Cochell Family Dentistry Blog

Teeth whitening has become one of the most popular forms of cosmetic dentistry to date. At this rate, the global teeth whitening market is expected to reach $7.4 billion by 2024, according to the marketing research and consulting organization Hexa Research. With this in mind, it’s important that you have a thorough understanding of which products provide the most effective results. For example, when you visit a dentist for teeth whitening services, you’re getting far more bang for your buck.

To learn how the process works and which professional products you may want to consider, keep reading!

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It may be surprising to hear, but genetics can actually play a large role for your risk to dental diseases. Gum disease, tooth decay and even oral cancer can be affected based on your parent’s genes, so it’s important to be aware of them during your visit. It’s one of the many reasons why dentists ask about your medical and family history. The more they know about your overall health, the better care they can provide.

According to a dentist in Salem, here are five conditions you could be more susceptible to based on your genetics alone.

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Routine examinations are an essential part of maintaining your long-term oral health. Without them, there’s no way to know if you have underlying conditions that need addressing. To accomplish these exams, dentists would use traditional mouth mirrors to examine the hard-to-see areas of your mouth. Now, intraoral cameras are available.

But why do dentists use intraoral cameras? What benefits do they offer and how exactly do they work? Today, a dentist is prepared to explain these facts and more.

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If you have had fillings placed before, you were likely told that the fillings were made from metal materials. Silver (amalgam) fillings have been the standard in dentistry for many years now, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t without their drawbacks. Luckily, there is another option you should consider.

Instead of using metal, tooth-colored fillings use a composite resin material made from glass and plastic. If you’re concerned about the appearance of your teeth , you’ll want to keep reading this blog post on the many benefits tooth-colored fillings can offer.

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Did you know that an estimated 42% of children age 2-11 have tooth decay? Although that’s a sobering statistic, there are some easy steps you can take to prevent childhood cavities, including scheduling regular checkups and establishing good oral hygiene habits at home. But when should you schedule that first family dentistry visit for your child and what can you expect? Keep reading to find out – and get some great tips on how you can help them have a healthy smile from the start!

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Have you lost any of your teeth? You’re not alone: an estimated 120 million people in the U.S. have lost at least one tooth! And while many people believe that it isn’t a big deal, you might be surprised at how it impacts your overall oral health and self-confidence. In fact, even missing just one tooth causes other problems that cost you more time and money to fix at the dentist later on. Learn more below about the importance of saving your teeth and find out the best way to replace them when that’s not possible!

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If you’ve been making it to your regular dental visits, congratulations! You’re doing your part to stay committed to your long-term oral health. But it’s worth keeping in mind that dental visits aren’t just a time to sit back and relax as the dentist cleans and polishes your teeth. It’s also an opportunity to get information straight from a reliable source when it comes to dental care.

The next time you visit, take a moment to learn about five questions that just might change the way you think about oral health.

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When it comes to medical emergencies, you know when it’s time to see a doctor or visit an emergency room. A broken arm, chest pain, severe bleeding, these are all obvious signs that you need to see an emergency doctor immediately.

But what should you do when you wake up with an aching tooth or sensitivity? When is it time to call after hours vs. wait until regular business hours to address a dental issue? What does emergency pain vs. non-urgent discomfort feel like? Today, an emergency dentist is prepared to answer precisely that.

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With 2018 coming to a close, it’s about that time to start thinking about what annual benefits you could be utilizing before they reset. Out of all the annual benefits Americans have, dental insurance is one of the most common to go unused. According to a research study published by Lincoln Financial Group, one out of four employees with dental insurance haven’t been to the dentist in the past 12 months.

So, what can you do to maximize benefits? Keep reading to find out!

Schedule to Use Preventive Services

Many people don’t realize that dental insurance covers an overwhelming majority of the cost of preventive treatments until their HR representative tells them. As a result, they avoid scheduling an appointment because they’re afraid that it will cost them a lot of money out of pocket. However, preventive services like exams, cleanings and X-rays are all covered under dental insurance because companies see that as you staying proactive when it comes to your oral health.

At Cochell Family Dentistry, we more than likely accept the dental insurance you have, whether it’s from your employer or privately owned. Consider the list below for reference:

• ODS
• Cigna
• Aetna
• Guardian
• MetLife
• Principal
• UnitedHealthcare
• MODA
• Delta Dental
• Ameritas
• Assurant
• Standard
• Reliance
• Humana

There are too many to list them all, so if you did not see your insurance listed here we may still accept your insurance.  Please call or email with any questions you may have.

How Regular Visits Make a Difference

Getting into the habit of routine visits does a huge favor for your oral and overall health. Comprehensive oral exams help you catch early signs of decay or gum disease and treat them accordingly. It also gives you a chance to confirm that your current oral care regimen is sufficient.

Of course, routine visits aren’t only for catching dental disease early and removing tartar and plaque. They’re also ideal for catching the early signs of more serious diseases, such as oral cancer, malnutrition, cardiovascular disease and even diabetes. You’d be surprised how many markers for systemic disease begin in the mouth.

Key Questions to Ask During Your Visit

During your next visit, make sure to ask the following questions to ensure you get the most out of your experience. After all, what else are you paying dental insurance for other than peace of mind and useful information from a professional?

• What services are covered under my insurance?
• Have I met my deductible?
• If I need major work, can I have it spread out over time to maximize benefits?
• What can I do to improve my oral care at home?
• Am I at higher risk of dental disease than normal?
• Do you recommend any specific products for home use?

Failing to use your annual dental benefits is like giving away the hard earned money you (and your employer) worked for to the insurance company and getting nothing in return.

When it comes to dental insurance, you don’t have to let it go to waste. Schedule an appointment today to get started!

About the Author

Dr. Christel Cochell earned her DMD degree from OHSU in Portland and has been practicing dentistry for over 13 years. She continues to expand her dental education in order to stay on top of the latest advancements in dental treatments and technology. To learn more about her practice and ask questions regarding insurance, you can contact her through her website.

For Cochell Family Dentistry’s first blog post ever, we’re very excited to summarize exactly what you can expect when you come in for dental care. Drs. Travis and Christel Cochell are honored to have the opportunity to serve those living in the Salem community as well as the surrounding areas. To help readers get more acclimated, we’ll be going over the services you can expect at their practice as well as the location and hours.

We can’t wait for you to visit your new dentist in Salem!

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