Your Questions: Our Answers!

Lately, we have had a lot of questions asked that are very important.  We want to take this time to give you the answers you want!

What happens to my benefits at the end of the year?
Great question!  Your unused benefits will actually disappear!  That's right, if you don't use them - you lose them.  So we always recommend taking the time to come see us and maximize your insurance before the end of the benefit year.

Do you take my insurance?
Yes!  We are a contracted provider with most insurance plans.  If we are not on your plan - we will look into signing up.  Just call our office and Jamie will help you!

Are you taking New Patients?
Yes!  We are always taking new patients.  We have flexible hours to work around your busy schedule, so call us and we can set up your appointment at a convenient time for you!

These are just answers to a couple of frequently asked questions, however, we are here to help with any dental concerns you may have.  Our goal is to say YES everytime!

For those of you who don't have insurance, we offer a reduced fee plan through our office that can save you a bundle! Hope this helps clear some things up - talk to you soon!

Fluoride Facts

There is a lot of mis-information regarding fluoride and how it can affect our whole body health.  I want to take some time to list the facts.  Fluoride is a natural element released into the enviroment throught both water and air, and taken in correct amounts actually has huge benefits.  Take a quick look at some of the TRUTH about fluoride!

Fluoride is....

-naturally present in all water
-effective and safe in community water and an inexpensive way to prevent tooth decay
-very helpful in staying cavity-free in low risk children and adults
-proven to keep tooth enamel strong and solid by preventing the loss of important minerals in the tooth
-effective in dental products if water in your community is not fluoridated


These are just a few of the very valid points that fluoride is a huge benefit to our oral health (which we all know affects our whole body health).  Of course, moderation is key.  Just like anything else, you want to make sure that you are not ingesting more fluoride than needed.  Usually it is hard to over fluoridate, unless a child is unsupervised with toothpaste or any other dental product.

So before you listen to the media, or any other source regarding the negative things about fluoride- do some research .  After all it is natural and is a proven health benefit.

Drugs Affect Your Dental Health --- and Your Dental Treatment

We often get asked: "Why do you need to know my medical history at the Dentist?"

You many not have considered the impact of prescription medications and even over-the-counter drugs can have on your oral health, and on the dental treatment you receive.  Informing us of your medical history is important because the medications you have taken or are currently taking can have dental health effects or potential sided effects and possible interactions with drugs that we may or may not administer.

Sometimes it is necessary to prescribe antibiotics with certain dental procedures.  But, if you are taking oral contraceptives, be sure to let our dental staff know.  Taking tetracycline or penicillin could reduce the effectiveness of an oral contraceptive.  Another important thing that we need to know is your heart history.

If you have heart disease or a special heart condition, it is critical that we know your medical status.  During dental treatment, bleeding may occur and cause bacteria from the mouth to enter the bloodstream and work its way to the heart.  To help prevent this from happening we can prescribe antibiotics for appropriate procedures, such as teeth cleaning or teeth extractions.  Likewise, let us know if you have an artificial joint.  Antibiotics are recommended for some patients with artificial joints who also have some other medical conditions.

Another aspect we look for is a very common side effect of many drugs, such as antihistamines and antidepressants - dry mouth.  Inadequate saliva flow in the mouth can contribute to cavities and gum disease.  We can help you deal with this condition.

Some other things to inform us:

·        If you have ever had an unusual reaction to any drug;

·        If you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, including vitamins;

·        If you are planning to have surgery with a general anesthetic in the near future;

·        If you have any serious medical problems;

·        If you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby.

Thanks for reading, and next time we ask for your medical history, know that we really have your best interest in mind!

November News

Your Benefits:  Use them or lose them!

Did you know that millions of dollars are lost each year due to Dental Insurance?  Yes, it’s true, in the fine print you can see that any un-used benefits will not rollover in to the next calendar year!  This just doesn’t seem fair, considering that fact that insurance premiums continue to grow (as does the price of everything!).  We want you to be aware of this alarming fact!  So, if you have any treatment, or, even a cleaning that you have been putting off, now is the time!  Also, because of these uncertain times, we have lowered our fees to help off-set some of the rising costs out there.  Please call our office to get a new estimate and see if you can maximize your paid benefits before it’s too late.

Here is something completely off subject, but interesting!....

