dentist

Dental Implant Restorations: Improving Smiles, Changing Lives

| KarlJobst

What Are Dental Implant Restorations?

You know that smile is one of the first things people notice about you. But what if you’re hiding your smile because you’re missing teeth or have teeth that are broken, chipped or stained? Don’t keep hiding your smile and missing out on life. Dental implant restoration can give you back your smile and confidence.

 Dental implants are one of the most natural-looking and longest-lasting solutions for replacing missing teeth. They provide a permanent solution that allows you to eat, speak and smile with confidence again. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth, providing a strong and stable support system for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth.

With cutting-edge 3D imaging and advanced surgical techniques, dental implants have become more accessible, affordable and predictable than ever before. The expert dentists use the latest tools and technology to evaluate your smile and provide a customized treatment plan to give you your smile back. It’s time to stop hiding your smile. Dental implants can give you a smile you’ll want to show off again.

Benefits of Dental Implant Restorations

Dental implant restorations are the closest thing we have to natural teeth. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants are permanent tooth replacements that are surgically placed into your jawbone.

The Procedure

The process typically takes several months to complete but the end results are well worth it. First, titanium posts are implanted into your jawbone where your natural tooth roots once were. Over time, the titanium fuses with your living bone through a biological process called osseointegration.

Once the implants have fully integrated, abutments are attached which serve as connectors between the implants and your new replacement teeth. Custom crowns, bridges or dentures are then secured to the abutments.

(-) No more slipping, clicking or sore spots from ill-fitting dentures

(-) Eat your favorite foods again without worrying about your teeth

(-) Regain your natural smile and confidence

A Permanent Solution

With good oral care, dental implants can last a lifetime.  They help prevent bone loss and gum recession in the areas where teeth are missing. The end result is replacement teeth that look and function like natural teeth.

Dental implant restorations have revolutionized tooth replacement. They’ve given countless people back their smile and ability to enjoy life without the hassles and embarrassments of traditional dentures or bridges. If you’re missing teeth, talk to your dentist about whether you’re a candidate for this life-changing treatment. With dental implants, you can smile, speak and eat with confidence again.

FAQs About Dental Implant Restorations

Dental implants can drastically improve your smile and confidence. Here are a few of the major benefits of dental implant restorations: 

Improved Appearance

Implants look and feel like real teeth. No more worrying about your dentures slipping or clicking when you talk or eat. Implants provide a permanent solution to missing teeth that blend right in with your natural smile. 

Easier Eating

With implants, you can eat all your favorite foods again without difficulty. Bite into an apple or corn on the cob and actually taste the flavors. No more avoiding crunchy or chewy foods because your dentures won’t allow it. Implants function like real teeth, allowing you to eat naturally and comfortably.

Improved Speech 

Implants eliminate the slippage and mumbling often associated with dentures. You can speak clearly and confidently without worrying that your teeth might slip or click. Implants allow you to speak naturally without thinking twice about it. 

Better Oral Health

Since implants fuse with your jawbone, they help prevent bone loss and gum recession that often happens with missing teeth.  Implants keep your gums and jawbone healthy and strong. They also make it easier to brush and floss your teeth, allowing you to maintain good oral hygiene. 

In summary, dental implants offer both cosmetic and health benefits for people with missing teeth. They are a permanent solution that can give you back your smile, confidence and quality of life. If you’re tired of dealing with the hassles of dentures or missing teeth, it may be worth discussing implants with your dentist. They could change your smile and your life.

Invisalign Dental Services: A Clear Path to a Beautiful Smile

| KarlJobst

Invisalign Dental Services: A Clear Path to a Beautiful Smile

How Invisalign Works to Straighten Your Teeth

Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt unhappy with your smile? Maybe your teeth are crooked, gapped, or misaligned. If so, you’re not alone. Many people live with smiles they wish they could change. The good news is, there’s an innovative solution that can give you the smile of your dreams without the pain and hassle of traditional braces with invisalign dental services.

