Spirit Dental Resources

The world of dental care is filled with its own terms that you might have never heard of before. And that could make things pretty confusing pretty quickly. So knowing a variety of dental terms before your appointment could help ensure that you won’t be caught off guard when your dentist throws a new word at you. Plus, when you’re more informed, you might even have fewer questions to ask your dentist, or you might be ready to ask more in-depth questions about your oral health and treatment options. To help you become a more empowered dental patient, we’ve compiled a list of some of the many dental terms that you ought to know. Just a Few Conditions That Could Affect the Mouth Abrasion – your dentist might mention this term when he or she notices that your tooth is showing wear as a result of actions like brushing your teeth too hard. Abscess – this is a term used to describe inflammation that involves a collection of pus. Symptoms could include destruction of the tissue and swelling. Bruxism – this is the term used to describe unconscious clenching or grinding of the teeth. Calculus – also referred to as tartar, this is the hard deposit that occurs when you’re unable to remove all of the plaque from your teeth. As the tartar builds up on your teeth, it could cause your gums to become inflamed, and you’ll need a professional dental cleaning to remove it and restore your dental health. Caries – this is a term used to describe tooth decay. Cavity – this is the term used by your dentist when you’re missing some tooth structure as a result of erosion, abrasion, or decay. Dry Socket – this refers to inflammation and pain within a tooth’s socket after the tooth has been extracted. Gingivitis – this is an early stage of gum disease, typically the result of plaque buildup. The gums will usually be inflamed and red, as well as bleed easily. Impacted Tooth – this occurs when a tooth is blocked, either by soft tissue, bone, or another tooth, from coming up through your gums. It commonly occurs in wisdom teeth.   Malocclusion – this is the term used when there is misalignment of the teeth or jaws. Periodontitis – also referred to as periodontal disease, this is a serious infection of your gums that could develop if you have gingivitis that isn’t properly treated in time. The bones and gums supporting your teeth could deteriorate, causing the teeth to become loose and fall out. Plaque - this is the sticky film containing bacteria and various other substances that ends up coating your teeth daily. When not properly removed using regular brushing and flossing, it could harden into calculus (tartar) and result in gum disease. Temporomandibular joint disorder – also referred to as TMD, this is a condition that could result in symptoms that include clicking and pain within the temporomandibular joint. So Many Different Branches of Dentistry! Endodontics – this is a branch of dentistry that deals with conditions that affect dental pulp. An endodontist has more training in order to treat your problem if it’s more advanced, such as if you have to undergo a root canal. Oral or Maxillofacial Surgeon – this specialist treats conditions that affect the jaw and teeth. Oral Pathologist – this is a specialist who knows how to examine your mouth for abnormalities that include cancer. Orthodontist – this is a dentist who specializes in correcting the alignment of teeth using tools that include braces. Pediatric Dentist – this is a dentist that only treats children’s teeth. Periodontist – this is a dental specialist who treats the tissues surrounding the teeth. Some of the Treatments Your Dentist Might Recommend Amalgam – this is a type of dental filling that could be used to restore teeth that have cavities. It contains a mix of various metals, such as silver, mercury, and copper. Bridge – this appliance might be recommended if you’re missing one or more teeth. It will be used to attach artificial teeth to your natural teeth, bridging the gap between them and restoring your smile. Composite – this is another type of dental filling that could be used to restore the health of a tooth when a cavity is found. It is colored like the rest of the teeth, allowing for a more natural appearance. Extraction – this is performed when all or part of a tooth is removed by the dentist because other treatments were not possible. Prosthesis – this is an artificial replacement for missing teeth. Root canal – during this treatment, the pulp, or nerve, of a tooth is removed and the space is sealed before a crown is used to cover and protect the tooth. Scaling and root planing – this procedure is used to provide a deep clean below the gumline. Sealant – this is a plastic resin that could be applied to the biting surface of a tooth in order to prevent decay and cavities. Veneers – these are thin covers that could be applied to your teeth in order to improve their appearance. They could be made of various materials, such as ceramic or acrylic resin. Getting to Know Your Dental Anatomy   Buccal – this refers to the areas of your teeth that are near your cheeks. Cementum – this is the thin tissue covering tooth roots.

