Frequently Asked Questions

D9995 teledentistry - synchronous; real-time encounter should be reported in addition to other procedures (eg: diagnostic) delivered to the patient on the date of service.

D9996 teledentistry - asynchronous; information stored and forwarded to a dentist for subsequent review.

• Emergency dental care

• Electronic prescriptions

• Post-operative appointments

• General Consultations

• Second Opinions

• Improved clinical efficiency and safety

• Ease of referrals and seeking second opinions from other dentists

• Increased customer base

• Enhanced patient education and engagement

• Increased revenue

Dentulu Pro has partnered with Oral DNA labs, the world leader in salivary diagnostics, to provide salivary testing across the United States from the comfort of your home. Dentulu Pro providers will prescribe your salivary testing kits from OralDNA which will arrive directly to your home. Once the saliva sample is collected and returned to OralDNA, both you and your Dentulu Pro provider will receive the results securely on your Dentulu Pro patient portal. You may opt to review your results and receive customized recommendations based on your findings.

Dentulu Pro provides some of Oral DNA’s most popular tests that help identify oral pathogens that threaten your oral and systemic health. Common pathogens include those that contribute gum disease, cavities, and those that increase the risk of Dementia, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, and even birth complications. We also offer specific tests for fungal infections such as Candida.

Dentulu Pro Salivary Testing program uses an oral rinse method for collecting your sample. Your kit will arrive with all the materials needed to collect your sample and includes pre-paid packaging to return your sample. To provide a good sample, it is recommended to take your test first thing in the morning when you wake up. Alternatively, you can wait at least 1 hour after eating, drinking or smoking and follow these simple steps:

1. VIGOROUSLY SWISH & GARGLE ALL 5 mL of saline solution (included) for AT LEAST 30 SECONDS,
2. SPIT saline into funneled collection tube and POUR preservative (included in blue cap) into collection tube
3. DISCARD funnel (included) in the trash and SEAL collection tube with red cap.
4. WRITE “Patient Name” & “DOB” on barcode label; ATTACH lengthwise onto collection tube
5. PACK box with bagged collection tube; REMOVE adhesive liner; CLOSE & SEAL box and mail.

EVERYTHING you will need is included inside your kit including a pre-paid envelope for shipping back to the laboratory.

The saliva sample is shipped to our service partner Oral DNA's laboratory, where it is tested for a variety of conditions using the latest technology. The methodology used for our salivary testing is highly sensitive and can identify the presence of each pathogen and the quantity of these pathogens within the saliva sample.

Results are typically returned within 7 days of the date your sample is received. Your results will be sent to you directly. You can review your results with a licensed Dentist on Dentulu Pro or print them to share with your regular dentist.

Dentulu Pro Dentists are available to review the results of your salivary diagnostics from almost any device that connects to the internet. Instead of physically traveling to a local dental office, Dentulu Pro dentists provide convenient and affordable consultations directly through Telemedicine. You can schedule a consultation via your cell phone, computer, tablet, and even some smart televisions. Should an in-person visit be necessary, Dentulu Pro will refer you to a local dental office for consultation and treatment.

We highly encourage you to review your salivary testing results with your existing dentist and medical doctor. Dentulu Pro provides nationwide access to licensed dentists in your state who are available to review your results with you in the comfort of your home and make recommendations on treatment options. We are able to provide prescriptions directly to your pharmacy and if necessary provide free referrals to local dentists who can provide you with the necessary dental treatments you may need based on your specific problems. You can also print and download your results to review with your own dentist.

We highly encourage you to test yourself and as many family and friends as possible. The oral microbiome is an integral and critical component of your overall health. Pathogens in the mouth can have a direct and indirect impact on your health, including not only gum disease and cavities, but also your cardiovascular and neurological health, as well as contribute to diabetes and pregnancy complications. It is highly recommended to take a test at least once a year.

We highly encourage our patients to get tested at least 2 times a year. After the initial test is completed, we will offer you suggestions and recommendations on how to address your specific problems. We encourage you to then retest after treatment to assess the results of treatment and see the benefits. There is no harm caused in testing more frequently since this test is non-invasive and simply requires a saliva sample.

