Angstadt Dental Lancaster

Start Each Day With A Rewarding Smile

Maximizing Dental Insurance Benefits Before Year-End

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Angstadt Doctors Year End Dental Insurance

As the end of 2023 approaches, it’s an excellent time to take a closer look at your dental insurance plan. Dental insurance is a valuable asset that can help maintain your oral health without straining your finances. However, many people fail to fully utilize their benefits, leaving potential savings on the table. Here’s how you can maximize your dental insurance before the year ends.

Understand Your Benefits

1. Know Your Plan: Start by understanding the specifics of your dental insurance plan. Look at your annual maximums, deductibles, and the coverage percentages for various treatments. Most dental insurance plans have a maximum amount they will pay within a calendar year. If you haven’t reached this limit yet, it’s wise to make use of the remaining benefits.

2. Check the Coverage: Different plans cover various dental procedures differently. Preventive care like cleanings and check-ups are often covered at higher rates, sometimes even 100%. On the other hand, major procedures like crowns or bridges might be covered at a lower percentage. Knowing what’s covered can help you plan your treatments better.

Plan Your Treatments

3. Complete Pending Treatments: If you’ve been postponing dental work, now is the time to schedule it. Whether it’s a filling, a crown, or more extensive work, using your remaining benefits can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

4. Preventive Care: If you haven’t had two cleanings this year, schedule one now. Preventive care is not only fully or mostly covered by most dental insurances, but it also helps in avoiding more extensive and expensive treatments in the future.

Coordinate with Next Year’s Benefits

5. Treatment Plans Across Years: For more expensive treatments, consider splitting them across two benefit periods. Start a procedure in December and complete it in January to use two years’ benefits, thereby reducing your out-of-pocket costs.

6. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): If you have an FSA, check its balance. Some plans require you to use the funds by year-end, while others may offer a grace period or allow a certain amount to roll over.

Don’t Forget the Basics

7. Regular Appointments: Regular dental visits are crucial for maintaining oral health. Even if you don’t need extensive treatment, use your benefits for regular check-ups and cleanings.

8. Update Your Information: Ensure your dental office has your current insurance information to avoid claim issues.

Other Payment Options

The final cost of your dental treatment will vary depending on your individual needs and your treatment plan. Your dental provider should discuss with you the potential cost of care and your available payment options before you begin treatment.

Here at Angstadt Dental Lancaster, besides accepting a number of dental insurance providers, we also offer Wells Fargo Health Advantage, as well as allowing payment with most major credit cards. We also feature both individual loyalty and corporate loyalty plans to help you defray the cost of your dental treatment. Please contact our office regarding currently accepted insurance providers and other financing options. 

Final Thoughts

Your dental insurance is a resource that you’ve already invested in. By understanding and strategically using your benefits before they reset at the end of the year, you can maintain your dental health cost-effectively. Remember, proactive dental care is not only good for your health but also for your wallet. So, schedule those appointments and make the most of your dental insurance!

This guide aims to help you navigate your dental insurance benefits effectively as the year draws to a close. Taking action now can lead to significant savings and a healthier smile! Contact our office in Lancaster today to schedule your appointment.

How to Care for Your Teeth with Preventive Dentistry

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In today’s world of dentistry, there are countless advancements in dental technology and materials: digital imaging, use of dental lasers and 3D milling of crowns, as well as many others. Our office in Lancaster uses the latest techniques to ensure the highest level of clinical care while also providing a comfortable, pain-free experience for our patients.

Even with all of this, prevention is still the best thing you can do to live a healthier and happier life. Since there is no “one size fits all” solution, it’s important to have a relationship with a current dentist who takes the time to understand your unique needs and has the technology to make the process as painless and easy as possible. From home care to the dental office and everything in between, here are useful preventative dentistry tips to keep your smile glowing and your teeth healthy!

