At Meridian, our team strives to provide full financial transparency during your entire experience.  Our financial team is here to ensure your dental services are submitted quickly and diligently to ensure your full benefits are maximized.

Meridian accepts ALL dental benefit plans and will submit to ALL insurance carriers on your behalf.  In-Network carriers typically see the most optimal reimbursement and coverage for you.  However, often patients find that their plan’s out-of-network coverage is quite similar and their true out-of-pocket expenses consistent with In-Network scenarios.  Regardless of the situation, Meridian optimizes your benefits coverage in all cases.

The following are dental benefit plans Meridian is In-Network with:

• Endodontics:
  • Aetna
  • AlwaysCare
  • Cigna
  • Connection, GEHA
  • Delta
  • Guardian
  • Humana
  • Metlife
  • Principal
  • Sun Life
  • United Concordia (Tricare)
  • WDA Discount Plan
• Periodontics:
  • AlwaysCare
  • Careington
  • Delta
  • GEHA
  • Guardian
  • Humana
  • Network Health
  • United Health Care
  • United Concordia (Tricare)
  • WDA Discount Plan

We are here every step of the way to ensure you have the financial clarity you need to make optimal decisions for your dental health needs.  Call us at 262-327-6100, email us at office@meridianendo.com or schedule online at Schedule Appointment – Meridian Endodontics, Periodontics & Implant Dentistry where we can go through your specific scenario in more depth.

The post Maximizing your Dental Benefits appeared first on Meridian Endodontics.

Overcoming Dental Anxiety: Your Comfort is Our Priority at Meridian

If you’re feeling anxious about visiting the dentist, you’re not alone. Studies reveal that over 80% of Americans experience some level of dental anxiety or phobia. When this anxiety leads to delaying or avoiding dental care, it can create a cycle of pain, health issues, and more complex, costly treatments.

At Meridian, we understand that dental visits can be daunting. Our goal is to ensure every patient, regardless of their anxiety level, feels comfortable and leaves with a healthy, radiant smile. We understand reducing anxiety can lead to more comfortable treatment, faster healing, and better outcomes.  Here’s how we can help make your visit more pleasant and stress-free:

Understanding Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety can show up in many forms, including:

• Heart palpitations
• Panic attacks
• Increased heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Sweating
• Crying
• Avoidance of place or situation

While we can’t completely remove your anxiety, we have a range of comfort perks designed to make your experience as smooth and positive as possible.

Comfort and Compassion at Meridian

• Sleep Dentistry: For those with severe anxiety, we offer sleep dentistry options such as oral sedation (a pill taken before a visit) or IV sedation.  We also have nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help you feel relaxed during your visit. Talk to us about which customized option is best for you.
• Calm Environment: Our office is designed to be a peaceful space where you can feel at ease with a more tranquil, non-clinical atmosphere.  Think spa or coffee-shop vibe vs. a medical clinic.  Enjoy lavender scents, a soothing nature show with noise-canceling headphones and acoustically designed rooms to help you relax.
• Relaxation Techniques: Techniques like focused breathing and meditation can help manage anxiety. We encourage you to use these methods during your appointment if it would help.
• Personal Comfort: If fidgeting helps you feel more at ease, consider bringing a stress ball or other stress-relief items. If weighted blankets provide comfort, we use an x-ray shield along with a comfort blanket to mimic that soothing effect.
• Support from Loved Ones: If it helps, you’re welcome to bring a trusted family member or friend to your examination and care presentation appointment.
• Effective Communication: Share your concerns with us before your appointment. We’re here to listen and will work with you to ensure your personalized visit is as comfortable as possible. Feel free to ask questions about what to expect and let us know if you need to take a break during the visit.

Your Comfort is Our Priority

No matter how long it’s been since your last visit, we are here to support you without any judgment. Our focus is on helping you overcome anxiety and achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.

If you have any questions or want to discuss options for managing dental anxiety, please reach out to us. We’re committed to making your dental experience at Meridian as pleasant and stress-free as possible.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Let us help you take the first step towards a more comfortable and confident smile. Click here to schedule an appointment with Meridian.

The Meridian Team

The post Overcoming Dental Anxiety appeared first on Meridian Endodontics.

At our privately-owned and locally-operated clinics, we pride ourselves on offering personalized and comprehensive dental care. With a diverse team of dental specialists dedicated to providing the highest quality of care, we are thrilled to introduce Wisconsin native, Dr. Marybeth Francis, one of Milwaukee’s premier endodontists.

A Legacy of Excellence in Dental Care

As a Wisconsin native, Dr. Marybeth Francis carries on her father’s craft of dentistry and brings over a decade of extensive education and professional experience to our clinic. She completed her Endodontic Residency at the esteemed University of Alabama, where she honed her skills in advanced endodontic procedures, pain management, and complex root canal therapies. Prior to that, she completed an AEGD residency at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, gaining a wealth of experience in comprehensive dental care.

Dr. Francis’s academic journey is marked by a dedication to excellence. She earned her PhD in Oral Sciences and Doctor of Dental Medicine degrees from the University of Illinois at Chicago, further demonstrating her commitment to advancing dental research and clinical practice. Additionally, she holds a Master of Science in Biotechnology and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Join Our Family

We invite you to experience the difference at our clinic. Whether you are in pain, have swelling, or need any form of endodontic (root canal) care from Dr. Marybeth Francis, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Trust in our commitment to comfort, empathy, transparency, and excellence in dental specialty care.

