New York Medicaid finds $40M in dental fraud

New Yorkers are taking it on the chin for bad dental bills.

The state’s Medicaid program paid out $40 million for excessive dental cleanings and examinations over five years, according to an audit out today from state Controller Thomas DiNapoli. 

One dental clinic got paid for 79 exams given to one patient over four years, according to the audit, a copy of which was obtained by the Daily News.

The law allows only eight exams over four years.

$1M grant given to support teeth regrowth study

A University of Alberta dentistry professor has received a $1-million US grant to continue his research into restoring damaged dental roots using ultrasound and stem cells.

“When we get to the point that we can stop teeth root degeneration by ultrasound only, that would be great,” he said. “If it happens, then we can use the stem cells together with ultrasound to regenerate the degenerated [teeth].”

Dental Implants Vs Bridges

Question:

My dentist recommended an Implant or a dental bridge.  She explained the options but I’m still confused.  What are the advantages and disadvantages of each option?

Answer:

Well let’s first describe what each option entails.  With an implant (usually a mini-screw, or blade, etc), the device is drilled directly through your bone.  Much like the root of a real tooth, it then supports a dental crown.  It looks and acts like a real tooth.

Advantages of this method include:

• esthetics (looks like a real tooth)
• Ability to easily clean it (floss, etc.)
• Looks and feels more natural

Disadvantages of this method include:

• Cost
• Implant failure (depends on location of implant but usually fairly low)

A bridge basically refers to a replacement tooth that is connected to two adjacent teeth.  Meaning, the tooth is attached to the adjoining teeth for support.  As a result, the two adjacent teeth must be crowned.

Advantages of this method include:

• Cost
• Somewhat esthetic (Not as esthetic as implants)

Disadvantages include:

• Somewhat difficult to clean
  • Because the tooth is connected to the two adjacent teeth.  It is hard to floss.  A proxy brush made be used to clean this area effectively
• Esthetics
  • As mentioned above, not as esthetic as implants
• You lose unnecessary tooth structure
  • Because the tooth needs two adjacent teeth for support, the two adjacent teeth must be crowned, causing unnecessary work on a normal tooth.

Good luck and we hope this helps with your decision!

SaveMySmile Team