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A lot happens to our smile when we lose natural teeth. Obviously, there are problems with consuming solid foods. Even speaking clearly could be a problem. However, the major problem is the loss of mass and density in the jaw. This weakens the jaw, and could even cause patients to look older. More importantly, this leaves the smile too weak for implants. Additional treatments could be necessary to strengthen the jaw in order to prepare the gum for dental implants! Fortunately, Doctors Network could link you to a great Kaktovik dentist who is in-network with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and offers this care. In addition, we could also discuss our membership plan to make care affordable!

Jawbone grafting is also referred to as ridge augmentation. Essentially this enables the dentist to preserve the ridge in your mandible. Your dentist could use various sources. Tissue could be sourced from the back of the jaw or the hip. Donor materials such as freeze-dried bovine bone particles could also be used. Some opt for synthetic materials. During oral surgery, these are applied to the areas of weakened structure in the mandibular bone.

Once the area heals, biocompatible dental implants could be placed. The body will accept them as natural roots. As a result, they help prevent any further breakdown in the jaw, preserving your smile. Our team can connect you to a dentist in Kaktovik, AK who offers ridge augmentation, and also let you know about our dental plan to make sure your treatment fits in your budget!

If you have a toothache, or a tooth that is damaged, you need dental care. Otherwise, the tooth could develop a decay and infections. Soon, there is a risk of not only missing teeth, but a spread of infection to other areas of the jaw. But sometimes, the issue is beyond the stage to be treated with a tooth filling. Instead, the tooth could require an extraction. At Doctors Network, our team can help you book a visit with a Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield dentist in Kaktovik, AK who can offer a effective tooth extraction as needed.

As we discussed earlier, cavities or injury could be why a tooth needs extraction. But a dentist could also remove one that is loosened by periodontitis. Removing a tooth could restore overall balance and chewing function. Extraction could also provide room for treatment with braces! In many cases, this could prevent the negative impact of wisdom tooth eruption. Removing wisdom teeth prior to eruption helps preserve the balance and appearance of your smile. For people with advanced tooth loss, removing the last few teeth essentially paves the way for dentures. Your Kaktovik general dentist could use this to improve the function, health, and even the beauty of your smile.

Now that you understand when and why a tooth may need an extraction, how do you seek care for one? Well, as mentioned above Doctors Network can connect you with a dentist in the Kaktovik, AK area. But if you don’t have coverage, you may worry about costs. Fortunately, we have a direct payment plan! Our dental membership plan is opened with an initial fee and maintained with a monthly fee. For some, this could cut the cost of care by up to 90%!

Tooth loss could lead to multiple complications for your smile. For example, this could impact your nutritional intake, or how clearly you can talk. But the most severe complication is the loss of integrity in the jaw. The body decreases the flow of calcium, phosphate, and other minerals to the areas without tooth roots, which in turn causes bone loss and an aged appearance and weakens the jaw significantly. Which means you may not be able to receive dental implants to address your missing teeth. But Doctors Network can connect you with a dentist in Kaktovik, AK who can strengthen your smile.

As we’ve discussed in previous posts, a bone grafting procedure helps strengthen the mandible, so it can support dental implants. But what about the upper jaw? Instead of adding new tissue, your Kaktovik dentist could perform a sinus lift. Essentially, the dentist will raise the sinus floor to induce the formation of new tissues. The new structure can support dental implants. Once the new teeth are secured, this stimulates the growth of bone tissue to preserve the area. Your new teeth then last for decades to come, possibly even a lifetime.

If you need to strengthen your weakened jawbone to support one or more dental implants, we could help. Our team can connect you with a Kaktovik, AK dentist who can offer a sinus lift and takes Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. When your smile is strengthened and ready, dental implants could provide a whole smile again. If you don’t have dental insurance, don’t let this stand between you and a complete smile. Instead, talk to our team about our Direct Dental Plan. With our Direct Dental Plan, you can have treatments discounted by as much as 90% in some situations. A full smile is possible again!

