With the recent changes in health care, you might be worried about your dental benefits. Maybe you can’t see your preferred dentist on your new plans or you don’t have dental insurance at all. Though there is plenty of confusion, one thing is clear: healthy gums and teeth are paramount to your complete health.
The Surgeon General reports that 80 percent of Americans have some form of inflamed gums or gum disease. Research has shown links between gum health and conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Gum inflammation can increase your risk for diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis and low birth weight and premature births.
“As a nation, we have never been as unhealthy as we are today,” said Dr. Mark T. Galli, DDS, of Encinitas. “And for those who don’t have a dentist, or are having trouble keeping their gums healthy, the health risks are cumulative.”
“We wanted to help and figure out a solution,” Dr. Galli said. “As a team who wants to improve access to great dental care in this community, we decided to work with all insurances — even if we are out of network on some — and to create an option for people who don’t have dental insurance but need a great dentist. So we came up with a Dental Savings Membership.”
As part of his quest to help people achieve complete health, the Dental Savings Membership provides patients with most or all of their diagnostic and preventative care and includes a substantial 15 to 20 percent discount on most adjunctive services.
“There are no third parties involved, which means no yearly maximums or deductibles,” Dr. Galli said. “There are no claim forms and you get immediate eligibility and group discounts for dual or family options.”
Dr. Galli and his family are Encinitas residents, and he is happy to be able to help out his local community. “We are excited to provide a simpler and more affordable option for your whole family.”
A graduate of UCSD and then UCLA Dental School, Dr. Galli has been practicing for 20 years and in Encinitas since 2001. “Dentistry is a career I really love,” he said.
Dr. Galli’s services range from cleanings to cosmetic dentistry, and consultations are complimentary. He has several certifications, including CEREC one-visit porcelain crowns. When you think about getting a crown, you probably imagine a lengthy process resulting in numerous office visits.
“With the latest on-site CEREC digital imaging technology, all of this has changed,” Dr. Galli said. “We make custom-fit, beautifully crafted porcelain restorations and bond them in place in the same day.”
If you’ve ever considered straightening your teeth, Dr. Galli offers Invisalign clear aligning trays. These trays are made of smooth plastic and improve hygiene during treatment because they are removable.
And if you one of the 22 million Americans who suffer from sleep apnea, Dr. Galli might be able to help you with this too. He has advanced training to recognize and diagnose various problems associated with sleep.
Dr. Galli starts with a complete evaluation of your airway, jaw joint, muscles and bite. “These should all work together in harmony for ideal comfort and jaw position,” he said. “If we discover there may be a sleep apnea issue, you may be a candidate for an oral appliance to help with breathing.” This is a perfect solution if you have fears about using a continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP machine.
Speaking of sleep, Sedation Dentistry is another area in which Dr. Galli is certified and specially trained. It is an appealing option if you have dental fears as it reduces anxiety and also if you have a hectic schedule as it can turn multiple appointments into a single visit.
Mark T. Galli, DDS, is located at 477 N. El Camino Real, Suite B207 in Encinitas. Call (760) 943-1449 or visit www.gallidds.com for a complete list or services and other helpful information.