     The Truth about Tryptophan

We all know how Thanksgiving goes; stuff ourselves with as many

helpings of Turkey, stuffing, cranberries and casseroles only to desperately want seconds.  Then, as we lounge and watch football we inevitably find ourselves dosing off!  Everyone has an opinion as to why this happens, and, you can almost bet that someone will tell you that it is from L-Tryptophan (the chemical in turkey that causes drowsiness).  But is it true – or do we just eat so many calories that our bodies virtually go in to a food coma?  Here is what I found out; the more protein-rich a food is, (such as turkey), the more likely it is to include tryptophan. Tryptophan helps your brain produce serotonin, a chemical that makes you feel drowsy, however, the amount of this chemical found in turkey is very minimal so it is not likely to be the culprit of the mid-day snooze!  Interestingly enough, I found out that the typical Thanksgiving meal is – are you ready?!- a whopping 3000 calories and 229 grams of fat! So to think that we have seconds means that we are eating about 3-5 days worth of food in one setting!  Ok, you be the judge! And have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

The Truth About Cracked Teeth

Have you ever felt a sharp pain when you bite down?  Does the pain disappear, only to return again?  You might have a creaked tooth.  A crack is a defect in the tooth structure that occurs because of diet, trauma, temperature extremes or just aging.  If you like to chew ice, nuts, hard candy, hard pretzels or unpopped popcorn kernels ---- or if you have a habit of chewing on hard objects like pencils, you are at risk of cracking your teeth.  Heat, which causes the tooth to dry out, can also increase the chance of cracks occurring.

Grinding or clenching your jaw makes you more susceptible to cracks because of the tremendous pressure exerted on the teeth.  The fact that people live longer today increases the likelihood that they will eventually develop cracks in their teeth.

Any pain, even if it is fleeting, or sensitivity to cold, heat or sweetness should be brought to our attention to determine whether you have a cracked tooth.  The sooner the crack is discovered, the better the chance for successful treatments.

A Child’s First Visit to the Dentist

Your child’s introduction to oral care should actually begin soon after birth.  By gently cleaning a baby’s gums after feedings with a soft, damp washcloth, parents can get the child accustomed to oral hygiene as an important , everyday routine. Your child’s first dental visit is as important as those first words or first steps; it’s a social and developmental milestone.  By starting dental visits at an early age, you will help your child build a lifetime of good dental habits.

A child’s introduction to professional dental care should take place by the child’s first birthday.  The earlier you begin, the better chance there is to prevent problems. We will take the time to make sure that your child's first visit is a fun one.  From taking a ride in the dental chair to watching their favorite cartoon, we have plenty that will ease any anxiety about a new place!

We believe that making the first visit to our office a fun and memorable one will help your child to have a great future with their oral health care.

Before the First Dental Visit

Here are some important tips for your child’s first dental visit:

Don’t                                                                    

·        Bribe your child into going to the dentist.

·        Use the dental visit as a punishment

·        Let the child know that you feel any anxiety about going to the dentist.

·        Let anyone tell your child scary stories about dental visits.

 Do

·        Talk about the upcoming appointment with your child in a positive, matter-of-fact way

·        Try to make dental visits enjoyable for your child

·        Set a good example by caring for your teeth.

Oral Health During Your Pregnancy

The old wives’ tale that a tooth is lost for every pregnancy is simply not true. 

 

Tooth decay results from repeated acid attacks on the teeth.  The way that a pregnant woman would get more cavities is to eat a lot of candy, sweet and salty snacks and not maintain good oral health. (Last time I checked that is true for everyone!!)

Some forms of gum disease, however, may occur more frequently during pregnancy due to a rise in the body’s hormone levels.  These increased hormones exaggerate the way gum tissues react to the irritants in plaque, the sticky layer of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth.  Home care during pregancy is very important to help prevent this from occuring.

Another thing mistakenly believed is that calcium is lost from the mother’s teeth during pregnancy. The developing baby’s need for 400 milligrams of calcium per day is supplied by the mother’s diet.  If calcium in the mother’s diet is inadequate, this mineral will be depleted from the mother’s bones.

Regular visits to the dentist are very important during pregnancy!  We can help you maintain your good oral health, so don't wait - call us today!

What Causes Bad Breath?

There’s no single answer, but advanced gum disease --- usually preventable by brushing, flossing and regular dental visits --- is a primary culprit, because bacteria can gather in pockets that form around the teeth, releasing unpleasant odors.  Even before serious gum disease sets in, poor oral hygiene can contribute to this social embarrassment.

