Question 1

Can a tooth that hurts when biting heal on its own?

Accepted Answer

No. Biting pain comes from a structural problem — a crack, a failing filling, decay, or infection — and those don’t repair themselves. The good news is that caught early, most are simple to fix; the fix just gets bigger the longer it waits.

Question 2

Should I go to the ER for a cracked tooth?

Accepted Answer

For most cracked teeth, a dentist is the right place — an ER usually can’t treat the tooth itself. Go to the ER only if there’s significant facial swelling affecting your breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or a facial injury with other trauma.

Question 3

How long does a filling last?

Accepted Answer

Most tooth-colored fillings last around 7–10 years, though it varies with the filling’s size and location, your bite, grinding, and how well you keep the area clean. Some last considerably longer.

Question 4

Why is there no set price for a dental implant?

Accepted Answer

Because an implant is several steps in one — possibly an extraction, sometimes a bone graft, the implant placement, and the final crown — and every mouth is different. The only accurate figure comes from an exam of your specific case.

Question 5

Does dental insurance cover root canals?

Accepted Answer

Most plans cover root canals in part, usually classified as basic or major restorative care. The exact share depends on your plan’s percentages, annual maximum, and any waiting period.

Question 6

Does the practice offer payment plans?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we offer flexible payment arrangements and can point you to third-party healthcare-financing options that spread treatment over time. Ask our front desk and we’ll walk you through what’s available.

Question 7

Does my annual maximum roll over if I don’t use it?

Accepted Answer

Almost never. The vast majority of dental plans reset the maximum each year with no rollover — unused benefits are lost. A small number of plans have a "carryover" feature, but it’s the exception. It’s worth using benefits you’ve already paid for rather than letting them expire.

Question 8

Does preventive care count toward my deductible?

Accepted Answer

Often not. Many plans cover cleanings, exams, and X-rays separately, without the deductible applying. That’s good news — but it also means a year of only preventive visits may leave your deductible untouched for other work.

Question 9

Is Highmark Dental in-network with my insurance?

Accepted Answer

We are not part of managed-care or HMO networks, and we don’t claim to be. We file claims with most major insurers as a courtesy so your benefits are applied, and we tell you before treatment what your plan is likely to cover. If your plan requires an assigned in-network provider, we’ll say so upfront.

Question 10

Can a tooth abscess go away on its own?

Accepted Answer

No. An abscess is an infection and won’t clear up without treatment, even if the pain temporarily eases when it drains. The infection remains and can spread, so it needs to be seen. The earlier it’s treated, the simpler the fix usually is.

Question 11

How often should I get a dental checkup?

Accepted Answer

For most people, about every six months. Some patients — for example those managing gum disease — benefit from more frequent visits, and your dentist will tell you if that applies to you. The point of the interval is to catch problems while they’re still small.

Dental Answers

Why does my tooth hurt when I bite down?

Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency?

How long do fillings, crowns, and root canals last?

What affects the cost of a dental implant?

Does dental insurance cover crowns, root canals, and implants?

How can I make dental care more affordable?

What is a dental insurance annual maximum?

How do I know if my dental deductible has been met?

What’s the difference between in-network and out-of-network dental?

Is a tooth abscess a dental emergency?

What are the benefits of regular dental checkups?