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    • SEPTEMBER 30, 2024
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    Maximize Your Dental Benefits Before the Year Ends

    As we approach the end of the year, it’s important to make the most of your dental insurance benefits. At Massasoit Dental Associates, we want to remind you that in most cases, any unused benefits do not roll over into the new year. That means if you don’t use them, you lose them!

    Many dental insurance plans are structured around the calendar year. This means that your annual maximum, which is the amount your insurance will pay for your dental care throughout the year, resets on January 1st. If you have been delaying any treatments—whether it’s a routine cleaning, filling, or a more extensive procedure—now is the perfect time to take action.

    Why You Should Act Now

    • Annual Maximums: Most plans have a yearly maximum for covered dental work. If you haven’t hit your limit, it’s an opportunity to take advantage of your benefits before they expire.
    • Preventative Care: Many plans fully cover preventive services like cleanings and exams. Staying on top of these helps prevent more significant (and costly) dental issues in the future.
    • Pending Treatments: If your dentist has recommended any treatments, now is a great time to schedule them before the year ends, especially if you’ve already met your deductible. You’ll save money by using your insurance coverage rather than postponing and resetting your deductible next year.

    Not All Plans Follow the Calendar Year

    While many insurance plans reset on January 1st, not all do. Some might operate on a fiscal year or have a different schedule … Read the rest

    • SEPTEMBER 26, 2024
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    Tori? Nope, Not a Fantasy Creature. Just Your Friendly Oral Bumps!

    Ah, tori. If you’ve recently heard the word for the first time, you’re probably imagining something exotic—like a mystical creature that guards a dental treasure chest. But nope! In the world of dentistry, tori (or singular “torus”) are just those little bony bumps in your mouth that can make you feel like your jaw’s throwing a surprise party. And guess what? They’re totally normal!

    So, let’s chat about tori and put your mind at ease, because, spoiler alert: you’re not turning into a dental superhero or developing new jaw powers (though that would be pretty cool).

    What Exactly Are Tori?

    Tori are harmless growths of bone in your mouth. You’ll most commonly find them along the inside of your lower jaw or the roof of your mouth. Think of them as your mouth’s quirky way of saying, “Hey, look, I can do more than just house teeth!” They don’t come with any special abilities—no enhanced biting strength or tooth-laser powers—but they’re part of what makes your mouth, well, yours!

    Are They Weird? Unusual? Should I Be Worried?

    Absolutely not! About 20-30% of people have tori. That’s right—there’s a good chance your neighbor, your boss, or even your dentist has them, too. It’s like a secret club you didn’t know you were in. And unlike most clubs, this one doesn’t have any weird membership fees or initiation ceremonies.

    Tori are just bony outgrowths, often hereditary, so if your family has them, you might, too. They tend to grow slowly over … Read the rest

    • SEPTEMBER 24, 2024
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    Why Dental Nightguards are the Unsung Heroes You Didn’t Know You Needed (Even Though Your Insurance Thinks You Don’t)

    Let’s talk about dental nightguards—those sleek, sometimes clunky, but always necessary mouth protectors. They’re kind of like that superhero you never expected to need, but once you do, you realize they’ve been saving your teeth from utter destruction every single night. The problem? Your dental insurance doesn’t seem to share this enthusiasm.

    The Unseen Battle in Your Mouth

    You see, while you’re blissfully dreaming of tropical vacations or mysteriously missing high school homework assignments, your teeth are engaging in an all-out, WWE-style smackdown. Grinding, clenching, gnashing—it’s a chaotic nightly showdown that you probably aren’t even aware of.

    But guess what? Your teeth definitely are. Enter the nightguard, which swoops in like an invisible mouth superhero, breaking up the brawl, keeping your pearly whites intact, and saving you from needing a crown in the future (and I don’t mean the royal kind).

    Now, you’d think dental insurance would be thrilled to cover this protective marvel, right? Wrong. Most insurance policies treat nightguards like that distant relative you invite to the wedding out of courtesy but secretly hope won’t come.

    Why Won’t Insurance Cover It?

    Insurance companies have a complicated relationship with nightguards. Maybe they think you can just DIY it with some bubble gum and hope for the best. Maybe they think your teeth are strong enough to withstand a nightly grindfest for 70+ years. Or maybe they’re just living in blissful ignorance, like a teenager who thinks gas money just magically appears.

    Their reasoning, of course, is always incredibly rational: … Read the rest

    • SEPTEMBER 23, 2024
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    Replacing a missing tooth… Ohhhh the options!

    Understanding the Differences Between Implants, Fixed Bridges, and Removable Partial Dentures: Choosing the Right Option for Your Smile

    One of the most frequent conversations I have with patients involves what to do about replacing a missing tooth. At Massasoit Dental Associates, we understand that restoring missing teeth is not just about aesthetics—it’s about maintaining your overall oral health, function, and confidence. When it comes to replacing missing teeth, you have several options, each with its own set of benefits and considerations. Let’s explore the key differences between dental implants, fixed bridges, and removable partial dentures to help you make an informed decision.

    1. Dental Implants

    What Are They? Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as artificial tooth roots. A crown is then attached to the implant, creating a stable and natural-looking replacement tooth.

    Pros:

    • Longevity: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
    • Bone Health: Implants help preserve the jawbone, preventing bone loss that often occurs with missing teeth.
    • Stability and Function: Implants are securely anchored, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
    • Natural Appearance: Implants look and feel like natural teeth, offering the most realistic appearance and feel.

    Cons:

    • Cost: Implants tend to be more expensive initially compared to other options.
    • Surgical Procedure: The process involves surgery and a longer healing period.
    • Bone Density Requirements: Adequate bone density is necessary for implant placement, sometimes requiring bone grafting.

    Ideal For: Patients seeking a permanent, natural-looking solution for one or more missing teeth … Read the rest

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