Invisalign clear aligners are custom-molded trays made of smooth, comfortable plastic that gently shift your teeth into place over time. No metal wires or brackets means no irritation, no changed diet, and no damage to your gums. Invisalign is also removable, so you can take the aligners out to eat and brush your teeth. Best of all, most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them. In just 6-18 months, you’ll be well on your way to the straight, beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.

If you’re ready to transform your smile without sacrificing your lifestyle or appearance, Invisalign clear aligners could be the perfect solution for you. Talk to your dentist today to find out if you’re a candidate and take that first step towards gaining confidence in your smile. The path to a straighter smile has never been so clear.

Top 5 Benefits of Choosing Invisalign Aligners

Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners to gradually shift your teeth into the right position. Each aligner moves your teeth just a little bit at a time, about .25 to .33 millimeters per week to be exact. This means you’ll go through multiple sets of aligners over the course of your treatment to achieve a noticeably straighter smile.

(-) You’ll start by getting a 3D image of your teeth taken, which your dentist will use to map out a customized treatment plan.

(-) The plan details how your teeth should move during treatment to achieve the smile you want. 

(-) Based on the plan, your custom aligners are then created.

(-) You’ll wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks before switching to the next set.

(-) With each switch, your teeth will have slightly shifted into better alignment.

Over a few months of consistent aligner use, your teeth will move into the proper position to give you a smile you’ll want to show off. The best part? Since the aligners are nearly invisible, no one has to know you’re undergoing treatment unless you tell them.

Invisalign not only helps fix spacing issues, underbites, overbites and crooked teeth, but it’s also more comfortable and convenient than traditional braces. The aligners are removable so you can take them out to eat and brush your teeth.  No more food getting stuck or avoiding certain snacks. A straighter smile has never been so simple. Why not see if Invisalign is right for you? A free initial consultation can determine if you’re a candidate and get you started on the path to a happier, healthier smile.

Is Invisalign Right for You? Factors to Consider

Choosing Invisalign aligners is one of the best decisions you can make for your smile and confidence. Here are the top benefits of Invisalign:

Convenience and Comfort

Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can take them out to eat and brush your teeth. No more avoiding certain foods or dealing with irritation from metal braces. The smooth, customized aligners are comfortable to wear and won’t cause mouth sores. 

An Improved Smile

Invisalign gently shifts your teeth into the ideal position according to your personalized treatment plan. You’ll start noticing small changes in just a few weeks, and enjoy your beautiful new smile upon completion. People may not even realize you’re straightening your teeth!

Better Oral Health

It’s easier to brush and floss normally with Invisalign, allowing you to maintain good oral hygiene during treatment. This reduces risks like tooth decay, gum disease, and stains. Your teeth and gums will be healthier after treatment.

Peace of Mind

Invisalign aligners are BPA-free and made from high-quality, medical-grade materials that are safe and comfortable. As an FDA-cleared medical device, Invisalign meets the highest standards for quality and safety. You can feel confident in the treatment process. 

A Lifetime of Benefits

Straighter teeth and a more confident smile can last a lifetime with proper retention. Invisalign’s cutting-edge technology helps ensure lasting results and a smile you’ll enjoy for years to come. Your teeth will continue looking their best even after treatment is complete.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Open Your Own Dental Office

| KarlJobst

If you are looking to open up your own dental office, many things need to be considered. This article will help you learn more about the process of opening a dental practice and what steps it takes to get started. Find out how much money should be invested in starting your own business, as well as what legal requirements must be met before opening for business. You’ll also find information on how much competition there is in the industry so that if this does not seem like the right career path, you can make an informed decision about where else to look.

1. Pick a location for your office

Dental offices can be located in a wide variety of places. When choosing a location, the most important factor is to find an area that does not have many other dental practices near you because this will increase the chances of your practice succeeding. However, if there are few surrounding businesses, it may make finding new patients harder. If you decide to open up shop next door to another dentist, be sure they won’t mind, or else potential customers might get confused and visit both offices! It’s also helpful if the region has good public transportation, so people without cars don’t have trouble getting to your office for appointments. Another thing to think about is what areas would yield more business than others based on population demographics and city plans. Just keep in mind that cities may change their plans, and not all areas will be as profitable as originally thought.