Why Prevention Matters

One key reason to maintain good oral hygiene is the benefits it can provide to your overall health. Although your genetics play an influential role in the development of cavities, at-home oral hygiene can keep your teeth free of decay and protect your gums from infection. A visit to Angstadt Dental Lancaster can reveal more than just cavities by examining your mouth and surrounding areas. Some issues that our dentists can detect via an oral examination and digital x-rays include: 

  • Vitamin Deficiencies
  • Signs of Acid Reflux 
  • Tooth Grinding
  • Signs of Sleep Apnea
  • Oral Cancers

In addition, general health issues often initially manifest in your mouth. Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, is a common inflammation of the gums. If not treated, it can develop into periodontitis, an advanced infection that can cause tooth loss. Oral infections that start in your mouth have also been linked to several, severe general health conditions, including: 

  • Heart Disease
  • Stroke
  • Complications of diabetes
  • Respiratory issues
  • Alzheimer’s Disease

Catching oral health issues early helps preserve more of your natural teeth and gums. You can also reduce the pain, discomfort, and complications of oral diseases, significantly improving your quality of life and reducing the amount you ultimately have to pay to maintain your oral health.

Preventative Dentistry Tips

At Angstadt Dental Lancaster, we regularly inform our patients about these helpful tips, and now we’re passing them onto the rest of the community so you can save time and money, all with a healthy and beautiful smile. Here are some of the most important:

  • Home Care: Flossing, brushing and using an antibacterial and fluoride-containing mouth rinse are a great start. An electric toothbrush and/or water flosser work wonders, too!
  • Regular Checkups: Plan on getting a checkups 2-4 times a year, so your dentist can help get anything you may have missed. They are vital to find small issues before they are big (potentially costly) problems. Remember, the earlier it's taken care of, the easier it is to fix!
  • Non-Invasive Sealants: Sealants prevent cavities where 80% of cavities start! They're used for adults and children alike, but crucial for children as they grow.
  • Fluoride: Remember this one? Topical fluoride treatment, especially for kids and young people, helps strengthen teeth and helps prevent dental decay in the long-term.
  • Diet: Snacks in between meals should be limited, and keep sugary/acidic drinks like juices, teas, sodas and coffee to a minimum. Drinking a lot of water can help neutralize acids and is also beneficial to general health.
  • Sugar-Free Gum: Chewing gum can help prevent decay by helping to clean your teeth between meals. Sugar-free mints can improve salivary flow and decrease dry mouth, which is a major contributor to dental decay and gum disease.
  • Mouthguards and Nightguards: These are very helpful to adults and children. Teeth should always be protected when playing sports or even things like bike riding or skiing. Nightguards protect teeth from grinding and clenching and can reduce jaw joint or TMJ pain.
  • Find the Right Dentist For You: Choose a dentist with new and improved technology that is current and can help detect tooth decay or cavities (like the diagnodent or digital x-rays) or complete restorations as minimally invasive as possible (like the Biolase Waterlase).
  • Do Your Research: Find a dentist you can trust and feel comfortable with, one who wants the best for you and your family.

Preventive dental care is of the utmost importance for all people who wish to have a healthy and happy smile as well as preserve function. The best preventive care starts before the problems occur but even after improving current issues and correcting specific problems, prevention is key. Our doctors are consistent in telling our patients that “Prevention is KEY to dental care.” This is because without prevention, no amount of received care can be preserved.

Patients must learn for themselves with our hygienists and doctors, in collaboration, what is the best preventive plan for them. No two people are the same and no plan should be either! Contact us at our office in Lancaster today to start your oral health journey. We will help you develop a preventive care plan alongside our hygienists and/or doctors that is right for you!

 

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Six Factors To Consider When Choosing A Dentist

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When it comes to choosing a new dentist there are a number of critical factors for patients to consider. Chief among them is whether you are looking for a general dentist for ongoing care, maintenance, and checkups, or whether you are looking for a dental specialist equipped to provide a specific treatment (be it restorative or cosmetic). You might even need an emergency dentist to deal with an issue such as cracked teeth, broken previous restorations, and trauma – most of which rarely occurs on a weekday between 9am and 5pm.

