Use Your Dental Benefits

Use Your Dental Benefits Grand Junction CO

Use Your Dental Benefits

Grand Junction Denitst, Dr. Josh Eastham

Use Your Dental Benefits Before They Expire

Use Your Dental Benefits Grand Junction CO

We look forward to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and, of course, New Year’s Eve as the end of the year approaches. Typically, we are so focused with ringing in the new year that we overlook the fact that our dental insurance policies no longer give any benefits after December 31st. However, our dentist in Grand Junction explains that this means that the insurance will expire if the yearly maximum is not fulfilled. 

Today on the blog, our team dives into why it’s important to use your dental benefits before the end of the year. So, if you’ve been searching “dentist near me” and need to get seen ASAP, we’re here for you! 

Why You Should Use Your Dental Benefits Before It’s Too Late

Here are five reasons why you should see your Grand Junction CO dentist before the year is out:

Maximum Annual Exhaustion

First, every dental insurance plan has a yearly maximum value, which can range between $1,000 and $1,500 depending on the insurer and approved operations. Importantly, the vast majority of dental insurance plans are renewed on January 1st, Additionally, any unused benefits do not carry over to the next year. As a consequence, our emergency dentist in Grand Junction explains that taking advantage of the maximum coverage amount is only logical.

The Premium is Paid

You would be paying or have already paid a premium amount to the insurance plan in order to claim coverage for dental benefits. The same is true for FSAs, which allow you to make pre-tax contributions to your dental plan directly from your paycheck. Our friends over at Digital Doc, the best intraoral camera providers, explain that all of these contributions would be in vain if dental treatments were not utilized.

Dental Service Fee Increase

Fee hikes are common, as they are for the vast majority of services. Dr. Eastham, the best dentist in Grand Junction Co explains that all dentists musts also pay for equipment and medical supplies. When the cost of such supplies climbed, they would have little choice but to raise the service charge. In most cases, the new price arrangements would go into force in the new year. Delaying your dental visit may need a higher co-pay.

The Benefits of Overlapping

Certain dental procedures may quickly exceed your yearly limit, resulting in a higher out-of-pocket expense for you. To avoid this, consult with your dentist and plan your treatment so that your expenses are spread out over the course of the year, allowing you to make the most of your dental insurance coverage.

Dental Issues Extend

Aside from the aforementioned factors, the most important element is one’s dental health. The longer you put off oral health exams and dental procedures, the worse the condition may grow. Ignoring any type of oral health issue may exacerbate the condition and lead it to spread to other parts of the body. 

Use Your Dental Benefits Before They Expire in Grand Junction CO

Dental insurance is a genuine advantage since it gives complete coverage at an affordable price. Don’t throw it away; use it as soon as possible, ideally by December 31st. If you follow these simple dental care rules, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy while enjoying the Thanksgiving turkey, pies, and cakes. Happy Thanksgiving!

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Oral Health Tips For Thanksgiving

dental tips for thanksgiving

Dental Tips For Thanksgiving

Grand Junction Denitst, Dr. Josh Eastham

Dental Tips For Thanksgiving 2021

Oral Health Tips for thanksgiving

It’s Thanksgiving time once more! The ideal time of year to reconnect with family and friends over roasted turkey and offer thanks for all the blessings in our lives. It’s also an excellent moment to be thankful for your great smile and set of teeth. To ensure that you keep that beautiful smile during the holidays, our dentist in Grand Junction CO has created this Thanksgiving dental guide. This is so you don’t ruin your holiday  vacation with dental difficulties like toothache or a fractured filling. Below, check out our Dental Tips For Thanksgiving.

Slowly & Carefully Consume Your Food

First, we recommend keeping an eye on your turkey since there are bones. As follows, eat slowly and gently chew your meal. To avoid shattering your teeth, dentures Grand Junction CO, or fillings, avoid biting strongly when eating. Additionally, our Grand Junction dentist recommends to limit your intake of sticky or chewy foods, especially if you have recently had dental fillings or dentures replaced.

Consume More Water

Water is always the answer! As follows, our emergency dentist Grand Junction CO suggests drinking plenty of water between meals and throughout the day. This is especially if you’re going to be eating a lot of food or drinking juices or fizzy drinks. 

