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3 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Dental Insurance

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Your dental insurance is a tool you can use to keep your teeth clean. Using your insurance as often as possible and taking advantage of all the conferred services can help you take better care of your teeth. You can love your smile when you use your dental insurance to keep your teeth healthy.

1. Know What’s Covered

What’s covered by dental insurance varies by policy. Know what’s covered under your policy so you can take full advantage of the covered services. Some policies change annually so review your policy this year even if you knew what was covered in previous years.

2. Find a Dental Office That Accepts Your Insurance

Not every dental office accepts every type of insurance. To find a dentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam KY that accepts your insurance, call around to the offices in your area. You can also ask your insurance company which dental providers in your area accept your policy – your insurance provider may be able to give you that information.

3. See the Dentist As Often As Insurance Allows

Many insurance policies will pay for their insureds to see the dentist for preventative dental care in Owensboro and Beaver Dam KY as often as twice per year. If your dental insurance provides this rate of coverage, be sure to see your dentist as often as your insurance allows. This will help keep your teeth as healthy as possible.

At Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry, we accept a variety of dental insurances. Call us today to find out if we accept your insurance, and if we do, make an appointment for a cleaning.

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I’m Afraid of the Dentist – What Can I Do?

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Are you afraid of the dentist? You’re not alone. Many people have a fear of the dentist and feel anxiety either during their appointments or just before. Suppose you’re going to the dentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY. In that case, there are many things you can do to alleviate concerns about the dentist and make a visit to the dentist more comfortable overall. Below, we’ve listed some things that you can do to make going to the dentist a less anxiety-producing experience overall.

Talk To Your Dentist

Make your dentist aware of your fears. Your dentist can help you by making suggestions to address your specific concerns, whatever they are. An experienced dentist will have tips and tricks for patients who have anxiety about sitting in the dental chair.

Try These Techniques

There are many relaxation techniques that can help you feel better about your trip to the dentist.

Breathing and Visualization Exercises

Breathing exercises can help calm your nerves before going to the dentist. Spend time breathing in and out, recognizing your breath, and acknowledging your feelings of anxiety in a non-judgmental way.

Listen to Music or a Podcast

Bring music to listen to while you’re in the dentist or a podcast that you particularly enjoy. Don’t forget your headphones to ensure that you can listen to whatever you like without distracting the dentist.

Take Breaks

Tell your dentist you’d like to take periodic breaks during your dental appointment. When you need a break, raise your hand to let the dentist know.

Consider Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry takes the edge off your dental procedures by helping you to relax. With sedation dentistry in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, patients are given simple sedatives or an inhaled gas that helps make the experience of seeing the dentist easier overall. Call Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry to learn more about sedation dentistry.

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Which Holiday Foods Can Stain My Teeth?

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The holidays will be here soon! If you’re spending time with relatives during the holidays, you’ll naturally want to know how you can look your best. Beautiful white teeth contribute to a beautiful smile. Knowing which foods can stain those teeth and how you can maintain a white smile is important.

Teeth whitening and dental examinations from your dentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY, can make all the difference. Here’s what you need to know.

Holiday Foods That Stain Teeth

Acidic foods and dark-colored, saucy foods and drinks can stain tooth enamel more easily than some other foods. Here’s what to watch for:

  • Gravy
  • Tomato sauce
  • Red wine, white wine
  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Berries of any kind, including cranberry sauce
  • Fruit pies

What You Can Do to Prevent Stains

Here are some ways you can prevent your teeth from getting stained.

Clean Your Teeth Daily

Brush your teeth at least twice per day, and floss once daily. Brushing your teeth and flossing helps remove food and bacteria that can become plaque and tartar, both of which contribute to staining of the tooth enamel.

See the Dentist for a Cleaning

When was the last time you went to the dentist for a professional cleaning? This should happen twice annually or as often as recommended by your dentist. Dental cleanings help keep your teeth polished and smooth, so staining foods will easily wash away during brushings. If you haven’t been to the dentist recently, make an appointment.

