FAQs
What causes tooth loss?
Tooth decay and periodontal disease are the most common causes of tooth loss. Tooth decay takes place when most of the tooth's mineral makeup has been dissolved away and a hole (cavity) has formed. While tooth decay primarily affects children, periodontal disease, or gum disease, affects mostly adults. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums caused by the buildup of plaque, and its earliest stage is known as gingivitis.
What causes Oral Cancer?
Tobacco (cigarettes, pipes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and snuff) is the most common cause of oral cancer. Combining tobacco use with heavy drinking can also foster the development of oral cancer. Bad hygiene, prolonged irritation of the oral cavity, and extended exposure to strong sunlight on the lips are among other causes of the disease. Many dentists believe vitamins A and E can help prevent the acquisition of oral cancer.
What is an Oral Surgeon?
An oral surgeon is a dentist who specializes in different aspects of surgery in and around the mouth. He / she performs simple extractions and difficult, complex extractions, including the removal of wisdom teeth. Most oral surgeons are qualified to install dental implants and perform jaw realignment procedures. They usually have four additional years of training and residency after finishing dental school.
What is Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery?
Oral and Maxillofacial surgery is the branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of defects, injuries, and diseases involving the head, mouth, teeth, gums, jaws, and neck.
What needs to have their wisdom teeth extracted?
Anyone who is in danger of developing impacted wisdom teeth (third molars that only partially erupt or get trapped or stuck in the jaw) should have them removed so that they do not damage adjacent molars and cause other oral problems. In addition, anyone who is getting dentures should have their wisdom teeth removed.
Are there any professional organizations for Oral Surgeons?
Yes. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons is a professional organization of oral surgeons.
This is not a dental question. I am wondering if your office/doctors are part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois network or are you considered an Out-of-network provider?
We are in-network providers for Blue Cross Blue Shield. There are several others that we are in network with, as well. Please call the office to check.
As I do not have dental insurance - what credit cards do you accept?
American Express
VISA
Discover
Mastercard
Wells Fargo
Can you tell me what type of payment plan you have if the patient has no health insurance, do you have a payment plan of any kind?
Wells Fargo is available and can be applied for through the website. The link to the application portal is accessible at the bottom of our website, through clicking on the Wells Fargo image.
Does Oral surgery get billed under Medical or Dental insurance?
Both. We will submit to both medical and dental insurances, based on your benefits available we will work to maximize your coverage.
Who are our in-network insurance providers?
Delta Dental PPO and Premier
Delta Dental HMO
Dental Network of America PPO
Dental Network of America HMO
Metlife
Some Cigna Dental PPO's
Grid and Grid + Network
Some United Concordia Dentals
Some Federal Plans
Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO