Arizona Tribune - 5 Preventive Dental Treatments You Should Know

The good news is that dental insurance can help cover most preventive care. So, by knowing how to get dental insurance, you can learn the importance of visiting the dentist for these procedures regularly to help keep your smile healthy.This article will cover five preventive dental treatments you should know about.

1. Routine X-rays

X-rays are typically taken once a year, and the dentist or hygienist performs them before the oral exam. Several types of X-rays that may be performed are:

• Bitewing: The patient bites down on a special piece of paper so the dentist can evaluate tooth alignment and look for cavities.

• Occlusal: This shows the roof or floor of your mouth, displaying your entire top or bottom jaw's teeth.

• Panoramic: The patient places their head in a device that rotates around it. This can help evaluate wisdom teeth, look for jaw issues, or prep for implanted oral devices.

• Periapical: This technique focuses on your entire tooth, from root to crown.

2. Oral exams

Oral exams are often the first thing your dentist will do at your semi-annual dentist appointment if you don't need X-rays. During the oral exam, the dentist or hygienist will visually examine your mouth with a handheld mirror and dental pick, called a scaler, to look for inflammation, bleeding, pockets in the gum tissue, plaque or tartar buildup, and other issues.This exam helps dentists evaluate your oral health habits and identify the highest-priority areas for improvement.

3. Routine cleanings

After any exams and X-rays are done, the dentist begins your routine cleaning. They will use a dental scaler and handheld mirror to gently remove plaque, tartar, and debris from your teeth and under the gumline as they move from tooth to tooth.Once they finish cleaning each tooth, they often apply a gritty paste with an electric toothbrush to polish your teeth and remove any remaining buildup.This is typically the longest portion of a typical dental appointment.

4. Dental sealants

Dental sealants are thin, transparent coatings that the dental hygienist can apply to the chewing surfaces of your teeth. They may be made of materials like:

• Resins - natural or plastic

• Glass ionomers - Glass powder combined with a water-soluble acid

These sealants can help protect your teeth from bacteria, reducing the risk of cavities.The hygienist first applies the liquid sealant with a small brush. They then cure and harden the material to guard the tooth surface.

5. Oral cancer screening

In many cases, dentists will perform a quick screening for warning signs of oral cancer. To do so, they'll look closely at several areas, such as your lips, tongue, neck, throat, face, and gums. Diagnostic X-rays can also help the dentist look for evidence of tumors that could potentially turn into larger issues.

The bottom line

Preventive dental care can go a long way in helping protect your teeth. Routine exams, X-rays, cleanings, dental sealants, and oral cancer screenings can help keep your teeth and mouth healthy while letting the dentist look for early signs of potential issues. While these procedures are usually low-cost, dental insurance can help cover them completely. By getting dental insurance and visiting your dentist for preventive care, you may be able to save money and avoid costly, complex procedures down the road.

Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, include availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.

Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.

In Delaware, Policies A82100R-A82400R, In Idaho, Policies A82100RID-A82400RID, In Oklahoma, Policies A82100ROK-A82400ROK. In Virginia, Policies A82100RVA - A82400RVA.

Dental, Vision, and Hearing coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (NAIC 92908).

Dental, Vision and Hearing: In Delaware, Policy T80000, In Idaho, Policy T80000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T80000OK. Dental claims are administered by SKYGEN USA, LLC. Vision claims are administered by EyeMed Vision Care, LLC. Hearing claims are administered by Nations Hearing. NOTICE: The coverage offered is not a qualified health plan (QHP) under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and is not required to satisfy essential health benefits mandates of the ACA. The coverage provides limited benefits.

Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to NJ, NM, NY, VA or VT. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on stat and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definition, limitations and exclusions.

Aflac WWHQ | Tier One Insurance Company | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999  

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CONTACT:

Senior PR & Corporate Communications
Contact: Angie Blackmar, 706-392-2097 or [email protected]

SOURCE: Aflac

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

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