Did you know that it’s a good idea to take extra steps to maintain your dental hygiene while you’re pregnant? There’s a connection between your pregnancy and your oral health, and how you take care of your mouth could even have an impact on the well-being of your child. So check out the prenatal oral care tips below to ensure you can keep both your mouth and your baby as healthy as possible. Here’s How Pregnancy Could Affect Your Oral Health Pregnancy causes you to go through hormonal changes that may boost your risk of developing gum disease. Studies have already found that a lot of women will develop gingivitis while they’re pregnant. This could be due to the fact that higher hormone levels might affect the way that your gums react to plaque. Unfortunately, your oral health issues don’t just affect you; they could adversely affect the health of your baby too. In fact, experts have determined that, if you have gum disease while you’re pregnant, your risk of having your baby prematurely, or delivering a baby who is underweight, might increase. Scary! How could this be? Well, additional research will help experts get more answers, but in the meantime, the evidence shows that gum disease could trigger higher amounts of the chemicals that would induce labor. And the more severe the gum disease, the greater the risk of having a baby prematurely. On top of negatively affecting the health of your gums, higher levels of certain hormones during pregnancy might even cause your teeth to feel loose. And because pregnancy could cause you to have more acid in your mouth, the risk of tooth decay might also increase. Yikes! Prenatal Dental Care Tips for Expecting Moms Because your risk of gingivitis may be higher while you are pregnant, making it a point to stick to your oral hygiene routine at home is a wise move. Do your best to keep all of your teeth as clean as possible, particularly along the gumline, in order to keep gingivitis at bay or at least reduce it. And don’t forget to floss to remove as much plaque as possible every day. Try to keep an eye out for pregnancy gingivitis by paying attention to your gums and checking for bleeding, swelling, or tenderness. If these symptoms develop, contact your dentist, as you don’t want the condition to progress to periodontitis, which is serious. Eating healthy throughout your pregnancy won’t only benefit the growing baby in your belly; it could also help you maintain the health of your mouth. So rather than having sugary sweets, stick with nutritious yet satisfying alternatives like fresh fruit. Upping your intake of calcium-rich, moisture-rich, and fiber-rich foods is also a great idea. Suffering with morning sickness? Switching to a toothpaste with a bland flavor might help prevent gagging. And if you vomit, use some water or mouthwash to thoroughly rinse your mouth out in an effort to keep the teeth and gums clean. Don’t Neglect Your Dental Appointments While Pregnant Sure, you have a lot on your mind and loads to get done before your baby arrives, but seeing your dentist throughout your pregnancy is another important step that you can take to rest assured that your teeth and gums are clean and healthy. Just be sure to inform your dentist that you’re pregnant, and be open and upfront about medications and supplements (including prenatal vitamins) that you’re taking. Also let your dentist know if you’ve had miscarriages in the past or if you’re experiencing any other health concerns or stress. Although you could receive routine dental care throughout your pregnancy, some experts recommend seeing your dentist anywhere from the fourth to the sixth month of pregnancy. If you do see your dentist during your first trimester, he or she might choose to avoid things like pain medications, x-rays, antibiotics, and anesthetics unless they’re really necessary. Urgent dental procedures could be completed during your pregnancy, too, but follow your dentist’s advice based upon your state of health. When it comes to elective procedures, on the other hand, you can hold off until after you’ve had your baby. And if you have any questions regarding the type of dental care that you can receive, consider talking to your obstetrician first. Extra Tip: Planning on getting pregnant? Take action early by seeing your dentist for an exam and a cleaning. This way, you can treat any dental or gum problems in advance and start your pregnancy off with a clean and healthy mouth. Healthy Mouth, Healthy Pregnancy! Taking care of your oral health during pregnancy is an essential step that could help ensure the health of your child. But even after you’ve given birth, it’s a great idea to see your dentist for another checkup, especially if you were diagnosed with a condition like gingivitis while you were expecting. Overall, with the right dental care strategy, you could welcome a strong baby, and you’ll be sporting a bright smile for all of those photos with your bundle of joy! Sources: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-care-pregnancy#1 https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/oral-care-during-pregnancy/why-you-need-a-prenatal-dental-care-checkup https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/prenatal/Pages/Brushing-for-Two-How-Your-Oral-Health-Effects-Baby.aspx https://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/dental-health-during-pregnancy.aspx

