Q.I am an individual patient needing several crowns and fillings. What is the best dental insurance I can get for treatment in Flagstaff? I am a self employed plumber.
A. Dental insurance companies are there to make money. Their business model is to insure many people at once through an employer. They count on the statistic that in a given year less than half the people with their insurance will even visit the dentist. When you seek dental insurance individually, they know you need work and will seek treatment. Most dental insurers don't have an individual plan but if they do, it will have a pre-existing condition clause. Occasionally you may find a policy with a limited provider list where the dentist has agreed to charge a small percentage of usual and customary fees. Beware of the quality of treatment in this case. Dental offices run 60% overhead. If a dentist were to discount 50% off their normal fee, they would actually lose money. So the only way to do this and make money is to cut some major corners. In dentistry, you often get what you pay for. To see information on dental insurance at Dr. Bacon's Flagstaff office click here
Friday, April 11, 2014
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Tooth Colored Implants in Flagstaff
Tooth colored posts! The latest technology for patients receiving dental implants in cosmetically sensitive areas!
A dental implant is a titanium screw that is placed into the bone where a missing tooth used to be. The post that attaches to this screw has also been made out of the metal titanium until now. Before the advent of the tooth colored zirconium post, there was frequently a "grey tint" at the gum line where the new implant crown emerged.
With this new technology, a perfectly natural emersion of the porcelain crown from the bone is achieved.
This new post material is extremely strong and there is no worry of it breaking in your cosmetically sensitive area. To find out more and visit our website: Click here.
Saturday, October 26, 2013
"My front teeth look too short" in Flagstaff AZ
Short Teeth in Flagstaff AZ
Do your front teeth appear shorter than they used to be or than you wish they were?
Here are a few dental considerations:
1) Do your teeth measure wider than they are long?
2) Do your teeth have rough edges from chipping
3) Do the gums cover up part of the tooth?
There are different solutions to the above 3 reasons your front teeth may appear too short.
If your teeth are indeed wider than they are long, you may benefit from veneers. Porcelain veneers can be used to increase the length of your teeth to a natural looking and proportional smile.
If the edges of your teeth are rough and worn, you may be grinding. Again, porcelain veneers or crowns may be the restorative solution. You probably would benefit from an occlusal guard also.
If your gums are overgrown and covering part of your teeth, a dental soft tissue laser may be as easy answer. Same day results with little discomfort or healing time, this treatment is often used after recent orthodontics.
A combination of the above dental procedures is sometimes indicated.
Flagstaff dentist Dr. John Bacon can do a free mock up of your teeth at his Flagstaff Downtown Dental office. To take advantage of this offer you can make an appointment on his web site
Do your front teeth appear shorter than they used to be or than you wish they were?
Here are a few dental considerations:
1) Do your teeth measure wider than they are long?
2) Do your teeth have rough edges from chipping
3) Do the gums cover up part of the tooth?
There are different solutions to the above 3 reasons your front teeth may appear too short.
If your teeth are indeed wider than they are long, you may benefit from veneers. Porcelain veneers can be used to increase the length of your teeth to a natural looking and proportional smile.
If the edges of your teeth are rough and worn, you may be grinding. Again, porcelain veneers or crowns may be the restorative solution. You probably would benefit from an occlusal guard also.
If your gums are overgrown and covering part of your teeth, a dental soft tissue laser may be as easy answer. Same day results with little discomfort or healing time, this treatment is often used after recent orthodontics.
A combination of the above dental procedures is sometimes indicated.
Flagstaff dentist Dr. John Bacon can do a free mock up of your teeth at his Flagstaff Downtown Dental office. To take advantage of this offer you can make an appointment on his web site
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Dental filling Material
If you have a cavity, what are your filling options?
25 years ago the choice was gold alloy or amalgam, with 99% being done in amalgam(a mixture of silver, mercury and smaller amounts of other metals).
Today, in Dr. Bacon's office in Flagstaff, AZ we usually use a tooth colored plastic to fill your tooth.
IT has many advantages over amalgam:
1. esthetic- we match to your tooth color
2. no mercury- health issue
3. bonds to your tooth- decreases chance for tooth fracture and need for a crown later.
Of composites, there are many (over 50) different brands and types. Dr. Bacon has done extensive research and uses a few different types depending on the size of the filling and the need for cosmetic results (He uses a different kind for a back tooth than for a front tooth.) He does not choose his filling material based on cost but decides based on physical properties and cosmetic appearance.
Some composites shrink more than others while setting up. This is very important because if the filling shrinks too much while setting it can leave a gap or even lead to tooth fracture.
It is recommended that your tooth color filling be placed with a rubber dam in place which assures a dry field for your filling. Moisture contamination will interfere with the bond of the filling and cause it to leak.
Dr. Bacon will evaluate your situation and pick the material that is best for you.
25 years ago the choice was gold alloy or amalgam, with 99% being done in amalgam(a mixture of silver, mercury and smaller amounts of other metals).
Today, in Dr. Bacon's office in Flagstaff, AZ we usually use a tooth colored plastic to fill your tooth.
IT has many advantages over amalgam:
1. esthetic- we match to your tooth color
2. no mercury- health issue
3. bonds to your tooth- decreases chance for tooth fracture and need for a crown later.
Of composites, there are many (over 50) different brands and types. Dr. Bacon has done extensive research and uses a few different types depending on the size of the filling and the need for cosmetic results (He uses a different kind for a back tooth than for a front tooth.) He does not choose his filling material based on cost but decides based on physical properties and cosmetic appearance.
Some composites shrink more than others while setting up. This is very important because if the filling shrinks too much while setting it can leave a gap or even lead to tooth fracture.