2. Register with the Dental Board of California

Before you can even open your office, you must register with the Dental Board of California and receive a license to practice. Damon Becnel says this is necessary because all patients will know that they are receiving care from an actual dentist and not just someone who claims to be one. It also protects people if anything goes wrong while visiting the office or if any legal action needs to be taken against them by other businesses such as insurance companies.

The application process takes about three months to complete, so plan! You’ll need plenty of forms filled out, including financial records, proof of citizenship status (if applying), two passport-sized photos on top of everything else. It is best to hire an attorney who specializes in this kind of thing so they can help you through the process and make sure nothing gets missed; plus it will cost less than trying to do all of this on your own.

To complete the application fee, be paid by check or money order payable to “Dental Board” along with a $250 filing fee that will go towards processing fees upon acceptance into the program. If accepted, another payment for registration costs must also be completed, which includes two more annual licenses for board members and one license each year after that until office closure occurs (for instance, if you decide not to continue running your business). You’ll need additional credentials before obtaining a dental permit from California’s Dental Law Office.

3. Find an office space that meets your budget and needs

Once you have registered with the Dental Board of California, you are free to begin finding an office space that will be suitable for your needs. Keep in mind how much money you can afford to spend on rent and other expenses while searching around- it may take time before new patients start coming in, so try not to stress about this too much if necessary!

If possible, choose a location with plenty of parking nearby because some customers may be hesitant to visit if they think street parking might be difficult or unsafe. You’ll also want close access to public transportation, especially since most potential clients probably don’t own cars. If possible, find an area with high foot traffic where people naturally come by often, whether it’s just down the road from a local park or around a fast-food restaurant.

If you plan on using the office only part of the time, leasing out space to other dentists might be your best bet if it is one big open area- this will help pay off expenses and provide some extra cash flow which can always come in handy!

4. Hire employees to help you run the business smoothly

After your office is equipped with chairs and other necessities, it’s time to find employees to help get this business up and running. Although you might be tempted to do everything yourself out of fear or laziness, hiring a few professionals in key areas such as marketing/advertising, receptionist services, dental assistance/hygienists, etc., can boost productivity while freeing up more time for yourself!

It doesn’t have to cost much either- there are plenty of paid online forums where potential candidates post their resumes, so this could be an effective way of finding the right people who fit within your budget. Make sure they all bring something unique to the table, so no one feels underutilized or useless, which would ultimately lead them to look elsewhere for employment if possible.

5. Purchase equipment like dental chairs, x-ray machines, and sterilizers 

After you have hired the right employees, it’s time to buy some equipment for your office. You can find these items online or in physical stores such as Walmart and Target- just make sure they are FDA approved, so all medication is safe from infection!

If possible, ask former dentist friends of yours if they would be willing to purchase a few new supplies on behalf of your business at a reduced cost or even free since you will soon become their client as well. Dentists often have extra stock lying around that needs to be sold but may not want to advertise due to lack of time/money, which works out perfectly for those who need them most!

6. Market your practice to potential patients to get new clients

Now that your business is off the ground and running, it’s time to market it! This is probably the most important step in this process because, without customers, there will be no money coming in, which means you may as well close down.

There are plenty of ways to get potential patients into your office. You can create an online presence via social media sites such as Facebook or Twitter can help with networking. Having patients share between friends and family members (which would increase foot traffic). Local newspapers and magazines often provide free ads for small businesses like yours, so take advantage since they already have a large built-in audience. If you live near a college campus where young adults tend to congregate, advertising itself might help you get more traffic as well.

In conclusion,  this article provides a few tips to help guide you in the right direction when thinking about opening your own dental office. Although it might seem like an impossible task, there are plenty of ways around this dilemma that can ultimately benefit everyone involved!

How Your Dental Practice Can Benefit From a Public Relations Firm?

nancy behrman communications
| KarlJobst

Dental practices are businesses with clients. Yes, they’re called patients, but they are their clientele. When we look at it this way, we can see the need for certain business services and public relations is one of them. 