Dentulu Pro’s salivary testing is out of network with most insurances and is a fee for service diagnostic test. You can provide your receipt to your insurance company to check for reimbursement. Once you have received your customized report, your dental visits and treatment may be covered by your dental insurance but will vary depending on your specific insurance coverage. Many of Dentulu Pro’s services are covered out of network through your dental and medical insurance and we recommend you provide your insurance company with your statement for reimbursement.

Most HSA and FSA include coverage for saliva testing, please check with your plan’s administrator for your specific coverage.

Dentulu Pro’s treatment recommendations are customized for each patient based on the specific findings in your test. Treatment recommendations may range from antibiotics, certain mouthwashes, oral probiotics, laser dental treatment, and even periodontal trays from partners like Perio-Protect which help provide ongoing defense against certain dangerous bacteria.

Dentulu Pro’s salivary testing provides a risk assessment based on biomarkers associated with chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, cardiovascular disease, and many other chronic conditions. While there are other types of salivary tests on the market that may be utilized for diagnosis of these conditions, the types of tests offered through Oral DNA and Dentulu Pro simply provide an assessment of the presence and quantity of the pathogens in the saliva that help contribute to chronic health conditions.

• Oral soreness

• Dry mouth (cotton mouth)

• Candidiasis (thrush or yeast infections)

• Trouble swallowing

• Denture problems

• Difficulty talking

• Poor oral hygiene

• Keep lips moist

• Brush teeth

• Keep inside of mouth moist

• Interproximal cleaning

• Clean soft tissues

• Clean dentures

• Mobile dentists can access remote areas and serve the most-vulnerable patient populations

• When compared with traditional dental setup, mobile dentistry can be inexpensive

• Extended hours of operation

• Limited range of dental services

• Difficulty in finding the right mobile dentistry providers

• Irritability or mood changes

• Numbness

• Nervousness or anxiety

• Depression

• Physical tremors

• Memory problems

The root canal procedure involves removing the nerve (also known as the pulp) of the tooth. This is necessary when the tooth has been damaged by decay extending to the nerve of the tooth, an injury, or a crack.

Once the pulp has been removed and the inside of the tooth has been thoroughly cleaned, the dentist will fill the root canal with a special material and seal the opening with a temporary filling. In most cases, the patient will need to return to the dentist at a later date to have a permanent filling or crown placed on the tooth to restore its function and appearance.

Root canal therapy is needed when the pulp tissue is damaged or infected, typically due to deep decay, a crack or chip in the tooth, or trauma. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding tissues and cause abscesses, bone loss, and even systemic health problems.

Signs that you may need root canal therapy include:

• Severe toothache that is constant or worsens with pressure or temperature changes
• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers after the stimulus is removed
• Swelling, tenderness, or a bump on the gums near the affected tooth
• Discoloration or darkening of the tooth
• Pus or drainage around the tooth or gums

Root canal therapy is typically performed in one or two appointments, depending on the severity of the infection and the complexity of the tooth. Here is a step-by-step guide to the procedure:

• Anesthesia: The dentist will numb the affected area with a local anesthetic to ensure that you are comfortable during the procedure.

• Access: The dentist will create a small opening in the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber and canals.

• Cleaning: The dentist will use specialized instruments to remove the infected or damaged pulp tissue and clean the canals.

• Shaping: The dentist will shape the canals and prepare them for filling.

• Filling: The dentist will fill the canals with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha and seal the access hole with a temporary filling.

• Crown: In most cases, a dental crown may be needed to protect the weakened tooth from further damage or restore its appearance."

After the procedure, you may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses. Most patients can resume their normal activities the next day.

• Brushing twice daily and flossing daily

• Avoid eating a lot of sticky or hard foods

• Wear a mouthguard while playing sports or other high impact activities

• Avoid sipping on sugary, acidic drinks throughout the day, such as sweet tea, sports drinks, energy drinks, sodas

• Get regular dental checkups every 6 months.

