Get your meds in advance: Chances are you won’t be up for a trip to the drugstore right after your surgery. If possible, ask your dentist what medications you’ll need in advance, so you can pick them up earlier and have them with you right after the procedure. This will also allow you to take some of the standard medications earlier, such as the antibiotics and painkillers, rather than wait and endure the pain until you’ve bought the meds.

Make transport arrangements: Depending on the type of anesthesia or sedation you’re on—something you’ll also have to discuss with your dentist—you may not be in the best shape to drive yourself home or commute. It’s usually best to have someone pick you up and take you home afterwards.

Follow pre-op instructions: If you need IV sedation or a general anesthetic, your surgeon will usually tell you to avoid any food or water eight hours before your surgery. If it’s just a local anesthesia, you can usually have a light meal a couple of hours before the procedure, although this will be your dentist’s call. In any case, brush your teeth and floss right before the appointment. Don’t smoke for at least 12 hours before the surgery, and for at least 24 hours afterwards.

Plan your recovery diet: After your surgery, you’ll likely be limited to soft foods that don’t make much use of your teeth. Spicy and acidic food, including soda, may also be prohibited. Water is usually best, but if you want something different, stick to healthy drinks like milk, tea, and protein shakes. Don’t drink with straws, as it can cause a painful reaction called dry socket, which will require additional treatment.

Sleep comfortably: You may be instructed to sleep in a certain position to avoid pressure on the area of surgery, even if you’ve stayed in the hospital for a while. The best position is usually on your back with the back slightly elevated. To do this, cushion your back with a few pillows, adding one at a time until you reach a comfortable angle.

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In Florida, the insurance industry is overseen by the state’s Department of Financial Services. This is the first place you’ll need to look if you’re looking for dental insurance. All insurance providers must be recognized by the department, so checking with them is your way of making sure you’re dealing with legitimate providers. The site also keeps a log of companies with complaints filed against them, so you can avoid the obviously bad ones.

This level of regulation helps keep insurance rates in Florida fairly competitive. That being said, not every quote you come across will be a good deal; you still have to do your own comparison shopping to make sure you’re getting the best out of your money. Experts recommend looking up references for providers, or even asking around from people you personally know.

It may also help to do the math and figure out how much you’re actually saving. If you don’t feel you need to visit the dentist that often, you may actually be better off just paying for the occasional visit. For example, the average cost of a periodic exam is about $50, while a cleaning costs around $80. Extractions will set you back around $500; this can be more or less depending on the complexity of your case. Spread the costs out over a year and compare it to the yearly cost of insurance, taking into account the risk of accidents (if they’re covered) and other conditions that may come up.

As with any other form of insurance costs depend on the scope of the plan (i.e. procedures covered), the amount of deductibles, and the flexibility allowed in choosing practitioners. Make the rates work in your favour by reading through each offer carefully. Look beyond the price and make sure you’re getting reasonable coverage—there’s no point paying pennies a day if you still have to shell out hundreds for your part of the bill, or wait a year to be reimbursed.

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Many seniors are drawn to dental discount plans. These aren’t insurance per se; they work by offering discounted rates for dental procedures. As with group insurance, the more members there are, the greater the discounts can be, since there are more paying members to cover the difference. The main advantages are the short waiting periods (since there are no examinations needed), wider coverage (pre-existing conditions are usually covered), and the looser limits on age and exclusions.

Of course, for procedures that cost more than average, discount plans may not be ideal. For traditional dental coverage, seniors often turn to organizations such as the AARP (American Association of Retired Persons, although they serve all seniors now, retired or not), which specializes in health coverage. The AARP currently has about seven million members, although not all are covered by dental insurance.

AARP dental coverage is provided by Delta Dental, a preferred provider association (PPO). This means that the insurer allows members to choose their dentists and switch dentists as they please, even out-of-network ones. All you have to do is pay your share of the fee and leave—no need to file claims or fill out reimbursement forms.