A Shift in Perspective:

According to nancy behrman communications, we have to shift the perspective of the practice and show the benefit. Most dentists are at odds with the prospect of keeping a PR firm. They find little perceived value for a smaller practice. 

What they need to comprehend is that a PR firm is all about the most important ongoing process in their practice—finding new patients.  A PR firm is valuable in a dental practice of any size.  The misconception is that when a dental practice hires a firm for any reason, they must be a large enough practice to afford it.  

There are many ways to incorporate a PR firm into a marketing budget. There are useless common marketing practices. Best to eliminate them and redirect the funds. 

The dentist and their office management team are engaged in the daily operation of the office. A receptionist may write some mediocre copy and a few social media posts instead of finding new clients.

 Not to say that their efforts yield nothing—they do. It’s just not enhancing the ROI in any notable way. So in effect the practice loses money every day that a dedicated human is not seeking new patients. 

What a PR Firm Does in a Dental Practice:

What a PR firm does in a dental office will have a basic strategy. How it’s expressed will vary.

First, they’ll do an analysis of the area the dental practice is in. Based on that, they’ll know what the local demographic listens to and reads along with their internet habits. Where do they work? Where do they play? Who do they hang out with? What do they value?

 There are very sophisticated ways to figure out where the target patient for the practice is. The PR professional creates a strategy to engage and bring in that new patient. 

According to nancy behrman communications PR work is more than just sending out random press releases. It’s about building relationships. The PR pro will form real relationships by addressing the target. They will move in the environment that the data shown.

We execute the movement in a plethora of ways. Those ways are a strategy that’s custom designed for that practice. Some of those things can be events and trade shows. They show up and give a dental-related talk and then get people signed up for an appointment. You can then run a special package for those people.

Charity events are another great way to get out in the public eye and get noticed. Going out on the street with a sign in a character suite. Doing talks at schools to teach kids oral hygiene. 

Only after doing these things and more, the pictures will go into a press release and sent out through the channels. 

It’s who you know

The PR firm will already have formed relationships with local newspaper editors and media stations. So, there’s a lot of connections that the practice won’t have. For whatever the cost, fitting in a PR firm is the most forward moving thing you can do for your practice. None of the other ways that you’re taught to get new patients will top a PR firm.  

What type of person does PR?

The PR professional never waits for the green light from someone else to move forward. The person doing the job creates and innovates. 

How do you choose a PR Firm?

Make sure they’re a good fit for your office, after all they’re representing you. Do they know how to come up with ideas on their own? Do they make it a point to coordinate with the marketing team that you use? 

These are the things to ask and observe. Once the dentist interviews them, they may want to have a second one with the marketing director. These are the people they’ll be working with. Your marketing director should have a good nose for spotting a top-notch PR firm

Thomas Ocheltree Explains What an Infected Wisdom Tooth Can Do to Your Overall Health

thomas ocheltree oral surgery
| KarlJobst

Your oral health is very important to maintain and practicing healthy habits each day is imperative to ensure that your teeth are as strong and healthy as possible. However, a common oral problem that people suffer from is infected wisdom teeth. Infected wisdom teeth, also known as pericoronitis, can have lasting effects on one’s health.

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth have the name they are given because when we become older, and naturally wiser, they start to erupt. Dentists refer to these teeth as third molars because they are the third set of molars that grow during permanent teeth development. However, because wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to become permanent, it gives way to a lot of potential issues. Oftentimes, wisdom teeth will find little room to break through the gums because of the teeth that are already present. Sometimes, these teeth cannot break through the gums at all, and these teeth eventually become impacted.

Symptoms of Infected Wisdom Teeth

There are a few symptoms that can easily be identified as an infected wisdom tooth. The most obvious symptom is pain at the site in question. If there is difficulty opening the mouth, swelling in the gum tissue or a bad taste in the mouth (which could be caused by pus leakage from the gums), that can also suggest there is an infection. While it is less common, swollen lymph nodes in the neck can also be a possible sign. Dentists will normally take an X-ray of the area to determine the alignment of the teeth, and the presence of a gum flap can be easily detected to confirm the diagnosis.