Get Your Teeth Whitened

You deserve to love your smile. Get your teeth professionally whitened before your next holiday event. Contact Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry for safe, effective teeth whitening services in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY.

What Does it Mean If My Teeth Are Crowded?

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Crowded teeth can cause any number of problems. From dental hygiene issues to tooth enamel damage, crowded teeth can cause life-long dental issues if they’re not repaired.

Crowded teeth can also lead to pain, difficulty chewing and other problems. If you have crowded teeth, it’s important to see your dentist in Owensboro & Beaver Dam, KY. At Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry, we can help. Here’s what you need to know.

What Crowded Teeth Are, Why They’re A Problem

Teeth crowding is a problem that occurs when there isn’t enough room in the mouth for the teeth that are growing there. When this happens, the teeth can become misaligned, crooked and damaged.

Crowded teeth can be hard to floss and brush properly. Your dentist in will be able to tell you if you have crowded teeth. At Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry, we can diagnose your problem and give you suggestions for realigning your teeth.

What to Do About Crowded Teeth

There’s more than one way to fix crowded teeth. Your dentist may recommend:

  • Traditional braces. Traditional braces realign the teeth and can stop some teeth from crowding other teeth.
  • Clear Aligners. Clear aligners do the same job as braces, but unlike braces, clear aligners are easy to clean, easy to maintain, and can be removed for meals.
  • Tooth Extraction. Your dentist may recommend pulling a tooth to make room for your other teeth. This is a common solution when tooth crowding occurs as the result of growth of your wisdom teeth.

Have Crowded Teeth? Contact Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry

At Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry, we provide orthodontic treatment in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY. We can also help with tooth extraction! Call today to make an appointment.

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5 Reasons to Floss

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Flossing refers to cleaning between the teeth. Traditionally, people used a long piece of floss to accomplish this, hence the term, flossing. However, today there are numerous easy-to-use tools designed for flossing (e.g., interdental brushes, floss picks). Along with biannual dental cleanings from a dentist in Owensboro or Beaver Dam, Kentucky, daily brushing and flossing are critical aspects of good dental hygiene.

What Makes Flossing So Important?

When food remains trapped between the teeth, harmful bacteria and fungi within the mouth are able to thrive. These microorganisms protect themselves and cling to the teeth by becoming enmeshed within the sticky biofilm (aka plaque) that covers the surface of the teeth. Removing food debris reduces plaque build up, which deprives the bacteria and fungi of the nourishment they need to survive.

Neglecting to floss can lead to a variety of problems:

  1. Tartar buildup – plaque hardens into tartar. Once hardened, at-home removal is no longer an option. Tartar must be removed by a dental professional who uses a variety of specialized tools. If tartar is not removed, gum disease (aka gingivitis) may result.
  2. Halitosis – chronic bad breath. Studies indicate that approximately 90% of chronic bad breath results from the volatile sulfurous compounds (VSCs) that the anaerobic bacteria in the mouth release.
  3. Dental caries (aka cavities) – as a tooth’s hard outer layer (i.e., enamel) sustains damage (i.e., decays), its structure weakens and breaks away. This damage is referred to as a cavity. Without restorative treatment from a dentist in Owensboro or Beaver Dam, Kentucky, the damaged tooth may become infected. At this point, the individual will most likely begin experiencing pain.
  4. Gum disease – tartar buildup can contribute to swollen, red, sensitive gum tissue that bleeds. The damage that the first stage of gum disease, which is referred to as gingivitis, causes is reversible. Nonetheless, if treatment for gum disease is not sought, once an individual develops periodontitis, any damage the disease causes is permanent.
  5. Cardiac problems – the bacteria responsible for causing the gingival tissue to swell may be able to enter the bloodstream via an opening in the tissue. Once in the bloodstream, these bacteria can contribute to inflammation in other areas of the body, including the heart.

