DENTAL PROCEDURES

White Composite Fillings: 

Dental fillings are used to repair damage to the structure of a tooth or teeth. Structural damage can be caused as a result of tooth decay, wear or trauma. After the removal of a problematic tooth structure, the tooth is restored with one of several filling materials: gold, amalgam, composite resin (white filling material) or porcelain. Each filling material has its advantages and disadvantages. Your dentist will work with you to determine which material is appropriate for you. 

Bonding: 

Bonding is the term used to describe the process of using composite resins to “glue” materials to the surface of a tooth for restorative purposes. Chipped or cracked teeth are typically repaired through bonding. An enamel-like composite material is applied to the surface of a tooth, sculpted into shape, contoured and polished, making the crack or chip invisible. 

Root Canals: 

Root canal therapy removes infected pulp tissue within the root chamber of the tooth. The hollowed-out tooth is filled with an antibacterial filling, and the tooth is “capped” with a crown for protection. Endodontists specialize in performing root canal therapy, though general dentists also often perform the restorative procedure. 

Dental Crowns: Dental crowns can repair extensively decayed or damaged teeth. 

Dental Bridges: 

Dental bridges replace missing teeth with artificial replacements (pontic). The pontic is held in place by composite materials that are anchored to surrounding teeth. General dentists, family dentists, prosthodontists and cosmetic dentists may perform bridge procedures. Availability of the latest materials, technology and expertise varies among dentists. 

Periodontal Treatment: 

Early gum disease treatment may include tooth scaling and cleaning at three-month intervals along with use of medicated mouthwash and proper flossing. Later-stage gum disease treatment may include deep-plane scaling, periodontal surgery and laser surgery.

A health savings account, or HSA, is a special savings account designed for people with a high-deductible health insurance plan. You put money into the account and can use it to cover certain medical, dental, and orthodontic costs, including Invisalign clear aligners. You may set aside up to $3,400 for an individual or $6,750 for a family annually. To open an HSA, you must meet IRS eligibility requirements.

You don’t pay taxes on the money you put in an FSA or HSA.

Before you begin your Invisalign treatment, talk to both your doctor’s office and your benefits manager. You may be able to pay your doctor and be reimbursed from your FSA or HSA. Your benefits provider may also be able to pay your doctor directly.

Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign treatment the same way they cover braces. Your insurance may pay for a certain percentage of your Invisalign treatment, or it may pay for a certain dollar amount. Often there is a lifetime cap on the amount insurance will pay for orthodontic treatment.