How Infection Takes Place

In other cases, wisdom teeth find themselves breaking through only a portion of the way and eventually get stuck in their growth. This can lead directly to infection. If a tooth only has come a little portion through the surface, then a flap of gum tissue will cover it. With this flap in place, food particles and other foreign materials can get stuck in between. If these materials aren’t removed, this can irritate the gum tissue and cause infection as a result. This can cause that area of the mouth to be very painful, causing discomfort when eating or brushing teeth. Pericoronitis takes place when the tissue surrounding the crown of the wisdom tooth is inflamed. You should consult a dentist like Dr. Thomas Ocheltree for more information about the infection process and how it can impact you.

How Infection Impacts You and How to Respond

Infections in the gums and areas surrounding the wisdom tooth can spread to the jaw. In turn, infections that take place in the jaw can circulate in the bloodstream in other rare cases. That is why it is very important to not believe that the wisdom tooth infection remains localized in the mouth. If it goes without treatment or removal, it can have lasting effects on other areas of the body.

In order to alleviate discomfort and the problem altogether, a long-term plan is needed to determine if the wisdom tooth needs to be removed altogether. Sometimes, all that is needed is for the excess gum flap to be removed. In other cases, if the infection is deep, the tooth itself will have to be removed as well.

Treatment Plans at Home

According to Thomas Ocheltree, you do not have to wait for your next dentist appointment to take action against wisdom tooth infections. While you obviously cannot operate yourself, there are treatment plans that you can implement at home to alleviate discomfort. The priority is to reduce the swelling and inflammation as much as possible. This is typically caused by the bacterial growth within the area.

One such intervention that can help with symptom relief is to rinse with an alcohol-free antibiotic solution or some warm saltwater. If you do this on a regular base, you can prevent the bacteria from overgrowing so the wisdom tooth can grow in without having to overcome any blockage. Doing this can also clean up any infection that may be lingering before addressing the inflamed gums. Dr. Thomas Ocheltree happens to be an expert in the industry if you have lingering concerns.

In addition, it is always important to maintain excellent oral care. This means brushing your teeth on a regular basis, flossing after meals and rinsing with mouthwash. If you notice that pain or discomfort does not leave you after an extended period of time, you should seek professional assistance in order to prevent complications that can arise as a result.

Colby Burke Discusses What to Expect When Seeing a Hilton Head Dentist for the First Time

| KarlJobst

Many people are very scared of going to the dentist and it’s even more true for those that are going for their first time or visiting a new doctor. Some of this anxiety can be reduced by just having an idea of what to expect. Pair that with a good dentist, such as, 
Colby Burke Hilton Head and you’ll be able to go to your appointment with little to no fear. With that said, take a look at these 5 things you should expect at your first dental appointment. 

New Paperwork

One of the first things you’ll do when you get to the office is fill out paperwork. If you’ve been to the doctor before, then you’ll know that these can take a little while to complete. They’ll probably have you show up around 15 minutes before your actual appointment. Not only will these papers ask about past work, but they’ll also ask about insurance and any health issues that you might have. These answers will help your dentist take better care of you. 

X-Rays

Next, the dentist will probably have you do some x-rays. These can take a bit of time and be a little bit uncomfortable, but they need to get many different shots. The reason these are so important is because there could be things going on that can’t be seen with the naked eye. These will also help your dentist figure out what kind of work you need done and if there’s anything that needs dealt with right away. 

Thorough Exam

After your x-rays, the dentist will want to do a thorough exam. This will let them see how much plaque there is, any cavities or tooth injuries and what kind of condition your mouth is in. Many times, these physical things will let dentists know what kind of work you’ll need. For example, tooth condition can show that you need fillings or root canals, while gum condition might show that you need services for gingivitis. 