Brush, Floss, and Rinse

Because of all the foods and desserts you’ll be eating with family and friends throughout Thanksgiving and the holiday season, you should be especially careful and take extra care of your teeth. Carry a travel-size toiletry kit that includes toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash in pocket size. Our friends at College Hill Dental, family dentist in Easton PA, recommend that after eating, take a brief trip to the toilet to floss, brush, and rinse your mouth. Also, you can contact your general dentist near me after the holidays to schedule a teeth cleaning. 

Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Chew sugar-free gum after a meal to remove food particles that have been caught between your teeth and beneath the gum line. Furthermore, gums contribute in the maintenance of a healthy flow of saliva, which is believed to aid in food digestion.

“Sips of water can assist wash away the acid and food particles, as well as enhance your saliva flow, which reduces plaque formation and tooth decay. Drink tons of water this Thanksgiving!” – Grand Junction CO Dentist

Make an Appointment With Your Grand Junction CO Dentist Today

Make an appointment for a post-Thanksgiving dental cleaning with our Grand Junction office today. At High Desert Dental, we offer cleanings, check-ups, and other dental procedures such as cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and teeth whitening. This will assist you prevent dental problems and retain your attractive and bright smile for future holidays. Happy Thanksgiving!

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Dental Implants FAQ

Dental implant faq

Dental Implant FAQ

Grand Junction Denitst, Dr. Josh Eastham

What to Know About Dental Implants

Dental implant faq

What Exactly Are Dental Implants?

Dental Implants are a titanium alloy prosthetic tooth root that are used to replace missing teeth. As follows, this functions in place of a natural tooth root, avoiding bone loss in the jaw. Once the implant has fused with your jaw, a permanent abutment and crown are placed on top. Then, the dental implants Grand Junction will look and feel like a natural tooth. If you’ve been searching, “dental implants near me” you’ve come to the right place!

What Kinds of Dental Implants Are There?

The diameter of full-sized dental implants ranges between 3.4 and 5.8 mm. Mini dental implants, on the other hand, have a diameter of 1.8 to 3.0 mm. Our Grand Junction dentist explains that the invasiveness and recuperation duration of your surgery are affected by the size difference.

Because micro implants are smaller, they do not require as much bone density in your jaw to be placed. A ball at the end of a tiny implant allows the crown to snap into place. This crown will have a socket below it to form a secure connection with the implant.

Do you have many or all of your teeth missing? If this is the case, Dr. Eastham, the best dentist in Grand Junction CO, may suggest implant-supported dentures or all-on-6 implants. A detachable implant-supported denture is possible. All-on-6 implants, on the other hand, permanently attach an arch of teeth to your jaw.

What Should I Expect During the Dental Implant Procedure?

The typical dental implant procedure takes many months to complete. However, keep in mind that small dental implants can be obtained in as little as one consultation. Your experience will be entirely determined by the type of dental implant selected.

Consultation

Dr. Eastham will assess if you are a candidate for dental implants during your appointment. In order for us to insert the implants, you must have sufficient bone density in your jaw. Keep in mind, though, that you don’t require as much bone density to be eligible for tiny dental implants.

The treatment we chose will also be determined by the number of teeth you desire to replace. Patients with few or no teeth, for example, may request implant-supported dentures.

Procedure

Additionally, we will do 3D CT scans to assess the health of your jawbone and nerve location. Our practice will also design a precise surgical guide that will be placed over your teeth during the treatment. 

The use of a surgical guide reduces the invasiveness of dental implant surgery. Our friends over at OG Dental, Denver Highlands dentist, explain that this is because the implant’s hole is so tiny. Thus, you have a considerably lesser chance of swelling, bleeding, and infection. You will also recuperate far more quickly than if you went to a dentist who did not employ a surgical guide. Dentists who do not employ guides must make a big incision along the gum line all the way down to the bone. This also lengthens and complicates the recuperation process.

Recovery

Whatever dental implants you choose, it is critical that you allow yourself adequate time to heal. While recovering after surgery, soft meals like yogurt and mashed potatoes are ideal.

Following the placement of your implants, you will have multiple visits.  As follows, your implants will bond to your jawbone over the course of many months. 

Restoration

Then, you will install the permanent abutment and crown over the implant once you have recovered and the implant is stable. As follows, this will offer you the appearance and functionality of a real tooth.