Each of these dental needs might call for a different solution (or it might not). For example, at Angstadt Dental Lancaster, we have a wider breadth of training and tools at our disposal than the typical family practice, allowing us to cover a wider assortment of treatment needs. In addition to this foundational question as to the type of dental practice you need, there are a variety of other things to consider when it comes to selecting a dentist. Here are six key factors for you and your family to think about:

1. Quality of Care

Consider whether you are satisfied with the quality of care you are receiving from your current dentist. Thorough cleanings, comprehensive exams, and prompt treatment of dental issues can all impact your long-term dental health. Quality dental care should at the very least include comprehensive exams that assess the overall health of your mouth, teeth, and gums. From there, the basics of general dentistry should include thorough cleanings that remove plaque and tartar, helping to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. You also deserve prompt treatment of any dental issues, such as cavities or gum disease, to prevent further damage and promote oral health. Finally, quality dental care demands professionals who are knowledgeable, skilled, and pay close attention to detail, helping to ensure that your dental treatments are effective and successful.

2. Communication

Evaluate whether your dentist is effective at communicating with you about your oral health and any treatment options. Your dentist should provide regular updates, including the results of any exams or tests, to help you stay informed and proactive about your oral health. He or she should take the time to explain any treatments or procedures you may need, including what to expect during and after the treatment. Your dentist should also provide clear and concise instructions for any follow-up care you may need after a treatment, such as brushing and flossing, to help ensure the best possible outcomes.

Your dentist should use clear and concise language to explain your oral health status and any treatments you may need, helping you to understand what’s going on in your mouth. If they use terminology with which you’re not familiar, speak up! To those ends, does your dentist give you time for questions? Your dentist should provide time for you to ask any questions you may have and address any concerns you have about your oral health or treatment options. In total, by ensuring that your dentist communicates with you effectively, you can feel more confident in your dental care and better understand how to maintain good oral health and hygiene over time.

3. Availability

Consider whether your dentist’s office hours and appointment availability meet your needs. A dentist who can accommodate your schedule and provide appointments in a timely manner can help you stay on top of your oral health. This includes office hours and wait times, ensuring that they are convenient for your schedule and allowing you to attend appointments without having to take a prohibitive amount of time away from work.

You should also look for a dentist who is flexible and able to accommodate your schedule, especially in the case of an emergency or last-minute appointment. The availability of emergency appointments, particularly, ensures that you can receive prompt treatment in the event of a dental emergency. Be certain you will have access to quality dental care when you need it, and minimize the impact that dental appointments have on your daily life and schedule.

4. Cost

Obviously, this is a big one for many prospective patients. 3-in-4 dentists plan to raise their fees in 2023, citing higher wages needed for quality, trained staff, insurance reimbursement rates, and skyrocketing overhead costs due to inflation. With dental costs rising, be sure to evaluate whether the cost of your dental care is reasonable and fits within your budget. Consider factors such as insurance coverage, fees for treatments, and payment options.

If dental insurance coverage is a key component of your plan, stick to dentists who are in-network, helping to minimize the costs of treatment. Also consider the out-of-pocket fees for different services, including routine checkups, cleanings, and any treatments or procedures you may need, to help ensure that you can afford any required dental care.

Finally, you will also want to look for a dentist who offers a variety of payment options, including the use of insurance, financing options, and payment plans, to help make dental care more affordable. The final cost of your dental treatment will vary depending on your individual needs and your treatment plan. Good dental practices will be happy to discuss with you the potential cost of care and your available payment options before you begin treatment.

5. Technology

Don’t overlook this factor (as many do) since a dentist who invests in modern equipment and training can provide you with the highest-quality dental care. Often, this might mean a little bit more in terms of up-front payment but will also mean a more pain free experience, faster recovery, and better long-term results. Advanced technology in the dentist’s practice could include digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, and computer-aided design and manufacturing, to help provide you with the most advanced and effective dental treatments.

Perhaps one of the most significant advances that dentistry has made is associated with dental lasers, specifically the Biolase Waterlase iPlus. At our practice location in Lancaster, we work hard to always bring top-level technology for our patients that makes life easier, painless, and more efficient. Laser treatment is a more conservative treatment option as the process only removes what is needed – tooth decay – saving more of the tooth structure. Due to the multi-functionality of the laser, we do not need to tissue scalpel making the experience pain-free for patients. 