According to the research by the Centers for Disease Control, over half of the population ages 30 and older suffer from poor periodontal health. Without intervention, this condition could lead to painful symptoms, including sore gums. The advanced stage, known as periodontitis, could also cause tooth loss. This is why care from a Kaktovik dentist is necessary when you begin to experience sore, red, and bleeding gums. We can help by connecting you to one that accepts Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. After all, your smile needs regular attention!

How does the disease start? The early stages of periodontitis could occur due to lack of proper brushing and flossing. Others could develop it due to severe plaque and tartar buildup, or due to tobacco use, certain medications, gingivitis, or even other family members with poor gum health. As discussed above, tell-tell signs include sore, red, and bleeding gums. By seeing a dentist in Kaktovik, AK you can receive gum treatments like gum grafting to bring relief and improve your oral health. These options could be covered by insurance plans.

If you recognize these symptoms, or if you simply haven’t been to a dentist in recent months, you should book an appointment. At Doctors Network, we can connect you to dentists in Kaktovik who accept Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. A healthy and whole smile is always possible, and we can help facilitate this process!

You probably know many people who have had their wisdom teeth extracted and are eager to describe their story to you. While this can be helpful, it is still crucial to consult with a dental professional. If you need these teeth removed, it is best to have a plethora of information at your disposal. This will help you understand what to expect from the procedure and what you should look for in a dentist. Luckily, Doctors Network can help you connect with a great dentist near you in Kaktovik, AK that accepts Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Wisdom teeth are located in the back of your mouth, and there are two on the top and two on the bottom. They usually appear between seventeen and twenty-five. Because wisdom teeth come in later than the rest of your teeth, their arrival can cause complications with your existing ones. They can erupt at odd directions, only partially come in, or overcrowd your existing teeth. When this occurs, they are probably going to be affected by harmful bacteria. If any of these conditions take place, it can be very painful and can affect your existing teeth. If you think you might have complications with wisdom teeth eruption, it is important to see a Kaktovik oral surgeon or dentist quickly.

If you in fact need wisdom tooth extraction, your dentist will determine how they will go about the procedure to make certain everything goes smoothly. They will determine which of your wisdom teeth need to be removed and how complex it will be. They will also decide the appropriate type of sedation and the condition of your existing teeth. Once they ascertain this information, they can extract your wisdom teeth more easily. When you come in for the procedure, you will receive the appropriate anesthesia option, so you will not feel pain. Your dentist will extract your teeth and look after you the entire time to make sure you are doing well. Once your wisdom teeth are removed, you will get post-operative instructions. Fortunately, there are many Kaktovik dentists that accept Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and can effectively extract your wisdom teeth.

Have you ever noticed popping or crackling sound in the jaw? Do you have frequent headaches or jaw pain? If so, this could be related to two common jaw joint issues. Around twenty-five million people in the United States suffer from chronic bruxism and TMJ dysfunction. Without treatment, these could not only lead to painful symptoms, but actually crack or chip a tooth! Fortunately, your friends at Doctors Network can help you find a dentist in Kaktovik, AK who accepts Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.

While very different from one another, these two disorders are often related. TMJ disorder develops when the jaw joints undergo excessive strain. This could cause problems with jaw function. Common symptoms include pain in the jaw, head, face, and neck. Bruxism means you clench or grind your teeth in your sleep. The stress caused by grinding could cause jaw pain and headaches. Teeth grinding could also damage teeth. This damage could lead to cavities, infection, and more. Both disorders could be caused by issues that strain the jaw joints, and untreated TMJ disorder could mean eventual teeth grinding, and vice-versa. When you have persistent pain in your head and neck, you should find help. We can even connect you with a dentist in Kaktovik who accepts Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.

There are, however, multiple treatment options available; for some, relief is possible following dental bonding, which improves bite balance. For others, treating malocclusion with orthodontic treatment could ease strain and stop symptoms. The most common option most dentists offer is an oral splint, which fits like a nightguard. If you need to find treatment from a Kaktovik dentist. then contact our team!