If you are in the Beaver Dam or Owensboro, Kentucky, area, and you are concerned about your dental health, contact Dr. Travis Wilson today. To schedule an appointment at Dr. Wilson’s dental office in Owensboro, Kentucky, please call (270) 926-6040 or for an appointment at his office in Beaver Dam, Kentucky, office, please call (270) 274-3645.

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Are Crooked Teeth Really A Problem?

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Crooked teeth can cause some people to feel self-conscious about their smile and appearance, but are they a problem in other ways? The best way to find out if your teeth need to be straightened is to work with a dentist in Owensboro, KY. Your dentist can evaluate your teeth and tell you about procedures that can help straighten them.

Problems Made by Crooked Teeth

There are many problems that are made by having crooked teeth!

  • Difficulty cleaning. People who have crooked teeth often end up have difficulty cleaning their teeth – because their teeth may crowd each other, making parts of the tooth very difficult to reach with a toothbrush.
  • Excess wear and tear on teeth. Crooked teeth can wear on each other, causing excessive wear and tear.
  • Increased risk for gum disease. When it’s hard to clean your teeth, it becomes harder to prevent gum disease.
  • Makes chewing a challenge. Crooked teeth often don’t line up when they’re clenched, which can make chewing harder than it needs to be.
  • Cause bad breath. People who have gum disease often suffer from bad breath. No matter how much the teeth get brushed, this is still a problem.

How to Fix Crooked Teeth

The first step to fixing crooked teeth is to get a dental exam in Owensboro, KY. At Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry, we provide dental exams to evaluate various oral health conditions and make recommendations for correction as needed.

To find out whether your teeth need to be straightened, call today to make an appointment. We’ll be happy to answer your questions, discuss our orthodontic services and provide clarity to the process of correcting crooked teeth.

Options to Pay For Dental Care

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When you urgently need dental care in Owensboro, KY but don’t have the means to pay for it right now, there are a few options available to you. The following options are readily available to people of all ages and in all walks of life.

Care Credit

Care Credit is a special credit card that you can apply for when you have a dental or medical need that you’re unable to pay for at the time. The difference between Care Credit and a regular credit card is that you can only use Care Credit for dental and medical bills. In order to qualify, you must meet the minimum credit requirements. The amount of credit that you’re offered will depend upon your credit history. Note that the dentist has no relationship with Care Credit company and cannot influence the credit decision.

Increased Credit Limit

If you have a regular credit card but it’s maxed out or you just don’t have enough available credit on it to pay for your dental care, there’s an option. Most credit card companies are willing to consider increasing your credit limit for special circumstances, including for things like dental care. All you need to do is telephone your credit card company and speak to a representative. Explain to them what’s going on and ask them to increase your credit limit. If they agree, the credit limit increase is usually effective immediately.

Dental Insurance Rider

If you have dental care that you can’t pay for out-of-pocket, but you have regular health insurance, you may be able to get a dental insurance rider. Dental insurance companies such as Delta Dental associate themselves with all the major insurance companies. You can call a dental insurance company directly to ask about this, or talk with your employer’s human resources person to find out more.

Your dentist in Owensboro, KY can help if you need paperwork showing the estimated cost of dental care that you are planning to get. Please contact us if you need more information about that.

Why Is Follow-Up Dental Care So Important After a Tooth Extraction?

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There are several reasons your dentist in Owensboro, KY, may wish to see you after a tooth extraction. Initially, they may want to make sure you’re healing properly and not having issues with infection. You may also have stitches that need to be removed. More importantly, however, your dentist needs to discuss techniques to prevent bone loss.

Bone loss happens when you lose a tooth and put nothing in its place to fill the hole. Over time, the bone beneath the gum in this area will recede, leaving a large dip you can easily feel with your tongue. This dip worsens over time, and may cause a host of problems, including the following:

Gaps Between Teeth

As bone loss worsens, the teeth surrounding the empty space may shift and begin to spread out from one another. The result could leave you with an unsightly gap where you once had none. A tooth gap may not be a serious issue, but it does affect the appearance of your smile and possibly your self-esteem.