Finally, consider the availability of sedation options, including nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation, to help ensure that you are relaxed and pain-free during dental treatments. Which brings us to our sixth and final factor to consider when selecting a dentist…

6. Comfort

Evaluate whether you feel comfortable with your dentist and their staff. A dentist who creates a welcoming and supportive environment can help you feel more at ease during dental appointments. Consider the comfort and cleanliness of the dental office so that you feel relaxed and at ease when visiting the dentist. Also consider the demeanor and professionalism of the dental staff, ensuring that you feel comfortable and confident in their care and that your questions are answered in a respectful and knowledgeable manner.

Patients should never feel down or distraught about their care and they should feel at ease with the dentist who will be seeing them. Feel free to take the doctors up on their offer to meet with patients at the office for a free and no stress consult appointment to gain confidence and trust. For example, at Angstadt Dental Lancaster, we want patients to know that we have their best interests in mind and that we can take care of just about all of their dental needs in our practice without timely and costly referrals. That mental aspect of “comfort” is as important to dentistry as the physical benefits gained via the latest treatment technologies.

Final Thoughts On Factors To Consider When Choosing A Dentist

Remember, your oral health is an important part of your overall health and well-being. By carefully evaluating your dental care needs and choosing a dentist who can meet those needs, you can help ensure that you receive the highest quality dental care possible.

Start each day with a rewarding smile!

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How A Flexible Spending Account Can Be Used For Dental Care

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There are more options than ever before when it comes to paying for dental work, from dental insurance to Care Credit, credit cards, and more. One underutilized method is a flexible spending account (FSA) which allows you to use pre-tax income to pay for medical care. In this blog, we walk through the answers to some of the common questions we’ve received about FSAs.

How Can A Flexible Spending Account Help?

As mentioned, an FSA is a pretax benefit offered through various employee benefits packages, so coverage will vary depending on how your employer sets up the program. Generally, though, you have pretax income set aside in a separate account (i.e. you never have to pay taxes on this money) and the funds can then be used to pay for medical expenses for you, your spouse, and your dependents. Most FSA plans include the following as eligible expenses:

  • Health, vision, and dental insurance deductibles
  • Physician appointment copayments
  • Prescription medication costs
  • Over-the-counter medication, medical supplies, and equipment
  • Contact lenses and prescription glasses
  • Cost of dental exams, X-rays, and routine cleanings

How Else Can FSAs Pay For Dental Care?

As mentioned above, funds in FSAs can usually be applied toward preventative dental care. With most plans, you can also use the funds for restorative dental services. Services eligible for reimbursement usually include the following: 

  • Crowns
  • Dental Fillings
  • Some Dentures
  • Traditional Braces & Invisalign (if medically necessary)

What Are The Financial Benefits Of An FSA?

The reason that FSAs are so appealing, especially for taxpayers in higher marginal tax brackets, is they reduce the amount of remaining wages after the FSA funds are withdrawn. Note that strict rules as set forth by the IRS dictate the timing of when you have to use the funds (for example, appointment date vs. payment date). Most employers cap the annual amount you can fund the FSA at $2000-$2700 (so about $100 per bi-weekly pay period) and in most cases you have to use most of the funds by the end of the year. In most cases, up to $500 of unused funds can be rolled over into the next year. Strict rules set forth by the IRS must be abided by if you’re planning to use an FSA account to cover your dental or medical expenses.

What's Next?

Funding an FSA is just one piece of the puzzle. The cost of your dental care will vary depending on your individual needs and your treatment plan. Our staff is happy to discuss with you the potential cost of care and your available payment options before you begin treatment. At Angstadt Dental Lancaster, we accept Care Credit, Wells Fargo, as well as major credit cards. We also feature both individual loyalty and corporate loyalty plans to help you defray the cost of your dental treatment. Please contact our office regarding currently accepted insurance providers and other financing options.

