Christopher C. Babcock

AAOMS Advocating for Oral Health in Recently Introduced Legislation

Located in Louisville, Kentucky, Christopher C. Babcock, MD is an oral surgeon and works at Louisville Oral Surgery and Dental Implants. As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Christopher C. Babcock, MD is associated with numerous organizations related to his work in dental medicine such as the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), is an organization representing more than 9,000 oral and maxillofacial surgeons across the United States. The organization supports and advocates for education and research in the field. To be a member of the AAOMS members must complete continuing education requirements as well as agree to periodic evaluations to assure the public that all members meet national standards. In short, the organization’s mission is to ensure the highest quality patient care by preserving professionalism and skill in its members as well as advancing and promoting the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

The AAOMS provides resources and advocates for its members by introducing and supporting legislation that helps professionals in the industry. For example, in June of 2021, two Congress members reintroduced the Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act which, if passed, will allow individuals serving in medical or dental internships or residency programs to qualify for interest-free deferment on student loans. In addition, the Foster Youth Dental Act was introduced in 2021, which will protect the oral care of current and former foster youth as well as expand the age requirement for dental providers to serve youth who may not qualify at this certain time because of restrictions already in place.

The ADA Supporting the Dental Community During COVID-19

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Christopher C. Babcock, MD practices his profession at Louisville Oral Surgery and Dental Implants, where he performs dental extractions, removes wisdom teeth, and works on other dental-related issues. Christopher C. Babcock, MD is a member of the American Dental Association, an organization comprised of dentists and other industry professionals across the nation with the mission of advocating for high quality oral care for all.

The American Dental Association (ADA) works to empower those in the field of dentistry and advance the overall oral health of patients. The ADA also advocates for public health and other issues in relation to the field such as oral cancer and the opioid crisis that is ravaging America. Because of the ADA’s interest in such issues, the organization frequently engages with the government to pass legislation that helps both professionals and patients in the field.

In 2015, the ADA became strategic partners with the federal government and the Department of Health and Human Services with the mission to prevent opioid deaths alongside the American Medical Association Task Force to Reduce Opioid Abuse. More recently, in 2020, The National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards officially recognized orofacial pain, oral medicine, and ten others as dental specialties. In addition, due to COVID-19 the ADA was forced to close its Chicago headquarters. However, the Coronavirus Center for Dentists was launched on the ADA’s website in order to keep members informed on new developments and provide guidance and resources to help practices, staff, and patients during the pandemic.

How to Perform a Self-Exam for Oral Cancer

Christopher C. Babcock, MD is an oral surgeon who practices at Louisville Oral Surgery and Dental Implants located in Louisville, Kentucky. Christopher C. Babcock, MD is a member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, an organization that advocates for industry professionals and raises awareness for causes that relate to the field such as combatting oral cancer.

Oral and pharyngeal cancer, cancer of the mouth and upper throat, kills around one person every hour of every day of the year. The deathrate of oral and pharyngeal cancer has a relatively high deathrate and only around 60% of people diagnosed will live longer than 5 years. Because of this, it is very important to know how to recognize early signs of this cancer to receive treatment as soon as possible, as this cancer’s deathrate is higher than others due to an overall pattern of late discovery.

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons recommends performing a self-exam every month. Using a bright light and a mirror, look and feel the inside of your lips and the front of your gums, then tilt your head back and feel the roof of your mouth. Inspect the inside of your cheeks, the back of your gums, and your tongue. Feel around for lumps or enlarged lymph nodes on both sides of your neck as well as the lower jaw.

Specifically look for white and/or red patches, sores that don’t heal and bleed easily, abnormal lumps, and a mass or lump in the neck. If you are experiencing chronic sore throat, difficulty chewing or swallowing, or find any symptoms above, contact your oral doctor immediately.

Disability Insurance – Types and Benefits

Christopher C. Babcock, MD, DMD, is an experienced dentist and business owner. He founded multiple business ventures, including Babcock Professional Services in 2017. As the company’s owner, Dr. Chris Babcock, MD, focuses on insurance services, especially disability insurance.

Disability insurance is a type of insurance that secures partial income for individuals who become ill or injured and can no longer work. Definitions of disability vary, but most insurance companies offer policies to individuals who can no longer perform their current job or any job at all. Some employers offer disability insurance. In other cases, employees may need to purchase their own insurance policies.

Disability insurance is available in two forms, short-term and long-term. Short-term policies cover several months but may last up to two years. The most common causes of short-term disability claims are pregnancy and musculoskeletal conditions.

Long-term policies provide benefits for years and may cover employees for life. It’s designed for longstanding conditions, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Disability insurance helps individuals when they become financially vulnerable as a result of their illness or injury. Additionally, it can support small business owners by covering their business expenses and loans.

What Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Christopher C. Babcock, MD, is a certified surgeon specializing in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He obtained his DMD degree from the University of Louisville. Dr. Chris Babcock, MD, has acquired clinical experience in dental surgery, including wisdom tooth extraction.

In adults, wisdom teeth are four permanent teeth found at the back of the mouth. They are the last teeth that grow and erupt during the late teenage and early adulthood years. In cases when there isn’t enough space for wisdom teeth to erupt, the teeth become impacted.

An impacted wisdom tooth can cause pain and infection in the gums. The removal of impacted wisdom teeth prevents complications, such as cyst formation. In some cases, wisdom teeth do not cause any problems but are still removed based on dental recommendations.

Wisdom tooth removal requires anesthesia. Depending on the degree of impaction and the patient’s preference, the dentist can administer local or general anesthetic. The former numbs the gums surrounding the tooth whereas general anesthesia results in complete loss of consciousness.