Onions, garlic and similar foods can also cause bad breath by releasing oils into the bloodstream, which travel to the lungs and are exhaled.  A denture can trap food and plaque, leading to odors.  Brushing your dentures daily and soaking them every night in a cleaning solution helps avoid these problems.  In addition, some illnesses, including diabetes, tuberculosis and kidney and liver disorders, may also lead to bad breath.  We can determine whether the problem is of dental origin and, if not, we will direct you to a physician for further evaluation and treatment.

Be sure to brush your tongue including the back of your tongue daily to remove bacteria.  If you continue to have bad breath, we may be able to offer you other treatments.

The Mouth: A Mirror of Health

The mouth is often called the body’s “barometer” or “mirror” of health, because it’s so easy to observe and because so many diseases have oral signs and symptoms.

Many diseases can manifest themselves in the mouth and tongue.  That’s why when we examine your mouth, we look for more than tooth decay.  Disorders that can show up in the mouth include:

·        Vitamin deficiencies.  A burning or sore tongue is a common symptom of iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiencies.  Bleeding gums can be a warning sign not only of gum disease, but also of scurvy, a Vitamin C deficiency.

·        Diabetes.  Early signs can include red, swollen gums and teeth that are sensitive to tapping.

·        Leukemia.  Signs can include sores inside the cheek, in the throat and on the tonsils and lips.

·        Bulimia.  The compulsive pattern of consuming enormous quantities of food and then vomiting may lead to loss of enamel and dentin on the inner (tongue) sides of the teeth.

·        Infectious mononucleosis.  This condition is sometimes signaled by inflamed gums and tiny hemorrhage spots on the roof of the mouth.

·        Sinusitis.  This condition is an inflammation of the sinus cavity, which can feel like a toothache.

Regular professional care has always been your best way to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.  Now you know that dental exams help you care for the rest of your body too. 

Periodontal Disease - the 'silent killer'

74% of adults will experience some form of periodontal (gum) disease, a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Periodontal disease is also linked to other illnesses, such as, diabetes and heart disease!

There are different levels of periodontal disease, however, all are caused by a bacterial infection that begins as an inflammation of the gums.  Left untreated, periodontal disease can destroy the gums, bone and ligaments supporting the teeth.  Periodontal disease is known as the silent killer, because there is generally no pain involved in the symptoms.

Symptoms of periodontal disease can start with bleeding gums and red or swollen tissue.  As the disease progresses, the signs are more noticeable and can include pus under the gumline or loose teeth!  Another sign of periodontal disease is a chronic bad taste or very bad breath.

Anyone experiencing any of these should seek dental care immediately.

Treatment for periodontal disease starts with seeing our hygienist, Ida, immediately.  She will get you on the right track and give you the knowledge and tools to improve your home care to combat this disease!

Digital xrays vs Traditional xrays - The Truth!

Are there advantages to the patient with Digital X-rays vs. Traditional X-rays?

Digital Dental Radiography can reduce radiation exposure by 80 to 90% over traditional x-ray film.
Even traditional (non-digital) X-rays are very safe, with 40% lower radiation exposure than medical x-rays. However, the benefits are tremendous with digital x-rays.  The images can  be adjusted in brightness and contrast for better viewing. Patients have the opportunity to be a part of the diagnoses  because the x-rays are displayed on a monitor in front of them. The digital sensors  do not have the sharp edges that dig into the floor and roof of the mouth found on film packets.

Do Digital X-rays help my Dentist?

Digital X-rays do not require chemical processing so they can be viewed within 3 seconds of exposure. This allows the quality of the picture to be assessed immediately. No spent chemicals have to be disposed of, thus reducing environmental concerns. If referral to a specialist is necessary, a high quality image of the X-ray can be printed or e-mailed, this can expedite treatment in urgent situations.  Also, digital X-rays will never degrade over time like film can.

How often should Dental X-rays be taken?

Between the teeth (bite-wing) X-rays should be taken every six to eighteen months depending on the patient´s needs and history. Full mouth X-ray series and/or panoramic images should be taken every 3 to 5 years, again depending on individual considerations.

 

Are X-rays covered by insurance?

Yes!  In most cases  dental insurance will help with a portion of the cost to have X-rays taken.  We have an insurance expert in our office who can help answer all benefit questions!

