Member guide to teledentistry: Common questions and answers
It is important to ensure that our members have access to urgent dental care and Guardian Teledentistry1 helps make that happen. If you have never used teledentistry before, here is a list of commonly asked questions that explain how it works and how you can make the most of this service.
What is teledentistry?
Teledentistry is a virtual dental visit allowing you and your dentist to meet safely in real time from almost any location. This may involve actions like sharing pictures of your mouth or meeting over video chat on a PC, tablet or mobile device.
What is teledentistry best used for?
Services typically provided include diagnosing emergency issues like severe mouth, tooth or jaw pain, bleeding, inflammation, or prescribing antibiotics as appropriate. Other services may include triaging dental issues like a loose or broken tooth, lost crown or discomfort while chewing. For services that cannot be performed virtually, treatment may need to take place in the dentist’s office.
Can I use teledentistry for routine dental care?
No. The most important thing you can do for your oral health at this time is to maintain good oral care at home. Remember to brush and floss your teeth twice daily, avoid tobacco use, and eat whole, nutritious foods that help to keep your teeth healthy.
In addition, it is recommended that you reschedule the following types of oral care:
Regular visits for exams, cleanings and x-rays
Regular visits for braces
Removal of teeth that aren’t painful
Treatment of cavities that aren’t painful
Tooth whitening
What if I need urgent dental care?
Guardian offers virtual dental consultations with teledentistry.com for our Group dental PPO members. Members can call 866-979-1116 or visit teledentistry.com/insurance-carriers/guardian/ to get started.