Yearly Archives: 2014

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2014

Is there a new way to help with sensitive teeth?

BlogSpot Archive, Patient EducationBy Drs. Brown, Gettings, & Gade December 22, 2014

Many people suffer from sensitivity on there teeth when eating or drinking something hot or cold. If there are no cavities or other issues, we would typically recommend trying to use sensitivity toothpaste twice each day. However, we found many people do not prefer the sensitivity toothpaste over their normal toothpaste. With compliance lacking, the sensitivity would often persist. But recently Crest rolled out a new product aimed to alleviate tooth sensitivity for up to 1 month per application.

How Important are Oral Cancer Exams?

BlogSpot Archive, Oral Health, Patient EducationBy Drs. Brown, Gettings, & Gade December 17, 2014

During each dental appointment, the dentist and the dental hygienist make an extra effort to screen for any signs of oral cancer. Oral cancer is a disease that occurs in the mouth or the throat. It can be found inside the lips and cheeks, the salivary glands, the gums, the tongue, the roof of the mouth, the floor of the mouth and the bone.

Should I get a Dental Implant or a Dental Bridge?

BlogSpot Archive, General Dentistry, Implant Dentistry, Patient EducationBy Drs. Brown, Gettings, & Gade December 10, 2014

When faced with the question of how to best replace a missing tooth, the first two options discussed are a dental implant or a dental bridge. Each individual situation is unique, and our goal is to assist in making the best possible decision for your dental health.

In-Office Dental Savings Plan vs. Dental Insurance

BlogSpot Archive, Patient EducationBy Drs. Brown, Gettings, & Gade December 1, 2014

While the Affordable Care Act mostly effects the regulations concerning medical insurance, it has affected dental insurance indirectly. With rising health care costs for employers, many have cut back on their dental benefits they offer employees. In an effort to encourage good dental health while offsetting dental insurance limitations, we have instituted am ‘in-house’ dental savings plan. It is designed for patients who have very limited options through their employer or no longer have dental insurance.

Can we Diagnose Cavities without X-Rays?

BlogSpot Archive, General Dentistry, Patient EducationBy Drs. Brown, Gettings, & Gade November 17, 2014

We are always looking for new and improved ways to keep your teeth healthy and maintain a preventative and minimally invasive approach. To identify cavities as early as possible, we typically recommend bite wing x-rays (x-rays between the teeth) once per year. However, x-rays are not always 100% conclusive and we want to make sure we offer the best possible treatment for each individual. To help with our diagnostic abilities, we have added a new tool to our repertoire: the CariVu.

How Do Drug Addictions Affect Your Teeth?

BlogSpot Archive, Oral Health, Patient EducationBy Drs. Brown, Gettings, & Gade November 5, 2014

October 23rd through October 31st is National Red Ribbon Week, which aims to raise awareness to the dangers of illegal drugs. I don’t claim to have the answers on how to keep people off of drugs, but I would like to take a look at how some drugs can affect your oral health and your teeth. Below we will briefly discuss the dental concerns that substances like heroin and crystal meth can create.

Is Red Wine Good for your Teeth?

BlogSpot Archive, Oral Health, Patient EducationBy Drs. Brown, Gettings, & Gade October 28, 2014

We have heard in the past that red wine can be good for heart health. Some research has shown that reservatrol, a chemical found in red wine, can be potentially beneficial for those with heart disease. However, the amount of reservatrol needed was so large that obtaining its desired benefits through red wine was nearly impossible. There is a new study from universities in Madrid and Zurich that suggests drinking wine could lead to stronger teeth, healthier gums, and fewer cavities. They believe there are compounds found in red wine that could have an antimicrobial effect that kills damaging bacteria. But before you start drinking too much, let’s take a closer look at some of the potential implications.

Do your Eating Habits Affect the Health of your Teeth?

BlogSpot Archive, Oral Health, Patient EducationBy Drs. Brown, Gettings, & Gade October 13, 2014

With Halloween right around the corner, it seems like we are constantly snacking on sweets both at home and at work. Our first concern may be packing on a few extra pounds, but all of this snacking can put you at a higher risk for tooth decay. Hopefully we can share a few helpful hints to reduce the possibility of developing cavities during this time and throughout the year.

The Basics of Dental Implants

BlogSpot Archive, Implant DentistryBy Drs. Brown, Gettings, & Gade October 1, 2014

In most cases where a tooth is lost, a dental implant is the best choice and the standard of care. Even though the initial investment is substantial, in most cases it will save you money and time in the long run when compared to other options. Below we will run through the basics of dental implants to help you gain a better understanding of what may be involved.

The Limitations of Dental Insurance

BlogSpot Archive, Patient EducationBy Drs. Brown, Gettings, & Gade September 23, 2014

When I began my dental career over 34 years ago, the maximum benefit for a dental insurance policy was at $1000 per year. The fee at that time for a dental crown was $225. This means an individual could get two professional examinations and cleanings per year, covered at 100%, and still have the remaining benefits to cover 6 dental crowns covered at 50% if you needed.