Discussion of Issues and Future Procedures

Once the x-rays and physical exam is done, the dentist will sit down with you and talk. Not only will they talk to you about their findings, but they’ll also talk with you about what kind of procedures or services you need. Some issues can only be fixed by a specific procedure, while others can be fixed through a few different methods. Together, you and your dentist will be able to figure out the best course of action. 

Schedule Next Appointment

The final thing you’ll do before leaving the office is making your next appointment. With some services, you’ll make multiple appointments, while other services will need to be scheduled one appointment at a time. They’ll let you know which one you’ll be doing and they’ll give you some kind of reminder to ensure you don’t miss your appointment. 

In conclusion, having a good dentist, like Colby Burke Hilton Head, and knowing what to expect before your appointment can help alleviate some of the anxiety and fear that comes with going to the dentist. The best thing you can do is be prepared and know what you’ll probably experience.

What Does Your Furniture in Your Dentist Office Lobby Say About You?

| KarlJobst

A personal clinic is a representation of a professional. For Dentists, owning and decorating a personal clinic can say a lot about the person. The choice of design, furniture styles, and all other embellishments can determine what kind of a person the dentist is–is he practical? Is she fancy? Is he avant-garde?

If you are a new professional or a seasoned one looking out to decorate your clinic lobby, it is important to find out first what kind of furniture you want to adorn this area. Although dental clinics are public, you can always add a personal touch to it.

According to JMD furniture, a known furniture store based in Maryland, finding out what kind of furniture is suitable for your dental clinic is simple. However, you must start first on how you want to be seen as a professional, and an individual as well.

In this post, we will look into common furniture styles and how each creates an impression on your clients and other visitors.

What Does Your Furniture in Your Dentist Office Lobby Say About You?

 

What your furniture style is: Classic

Classic is mainly composed of dark wood and redwood furniture. These can include heavy looking benches or couches with intricate designs. Most of the pieces are solid, made of polished wood are quite timeless in appearance. You can observe this kind of furniture style in heritage homes or long-standing hotels. As for decor, you may be able to see some oil paintings on canvas, fancy-looking flower vases and heavy curtains.

What this says about you: You are a reliable dentist, who always go for tried and tested measures. It can also represent you being a seasoned professional in your field and somebody who can be trusted. A classical style dentist office lobby is pleasing to the eyes, too young and older generations alike.

What your furniture style is: Modern

Modern furniture types are usually described as minimalist, pristine, and delicate. Your furniture pieces can be mostly comprised of glass, steel, and plain colored couches. Modern furniture always leans on the side of neutral colors, such as grays, blacks or whites. Decors are usually with glass containers, flowers with long stems, abstract artworks, and other similar items.

What this says about you: You are a dentist who always likes to try new things. You are someone who strives to always make things better, a risk-taker, someone who is unafraid to do what may be risky but is best for the client. Your appeal may also be leaning to a younger clientele, or to urban professionals who are seeking to have dental care.

What your furniture style is: Practical

Practical furniture is best defined as pieces that are simple and made of quality materials. This can include the typical clinic items of furniture such as solid, rectangular benches, office file cabinets, and minimal decorations. This type of clinic looks very formal–once you step in, you already know that it is indeed a clinic. Windows may be with traditional blinds or vertical blinds, and your walls are filled with dental information charts.

What this says about you: You are a no-fuss dentist, and you are someone who takes your job seriously. Your schedules are on the dot, and you don’t want to waste any time on other trivial matters. You are a dentist, you help people fix their smiles, and you get the job done well. It can also mean that you are a serious type of person, which may be a positive or negative thing, depending on your client. Some clients want their dentists to be serious, and others friendly. Either way, the first impression that this kind of lobby brings is that it’s straight to the point and fully serves its purpose.

What your furniture style is: Poorly Maintained

This is more of a condition rather than a personal style. It can be described as any of furniture piece or decor, but the problem is it’s poorly maintained. You can see some leather tears on the couch, or even wood chipping on your coffee table. The windows are unkempt and dusty, and your magazine choices date back to 10 years ago.