Read More About Dr. Francis >

Schedule your examination today and take the first step towards a healthier, pain free, more confident ‘Meridian Smile’.
Schedule Appointment >

The post Meet Dr. Marybeth Francis appeared first on Meridian Endodontics.

(1) Click the “Request Appointment” button

(2) Select a Location

(3) Based on description, select a visit type

(4) Select your appointment time

(5) Enter your info., confirm booking and you will receive an email with all the details.  If the right time doesn’t exist, simply call our office at (262) 327 6100 to speak to someone to receive more time options

Book anytime, anywhere!

The post Easy Online Scheduling appeared first on Meridian Endodontics.

If you’re experiencing oral pain, it’s oftentimes difficult to pinpoint exactly where the discomfort is coming from. Our team specializes in the diagnosis of tooth-related pain, with the assistance of microscopic dentistry and 3-D imagery. Our specialists provide endodontic therapy, which alleviates infection/damage from inside the tooth, allowing you to keep your natural tooth.

What is endodontic therapy?

What people really mean when they say “root canal” is endodontic therapy. Endodontic therapy is a specialty treatment of the natural tooth which alleviates pain, clears infection and restores the internal aspect of your tooth, so that you can keep it. The best tooth is your natural tooth.

Endodontic therapy removes the infection or damage from inside the root canal, which is the core area of your tooth that houses the nerve tissue. The root canal, or “pulp” of the tooth, is also the area that translates hot and cold into pain triggers. If this area is damaged due to infection or trauma, it can cause the pain and discomfort you might be experiencing.

The endodontic procedure process

Before we recommend treatment, we will carefully examine your condition, localize the origin of the issue, and discuss your options with you. The endodontic therapy itself is conducted under local anesthesia and we offer sedation for your comfort if you desire it. A barrier is placed around your tooth to protect your mouth and isolate the affected tooth, to allow it to be cleaned properly.

Usually, the endodontic procedure can be completed in one visit. Following thorough cleansing, the tooth is sealed. We then refer you back to your general dentist for a permanent restoration (filling) or crown.

The follow up

The tooth and surrounding area are usually tender to biting in the few days following the procedure. This discomfort is minimized by taking over the counter medication (ibuprofen or Tylenol).

Endodontic therapy has a success rate above 90% and allows patients to keep their natural teeth and smile. We specialize in customized care, putting your individual needs first in a comfortable, therapeutic environment.

The post Saving Natural Teeth with Endodontic Therapy appeared first on Meridian Endodontics.

Wondering if you may be a candidate for the increased stability, function, and restoration from full-arch implants?

Osseointegration helps to stimulate bone growth and prevent further loss

You may be an excellent candidate if:

You’d like to replace multiple missing or decaying teeth:

If you are missing multiple teeth in a single arch (upper or lower low), or have multiple teeth in
need of significant work/extraction, full-arch implants may be right for you.

You want to stop, and prevent, bone loss:

Bone loss caused by tooth loss in your jaw may change your appearance, make dentures difficult to fit, and could lead to sinus deficiencies. Unfortunately, traditional dentures don’t apply enough pressure to stop the bone loss associated with missing teeth. Through the process of osseointegration, however, full-arch implants help to stimulate the growth of bone and prevent further loss.

You’d like a permanent smile:

As modern dentistry has evolved, so have your options for teeth replacement. Though dentures are an option for many, full-arch implants remove the hassle, upkeep, and discomfort associated with traditional dentures.

You currently wear dentures and would like a better alternative:

If you currently wear dentures, full-arch implants may be a game changer. Replace the discomfort and work of traditional dentures and boost your quality-of-life with full-arch implants. Though dentures have advanced greatly in recent years, full-arch implants help to restore your smile in crucial ways which traditional dentures simply can’t.

You want to enjoy better digestion:

When you are missing multiple teeth, chewing — essential to digestion — is more difficult: your body may absorb fewer vital nutrients as a result. Though dentures do help, their instability can lead to chewing issues that also impact digestion. The stability of full-arch implants help restore the function of your teeth, which leads to easier chewing and better digestion. While full-arch implants do require a certain threshold of bone density and generally healthy gums, you may still be a candidate with proper preparation (such as bone graft ahead of time).

If you are interested in restoring the natural beauty and function of your smile and enhancing your overall quality-of-life, Meridian can help. Take the first step in smiling bigger: contact us today. Email: office@MeridianEndo.com or Phone: (262) 327-6100

The post Are Full Arch Implants Right For You? appeared first on Meridian Endodontics.

Endodontists are the superheroes of saving the natural tooth. Over the past decade. I’ve seen our profession advance tremendously in the areas of comfort and predictability, thanks to microsurgical techniques, 3-D CBCT technology and by embracing digital anesthesia and sedation techniques. The success rate and literature basis for endodontic therapy has never been stronger. While writing and editing a chapter of the 9th edition of the Pathwaus of the Pulo. I was reminded of how significant the evidence base is tor our tied. Endodontic therapy, coupled with a well-maintained restoration, has a long-term success rate of over 95 percent and studies show that maintaining your natural teeth improves quality and longevity of life. Currently, about 25 million new endodontic treatments are performed annually, safely and electively.

The post Root Cause vs. Root Cure appeared first on Meridian Endodontics.