Updated June 2021 As you age, your entire body changes—yes, even your teeth and gums! And it should come as no surprise that your risk of dental problems tends to be higher when you’re a senior. But there are steps you can take to reduce the odds that you’ll develop major issues. Below are a few of the things you should know to help ensure those pearly whites will continue looking beautiful for years to come.  A Look at Some of the Dental Problems That Seniors Commonly Face Dental problems can develop at any age, but seniors should realize that they’re more susceptible. According to the CDC, untreated decay, gum disease, and tooth loss are all common problems among seniors. And many people who are 65 years of age and older don’t have any of their natural teeth left!  As a senior, things to look out for include wear and tear on the teeth, erosion of the enamel, cavities, and gum disease that might result in tooth loss if it isn’t treated properly and promptly. Trips to the dentist can help you catch problems in their earliest stages so you can preserve the health of your teeth and gums as best as possible.  Other oral health problems that might arise when you’re older include: Dry mouth Gum recession Root decay Darkened teeth Oral thrush There’s a Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Health As a senior, it’s super important to be aware of the connection between oral health problems and other health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Because of these links, taking care of your teeth and gums is a smart step toward taking care of the rest of your body, and vice versa.  It’s also worth noting that certain medications for chronic conditions might cause side effects that impact your mouth. For example, if you’re taking a medicine that causes dry mouth as a side effect, it might raise your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.  And let’s not forget that seniors should keep an eye out for symptoms of oral cancer because the risk of this disease is also higher when you’re older. Eating right and following a healthy lifestyle are a couple of strategies that may help reduce your risk, but it’s still important to see a dentist regularly for checkups that can catch the early signs that something’s wrong.  Oral Hygiene Is Extremely Important for Seniors Knowing that you’re at a greater risk of developing oral problems as a senior is the first step. Taking action to keep your whole mouth as healthy and strong as possible is the next step.  At home, be sure to brush daily with a toothbrush that’s comfortable to use. Rinsing with a mouthwash can also be helpful when you want to clean areas that you might’ve missed while brushing and flossing.   See your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings. Discuss any symptoms you’re experiencing, from sensitivity and swelling to dry mouth and sores.  If you have a dental bridge or you wear dentures, talk to your dentist about the best ways to keep them clean. And if they don’t fit comfortably, your dentist can adjust them for you, so don’t be afraid to speak up if you experience discomfort.  Finally, don’t forget to let your dentist know about any medications you’re taking and any medical conditions you’ve been diagnosed with. That way, he or she can keep that information in mind when examining your mouth and recommending treatments.  Sign Up for Dental Insurance for Seniors to Save Money! As you can see, seniors have a lot to think about when it comes to their oral health and hygiene, from taking the right steps to prevent problems, to having access to a qualified dentist who can provide prompt treatments. But on top of all of that, there’s also the issue of affording professional care.  The costs associated with keeping your mouth clean and healthy can certainly add up at any age, but the older you get and the more problems you encounter, the more expensive your dental care may become. Therefore, it’s wise to look into the dental insurance plans that are available for seniors. You might be surprised by how much coverage you can get at a budget-friendly price! Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/adult-oral-health/adult_older.htm https://www.aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/senior-dental-care https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-care-seniors https://www.yourdentistryguide.com/seniors/ https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-health-dry-mouth https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/topics/doctor-visits/regular-checkups/oral-health-older-adults-quick-tips

One of the most important decisions that you will make for your newborn is whether or not you will breastfeed. And you might already know about some of the many benefits that your milk could provide to your baby, such as a boost to his or her immune system. But what about your baby’s dental health? And what about your dental health? Is there a connection between oral health and breastfeeding, for both mom and baby?Breast Milk: More Than Just NutritionHave you heard about baby bottle tooth decay? Basically, when a baby is given a bottle filled with milk, formula, or juice before bed, the teeth are exposed to the sugars in those drinks for a long period of time. And that could end up causing your little one’s teeth to decay prematurely. Oh no! Here’s why: when drinking from a bottle, the milk ends up surrounding the teeth, and the bottle might continue leaking milk even after your baby stops sucking on it. On the other hand, your nipple goes further into your baby’s mouth and needs to be sucked on to release the milk. So breastfeeding might help reduce the risk of baby bottle tooth decay.Research has also suggested that breast milk has protective effects because it contains antibodies that could get in the way of unwanted bacterial growth in your baby’s mouth. Plus, these antibodies might inhibit a bacterium known as Streptococcus mutans, which is associated