What this says about you: You may be a dentist who is difficult to trust. You’re someone who does a sloppy job. It reflects in your lobby, so it will most likely to reflect on your work. According to JMD furniture, if you don’t want to be seen as a ‘bad’ dentist, make sure to update your clinic lobby furnishings, and always maintain cleanliness.

Which of these 4 styles is your clinic? Whether you want to be seen as a dentist who is reliable, a risk-taker, serious, but hopefully never a terrible one, JMD Furniture can provide you with pieces best suited to your professional needs. For more information, visit their website at http://jmdfurniture.com.

Dental Etiquette: 5 Do’s and Dont’s

| KarlJobst

You are reminded to uphold good manners everywhere you go, but few people actually understand how to do the same when they visit a dentist. It is essential to ensure you don’t burden your dentist by doing things that don’t subscribe the required dental etiquette and expected of any patient. Although it is within the confines of your dentist to address all the issues you think your dental health is facing, you are indebted to ensure you give him or her the best time by not behaving in a manner that goes against common dental etiquette. Karl Jobst Grove OK is a dental expert and he advises that you should understand these five do’s and don’ts of dental etiquette.

You need a break from your cell phone

Sinking your head in your cell phone all the while as your dentist tries to diagnose you is one of the most annoying things. Sometimes your dentist will want to ask a few questions about your dental history and things you have been taking to understand where to start and if you are too committed to responding to messages and calls this might not augur well with the professional. It is necessary to allocate ample time to your dentist by ensuring your phone does not distract both of you from the issue at hand.

Hold off on lipstick

You might decide to wear your awesome lipstick, but don’t get annoyed when the dentist advises you to get it off. Lipstick can stick on instruments as the dentist works on you, and I don’t believe there is any professional who is interested in getting tools soiled with alien colors. Observe etiquette by not wearing any lipstick on the day you will be checking in for checkups at your dentist’s office.

Be open about your home dental practices

Some people will want to lie to their dentist about their dental practice and this will obviously not go well with the entire treatment process. It makes it harder for the dentist to exactly locate what is ailing you as sometimes your home dental habits point to a source of what you are going through and with this information the dentist can find a solution without having to take you through many sessions of diagnoses. This mostly works against you as you will most likely not get what you need to solve the dental problems you are harboring.

Ask questions

Dentists agree that no question is stupid as long as it relates to the process they are undertaking. It is, therefore, essential that you seek information on anything you seem not to understand. You could even ask for alternatives to different processes and you will be surprised by the wide array of options that are available that the dentist is willing to propose to you. Asking questions also ensures your doctor proceeds faster as they are able to understand what you prefer to be undertaken to address your problem. A question is seeking an opinion and clarification on what might turn out to be one among many options that you could have exploited.

Don’t smoke before the visit

Smoking is discouraged across the medical sphere, not just in dentistry. When you expect to see a dentist, this is one of the things you should not try and do. You need to have your mouth free of any residues of tar that might compromise the diagnoses that are conducted on you. If you could quit smoking altogether, you would reap more benefits as this practice leads to teeth staining and loss, and could even lead to throat cancer.

Summit Shah MD Discusses Dental Allergies

| KarlJobst

When one discovers they have an allergy, the most common step to take is to get rid of the food or material that causes the allergic reaction. But there have been questions as to whether one can experience dental allergy and if the reactions that patients experience after some dental procedures can be described as dental allergies. Many experts including Summit Shah MD have conducted research into this question and the results are that indeed, one can suffer dental allergies. To understand how to deal with dental allergies, here is a preview into some of most common oral hypersensitivity situations.

Allergy due to root canal sealers

Zinc oxide is the most recommended root canal sealant and allergy arising due to the material is not so common. But for the few who might have experienced prolonged reactions after a procedure to treat their root canal, getting an alternative solution would help prevent further reactions. To patients who experience allergic reactions from zinc sealant, they can use walling ford, CT, which was introduced as an alternative to zinc that is also less likely to lead to an allergic reaction.

There are also many other materials that have been used as sealants and different patients have reported reactions due to these materials, and to correct their situation they had to undergo a process to replace the material with one that is friendly.

