HealthPark Dentistry

2008-07-07T10:20:00.001-04:00

Pregnancy and Oral Health

Research shows that pregnant women who develop gum disease are at an increased risk for delivering preterm or low-birth-weight babies. There is a strong relationship between oral health and overall general health. Good oral hygiene is an indicator of good health, which is why dental health care providers play such an important role in healthcare.

Sarah Trosell...EFDA, Assistant Team Leader

2008-06-10T11:58:00.000-04:00

Dentures

If you’ve lost all of your natural teeth, whether from periodontal disease, tooth decay or injury, complete dentures can replace your missing teeth and your smile. Replacing missing teeth will benefit your appearance and your health. Without support from the denture, facial muscles sag, making a person look older. You’ll be able to eat and speak – things that people often take for granted until their natural teeth are lost.

Sarah Trosell-Assistant Team Leader/EFDA

2008-05-29T13:09:00.002-04:00

Benefits of Mulitple Specialists In One Convenient Location

Our multi specialty practice is convenient for many people. A client from out of state was able to get a periodontal opinion that she had been putting off. Complete life time treatment is achieved with the specialist when needed. Even amongst the dentists, they can get multiple professional opinions quickly and after consulting with the patient, decide the best treatment This is one of the ways Health Park is unique.

Patty Wilt...Hygienist

2008-05-29T13:01:00.001-04:00

Mouth Guards

Many sports that people play involve some sort of safety equipment. Weather it be knee pads, shoulder pads, shin guards or face masks, the goal is to keep your body protected. People take a lot of time and effort to protect themselves, but what about protecting your mouth? Weather you know it or not many injuries can happen to your mouth causing much pain and discomfort. Fixing sports injuries to the mouth can be very expensive as well as very time consuming depending on the injury. People can suffer from broken or cracked teeth. One of the most severe injuries you can suffer is a broken palate which can only be fixed with surgery. You may ask “well with all the things that can happen to your mouth what can you do to protect your self”? The answer is simple… wear a mouth guard! Mouth guards are simple and relatively inexpensive way to protect yourself. Mouth guards help cushion blows that might otherwise cause broken teeth, injuries to the lips, tongue, face, or jaw. They also may reduce the severity and incidence of concussions. The most effective mouth guard should be resilient, tear-resistant and comfortable. It should also fit properly, be durable, easy to clean, and not restrict your speech or breathing.

Tara, Dental Hygienist

2008-04-08T14:50:00.001-04:00

How to get the most out of your dental insurance

Content:
You have to know the rules of insurance in order to maximize your benefits. Here are some questions to understand about how dental insurance works:

Doesn’t my dental insurance cover everything?Dental insurance isn’t really insurance (defined as a payment to cover the cost of a loss) at all. It actually is a benefit, typically provided by an employer, that helps employees pay for routine dental treatment. The employer decides on the plan based on the amount of the benefit and how much the premium costs per month. Benefit plans are only designed to cover a portion of the total cost of treatment.

But my plan says that my exams and certain other procedures are covered 100 percent.
The key question is 100% of what? This means 100% of the schedule of benefits your employer has chosen. Usually these schedules are less than the fees that dentists actually charge. For example, the insurance company’s schedule of benefits states it pays 100% for cleanings up to the schedule maximum of $50. However, dentists actual fee is $70. The insurance company pays you $50 for the cleaning, and you pay the other $20. This means the actual coverage was 71% not 100%. Welcome to the real world of dental insurance.

So, the dental insurance company sets the payment they pay per procedure, and that’s the UCR.
Many carriers refer to their allowed payments as UCR, which stands for “usual, customary, and
reasonable.” However, as is usually the case with insurance, this does not mean exactly what it seems to mean. UCR is actually a list of payments for treatment set by the insurance company. This payment is related to the cost of the premiums and the geographical area where you live.

Again, these payments are usually meant to help pay for dental treatment, not to cover the entire cost, so this payment is not the recommended fee for all dentists in your area to charge.

You should know:

Deductible $________________
How much you will pay out of pocket before your dental insurance pays for treatment.

Maximum $_______________
How much your plan pays per person, per year.

In-Network vs. Out of Network
Will your plan pay out of network benefits to non-member dentists? What is the difference in payments?

Pre-existing conditions clause?
Some insurance companies use this missing tooth clause as an excuse to deny coverage. If your tooth was missing before you received dental insurance, then they will not pay to replace it.

Waiting periods?
Some plans require a one year wait before they will pay for treatment. This guarantees they will make money on your premium without having to pay out benefits.

Products & Cosmetics not included.
All insurance plans deny payment for electric toothbrushes, adult prescription strength fluoride toothpaste, whitening, and crowns/veneers for appearance improvement only. (You can use your flex or .HSA for this.)

Alternative benefits clause?
To reduce their expenses, most insurance companies will only approve payment for the least expensive treatment option available, even though it’s not the choice you would like. For example, you might like a crown, but your plan will only pay for a large filling. Or you might like a tooth-colored filling and they will pay for silver.