Delta Plan A offers 100% coverage for diagnostic and preventative procedures, and 80% coverage for maintenance and repairs. Restorative procedures, such as fillings and root canals, receive 50% coverage. Full coverage is also offered for dental accidents, with a maximum lifetime claim of $1,000. The coverage increases after twelve years of membership. Delta Plan B covers only 80% of the cost for diagnostic and preventative procedures, and 50% for all other procedures. Dental accident insurance is not included.

AARP dental coverage is offered to all its members, with the option to enroll spouses, partners, and dependent children (those who are under 26 or are disabled). Coverage is given for a minimum of 12 months and can be renewed every year, provided all the premiums are paid. If you’d like to give it a try, the group gives you a 30-day period within which you can withdraw and get a full refund.

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Price is probably the procedure’s biggest drawback. Porcelain veneers cost anywhere from under $1,000 to over $30,000, depending on a long list of factors. The most important ones are the extent of the veneer (all upper teeth, a full set, etc.), the type of porcelain applied, the dentist’s training (some specialize in veneers, while others work in general dentistry and do occasional cosmetic work), your location, and whether or not there is a warranty.

The dentist can choose from different types of porcelain veneers, and different ways to bond them to your teeth. A common type, known as composite veneers, are actually made of porcelain with a mix of other materials, which makes them sturdier and easier for the dentist to work with. Pressed ceramic veneers are stronger, but less realistic (they tend to be a stark, monochromatic white). Several other types exist, offering different levels of thickness, comfort, and price.

The cost of one veneer averages about $700. Most patients need more than that, however. A set of six veneers for your upper teeth starts at $4,500; it can go up to three times that if your case requires more handiwork and artistic ability from the dentist. A full set of visible upper teeth will require about 10 veneers, and this will cost you $6,000 to over $20,000. Extending that to the lower teeth runs the price up to the $12,000 – $30,000 range. The most expensive procedure is obviously a full set of upper and lower teeth veneers.

Other related costs, such as consultations and fittings, can add $50 to $200 to the bill. However, most clinics will waive these fees if you have the veneers done by them. Make sure to shop around and look into different terms, taking into account warranties and dentist experience. It’s usually better to pay more for a clinic that specializes in the procedure than take a chance with a less experienced practitioner, especially for the price you’re paying. If you’re unsure about the cost, ask if you can enter a payment plan, or opt out of certain services to lower the quote.

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A simple extraction, wherein the tooth is fully erupted, has small roots, and isn’t growing into any neighboring teeth, will cost $100 to $150. You may be able to get it for less if you shop around, but that’s the general range. The tooth extraction cost goes up the more complicated it gets, as it takes up more of the dentist’s time. When there’s surgery involved—for example, when the tooth breaks off at the gum or it’s impacted—the price can go up to $6000.Teeth that are partially covered by bone are harder to pull out and can cost even more.

Wisdom teeth are usually the hardest and most expensive to pull out. If there are no complications, the cost can run from $150 to $300. Impacted wisdom teeth can start at $350, and the price can go up depending on how complicated the surgery will be. Very complex cases are usually handled by a specialist known as a maxillofacial surgeon. Because they are more highly trained, they may charge significantly higher than your regular dentist.

Sedation and anesthesia usually add significantly to tooth extraction costs, although patients don’t always think of it. Sedation can set you back $200 to $400. You can choose to just get local anesthesia, although the doctor may insist that you be sedated if you need to keep still for a long operation. Other related costs include the initial checkup, which can range from $50 to $150, and x-rays, which can be as low as $10 or as much as $100.

Most dental insurance policies will cover at least 50% of the tooth extraction cost, provided it isn’t for purely cosmetic purposes. If you’re not covered or the procedure costs more than they’re willing to cover, you can look into financing plans—some clinics offer different payment options for patients undergoing expensive procedures. You can also go to a university dental clinic, where students in training can do it for you at a discount.