with tooth decay. Nice!On top of all of that, babies who are breastfed without using a bottle for the first six months of life tend to be less likely to develop dental alignment problems. More specifically, breastfeeding your child might help to reduce the risk of an overbite, a crossbite, or an open bite. Just remember that using a pacifier or sucking on a thumb may adversely affect your baby’s teeth alignment as well. So if you want to help your child avoid braces in the future, keeping these tips in mind could help ensure a beautiful smile.What About Cavities?By now, breastfeeding probably sounds like a great idea, right? But it’s important to note that breastfeeding doesn’t guarantee that your baby won’t develop those dreaded cavities.According to experts, breastfeeding could actually contribute to cavity formation, simply because your own breast milk also has sugar in it. So even if you do decide to breastfeed your tiny bundle of joy, don’t forget to gently wipe the gums with a moistened gauze pad or washcloth daily, even before those first little chompers erupt. And after the first teeth emerge, you can gently brush them twice daily to help keep them clean.When Is It Time to Stop Breastfeeding?Sure, there are a lot of benefits that come with breastfeeding, but could it ever end up being too much of a good thing? According to researchers, yes, it could. Breastfeeding for two years or more might end up increasing your child’s risk of cavities. Whoa!How could this be? Well, experts think it might have something to do with the fact that children over two years of age tend to ask for breast milk often, and they are typically fed on demand. Plus, these children might even be breastfed at night. When these frequent feedings and nighttime feedings aren’t followed up with proper dental cleaning, it might boost the risk of cavities. For these reasons, some experts recommend that you stop breastfeeding your baby at or before 24 months of age.  Don’t Forget to Take Care of Your Teeth, Busy Mom!Even though all of your focus is on your precious baby, try to stay on track when it comes to your own oral health care routine. A lot of moms are, understandably, too tired to brush their teeth twice a day, or they might end up forgetting to floss because they have so many other things on their mind.Failing to keep up with your brushing and flossing regimen could increase your risk of gum disease and cavities. And this is scary for your baby, too, because you could end up transferring bacteria from your mouth to your baby’s mouth if you do something as simple as share a spoon. So keeping your own mouth clean and healthy is always an important first step.Keep Baby’s Teeth Beautiful with Help from Your DentistIn addition to getting your teeth cleaned and having your dentist examine your mouth for the early signs of gum disease and decay, your baby could also start seeing the dentist. With your dentist’s help, you could rest assured that your child’s teeth are erupting perfectly, and you could also gain valuable advice regarding how to care for your baby’s teeth.So it turns out that breastfeeding your baby could not only help promote healthy growth, but also help promote the development of healthy teeth. Wow, breast milk is even more impressive than we thought!Sources:https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/breastfeedinghttps://www.cnn.com/2017/06/30/health/breastfeeding-cavities-dental-health-study/index.htmlhttps://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/breastfeeding-and-tooth-decay

Do you make it a point to read nutrition labels when you’re shopping for your groceries? Smart strategy! Knowing the ingredients in packaged food, as well as other important tidbits like the number of calories and the amount of fat and cholesterol in a serving, will help you make the best choices for your health. But did you know that nutrition labels are set to change? We’ve gathered some info on what you can expect, as well as when you can expect these changes to take effect. Why Bother Changing Nutrition Labels? Back in 2016, the FDA let everyone know that they were planning on changing the Nutrition Facts label on packaged foods. Doing so would make it even easier for individuals to make wiser choices. And the changes to the labeling rules are a long time coming, as the existing Nutrition Facts label is over 20 years old! How Will the New Nutrition Labels Look? If you aren’t a fan of change, you might be annoyed by the idea of the Nutrition Facts label looking different from what you’re used to. But, trust us, this is a good type of change. The new label will be based upon the latest research in the world of science, nutrition, and health. This means that you will be gaining access to more accurate information about what you eat every day. The goal is to provide you with greater insight into serving size and nutrient content, and the design itself will also change a bit to make the most important details stand out. Nice, right? Here are some of the changes that you can anticipate: Serving Size, Servings Per Container, and Calories will be showcased in a font that is larger and bolder. Single serving sizes will be updated to more accurately reflect just how much a person will typically consume in a sitting. Total sugars will still be listed, but there will be an extra line for added sugars. Perfect for those who want to cut back on sugar that could damage teeth! The list of nutrients at the bottom of the label will change to include vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium. Compare this to the old label, which featured vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. However, manufacturers