Secondary dental insurance: non-duplication of benefits clause?
The secondary insurance company says the amount they would have paid already has been paid by the first primary insurance company – so they won’t pay anything. If you are in this situation, complain to your employer and consider dropping your secondary insurance.

Pre-Treatment Estimates (PTE)
If you want to know how much your insurance company will pay, then ask us to send a PTE for you. Your insurance will return a written EOB (Estimate of Benefits) showing the payment for each treatment. Insurance takes 2-4 weeks to process this for you. Watch out though, this PTE is not a guarantee, your insurance reserves the right to reduce or deny coverage anyway.

If you have more questions about your dental insurance plan, just give us a call – ask to talk to Jamie, our reigning insurance expert!

JiLL Nesbitt--MBA, Office Manager

2008-04-08T09:59:00.000-04:00

Periodontal Disease

The longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums that is called “gingivitis.” When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to “periodontitis” which means inflammation around the tooth. In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form “pockets” that are infected. Bacterial toxins and the body’s enzymes fighting the infections actually start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and connective tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.

Sarah Trosell--EFDA, Assistant Team Leader

2008-03-06T12:23:00.002-05:00

Cavities...

Your mouth is a busy place. Bacteria are tiny colonies of living organisms that are constantly on the move on your teeth, gums, lips, and tongue. Having bacteria in your mouth is a normal thing. While some of the bacteria can be harmful, most are not and some are even helpful. It’s important to see your dentist before a cavity forms so that the plaque you can’t reach with your toothbrush or floss can be removed.

Sarah Trosell--EFDA, Assistant Team Leader

2008-02-12T11:37:00.000-05:00

Congratulations Dr. Pierson!!!

Congratulations to Dr. Pierson and his wife, Kandi. They are the proud new parents to a healthy baby boy. Benjamin Joseph came into the world on January 30, 2008. Ben weighed 8 lbs. 12 oz., and was 22 in long. We wish Dr. Pierson and Kandi the best as they embark on this new journey!

Nikea Bowar--Hygienist

2008-01-31T11:46:00.000-05:00

Fluoride

Fluoride is obtained in two forms: Topical and systemic.

Topical Fluorides strengthen teeth already present in the mouth making them more decay resistant. Topical fluorides include toothpastes, mouthrinses, and professionally applied fluoride therapies
Systemic fluorides are those that are ingested into the body and become incorporated into the forming tooth structures. Systemic fluoride can also give topical protection because fluoride is present in saliva, which continually bathes the teeth. Systemic fluorides include water fluoridation, or dietary fluoride supplements in the form of tablets, drops or lozenges.

Sarah Trosell...Assistant Team Leader

2008-01-31T11:41:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year

Start the new year out right! Get your complete exam from one of our dentists. A complete series of x-rays will be taken and a thorough comprehensive exam will be completed. This is recommended every 5 years to identify any problems before they get too big.

Patty Wilt RDH...Hygiene Team Leader

2008-01-02T11:29:00.000-05:00

Basic Brushing Guidlines

Choose a brush soft, polished bristles and round ends, comfortable in size and shape and allows you to reach every tooth. Hard bristles can injure your gums.
Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of the each tooth.
Use the "toe" of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth.
Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
Brush at least twice a day.

Sara Trosell...EFDA/Assistant Team Leader

2007-11-19T12:51:00.001-05:00

Insurance Benefits

As the year comes to an end, so do most insurance benefits. We can help you optimize your insurance benefits for any remaining dental treatment you'd like to complete before the year ends. Call us to discuss your options.

Patty Wilt--RDH, Hygiene Team Leader

2007-11-12T11:40:00.000-05:00

Choosing a Dentist?

When finding a potentially new dentist, you can ask to meet him or her to ask questions, discuss your concerns, fears, etc. Consider the following:

Is appointment schedule convenient?
Is the office easy to get to?
Does the office appear clean, neat and orderly?
Are special arrangements made for handling emergencies outside of office hours?
Was you medical and dental history recorded?
Does the dentist explain techniques that will help you prevent dental health problems?

Sarah Trosell...Assistant Team Leader

2007-11-12T11:37:00.000-05:00

A Holiday Smile ;)

Gearing up for the holidays? Don't forget your smile. Brighten your smile with take home or our in-office whitening system. To help out your budget, HealthPark is extending a discount for the holidays. Call today to reserve your appointment.

Patty Wilt...Hygienist Team Leader

2007-10-31T13:50:00.000-04:00

Peer Review

At least once a year we hold a peer review for our doctors, hygienists and assistants. During this process we critique the work of our employees. This allows us to have top notch training and quality of our staff. We utilize a grading system that educates our staff and doctors to identify strengths and weakness that may need improvements.

Brigitte Edwards...Secretary

2007-10-03T15:05:00.000-04:00

Dental Hygiene

Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or sooner if the bristles become frayed. A worn toothbrush will not do a thorough job of cleaning your teeth. Children's toothbrushes often need replacing more frequently than adults. Look for the ADA seal on fluoride toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, interdental cleaners, oral irragators, mouth rinses and other oral hygiene products.

