207 West Front Street, Liberty, SC 29657 Phone: (864) 843-3742 Fax: (864) 843-3744 Mon.-Thurs. 8:30 - 12:00, 1:30 - 5:00

Do you accept insurance?

Yes! We will gladly accept most dental insurance benefits. You will be expected to

provide us with an accurate and up-to-date insurance card. This will enable us to

correctly estimate your co-payments. Co-payments will be collected at the time of your

visit.

Since appointments can be scheduled months in advance, we will make every effort to

confirm your dental insurance benefits prior to your appointment time.

Will my insurance pay 100% of the cost?

It is rare for any dental benefit program to cover 100% of dental cost. Unlike medical insurance, dental benefits are designed to help offset some of the cost of dental treatments. The schedule of benefits and deductible information supplied by your insurer is just a guide for expected payments. It is not a guarantee.

The results of the amounts paid by the insurer are a result of the terms of the contract between the employer and the insurer. It is always a good idea to call your insurance carrier to get a copy of their covered codes.

Since we strongly feel our patients deserve the best possible dental care we can provide, and in an effort to maintain high quality care, we want to share some facts about what is commonly referred to as “dental insurance” with you.

FACT #1 - Dental Insurance is NOT insurance in the true sense of the word. What you have is a benefit program purchased by your employer to help offset the cost of doing dental procedures.

FACT #2 - Many routine dental services are NOT reimbursed. The plan you have is NOT based on the dental care you need to stay healthy. It is based on the budgetary requests of your employer.

FACT #3 - The amount your plan pays is determined by how much your employer pays for the program. The less your employer pays for the reimbursement program, the less assistance you will receive from the plan.

FACT #4 - Many of today’s modern dental treatments were not available when your dental plan was designed and may not be included in your benefit reimbursement.

FACT #5 - Many dental plans tell their customers they will be reimbursed “up to 80% or 100%.” We have found most dental benefit plans reimburse about 50% - 60% of an average fee. Some dental plans may pay more, some less — based on the amount your employer is willing to pay for.

FACT #6 - It has been the experience of many dental offices that some companies tell patients that “fees are above the usual and customary fees” rather than stating “the benefits we are going to pay for are low.”

Remember, you get back only what your employer puts in, less the charges to your company by the company paying the benefits reimbursement.

Please do not hesitate in asking us questions about our office policies. We want you to be comfortable in dealing with these matters and we urge you to consult us if you have any questions regarding our services or fees. We will do all we can to assure you receive the maximum benefits allowed by your dental plan.

If you have any questions regarding reimbursements you may or may not qualify for, we ask that you contact your employer regarding the specifics and details of the plan it is conducting in your behalf.

Do my dental benefits cover teeth whitening services?

No, dental coverage does not recognize cosmetic dentistry as necessary treatment.

What are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings which are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to prevent decay. Most tooth decay in children and adolescents occurs on the chewing surfaces of these back molars. This is because molars have irregular surfaces with pits and grooves which tend to trap food and bacterial debris. Sealants flow into and coat the pits and grooves so that bacteria cannot multiply and cause decay.

How Long Will Dental Sealants Last?

A sealant application can last up to five years and often longer. Sealants should be checked regularly and reapplied when they appear to have worn off. Because teeth are most susceptible to decay when they are young, preventing decay during the first five to fifteen years after a tooth erupts is critical.

Why is Sealing a Tooth Better Than Waiting for Decay and Filling a Cavity?

Sealants help to maintain sound, intact teeth. Decay destroys the structure of the tooth. Each time a tooth is filled or a filling is replaced, additional tooth structure is lost. Composite fillings last an average of six to eight years before they need to be replaced. Appropriate use of sealants can save time, money and the discomfort associated with restorative dental procedures.

Do Sealants Cost More Than Fillings?

Although the cost of sealing teeth may vary, the cost is consistently less than having fillings placed.

What is the benefit of an x-ray exam?

Many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen when your dentist examines your mouth clinically. An x-ray exam may reveal the presence of small cavities between the teeth, infections in the bone, abscesses, cysts, developmental abnormalities and some types of tumors.

A failure to diagnose and treat these conditions before obvious signs and symptoms have developed can threaten your oral and general health. Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save time, money and unnecessary discomfort. If you have a hidden tumor, early diagnostic x-rays may even help save your life.

How often should I have dental x-ray exams?

This depends on your individual health needs. It is important to recognize that just as each patient is different from the next, so should x-ray exams be individualized for each patient. Our doctor will review your history, examine your mouth and then decide whether you need radiographs (x-rays) and what type. If you are a new patient, we will recommend radiographs to determine the present status of the hidden areas of your mouth and to help analyze changes that may occur later.

What is local anesthesia?

Topical anesthetics are applied to mouth tissue with a swab to prevent pain on the surface. We may use a topical anesthetic to numb an area in preparation for administering an injectable local anesthetic. Topical anesthetics also may be used to soothe painful mouth sores.

Injectable local anesthetics, such as Novocain, prevent pain in a specific area of your mouth during treatment by blocking the nerves that sense or transmit pain and numbing mouth tissue. This temporary numbness is often referred to as a "fat lip" feeling. Injectable anesthetics may be used in such procedures as filling cavities, preparing teeth for crowns or treating gum disease.

What about sedation and anesthesia?

Anti-anxiety agents, such as nitrous oxide, or sedatives may help you relax during dental visits and often may be used along with local anesthetics. Sedatives can be administered before, during or after dental procedures by mouth, inhalation or injection.