I hope this helps clear up any concerns lingering about exposure to Dental X-ray Radiation!

We have the answers you want!

Kudos to you!  Oral Health is so important and yet so easy to put on the back burner, but not for you! You call and ask the necessary questions and hope to find a dentist that will meet all the criteria to take care of your family, even in the face of tough times!  We realize that times are different, saving money and convenience is in the forefront of our minds and that is why we have the answers to your important questions:

Do you take my insurance?
Yes!  We are a contracted provider with most insurance plans.  If we are not on your plan - we will look into signing up.  Just call our office and Jamie will help you!

Are you taking New Patients?
Yes!  We are always taking new patients.  We have flexible hours to work around your busy schedule, so call us and we can set up your appointment at a convenient time for you!

These are just answers to a couple of frequently asked questions, however, we are here to help with any dental concerns you may have.  Our goal is to say YES everytime!

For those of you who don't have insurance, we offer a reduced fee plan through our office that can save you a bundle! Hope this helps clear some things up - talk to you soon!

Your Dental Wellness: Dental Wellness Affordable Prices for Better Denti...

Your Dental Wellness: Dental Wellness Affordable Prices for Better Denti...: "The growing trend for dental practices is to raise their prices and cancel insurance participation. This will only prevent people from rec..."

Changing with the times

It is no secret that times are tough.  Everything is more expensive, from gas to groceries we are all on a tight budget!  It is so hard to keep up and still take care of the important things and it looks like it may get worse before it gets better.  Well we we have been doing a lot of networking recently with small, medium and large businesses through the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce and we are finding out what is really important to people and what we found out is amazing; people want to be healthy and take care of themselves but half the dentists out there are unwilling to take insurance plans and they keep raising their fees so it is virtually impossible for anyone to keep a healthy beautiful smile.   We are a health driven society now (with a certain price tag of course- affordable), so we feel this is the perfect time to accept more insurance, lower our fees, extend our hours and offer people the kind of care that we would expect!  WOW!  It seems so simple - let's really help people (not just say we do!)!

Dental Wellness Affordable Prices for Better Dentistry

The growing trend for dental practices is to raise their prices and cancel insurance participation.  This will only prevent people from receiving the needed treatment! We have constructed a way that everyone can have their dental needs taken care of:

·       Accept/Contract with most insurances

·       Membership plan available for uninsured

·       Evening hours available

We are doing all of the above because we realize that you want to take care of the things that really matter, in a welcoming and modern setting!
SO REMEMBER: the absence of pain is not an indication of the amount of treatment needed.  In other words by the time you are having pain in a tooth, you are going to have a large expense even with insurance help.  If you can't afford the treatment, the tooth could be lost! Waiting until you have a toothache is like throwing away your money! So take advantage of your insurance, because we are a contracted provider – and if we are not – we will sign up.  Or call us to sign up for our Dental Wellness Membership Plan. You are immediately eligible and we can get you scheduled at a convenient time that works for your busy schedule.

P.S.   … 

(If you have an estimate from your dentist, for treatment such as routine visits, fillings, extractions, implants or crowns then call us – we will match or beat it!  Give us a call for a no-charge evaluation!)

The Cracked Tooth

Have you ever felt a sharp pain when you bite down?  Does the pain disappear, only to return again?  You might have a creaked tooth.  A crack is a defect in the tooth structure that occurs because of diet, trauma, temperature extremes or just aging.  If you like to chew ice, nuts, hard candy, hard pretzels or unpopped popcorn kernels ---- or if you have a habit of chewing on hard objects like pencils, you are at risk of cracking your teeth.  Heat, which causes the tooth to dry out, can also increase the chance of cracks occurring.

People who grind their teeth or clench their jaws are more susceptible to cracks because of the tremendous pressure exerted on the teeth.  The fact that people live longer today increases the likelihood that they will eventually develop cracks in their teeth.

Any pain, even if it is fleeting, or sensitivity to cold, heat or sweetness should be brought to our attention to determine whether you have a cracked tooth.  The sooner the crack is discovered, the better the chance for successful treatments.

Pregnancy and Oral Health

The old wives’ tale that a tooth is lost for every pregnancy is simply not true.  While it is true that pregnancy may intensify some dental conditions, misconceptions continue to exist about some effects of a woman’s pregnancy on her health.

