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Preventive Dentistry
Dental insurance companies use several factors to determine their "allowed" or "approved" payments for procedures, which often differ from the actual fee charged by West Augusta Dental Associates or other dental practices.
Insurance companies typically create a fee schedule based on what they consider "usual, customary, and reasonable" (UCR) charges for dental procedures in our Augusta, GA, region. These UCR rates are calculated using data collected from various practices, often averaged, and then adjusted downward. The insurance company calculates your benefits using this internal fee schedule, not our actual fees.
Understanding Network Dental Coverage
For in-network providers, these allowed amounts are contractually agreed upon. Since West Augusta Dental Associates is out-of-network with many plans, there's often a difference between our actual fee and what your insurance considers their allowed amount.
Your specific plan details also influence payment calculations. Plans vary in coverage percentages (typically 50-100 percent, depending on the procedure category), annual maximums, deductibles, waiting periods, and exclusions. These factors affect the final amount your insurance will pay.
Our team works diligently to help estimate your insurance coverage before treatment, but these are always estimates since insurance companies don't guarantee payment until claims are processed.
Contact Our Augusta, GA, Dental Office
If you have questions about how your specific plan calculates payments or need help understanding your benefits, please contact us at (706) 738-8070. We're committed to helping you maximize your insurance benefits while receiving the quality dental care you deserve.
The quick answer is that healthy patients can visit their dentist every six months for exams and dental cleanings in Augusta, GA. However, patients who are managing gum disease may need additional teeth cleanings throughout the year to successfully control their condition.
So the true answer is that your hygiene schedule is highly personalized, and our dentists will tailor it to your unique needs.
Understanding Gum Disease
There is no cure for advanced gum disease (periodontitis), so it's essential to stay on top of your dental health with routine preventive teeth cleanings and exams every six months. During these visits, our dentists screen for concerns like gum disease and tooth decay, so we can often help you detect problems early on before they become more significant concerns.
Gingivitis, or early gum disease, can often be reversed if we spot it early and you are proactive about making the necessary changes to your home care routine.
Protecting your smile against gum disease also protects your overall health and well-being since it's closely linked with non-dental concerns like:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Dementia
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
Gum disease is also linked with pregnancy complications, such as low birth weights and pregnancy diabetes.
Contact us at (706) 738-8070 if it's time for your next teeth cleaning and dental exam in Augusta, GA.
Oral cancer screenings are a quick but essential part of maintaining your overall health. For most adults, dentists recommend an oral cancer screening twice a year as part of routine dental exams. However, patients with certain risk factors may benefit from more frequent screenings.
Regardless, staying consistent with screenings ensures that any concerning changes are identified and addressed as early as possible.
Identifying Oral Cancer Risk Factors
Factors that may increase your risk include tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, prolonged sun exposure (for lip cancer), or a history of HPV. Even without these risks, regular screenings are important because oral cancer can develop without obvious symptoms in its early stages.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?
During a screening, your dentist will examine your gums, tongue, throat, cheeks, and lips for any unusual sores, lumps, white spots, or other unusual discoloration. The process is painless, non-invasive, and takes only a few minutes. The benefits, meanwhile, can be significant, even life-saving, when a screening leads to early detection.
Preemptive Dental Exams and Oral Cancer Screenings in Augusta
If you’re in Augusta and want to learn more about oral cancer screenings and how often you should be evaluated, contact Dr. Robert Turner and the excellent West Augusta Dental Associates team to schedule a consultation.
If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s especially important to stay vigilant about your dental health. If the condition is not properly managed, diabetes can significantly increase your risk for tooth loss.
This is because high blood sugar levels can weaken the body’s ability to fight infection, increasing the risk of inflammation and periodontal (gum) disease. Over time, untreated gum disease can severely damage the tissues and bone that support your teeth, leading to loosening or even tooth loss.
Diabetes also tends to slow healing, which means minor oral health issues may progress more quickly. If you notice symptoms like bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, dry mouth, or gum recession, these are all early warning signs of gum disease that shouldn’t be ignored.
Maintaining Oral Health with Diabetes
The good news is that consistent care can make a major difference. Maintaining a healthy diet, keeping your blood sugar under control, and strong at-home oral hygiene habits all help protect your smile. Also, visits to your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams allow for timely diagnoses and prompt, targeted care before emerging issues worsen.
Proactive Periodontal Care in Augusta, GA
If you’re in Augusta and want to learn more about protecting your smile while managing diabetes, call West Augusta Dental Associates at (706) 738-8070 to schedule a consultation.