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Wisdom teeth extraction is considered minor surgery. It is performed with strong local anesthesia and usually a local sedative to help keep the patient still. While it’s a fairly safe procedure, not all people are good candidates for wisdom teeth extraction. For instance, older people are usually more prone to complications, which is why dentists recommend having wisdom teeth removed by age 18. As you get older, your teeth become fused to your facial bone, and removing them becomes increasingly risky.

Some side effects can occur both as a result of the medication and the extraction itself. If you were given a strong sedative, you may feel lightheaded for a while after the procedure. After the operation, you may feel some pain and swelling on the side of your face, and your lower lip may be a little sensitive. Depending on how long the extraction took, you may also feel some stiffness in your jaw. These are often no cause for concern, but if the pain lasts more than two weeks, call your dentist for a follow-up.

Extraction costs $150 to $350 per tooth, but this doesn’t include related services such as X-rays, anesthesia, sedation, and medications. The total price can be anywhere between $500 and $1,000, or more for complicated procedures. Factors affecting wisdom teeth removal cost include your location (dentists in some areas charge more than others), your dentist (more experienced dentists charge more), and the scope of the procedure (complicated cases take more of the dentist’s time and thus cost more).

Dental insurance usually covers part or all of the cost of extraction. The coverage ranges from 15% to 50%. You can cut costs by opting out of some services; for example, you can ask to be sedated instead of asleep during the procedure. If you’re not covered by insurance, you can look into financing, or ask your clinic if they have alternative payment plans. Most will accept deferred payment for costly extractions. The terms may be based on your credit history, so be ready to provide any necessary information.

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But that doesn’t mean there’s no credit to teeth whitening. Some people opt for the procedure because their dental colouring has significantly changed, either from smoking, gum problems, or some other condition. If you think you’re a good candidate for it, start with something simple: try teeth whitening at home.

Home teeth whitening products range from specialized toothpastes to strips that you leave on your teeth for a while. The key to most of these products is peroxide, a well-known mild bleaching agent. It works by creating bubbles on tooth enamel that help lift away the stains. While its use has room for improvement, it’s generally regarded as the best way to whiten teeth without going to the dentist.

Hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening is proven safe for the mouth, but some side effects are possible. The most common is temporary tooth sensitivity. This happens when some of the bleaching agent gets trapped in the tooth’s nerve passages. The sensation usually lasts no more than a couple of days.

Another common method is the use of whitening strips. These strips are held against the tooth enamel for about half an hour every day, providing maximum contact with hydrogen peroxide. The treatment lasts about a week, or until you get the desired shade. Not all strips work the same way, but most will contain instructions on how to whiten teeth at home using the product. This method isn’t as popular because the strips can be uncomfortable to wear, although the whitening tends to be more efficient.

Doctors recommend teeth whitening at home only to people with healthy teeth who have seen their dentist in the past year. People with especially sensitive teeth, those with crowns or fillings on the front, and those with gray rather than yellow teeth should opt for more professional procedures. If you fall under one of these categories, your dentist can tell you how to whiten your teeth at home safely, or recommend a professional who can do it for you.

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The anesthesia is usually a combination of intravenous drugs and various inhaled gases. Besides these anesthetic agents, the process also involves controlling the patient’s breathing and pulse and monitoring vital functions throughout the surgery.

The risk associated with general anesthesia is low, although side effects are common. These include nausea, digestive problems, fever and chills, numbness, and mild confusion upon waking up. They are usually no cause for worry, especially in healthy patients. The risk rises for people with heart, lung, or kidney problems, people taking aspirin and other blood-thinning agents, smokers, drinkers, and those with allergies or sleep apnea. Obese patients are also at higher risk.

Many people worry that they will wake up while under general anesthesia. This does happen, but it’s very rare—about one in a thousand people—and many are simply aware of their surroundings and don’t wake up in pain. The likelihood is higher during emergency surgery (where often a different type of anesthesia, called dissociative, is used) and in patients who drink alcohol daily, have heart or lung conditions, and have been using tranquilizers or anticonvulsants.