Tooth decay results from repeated acid attacks on the teeth.  The way that a pregnant woman would get more cavities is to eat a lot of candy, sweet and salty snacks and not maintain good oral health. (Last time I checked that is true for everyone!!)

Gingivitis (gum disease), however, may occur more frequently during pregnancy due to a rise in the body’s hormone levels.  These increased hormones exaggerate the way gum tissues react to the irritants in plaque, the sticky layer of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth.  A pregnant woman may prevent gingivitis by keeping her teeth clean with thorough brushing and flossing.

Did you know that the baby's teeth begin to develop during pregnancy?  That is why it is important that the woman have a healthy balanced diet rich in many nutrients, especially vitamins A, C and D; protein; calcium; and phosphorus.

Calcium is not lost from the mother’s teeth during pregnancy, as some have mistakenly believed.  The developing baby’s need for 400 milligrams of calcium per day is supplied by the mother’s diet.  If calcium in the mother’s diet is inadequate, this mineral will be depleted from the mother’s bones.

A woman should continue regular dental visits throughout her pregnancy, but the optimal time for elective treatment is from the fourth through sixth month of pregnancy.

Digital xrays vs Traditional xrays - The Truth!

Are there advantages to the patient with Digital X-rays vs. Traditional X-rays?

Digital Dental Radiography can reduce radiation exposure by 80 to 90% over traditional x-ray film.
Even traditional (non-digital) X-rays are very safe, with 40% lower radiation exposure than medical x-rays. However, the benefits are tremendous with digital x-rays.  The images can  be adjusted in brightness and contrast for better viewing. Patients have the opportunity to be a part of the diagnoses  because the x-rays are displayed on a monitor in front of them. The digital sensors  do not have the sharp edges that dig into the floor and roof of the mouth found on film packets.

Do Digital X-rays help my Dentist?

Digital X-rays do not require chemical processing so they can be viewed within 3 seconds of exposure. This allows the quality of the picture to be assessed immediately. No spent chemicals have to be disposed of, thus reducing environmental concerns. If referral to a specialist is necessary, a high quality image of the X-ray can be printed or e-mailed, this can expedite treatment in urgent situations.  Also, digital X-rays will never degrade over time like film can.

How often should Dental X-rays be taken?

Between the teeth (bite-wing) X-rays should be taken every six to eighteen months depending on the patient´s needs and history. Full mouth X-ray series and/or panoramic images should be taken every 3 to 5 years, again depending on individual considerations.

 

Are X-rays covered by insurance?

Yes!  In most cases  dental insurance will help with a portion of the cost to have X-rays taken.  We have an insurance expert in our office who can help answer all benefit questions!

I hope this helps clear up any concerns lingering about exposure to Dental X-ray Radiation!

Major Cause of Tooth Loss in Adults is Periodontal Disease

Three out of four adults will experience some form of periodontal (gum) disease, a major cause of tooth loss in adults.

Although it is often referred to as a single disease, there are several types of periodontal disease.  All are caused by a bacterial infection that begins as an inflammation of the gums.  When left untreated, periodontal disease can destroy the gums, bone and ligaments supporting the teeth.  One reason periodontal disease is so widespread among adults is that it is often a painless condition until the advanced stage.

Periodontal disease begins with plaque, a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that s forms on the teeth and gums.  If plaque is not removed regularly, the bacteria create toxins that irritate the gums, making them swollen, red and likely to bleed easily.  If left unchecked, the toxins cause gum tissues to detach from the teeth, creating pockets where food particles and more plaque may collect. 

The earliest form of periodontal disease is gingivitis.  The first symptoms include gums that bleed when brushed or flossed.  Other signs of gingivitis may be red, swollen or irritated gums.  Proper brushing and cleaning between the teeth with either floss or other interdental cleaners can usually reverse gingivitis.

As periodontal disease progresses, the signs can become more noticeable.  These can include:  pus under the gumline; teeth that are loose or separating; change in bite or in the fit of partial dentures; or chronic bad breath or bad taste.  Anyone experiencing any of these should seek dental care immediately.

Treatment of early gum disease includes meticulous home hygiene and regular professional cleanings.  More advanced stages of periodontal disease may require procedures to smooth and clean the deeper surfaces of the tooth’s roots and to restructure the tissue around the tooth, thus removing the pockets that hold the bacteria.