It is recommended that your tooth color filling be placed with a rubber dam in place which assures a dry field for your filling. Moisture contamination will interfere with the bond of the filling and cause it to leak.
Dr. Bacon will evaluate your situation and pick the material that is best for you.
If you don't live near Flagstaff, be sure your dentist uses a rubber dam and has thoroughly researched his or her materials.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Flouride differences in Flagstaff, AZ
There are several ways Flouride can be useful for decreasing dental decay. There is little to no flouride in Flagstaff' city water supply.
1.The first way is to consume(swallow Flouride for your body to absorb. This is useful for children that have teeth that are still developing(ages 12 and under). The Flouride is formed as a less soluable mineral in your teeth (Flouroappetite) that is less vulnerable to acid which promote tooth decay.
.25-.5 mg /day depending in a child's weight and age is the ideal dose according to research.
2. The second way Flouride can prove useful is to rinse and spit. Rinsing for 1 minute followed by no eating or drinking is particularly useful for adults that have exposed root surfaces and anyone that has a high rate of dental decay. (Because there is no hard shell of enamel covering root surfaces they can decay more easily.)
3. Flouride Treatment in the office. A concentrated use of fluoride .
4. Flouride toothpaste. Another way to absorb a harder enamel surface to prevent decay.
The above are general guidelines for the use of Flouride. Each person is a indivdual case and it is recommended that you get advise and guidence for what would be best for you or your family by seeing your dentist or Dr. Bacon at 902 N Beaver St. in Flagstaff, AZ. More information can be found at flagstaffdentist.com
1.The first way is to consume(swallow Flouride for your body to absorb. This is useful for children that have teeth that are still developing(ages 12 and under). The Flouride is formed as a less soluable mineral in your teeth (Flouroappetite) that is less vulnerable to acid which promote tooth decay.
.25-.5 mg /day depending in a child's weight and age is the ideal dose according to research.
2. The second way Flouride can prove useful is to rinse and spit. Rinsing for 1 minute followed by no eating or drinking is particularly useful for adults that have exposed root surfaces and anyone that has a high rate of dental decay. (Because there is no hard shell of enamel covering root surfaces they can decay more easily.)
3. Flouride Treatment in the office. A concentrated use of fluoride .
4. Flouride toothpaste. Another way to absorb a harder enamel surface to prevent decay.
The above are general guidelines for the use of Flouride. Each person is a indivdual case and it is recommended that you get advise and guidence for what would be best for you or your family by seeing your dentist or Dr. Bacon at 902 N Beaver St. in Flagstaff, AZ. More information can be found at flagstaffdentist.com
Thursday, November 29, 2012
How much does a porcelain veneer cost in Flagstaff?
How much does a porcelain veneer cost?
We had a phone call yesterday asking this question. The short answer in my office is $1200. The long answer is we need to see you to evaluate if veneers are even your best solution. For example, we had a patient in for a veneer evaluation a month ago. She was quoted $900/ veneer at another office for 10 veneers. We found that with just 6 months of wearing an orthodontic invisalign retainer we could get a better cosmetic result and the patient only needed 4 veneers. The total cost was $5500 rather than $9000! So much for the "less expensive" $900 veneers. Also, it should be noted we could charge less for our veneers if we used a cheaper lab and took less time and care with treatment. Before you invest in something as important as your smile, be a well informed consumer. For more information on veneers click here.
We had a phone call yesterday asking this question. The short answer in my office is $1200. The long answer is we need to see you to evaluate if veneers are even your best solution. For example, we had a patient in for a veneer evaluation a month ago. She was quoted $900/ veneer at another office for 10 veneers. We found that with just 6 months of wearing an orthodontic invisalign retainer we could get a better cosmetic result and the patient only needed 4 veneers. The total cost was $5500 rather than $9000! So much for the "less expensive" $900 veneers. Also, it should be noted we could charge less for our veneers if we used a cheaper lab and took less time and care with treatment. Before you invest in something as important as your smile, be a well informed consumer. For more information on veneers click here.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Dental Implants vs Bridges in Flagstaff, AZ
When a person is missing a tooth and wishes to replace it, the two non-removable options are implants and bridges. Neither is always the answer.
Usually opt for the bridge if:
1)There are already crowns on the teeth on both sides of the missing tooth or if both these teeth need crowns anyway.
2) It has been determined there is not enough bone to place an implant in the area(There are ways, however, to sometimes ad bone).
3) Insurance sometimes pays a lot more on a bridge. Finances can be a determining factor.
An implant can be the best option because:
1) You can floss easier around an implant and won't catch as much food
2) You don't have to have work done on the adjacent teeth, just the implant crown.
Flagstaff dentist Dr. John Bacon usually recommends an implant over a bridge when it is practical. Dr. Bacon is happy to consult each individual case at 902 N Beaver in Flagstaff, AZ. 928-774-1168. More info at flagstaffdentist.com
Usually opt for the bridge if:
1)There are already crowns on the teeth on both sides of the missing tooth or if both these teeth need crowns anyway.
2) It has been determined there is not enough bone to place an implant in the area(There are ways, however, to sometimes ad bone).
3) Insurance sometimes pays a lot more on a bridge. Finances can be a determining factor.
An implant can be the best option because:
1) You can floss easier around an implant and won't catch as much food
2) You don't have to have work done on the adjacent teeth, just the implant crown.
Flagstaff dentist Dr. John Bacon usually recommends an implant over a bridge when it is practical. Dr. Bacon is happy to consult each individual case at 902 N Beaver in Flagstaff, AZ. 928-774-1168. More info at flagstaffdentist.com
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