• Veneers- Porcelain veneers are most commonly utilized as an alternative to a full crown, and are only used for the anterior teeth (front set of teeth)
• Onlays- Onlays work similarly and are used when a tooth’s damage is not just located on the cusp. An onlay is specifically made to cover the top of the tooth, otherwise known as the biting area, giving it back its strength.
• Inlays- Inlays are a tooth restoration option that can often be used instead of a dental crown if the area that needs treatment is located on the top of the tooth, also known as the cusp. An experienced dentist will treat the tooth and then make an impression so the inlay can permanently bond into place.

• Toothache, spontaneous pain or pain that occurs without any apparent cause

• Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold

• Tooth sensitivity

• Brown, black or white staining on any surface of a tooth

• Visible holes or pits in your teeth

• Pain when you bite down

• Brush with fluoride toothpaste after eating or drinking

• Visit your dentist regularly

• Rinse your mouth

• Consider dental sealants

• Avoid frequent snacking and sipping

• Eat tooth-healthy foods

• Consider fluoride treatments

• Ask about antibacterial treatments

• Tooth pain

• Sensitivity

• Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold

• Visible holes or pits in your teeth

• Tooth stain

• Pain when you bite down

• Applying ice in the painful area

• Salt water rinse

• Over the counter medications

• When you go to sleep, try elevating your head up with pillows

• Rinse with hydrogen peroxide

• Apply either a cold or warm tea bag to your tooth

• Chew on a piece of fresh garlic

• Chew on the guava leaves

• Apply vanilla extract to the affected area

• Utilize the benefits of clove

• Rinse your mouth with wheatgrass juice

• Thyme oil can be used as a rinse or applied directly to your tooth

• Apply pressure to the area (if it's bleeding) with a piece of cold, wet gauze

• Use an ice cube to suck on to reduce swelling or hold an ice-pack wrapped in a washcloth to the cheek

• Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed for pain

• Consult a dentist

• Patients who are at increased risk of caries due to poor dental hygiene, orthodontic treatment, high sugar diet and lack of exposure to fluoride.

• Enamel defects in the teeth

• Patients with complicated medical history

• Preventive methodology for invasive dental restorations

• Dental defects

• Prevent the gum diseases

• Floss your teeth regularly

• Get regular cleanings and dental check-ups

• Follow the habit of brushing twice a day

• Quit the smoking habit

• Rinse your teeth with an antibacterial mouthwash

• Use fluoride toothpaste

• Brush your teeth after eating

• Floss your teeth regularly

• Brush your tongue

• Clean your dentures and dental appliances

• Adjust your diet and food habits

• Avoid dry mouth

• Change your toothbrush once every 3 months

• Adjust your diet and food habits

• Regular dental checkups

• Avoid smoking

• Vitamin D is very much essential for your teeth. Deficiency of Vitamin D can cause gingival inflammation, cavities, and gum disease.

• Vitamin C is good for gum health. Deficiency of Vitamin C can lead to bleeding gums and gum disease.

• Vitamin A is good for saliva production. Deficiency of Vitamin A can lead to decreased oral epithelial development, impaired tooth formation, enamel hypoplasia and periodontitis.

• Prevents cavities and gum disease

• Prevents more serious health issues and diseases

• Reduced health care costs

• Stops bad breath

• Keeps your smile bright

• Tea tree oil

• Peppermint oil

• Cinnamon oil

• Oregano oil

• Thyme oil

• Clove oil

• Allow guardians to remain with their children during treatment

• Prepare your own picture book or social story, showing and telling what will happen in the dental clinic

• Make the child comfortable

• If a child has issues with bright lights or loud noise, bring along sunglasses and earplugs

• Come prepared with snacks, toys, videos, or other comfort objects

• Follow up with the dentist's recommendations, with the child's disability in mind

• Ask questions if you are not clear in handling the situation exactly

• Brush your teeth after eating

• Floss your teeth regularly

• Brush your tongue

• Clean your dentures and dental appliances

• Adjust your diet and food habits

• Avoid dry mouth

• Change your toothbrush once every 3 months

• Regular dental checkups

• Avoid smoking