“Dental implants are well worth the investment since they restore both your smile and your dental health. No other tooth replacement solution has this capability!” – Dr. Joshua Eastham

Contact High Desert Dental For Dental Implants Grand Junction

Ready to get started with dental implants? Contact our team at High Desert Dental today. We’d love to discuss your restorative dentistry options. 

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TMJ Awareness Month

TMJ grand junction

TMJ Awareness Month

Grand Junction Denitst, Dr. Josh Eastham

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TMJ grand junction

Not only is it the middle of autumn and the start of the holiday season, but it’s also TMJ Awareness Month! At High Desert Dental, our Grand Junction dentist believes it is our responsibility to educate our patients about Temporomandibular Joint Disorder as their dentists and TMJ experts. Its symptoms, causes, treatment choices, and what happens if you ignore it are all covered. If you’re not familiar with TMJ, stay reading to learn more.

What is Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD)?

Your jaw opens and closes like a door. Our dentist in Grand Junction CO explains that it has a hinge on the bottom that allows it to open and close. The temporomandibular joint functions similarly to a door hinge, and when you have TMJ disease, the hinge isn’t functioning properly. This is frequently because the dysfunction is caused by an imbalance, strain, or injury. The malfunction can cause pain and discomfort, which can make daily life difficult. Unfortunately, ignoring TMJ will just exacerbate the situation.

The door (your jaw) will eventually become stuck open or closed. TMJ therapy is your only option for alleviating discomfort and restoring proper jaw function.

What is the root of the problem?

The temporomandibular joint functions similarly to a hinge, but with sliding motions as well. The cartilage-covered portions of the jawbones that interact with the temporomandibular joint are separated by a tiny disk that absorbs shock and allows for smooth movement. The disk is either eroded or out of position in a TMJ condition, the joint’s cartilage has been destroyed by arthritis, or the joint has been harmed by a physical accident.

“We strongly advise you to see a dentist for a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of TMJ. A good diagnosis is necessary for a successful treatment approach.” – Dr. Joshua Eastham

Common Causes of TMJ

Below, Dr. Eastham, the best dentist in Grand Junction CO, shares the common causes of TMJ.

  • Misalignment of the jaw
    clenching and grinding (bruxism)
  • Injury to the body
  • Stress
  • Bad posture

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of TMJ issues is the best approach to guarantee that you receive treatment as soon as possible. We worked with our friends at Shreveport Dental Solutions, dentist in Shreveport LA, to discuss the signs. The following are the most prevalent signs to look out for:

  • Pain in the jaw, face, back, or neck
  • Ear ache or a congested sensation
  • Ears ringing (tinnitus)
  • Migraines or headaches on a regular basis
  • Lockjaw is a term used to describe a situation (jaw stuck open or closed)
  • Something is wrong with this bite.
  • Finger numbness or tingling
  • Tooth wear that is excessive
  • Jaw clicking or popping
  • Teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism)

What Should I Do If I Am Suspecting That I Have It?

Our dentists will also take a thorough medical history from you and check your jaw muscles and joints for areas of strain or pain. We can assess if you have TMJ and what you need for a successful therapy with all of this information.

What Happens If I Don’t Seek Treatment for TMJ?

Before you dismiss the idea of coming in for a consultation, consider what will happen if you refuse treatment. To begin with, your pain will not go away. It’s possible that things will deteriorate. You’ll have more headaches and migraines, as well as pain in your jaw, neck, and face. You may just have one symptom at first, but this can quickly escalate to many symptoms.

TMJ that isn’t treated might have a negative impact on your dental health. If you grind and clench your teeth all the time, it can wear down the enamel and possibly fracture and split the teeth.

Finally, untreated TMJ might result in serious jaw issues. It’s possible that the jaw will become permanently stuck open or closed, or that it will dislocate.

The longer you wait to get help, the more likely you are to need surgery to fix your problem. Furthermore, you will be required to pay for additional restorative dentistry procedures in order to improve the health of your teeth.

Call High Desert Dental Today for TMJ Treatment

If there’s one thing you should remember from this blog for TMJ Awareness Month, it’s to see a dentist as soon as you start experiencing symptoms. Contact our team at High Desert Dental to learn more. 

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