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The Importance of Having An Emergency Dentist

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Dental emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere! Dr. Jonathan Angstadt is available to consult with you, and, if necessary, treat your dental emergency 24/7. Whether it’s day or night, weekday or weekend, rest assured that when you contact Angstadt Dental Lancaster for your dental emergency you will speak to our doctor on call. 

Some dental issues cannot wait until Monday morning. Our team will be available and make time to discuss your situation, even during late nights or weekends. Depending on your specific dental issue, you may need to be treated right away. New and existing patients can be seen for dental emergencies at our location in Lancaster (or Wyomissing), PA. Contact Angstadt Dental Lancaster TODAY!  

Lancaster

EMERGENCY SERVICES 24/7

What Is A Dental Emergency?

We hope you never have to experience a dental emergency, but if you do we are here for you! Pain is never normal, it’s your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. A dental emergency includes if you are experiencing dental pain from:

  • a broken tooth or missing tooth from an injury
  • an abscessed tooth infection
  • a cracked or tooth fracture
  • an infection causing tooth pain
  • sudden tooth sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet drinks
  • loss of a crown or filling
  • dental bleeding and swelling
  • aesthetic dental emergencies

If you’re having any of these symptoms, contact Angstadt Dental Lancaster immediately so our professionals can alleviate your oral pain. 

What To Expect During Your Emergency Dental Care Visit

As an emergency patient you will immediately get the best care. First, call the our office and someone will answer you within minutes. Before the visit, make sure you fill out all the forms needed for your appointment so we can urgently get started on you, which includes: Health History Form, Finical Patient Form, HIPAA Patient Form. Make sure you also bring a form of ID and any dental insurance information.

Once at the location, our team will introduce themselves and describe to you what will be done about your dental emergency without judgement. You will feel immediate relief from your dental pain after the first appointment.

Why Angstadt Dental Lancaster For Your Dental Emergency?

Angstadt Dental Lancaster is always available for dental emergencies and Dr. Jonathan Angstadt continue sto exceed emergency patients’ expectations!  Here is what some of our emergency dental patients have to say about their experiences:

“I have been in pain for the last 5 days, sometimes to the point I didn’t think I would make it until the next day. My dentist I usually saw told me I needed an extraction and I wouldn’t be able to get an appointment for over 3 weeks. I found Dr. Angstadt and his amazing staff by googling “dental emergencies”. They are real life superheroes. He spoke to me and told me he would see me today and I would be out of pain by this evening. I’m out of pain. The atmosphere in that office is beyond amazing. I laughed even though I was in the most severe pain I’ve ever felt. Thank you all. Thank you for taking me immediately.

Teri Schilling Tweet

“Came in at 9 PM on a Sunday to evaluate and help my wife who was having extreme pain in her mouth. He took care of the problem and has been responsive to all my texts and answering all the questions we had in the following days. Highly recommend it.”

Maggie Curry Tweet

“The folks at Angstadt are an amazing team! I was told there were no EMERGENCY DENTAL places in the area. So glad I Googled them! They came in on their night off and took my pain away! I couldn't be more thankful for their kindness. Highly recommended, esp. if the holidays and all your regular offices are closed and they want to give you Tylenol. Call Angstadt Dental”

Jonathan R. Tweet

We’re Just A Phone Call Away

We understand dental emergencies don’t always happen at convenient times. Angstadt Dental Lancaster offers experienced emergency dental care exactly when you need it!  We offer emergency dental care to patients of all ages and will open our office to see you during a dental emergency.  It all starts with a phone call!

Lancaster

EMERGENCY SERVICES 24/7

Contact Information

Angstadt Dental Lancaster
1670 Lincoln Highway East
Lancaster, PA 17602

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Office Hours

  • Monday | 8 AM – 7 PM
  • Tuesday | 8 AM – 7 PM
  • Wednesday | 8 AM – 7 PM
  • Thursday | 9 AM – 5 PM
  • Friday | Closed

Map & Directions

We know dental emergencies happen at the most inopportune times, and we are committed to our patients’ health no matter the time. If you are having a dental emergency after regular office hours, please call us at (717) 394-1067. There will be after hours contact information on the answering machine message.

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