Reconstructive Cosmetic Dentistry of Greater Lafayette

Insurance

"Help me understand some of the points concerning my insurance." Or- Just the facts, ma'am (or sir), just the facts!
Almost all insurance plans offer between $1,000/$1500 of benefit per year. They determine what they will pay per procedure by what is called "usual & customary". After the "usual & customary" is established, they pay a predetermined percentage (%) of this fee, after a "co-pay" amount has first been paid by the patient.

Would you like to hear the "rest of the story?"
The total benefit paid out per year by insurance companies is exactly the same amount they paid 30+ years ago! Inflation, cost of living increases, etc don't apply to your dental benefit. The actual "value" of your benefit is about ¼ of what you might have received in the '70's. Your employer, who provides the benefit, is paying about a 3 times larger premium than in the 70's!

The "usual customary" is not the average prevailing fee for a procedure(s) in the area and does not take into consideration the type & quality of materials used, care, or skill & judgment of the clinician. It is an arbitrarily determined figure set low by your insurance provider.

How are the percentages (%) paid, determined?
It is a negotiated figure chosen by the insurance company! (And agreed upon, by your employer). The insurance company is not in business to make sure you are well cared for, or safeguard your best dental interests. Their business is interested in only two things: 1) Collect premiums from your employer and 2) Pay out as little of the premium collected as possible per year.

*At Reconstructive & Cosmetic Dentistry of Greater Lafayette, we pledge to fight for your proper care & benefits and will do our best to get the reimbursement for the care you deserve and to which you are entitled!

Cold sores/Fever Blisters/Aphthous Ulcers

"They can be a real pain" (not to mention the embarrassment and inconvenience). With the use of one of our specialized lasers, the pain can be reduced and the episode significantly shortened! Because the underlying virus is permanently de-natured, a cold sore will likely not return to that particular area in the future!

What is Sedation, or Sleep Dentistry?

With the use of an oral medication, high anxiety patients can now have large amounts of their care completed with little or no remembrance of the appointment. They literally snooze though the appointment!

Implant Prosthodontics has now become the treatment of choice for many people. Implants can be used to replace a single tooth, or a whole arch. With the use of implants, people who have experienced the difficulty of managing loose lower denture can now enjoy a new lease on life. Ask us how implants can give you a new sense of security!