Advanced Technology
In-Office Cone
Beam Cat Scan (Pro Max 3-D)
Computer Surgery
Digital X-ray
Intraoral Camera
Electric Handpieces
Cerec On-site Crown/Inlay/Onlay Milling
Soft Tissue
Laser
Velscope Cancer Screen Testing
Dental x-rays provide us with two
dimensional representations of the structures of the
mouth. With our Pro Max 3-D, we are able to visualize
the structures of the jaw in three dimensions. This
allows us to accurately determine the volume of bone
available for the placement of dental implants. We are
able to assess the proximity of anatomic structures to
proposed implant sites and identify pathology,
increasing the predictability of the procedures. All
this is accomplished with minimal radiation
exposure-less than 10 percent that of medical CT scan
and less than half that of a full series of dental
x-rays. Due to all of these advantages we believe this
technology will become the standard of care for the
placement of dental implants.
Having the ability to perform "computer surgery" (virtual
surgery) before going to the mouth is a tremendous advantage particularly in
more complex cases. Simplant, NobelGuide, Blue Sky Horizon are the different
types of software programs that allow us to do just that. They assemble the data
from the CT scan and allow us to view the jaw in three dimensions. We can
virtually place the implants on the computer in such a way as to maximize the
available bone and ensure the implants will be in the proper position for the
final restoration. It enables us to accurately measure distances from vital
structures for a safer implant experience. The plan can then be e-mailed to a
manufacturing facility to fabricate a surgical guide which we can use to
accurately place the implants.
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Digital x-rays are soon to be the
standard in dental imaging. The digital imaging software
allows the doctor to see a number of different views of
the tooth to gain a better understanding of the proper
course of management. Digital x-rays provide a great
benefit to the patient by decreasing the radiation by
over 80% compared to the regular x-rays.
Intraoral cameras are an excellent
means of allowing the patient to view potential dental
conditions in their own mouth. It makes it very easy to
understand what is happening in your own mouth if you
can see the problem on a computer monitor. This digital
image can be utilized to provide information to
insurance and other doctors if necessary.
There are two types of handpieces:
air-driven and electric. Electric handpieces are much
stronger than air-driven due to the fact that a motor is
spinning the bur as opposed to air. This allows the
doctor to remove decay at a faster pace. This will cut
down on the time it takes to complete a procedure.
Cerec On-Site Crown/Inlay/Onlay Milling
  
 
About Oral Cancer
Most people are surprised to learn that one American
dies every hour from oral cancer; a death rate that has
remained virtually unchanged for more than 40 years.
Recent statistics published by the American Cancer
Society indicate that while the incidence and death
rates for cancers overall has decreased, the incidence
of oral cancer has increased by 5.5% and the death rate
has increased by 1.5%.
Oral cancer is far too often
discovered in late stage development, the primary reason
for consistently high death rate. Early detection and
diagnosis can make a tremendous difference in life
expectancy; oral cancer is 90% curable when found in its
early stages. Unfortunately, 70% of oral cancers are
diagnosed in the late stages, 3 and 4, leading to a
five-year survival rate of 57%.
Though tobacco and
alcohol use are the primary lifestyle risk factors that
contribute to the development of oral cancer, 25% of
oral cancer victims do not use tobacco or alcohol, and
have no lifestyle risk factors. Oral cancer affects men
more than women, 2:1, but oral cancer in women is on the
rise nationwide.
Famous Victims
Oral cancer has affected the lives of
many people; however some of the better known oral
cancer victims may surprise you.
1. Sigmund Freud
2. Jack Klugman
3. Alan King
4. Mary Wells
5. George Harrison
6.
Aaron Spelling
7. Jim Thorpe
8. Bill Blass
9. Rod Stewart
10. Lana Turner
IMPORTANCE OF EARLY DETECTION
Early detection is the key to reducing the
devastating impact of oral cancer on victims and their
families. Annual oral cancer screening of patients at
increased risk for oral cancer, patients age 18 and
older, an tobacco users of any age, is the only way to
achieve the early detection of oral cancer necessary to
reduce the death rate of oral cancer-a death rate that
has remained unchanged for more than 40 years!!
The following links are intended for those who have been
diagnosed with oral cancer and are looking for more
information and support resources.
http://www.medhelp.org/NIHlib/GF-458.html
http://spohnc.org
http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary/
http://www.canceradvocacy.org
VELSCOPE INSURANCE COVERAGE
Dental Insurance
The American Dental Association has
established a dental insurance procedure code that
applies to the Velscope exam. This code is the CDT-5
D0431 code. your dental plan may cover this procedure
and both you and your dentist may not be aware of it.
Medical Insurance
Your medical insurance company may
also cover the Velscope exam. There are medical insurance
codes that have also been used to obtain insurance
reimbursement for the velscope exam. These codes are CPT
code 82397 for "chemiluminescent assay" and ICD-9 code,
V76.42, which refers to a "special screening for
malignant neoplasms, oral cavity". You can submit
medical claims to your medical insurance company. your
medical insurance company can provide your with a claim
form.
MSA/HSA OPTION
Medical Spending Accounts, if offered
by your employer, are an excellent option to use for
reimbursement of your Velscope examination. Healthcare
Savings Accounts can also be an option for reimbursement
of your annual velscope exam. In any case, be sure to
get documentation of the Velscope exam from us and submit
a copy of this, along with your receipt, for
reimbursement.
WHAT IF MY CLAIM IS
DENIED?
We have a sample appeal letter
for you to send to your insurance company in the event
that your submission for reimbursement has been denied.
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