During the surgical procedure, the dentist makes a small incision in the patient’s gums to locate the wisdom tooth. Once the tooth is accessible, the dentist may divide it into smaller parts to make the extraction process easier.

After removal, the dentist cleans the extraction site carefully to remove any leftover debris. Finally, they may stitch the wound and cover it with gauze to control any bleeding.

Does Insurance Cover Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?

An accomplished healthcare professional, Dr. Christopher C. “Chris” Babcock holds an MD and a DMD from the University of Louisville in Kentucky. As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Christopher C. “Chris” Babcock, MD, provides dental implants, extractions, and oral pathology treatment. He is also a member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Depending on the provider, the coverage for surgical procedures by insurance plans may vary in the types of procedures and portion of expenses covered. Generally, oral and maxillofacial procedures that are crucial to the patient’s health have higher chances of being covered. For elective or cosmetic treatments, on the other hand, the opposite may be the case.

Oral and maxillofacial procedures that remove cysts or tumors in a patient’s cheeks, oral cavity, or jaw address medical issues that threaten the patient’s health, and are covered by most insurance plans. Also, procedures that help correct structural abnormalities (congenital or acquired) in the jawbone or other parts of the face are considered relevant and are thus included in many insurance plans.

Basically, cosmetic oral surgeries are elective, and most insurance providers do not offer coverage for such procedures. The types of procedures that insurance providers consider to be elective may vary.

Aftercare for Dental Implant Surgery

3d rendering dental implantation concept. human teeth or dentures tools. Premium Photo

Before joining Louisville Oral Surgery and Dental Implants as a staff surgeon, Christopher “Chris” Babcock, DMD led Kentuckiana Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates for more than a decade. Dr. Christopher C. Babcock, DMD possesses decades of experience in restorative oral surgery, such as titanium dental implants.

Titanium implants are replacement teeth composed of a metal base and a ceramic crown. They are durable and can last for decades if cared for properly. The postoperative recovery period can last months, and patients must follow after-care procedures to prevent complications. Patients with certain medical conditions or who have had multiple teeth replaced may go through a longer recovery.

Directly after surgery, patients should rest, stay hydrated, and use an ice pack or medication to reduce swelling and pain. To avoid putting pressure on the implant site, and depending on the type of implant surgery performed, patients shouldn’t blow their noses, use a straw, or brush too harshly. Most patients are advised to follow a soft diet for up to 14 days following surgery. A daily rinse with salt water can also reduce inflammation.

Benefits of Hybrid Life and Disability Insurance Plans

Oral surgeon Christopher C. Babcock, DMD, has worked in dental practices in Louisville, Kentucky, for more than 15 years. In addition to his work in dentistry, Dr. Christopher C. (Chris) Babcock, DMD, is a representative of and advocate for disability and life insurance plans that replace income lost due to an injury or illness.

Life insurance and disability insurance plans are advised for working individuals who have family members dependent on their income. Both plans are essential for creating financial security in case of a debilitating injury or death. Some companies offer hybrid plans that combine features of life insurance and disability insurance.

One example is a plan that includes permanent life insurance and long-term care coverage. In this policy, premiums cover a death benefit while accruing a cash value. Maximum long-term care coverage is calculated as a multiple of the premium.

If the policyholder requires 24-hour support due to an injury or illness, the long-term care coverage kicks in and covers the costs, up to the maximum allowance. Other hybrid forms combine life insurance with a critical illness plan. Under these plans, individuals diagnosed with illnesses such as cancer, heart attack, or severe head trauma, receive a lump sum.

Dentist Visits Key to Early Oral Cancer Diagnosis

Dr. Christopher C. “Chris” Babcock holds both an MD and DMD, as well as state licenses in dentistry, anesthesia, and oral/maxillofacial surgery. Dr. Christopher C. Babcock has worked at Louisville Oral Surgery and Dental Implants since 2018, where he performs extractions and oral pathology exams for issues such as cancer.

Dentists are front-line professionals when it comes to oral cancer screenings and diagnostics. Many oral cancers go undetected since many of the symptoms are similar to those associated with toothaches or mild infections. Survival rates decline steeply as cancer progresses. For this reason, people with an elevated risk of developing oral cancers (including previous oral HPV infection or frequent tobacco use) should schedule annual screenings during their dental visits.

Most people will go through a basic exam where the dentist looks for superficial changes to the oral tissues. This type of exam may also be performed with a laser. If abnormal cells are detected, the dentist may perform a more in-depth exam, which can include a biopsy or the use of a special dye. The dentist can also discuss ways to mitigate the risk of developing oral cancer.

Louisville Dental Society’s Donated Dental Services Program

Dr. Christopher C. “Chris” Babcock holds both an MD and DMD, having earned the latter from the University of Louisville, where he was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon dentistry honor society. Christopher C. Babcock, MD, specializes in oral and maxillofacial reconstructive surgery and is affiliated with several professional associations, including the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, and the Louisville Dental Society (LDS).

The LDS unites dentists, oral surgeons, and other oral health professionals and coordinates pro-bono programs that deliver dental care to underserved Kentucky residents. The LDS is one of thousands of dental associations nationwide offering the Donated Dental Services (DDS) program.

First established in 1985, the DDS program enables economically-\ disadvantaged seniors, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups to access medically necessary oral health treatment. The program was created to fill the gap for people with Medicare or Medicaid policies, which do not provide dental coverage. Under the DDS program, more over 15,000 professionals have delivered dental care to more than 100,000 people.