Patients are asked to fast several hours before being put under because the procedure turns off the body’s ability to retain food in the stomach, which means any food taken may end up in the lungs. Some medications may also be stopped during this period; these include oral diabetes treatments, which can interfere with blood function.

The anesthesiologist and his team will take a full medical history of the patient before the operation. This will allow them to choose the right mix of drugs (some people can have adverse reactions to common anesthetic agents, or may be allergic) and avoid complications. If the patient has undergone surgery before, the team will also look into prior anesthesia used as an indicator. This is why it’s important to tell the doctors everything—the more information they have, the safer and more effective the medication will be.

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Epidural anesthesia is optional; some women choose not to get it for safety or personal reasons. Some doctors recommend using an epidural only in cases of extreme pain or when complications arise that require surgery. In normal deliveries, the pain serves as the signal for the mother to push, so an epidural can actually prolong the process.

The drug is injected into the lower part of the spine, usually with the patient lying on her side and curled up tightly. This gives the anesthesiologist the clearest view of the spinal column possible. The area is first injected with a local anesthetic, which will numb the pain from the actual epidural injection. A test dose is then injected to make sure the epidural is being administered in the right place, then the full shot is delivered through a catheter. Along with the epidural, the patient is given a range of other medications according to her specific needs, delivered through the same catheter.

Epidural injections can be painful, not least because they are usually delivered during contractions and require an uncomfortable position. Some women feel a sharp pain or jerk in their legs during the injection; this means the needle has nudged a nearby nerve, but is no cause for concern.

When the epidural anesthesia is in effect, the patient will feel the contractions but not the pain that would normally come with it. In some women the numbness extends up to the chest or down to the knees. Most patients can discuss the scope of the medication with the anesthesiologist beforehand, choosing how much they want to feel during the birth.

The risks of an epidural are usually minor, such as fetal distress and a drop in blood pressure. Rare complications include nerve injury and paralysis. Also, not all patients can be given an epidural—some conditions make the risks outweigh the benefits. People with heavy bleeding, back infections, low platelet counts, and hard-to-locate spinal features are usually turned down for an epidural. The drug can also react negatively to other medications the patient is taking. If you’re considering an epidural for your birth, make sure to give your doctor your full medical history so any potential reactions can be ruled out.

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Local anesthesia, as the name suggests, affects only a specific part of the body, such as a patch of skin or a limb. The person stays awake during the surgery, but they may be given strong sedatives to help limit movement. This type lasts only up to a few hours and is used in out-patient surgery, meaning the patient can come in and leave on the same day. The effect usually lasts for a while after the surgery, helping to relieve post-operational discomfort. Dental surgery and stitching wounds are the most common examples.

Regional anesthesia works on a large area, but not the whole body. An example is the epidural given to women in labor. The drug is injected into a cluster of nerves that control a given region, such as the lower half of the body. Sometimes doctors just inject large doses of local anesthesia, although this is risky and should be done only under very controlled conditions. The patient usually remains awake after receiving regional anesthesia, which reduces the risk of side effects.

General anesthesia numbs the whole body and keeps the person unconscious during the operation. This can be done by inserting an IV into a vein, usually in the arm, providing a continuous flow of the drug; or by having the patient breathe in special gases (commonly desflurane, isoflurane, sevoflurane, and nitrous oxide). Patients often experience side effects upon waking up, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and confusion. Because large doses of the medicine are given, doctors take a complete medical history of the patient to make sure there will be no adverse reactions.

A fourth type, called dissociative anesthesia, is sometimes recognized. It involves the use of dissociatives, drugs that cut the transmission of impulses from one part of the brain to another. The patient is not unconscious, but rather falls into a trance-like state where they feel “separated” from their body. It is commonly used in emergency situations where there is no time for the usual preparations (such as fasting), or in short, painful procedures such as changing dressings on large wounds.

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