could voluntarily list the amounts of other nutrients as well. The nutrients list will also show you the actual amount of each nutrient, in mcg or mg, in addition to the percent Daily Value. There will be a new footnote regarding the daily value. It will serve to clarity what % Daily Value means. You will still see amounts for Total Fat, Saturated Fat, and Trans Fat, but Calories from Fat will no longer be there. And you will also see values for various nutrients, such as sodium and fiber, but they will be updated to reflect the latest research. What Should You Focus on When Shopping for Food? Overall, the new nutrition label should make it easier for you to follow a wholesome diet, and the serving sizes will be more realistic, so you might even have to do less math. Woohoo! When looking at a foods label, experts recommend honing in on the nutrients that you need to get more of, such as fiber, potassium, vitamin D, and calcium. Foods that are high in these vital nutrients are better for you. At the same time, you can check the label for unwanted fat, cholesterol, and sodium, which you should aim to get less of in your diet because these have the potential to increase your risk of disease. When Can You Expect to See These Changes? Are you excited about these upcoming changes? So are we! Unfortunately, they won’t be implemented in 2018 as originally planned. That’s because the FDA wants to give manufacturers more time to change their labels. According to the FDA website, manufacturers will now have until the start of 2020 to make the changes. And companies with less than $10 million in annual sales will have until 2021. Whether or not more delays will take place along the way is yet to be seen. How Else Can You Be Sure You’re Eating Right? Even though it will be a while before you start to see the new Nutrition Facts label on foods at the grocery store, there are steps that you can take starting today to eat right. After all, what you eat affects every aspect of your well-being, even right down to your oral health. In addition to reading labels before putting items into your cart, try to eat more of the foods that support the strength of your teeth, whether you are preparing a summer get-together or a holiday party. Even reducing your gluten intake might help improve the health of your teeth and gums. It’s a new year, so it’s the perfect time to start eating right and taking extra steps to optimize wellness! With a Spirit dental plan, you could see your dentist for cleanings and checkups throughout the coming year, and with the help of nutrition labels, you can choose foods that are packed with nutrients that support your teeth and gums. A brighter smile and a healthier body for 2018? Let’s get it done! Sources: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/changes-nutrition-facts-label https://www.fda.gov/food/labeling-nutrition/using-nutrition-facts-label-how-guide-older-adults https://www.businessinsider.com/fda-changes-nutrition-labels-delayed-trump-administration-2017-6 https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/2017/06/16/whats-behind-the-delay-in-the-new-fda-nutrition-facts-label/#7d79968e528a

Updated May 2023Have you ever wondered how your dental claims are handled after you receive treatment and have insurance? Below is a quick summary of what your dentist does to ensure proper payment for any procedures you have undergone, along with a few tips on submitting a dental claim yourself whenever necessary.How are dental claims processed?If you have never submitted a dental claim, you may be asking, "How are dental claims processed?" Dental insurance claims processing typically involves two steps.Step 1: Submitting a claimAfter you give your dentist all of the information he or she needs regarding your dental insurance, the office might take care of submitting the dental claim on your behalf. Your dentist could submit a claim through regular snail mail or electronic filing. Many dentists will choose the electronic option because it’s easier and more efficient, but the submission type may depend on your insurance provider’s requirements.Sometimes copies of your X-rays and other documents will also need to be submitted along with the claim form for dental claims processing. For example, with a Spirit dental plan, there aren’t any waiting periods, you can receive up to three cleanings annually and you can receive dental insurance for major services.Keep in mind that your dentist might estimate what your out-of-pocket costs will be before submitting the dental claim. So you may need to pay a portion of the bill upfront and let your insurance cover the rest. Your dentist will reimburse you if you end up overpaying, or he or she will come back to you and ask for another payment if the estimate was incorrect and you owe more.Step 2: Waiting for paymentAfter a dental claim has been properly submitted, your dental insurance provider will check it to ensure the treatments you received are covered under your plan. As long as the claim is approved by the insurance company, they will submit the appropriate payment to your dentist for the services that you received. But if you paid the bill upfront, the insurance provider will reimburse you instead.Things could get a bit complicated if a claim is submitted and your insurance provider doesn’t cover part or all of the services within the claim. In this case, your dentist will likely contact you to receive an out-of-pocket payment directly from you. Or you might be contacted by your insurance provider regarding any payment you must make to your dentist because they don’t cover the full cost of treatment.Knowing when