Grove's Blog

Grove's Blog

Posts for tag: Preventive Dentistry

Do you still have dental benefits remaining for 2011? Hurry and make your appointment now! Only five weeks remain to use your unused dollars before they’re lost forever.

Not only will your unused benefits not roll over into 2012, you may also be putting your dental health at risk.  Use your insurance for regular cleanings and checkups to keep your teeth and gums healthy.  Outstanding treatment?  You can maximize remaining benefits for suggested treatment you’ve been putting off, such as a filling or crown.

Call Grove today to schedule:

  • General exams and cleanings
  • Fluoride treatments
  • Sealants
  • Fillings
  • Dental implants
  • Crown or bridge work
  • Orthodontics
  • Oral surgery
  • Periodontics
  • Dentures
  • Root canal therapy

Contact the Member Service Department of your dental health plan if you are unsure of the status of your dental benefits.  Now’s the time to come in for treatment and maximize your year-end benefits before its too late.  Beat the end-of-the-year rush and make your appointment with Grove today!

As we near the end of 2011, remember to take advantage of any remaining dental benefits. Every year you receive a maximum dollar amount from your dental insurance company. If you don’t use the full amount by the end of the year, any unused dollars will be lost forever. 

  • Yearly Maximum
    Your yearly maximum is the greatest amount of money that your dental insurance company will pay for your dental work within one full year.  If you have unused benefits, these will not roll over into the next year.
  • Premiums
    Every month you’re paying a premium in order to have dental insurance, so make sure you are taking advantage of the benefits you’re entitled to. Use your insurance for regular cleanings and checkups to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
  • Don’t Delay Treatment
    If you’ve been putting off treatment, now is the time to schedule your appointment.  Delaying regular cleanings, X-rays and other treatments may lead to more extensive dental work down the road.  Use your insurance while you have it!

If you are uncertain about the status of your dental benefits, contact the member service department of your dental health plan. Coverage varies based on your specific plan.

Contact your Grove Dentist today to schedule your:

  • General exams and cleanings
  • Fluoride treatments
  • Sealants
  • Fillings
  • Dental implants
  • Crown or Bridge work
  • Orthodontics
  • Oral Surgery
  • Periodontics
  • Dentures
  • Root Canal Therapy

Schedule your appointment with Grove now to ensure that all covered treatment is completed before the end of 2011. Your oral health is important to us, and we want to make sure you receive the care you need—and the benefits you’ve already paid for! 

 

After months or even years of wearing braces, your orthodontist may give you a removable retainer as the next stage of treatment to keep your teeth straight and aligned.

Along with good brushing and flossing, wearing your retainer is an important step for the maintenance of your new smile.  But what many people don’t know is that their oral device can develop a buildup of potentially harmful bacteria if it isn’t cleaned properly.  

Recent studies have found that retainers may harbor more than food; it can actually be a breeding ground for microscopic pathogens.  Since retainers aren’t typically worn at all hours of the day, the potential for bacteria transmission is high.

Keeping your retainer clean as a part of your regular brushing and flossing regimen will only take a few extra minutes.  It will not only smell and taste better, but it will also help put a halt to bacteria growth.

Here are a few helpful tips to keep your retainer clean and bacteria-free:

Always rinse your retainer in water after you’ve removed it as dry saliva can cause tartar buildup

  • Remember to clean your retainer storage case periodically to avoid cross-contamination
  • Carefully brush your retainer with a toothbrush and tooth paste to help keep the retainer clean, before and after use
  • Wash hands before and after handling the retainer
  • Never use hot water to rinse or clean your retainer as it may distort the shape of the appliance
  • Ask your dentist before cleaning your appliance with alcohol-based mouthwashes or denture cleaners as they can dry out your retainer, causing it to crack.

While most people are aware of good brushing and flossing habits, the care of removable oral devices is often overlooked. Make it a priority to keep your retainer clean as a part of your routine dental care. And if you need help keeping it in tip top shape, ask Grove for assistance.  

It’s easy to let your oral hygiene slide, especially during summer months when schedules naturally become busier.  Allow your regular dental care to slip and you’ll be sorry; it could lead to serious consequences for your teeth and gums, as well as the need for more extensive, costly dental work down the road.

Since many dental problems are painless at first, if you don't regularly visit your dentist, you may not be aware of dental problems until they cause serious damage—and pain! For best results, schedule regular dental check-ups every six months.  Your dentist can identify any needed treatment at a very early, minor stage. 

A decaying tooth may not hurt, so you could have a cavity and not even know it! Without proper diagnosis and treatment, the cavity will grow.  Small decay that may only need a small filling, if left untreated, may eventually require a large filling, root canal or even crown.

Preventive dentistry is good for health and your pocketbook!  Cleanings, exams, x-rays, mouthguards and sealants are some of the preventive services offered at Grove Dental that help you keep your natural teeth for a lifetime.  A combination of good oral hygiene at home and regular visits to one of our offices will help you prevent many dental problems, and save time and money.

This summer, do yourself a favor – don’t put off dental visits and treatment.  It’s good for your health and wealth!



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Dentist - Downers Grove, Grove Dental Associates, 6800 Main Street, Third Floor, Downers Grove IL, 60516 (630) 969-5350