Sunday, September 20, 2009
Many Americans are worried about their health insurance, but smaller numbers are as concerned about their teeth even though its been reported that preventive care can limit future medical costs.
Between one-fourth and 30 percent of all Californians have let cavities go untreated, and many non-Caucasians have even higher rates of poor dental care, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Our research tells us that many people in California have been avoiding routine care that might have cost about $100 for a checkup and cleaning, and then find themselves in the emergency room, where they get only an antibiotic, a bill that can average over $600 and instructions to see a dentist, Len Finocchio, California Health care Foundation senior program officer, told the newspaper.
While cost may be a driver for some to not take advantage of dental insurance plans that offer lower-priced cleanings and other services, mobility can be another, especially for the disabled or infirm.
House calls have gone the way of the general store in many communities, but oral care professionals in San Francisco are finding that offering in-home dentistry can help a variety of patients.
A team of specialists travels with equipment to provide x-rays and modify dentures for patients, and Bay Area House Call Dentists say that they have found their services helpful to the elderly, autistic or severely overweight residents of the San Francisco metropolitan area.
Nationwide, however, more attention is being received by clinics like Remote Area Medical, which offers oral care services to those who cannot yet afford dental insurance plans, but the services are provided infrequently compared to recommendations by the American Dental Association.
As Itani says, gum disease can lead to the spread of infections that affect the lungs, heart and other organs, so a plan that offers preventive care may be an expense worth bearing to prevent future expenses, like Socorro Salazars teeth extractions.
The 55-year-old ignored oral pain for eight years, and ended up paying $19,000 to have six removed and replaced because he did not have a policy from any California dental insurance plans, according to the Times.
Between one-fourth and 30 percent of all Californians have let cavities go untreated, and many non-Caucasians have even higher rates of poor dental care, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Our research tells us that many people in California have been avoiding routine care that might have cost about $100 for a checkup and cleaning, and then find themselves in the emergency room, where they get only an antibiotic, a bill that can average over $600 and instructions to see a dentist, Len Finocchio, California Health care Foundation senior program officer, told the newspaper.
While cost may be a driver for some to not take advantage of dental insurance plans that offer lower-priced cleanings and other services, mobility can be another, especially for the disabled or infirm.
House calls have gone the way of the general store in many communities, but oral care professionals in San Francisco are finding that offering in-home dentistry can help a variety of patients.
A team of specialists travels with equipment to provide x-rays and modify dentures for patients, and Bay Area House Call Dentists say that they have found their services helpful to the elderly, autistic or severely overweight residents of the San Francisco metropolitan area.
Nationwide, however, more attention is being received by clinics like Remote Area Medical, which offers oral care services to those who cannot yet afford dental insurance plans, but the services are provided infrequently compared to recommendations by the American Dental Association.
As Itani says, gum disease can lead to the spread of infections that affect the lungs, heart and other organs, so a plan that offers preventive care may be an expense worth bearing to prevent future expenses, like Socorro Salazars teeth extractions.
The 55-year-old ignored oral pain for eight years, and ended up paying $19,000 to have six removed and replaced because he did not have a policy from any California dental insurance plans, according to the Times.
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