Sara Trosell...Assistant Team Leader

2007-09-27T12:49:00.000-04:00

OSHA Visits HealthPark

We are not only about our clients, but also our staff. OSHA was recently invited to tour our office to see if we needed to improve on any safety issues. We hold the highest standards for our staff and our clients, so we feel comfortable having our office evaluated.

Patty Wilt, RDH--Hygiene Team Leader

2007-09-25T11:08:00.000-04:00

Treating Gum Disease With Local Antibiotics

Arestin is a locally administered antibiotic used in adjunct to scaling and root planing for treating periodontal pockets. Your gums wrap around the neck of your tooth creating a "pocket" or space between the tooth and the gum. In a healthy patient, this pocket should be 3-4 mm deep. For Arestin use, the periodontal pockets should be 5mm or deeper and exhibit active infection. This treatment can reduce harmful bacteria before infection spreads and periodontal disease worsens. In 2006, our report revealed that 65% of the patients who received Arestin as treatment had a reduction in pocket depth at their following recare visit.

Nikea Bowar, RDH

2007-09-06T15:19:00.000-04:00

Good Dental Health

Most of us think that taking care of our teeth is simply about having a great smile. It is easy to forget that the health of your teeth, gums and mouth play a major role in your overall health and well-being. Visit your dentist regularly for your dental cleanings and check ups so that problems are addressed before they become emergencies.

Sarah Trosell...EFDA, Assistant Team Leader

2007-08-06T13:15:00.000-04:00

Dental Appointments the Internet Way

Many people today are using the internet for all their needs--paying bills, sending mail, or planning vacations. Why not schedule your dental appointment? Well, that is what you can do if you are an existing patient and have an e-mail address. We can send you a reminder by e-mail letting you know that you are due for your cleaning. You just e-mail us a date and time that works best for you in your busy schedule. It's as easy as that! Plus as a bonus, after your appointment you will receive an e-mail from us asking how your appointment went. We are always looking for new ideas on improving our practice. You can even send responses as anonymous.

Bobbe Baker...Secretary

2007-08-06T11:38:00.000-04:00

Care to Share?

We are now giving out to our current patients "Care to Share Cards". They are for the friends and family of our patients or anyone they know that does not currently have a dentist. They give these new patients a discount on their initial exam with the doctor and the full series of X-rays. Usually a great savings of up to $60 off...How cool is that???

Rhonda Smith...Secretary

2007-08-02T17:11:00.000-04:00

What I've Learned as a Secretary

As a new secretary with the HealthPark Team, I have already learned so much about the importance of dental hygiene because our dentists’ and hygienists’ enthusiasm for helping our patients look and feel better is so inspiring. I make sure that I pass on all that I have learned about dental hygiene to my 4 nieces and nephews. For example, I recently bought them all new toothbrushes, Listerine and flossers. They spent the night over at my house one weekend, and we had a “dental hygiene” lesson, expressing to them the importance of taking good care of their smile. Every time they see me now, they smile really big and say, “Look at my pretty smile, Aunt Mindy!”. I know that what I have learned just being an employee here at HealthPark will be invaluable to myself and my nieces and nephews – and for that I say, “Thank you HealthPark!”

Mindy Blankenship-Secretary

2007-05-21T12:07:00.000-04:00

Contracts With Your Kids

When you bring your children to see the pediatric dentist, you will notice that we make deals (or contracts) with them. These contracts are about their dental hygiene at home such as brushing and flossing and letting their parents help them. We explain the importance of each aspect of oral hygiene so that the child understands when we make the deal with them. The best thing we can do is to teach the kids and their parents how to prevent tooth decay and gingivitis for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Laura Woods--Pediatric Team

2007-05-21T12:01:00.000-04:00

Flossing...

Making flossing a part of your daily routine seems to be a challenge for some patients but it is acutally an easy habit to get into. Flossing can be done anytime throughout the day, not necessarily at the same time of brushing. Flossing can be done while watching your favorite television show, reading the newspaper, or after a snack. The most important part of flossing is to remove plaque and debris daily because the longer the plaque and debris remain between the teeth and around the gums, the higher the risk of gum inflammation (gingivitis), bone loss (periodontal disease), and decay. Daily flossing reduces these risks significantly Find the time and get into the habit of flossing for a healthier mouth and a healthier you!

Nichole, Dental Hygienist

2007-05-10T16:50:00.000-04:00

Focus on Prevention

Adults who go longer than a year or two without a dental cleaning may need to start from the basics and figure out how they can get control of their oral hygiene. During a preventative care (PC) appointment, a hygienist will address your chief concerns. Brushing and flossing techniques will be reviewed as well as establishing a routine to incorporate into a daily habit. The benefits of using flouride will be discussed. Eating habits and sugar intake will show the relationship of sugar and decay. Diet suggestions and modifications will be recommended by the dentist. Daily oral hygiene lays the groundwork for a healthy smile!

Patty Scott--Dental Assistant