Open Bite

An open bite is more serious because it prevents your upper and lower teeth from coming together at the front of your mouth. It may be difficult to speak clearly with an open bite. It’s also more difficult to eat, bite, and chew. Your risk of choking is greater with an open bite, and something so simple as eating a sandwich may feel impossible.

Facial Deformity

Over time, if left untreated, dental bone loss can lead to facial deformity. The structure of your face may change, making you appear much older than your biological age. It’s important to follow up with your dentist after a tooth extraction if you wish to maintain a youthful appearance. In most instances, simple dental implant surgery is the solution.

For more information on dental implants in Ownensboro, KY, call Travis Wilson, D.M.D. today to schedule a consultation.

Got a Gum Disease Diagnosis? FAQs Answered  

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Research has indicated an alarming statistic when it comes to gum disease in the United States. Some figures estimate that almost half of people over 30 have some level of gum disease. If you have been told that you need gum disease treatment in Owensboro, KY, the diagnosis can be hard to hear and you are bound to have questions.

Does gum disease ever go away?

During the initial stages of periodontal disease, immediate and ongoing treatment can actually stop the problem. However, if you do not seek treatment right away, the issue can progress to a more serious problem that is more persistent and harder to fully treat or eradicate.

Will having gum disease make you lose your teeth?

People with untreated gum disease can be prone to tooth loss. This is because the pockets of bacteria eventually grow and affect the soft tissue that supports your teeth and possibly the bones beneath. However, a diagnosis of periodontal disease does not automatically mean you will lose your teeth. With the proper care, your teeth can be protected.

Is gum disease contagious?

Gum disease is not necessarily contagious, so you can’t catch it by drinking after someone or even kissing someone who has it. However, what can happen is you can pass the harmful bacteria from mouth to mouth, which could lead to problems with gum disease without good oral hygiene habits.

Work Closely with Your Owensboro, KY Dentist for Treatment

While a gum disease diagnosis can be scary, this is not an oral health condition that cannot be managed. The input and care of an Owensboro, KY dentist can make all the difference in how the condition progresses. If you believe you have problems with gum health, reach out to Travis Wilson Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment.

3 Myths About Traditional Metal Braces

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When it comes to orthodontic treatment in Owensboro, KY to address alignment issues, a lot of people these days do opt for invisible aligners. However, the same standard, traditional metal braces that people have used for decades are still effective. Take a look at a few of the most common myths surrounding standard metal braces.

Myth: Treatment takes longer with metal braces

On the contrary, treatment with metal braces sometimes takes less time than with invisible aligners. Nevertheless, the two types of smile alignment can actually be pretty comparable when it comes to the duration of treatment. The primary difference is the fact that aligners require the wearer to strictly adhere to the wearing schedule. Patients that do not wear aligners for the bulk of the day can have longer periods of treatment.

Myth: Metal braces cut your mouth and lips on a regular basis

When you initially get your braces, it can take a few days to get accustomed to speaking and chewing in a way that prevents any abrasions from occurring. However, beyond those first few days, most patients rarely have issues with cuts or abrasions happening because of their metal braces.

Myth: If you have metal braces, you can’t eat what you want

The dentist may give recommendations about a few foods to steer clear of, but, for the most part, you can still eat what you want. Some of the foods that are commonly recommended to avoid include things like hard candy and sticky chewing gum, which are not a substantial part of most people’s diet.

Talk to an Owensboro, KY Dentist About Smile Alignment

Whether you are looking for traditional metal braces or something like clear aligners, an Owensboro, KY dentist can help. Contact our friendly staff members at Travis Wilson Family Dentistry to discuss scheduling an appointment for a consultation.