Allergy to anesthetics

Local anesthetics are well-tolerated drugs and have for many years been used as a solution to different dental issues, but they cause adverse reactions that are allergic. Most of the allergic reactions reported are caused by mepivacaine, lignocaine, prilocaine and methylparaben. These reactions are psychogenic and are accelerated by intravascular injections. Whenever a patient experiences any sort of reaction after getting an injection of an anesthetic, they are advised to immediately seek medical assistance to solve the issue.

The latex fruit syndrome

People who are allergic to latex products also suffer from hypersensitivity whenever they take some foods (most commonly fresh fruits). Fruits like passion fruit, pineapple, papaya and kiwi are the most common suspects in this case. If you experience allergic reactions after taking any of these foods you should immediately inform your dentist about the problem so you can be assisted where possible.

Are oral hygiene products also included?

Yes, some oral hygiene products are also included in the list of products that can cause hypersensitivity. Most mouthwashes and toothpastes come flavored with ingredients like cinnamon, eugenol and peppermint, which are potential allergens. You need to pay attention to these ingredients while buying oral hygiene products to help protect your dental health.

When experiencing mild reactions, it could prove challenging to tell whether indeed you are suffering from an allergy. The issue could be revealed once the reaction gets bigger and your system is widely affected. But you should not allow it to reach an extreme high level, so just make sure you take action immediately you notice even a slight change and you will protect yourself from severe effects emanating from allergic reactions.

How to Overcome Anxiety and Prepare for a Dentist Appointment

| KarlJobst

It is quite easy to understand why some people feel a bit anxious as an appointment with the dentist draws near. After all, many people still hold the perception that dental procedures can be uncomfortable and may even be painful. While the perception is still fairly common, it is one that is entirely unfounded and may lead to patients missing out on necessary dental care. Even the procedures that once had a reputation for leading to significant discomfort have been so vastly improved that patients are quite surprised to find that these anxiety-inducing procedures are hardly worth the pre-appointment worry.

Even though the anxiety many patients feel before an appointment is due to erroneous or outdated beliefs about dental procedures, it does not mean that being able to allay a sense of worry in advance of the appointment is an easy task. For most people, a bit of research into the nature of the procedure they are scheduled to undergo will be more than enough to calm their nerves before heading to the office. The younger segment may benefit from an added incentive to go with the accurate information, so a baseball fan in need of dental work may be far less anxious with the promise of a dream vacation that begins with spring training transportation.

For others, the concern may be a bit greater and will require a more involved approach. This may mean speaking with a dental professional well in advance of the appointment to go over the procedure, or it may be as simple as speaking with someone who has recently undergone a similar procedure. There is another group of individuals, however, that feel a more acute feeling of anxiety that requires a more nuanced approach. When the feeling of anxiety becomes so great that it feels almost paralyzing, it is important to seek out a form of therapy that reduces these feelings so that necessary dental work can be completed.

Through the use of cognitive behavioral therapy, researchers have found that as few as six sessions can reduce anxiety to a degree that patients are able to overcome their feelings of fear in order to receive the treatment they need. In some of these cases, patients needed to have sedation before being able to undergo dental procedures. After the therapy sessions, the majority of these individuals no longer needed sedation and were far better equipped to deal with the stress they felt before their appointment.

The reason this type of therapy works so well is due to the fact that the goal is not to entirely eliminate the feelings of anxiety, but rather to help the individual cope with those feelings in a more effective manner. The anxiety will be present or will return at some point before or during the procedure, but the patient will be better equipped to manage their emotions so they are able to experience firsthand just how comfortable dental procedures are and how their fears may have been wholly based on misconceptions.

Of course, not everyone feels anxiety before a dentist appointment, but it is still necessary to understand the procedures and to prepare accordingly. Patients in need of dental care should be able to clearly outline any dental issues they may be concerned with and should be prepared to ask any questions they may have regarding their appointment. As for long-term preparation, regular dental care is obviously critical for avoiding some of the more serious dental issues, and those who brush twice daily and floss regularly are far more likely to enjoy continued dental health.