you need to submit a dental claimYour insurance provider might prefer receiving a claim that has been submitted by you, the patient. So rather than your dentist submitting the claim, you may need to pay your dentist upfront and then submit a claim for reimbursement. For example, some insurance providers might require this step when you visit a dentist who isn’t in-network. Once the dental claim has been reviewed and approved, you’ll receive the payment directly from your insurance provider, whether they owe you the full payment or they’re only required to cover a portion of what you paid for the treatments you received.Often, when you submit a claim yourself, you’ll be required to include information like your contact info, your dental insurance policy number, the date of service, information on your dentist, a description of the services and diagnoses you received, and the itemized costs of the treatments that you were billed for. You may also be required to submit receipts, X-rays and other information. Basically, everything that your dentist would otherwise do on your behalf, you have to do yourself. But it’s a lot easier than it might seem at first, so don’t worry!Choosing the right plan and dentist is keyBefore signing up with any dental insurance company, it’s best to read through a plan’s details carefully. This way, you’ll know if you’re required to submit your dental insurance claims or if your dentist will be able to do so for you. On top of that, you will know if you are required to pay upfront and then be reimbursed, or if the payment will be submitted directly to your dentist.In addition to knowing what’s covered and what isn’t covered by your insurance plan, it’s also a great idea to find out if there are any limits on the amount of treatment you can receive or if there is a waiting period. This information will help you avoid those dreaded declined dental claims. For example, with a Spirit dental plan, there aren’t any waiting periods, you can receive up to three cleanings annually and you can receive coverage for major services.Frequently asked questions about dental claimsIf you have questions about dental claims, we have answered a few common questions we hear about dental insurance claims processing below. If you have further questions, please contact us; our experienced team will gladly assist you.What is the major difference between medical and dental claims?The major difference between medical and dental claims is the type of services covered and how they are processed. Medical claims typically involve reimbursement for medical services related to illness, injury, or disease, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and prescription medications. Dental claims, on the other hand, involve reimbursement for dental services related to oral health, such as dental exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, orthodontics and other dental treatments. Dental claims are specific to dental care and are processed separately from medical claims.What is a dental claim form called?The dental claim form is typically referred to as a "Dental Claim Form" or "Dental Insurance Claim Form." It is a standardized document used by dental providers to submit a claim for reimbursement to the dental insurance company on behalf of the patient. The dental claim form includes information such as the patient's personal details, policy number, description of services rendered, diagnosis codes and charges for the dental services provided.How do I finalize an open dental claim?To finalize an open dental claim, you will typically need to follow these steps:Complete the dental claim form accurately and provide all the required information, including details about the dental services provided, diagnosis codes, and charges.Attach any supporting documentation, such as dental treatment records, X-rays or invoices, as requested by the dental insurance company.Submit the completed dental claim form and supporting documentation to the dental insurance company by mail, fax or electronically, per their instructions.Follow up with the dental insurance company to ensure they have received and processed your claim. You may need to provide additional information or documentation if requested.Once the dental insurance company has processed the claim, they will typically send you an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) which outlines the coverage, benefits and any patient responsibility, such as deductibles or co-pays.Review the EOB carefully and compare it with the original dental claim to ensure accuracy.If the dental claim is approved, the dental insurance company will issue reimbursement directly to you or your dental provider, depending on the terms of your policy. It's important to note that the specific process for finalizing an open dental claim may vary depending on the dental insurance company's requirements and policies, so it's best to refer to their documentation or contact their customer service for detailed instructions.Trust Spirit Dental for your dental insurance needsNow that you understand more about how dental claims work, you may be ready to shop for low-cost dental insurance. Spirit Dental has a variety of affordable dental plans for you to choose from that will meet your needs. It's easy to get dental insurance quotes online from Spirit Dental. Discover the difference Spirit Dental can make in your oral health.Sources:https://www.apexedi.com/things-you-should-know-about-submitting-dental-claims/https://www.bcbsm.com/index/health-insurance-help/faqs/topics/claims/claims-faq/submit-a-claim.htmlhttps://www.affiliateddentists.com/info/dental-insurance-claims-handled/