How To Find A Good Dentist

-
If you're looking for a new dentist for you or your family to go to, it can be very hard to know which one is right for you and above all how to avoid a "bad seed" of the dental profession. Unless you possess real psychic ability, the only way you can tell good dentists from bad it is to look for different "Signs".

Positive Signs
Good dentists take a personal interest in patients and their health. They are prevention-oriented but not faddists. They use x-ray films and probably suggest a full-mouth study unless suitable films are available from the patient's previous dentist.

A thorough dental examination includes inspection of the teeth, gums, tongue, lips, inside of the cheek, palate, and the skin of the face and neck, plus feeling the neck for abnormal lymph nodes and enlargement of the thyroid gland. In adults a periodontal probe should be inserted between the gums and teeth to detect abnormally large crevices. Good dentists also chart their findings in detail.

The frequency of maintenance care (including calculus removal and x-ray examinations) should be based on an assessment of the frequency of cavity formation, the rate of calculus formation, the condition of the gums, and any other special problem. Once current treatment has been completed, the patient should be placed on a recall schedule and notified when the next checkup is due.

High-quality dental work usually lasts a very long time, whereas low-quality work may fall out or decay out in a few years. The price of dental work is not the best way to judge quality; rather, pay attention to the time the dentist takes to do the work. High-quality dentistry cannot be done assembly-line style; it takes time and meticulous attention to detail.

Negative Signs
Be wary of flamboyant advertising, because it is likely to signify an emphasis on mass production rather than quality care When the fees charged per service are low, the number of services performed may be greater than needed, resulting in higher overall cost.

Dentists whose ads overemphasize "twilight sleep," cosmetic dentistry, and one-visit comprehensive treatment may not be interested in long-term maintenance care that does not generate high income.

Routine use of intravenous sedation is another bad sign because it means that patients are exposed to unnecessary risks. Although general anesthesia can be appropriate for children, adults with seizure disorders, and a few other situations, the vast majority of patients do not need it for routine dentistry.

A small percentage of dentists espouse or engage in unscientific pracftices. You should avoid any dentists who:

1. Sell vitamins or other dietary supplements
2. Automatically recommend replacement of amalgam fillings or removal of teeth that have root canals
3. "Specialize" in treating headaches, backaches, myofascial pain, or TMJ problems
4. Allege that fluoridation is dangerous
5. Identify themselves as practicing "holistic" or "biological" dentistry
6. Diagnose neuralgia-inducing cavitational osteonecrosis (NICO)
7. Go beyond dentistry by diagnosing "heavy metal toxicity" or diseases other than those of the mouth, gums, teeth, and associated tissues.
   

Other Tips
It makes sense to become acquainted with a family dentist before an emergency arises. Suitable prospects can be identified by asking among friends, acquaintances, and local health professionals. Additional recommendations can be obtained from a local dental society or a dental school if one is located nearby.

A good first step is to schedule a "get acquainted" visit to see whether your personalities and philosophies of health care are a match. Ask about fees and payment plans. Most dentists prefer patients to initiate discussion of fees because patients know more about their own financial situation. Where large fees are involved for major work, it is best to have a written understanding of what fees will be charged and when payment will be due.

Before embarking on treatment, get a clear understanding at your own level of what is to be done and what the outcome might be. Consider treatment options, because there may be more than one way to accomplish a goal. For example, a removable bridge, fixed bridge, or an implant may all be acceptable ways to replace a missing tooth; but they have different advantages, disadvantages, and cost.

Consumers Research offer these questions for judging a dentist's skills after you have received treatment:

• How Does Your Bite Feel?
• Is Any Of The Dental Work Irritating Your Gum?
• Does The Treated Tooth Look Like A Tooth?
• Does Dental Floss Or Your Tongue Catch On The Tooth?
• Did The Dentist Take Time To Polish Your Fillings?
• Do You Feel Pain When Drinking Hot Or Cold Liquids?
• Was Any Debris Left In Your Mouth After Treatment?
• Does The Dentist Use A Water Spray To Cool Your Teeth While Drilling?

Above all, don't continue using a dentist who you are not comfortable. God knows there are plenty of dentists out there so don't deprive yourself of proper dental health care because of one bad experience with a dentist.

Scam Alert: Cosmetic Dentistry

'
Cosmetic Secrets The Dental Industry Doesn't Want You To Know
Are you considering getting some cosmetic dental work done? Before you plunk down the big money, there are certain things you should know about this type of dentistry that will not only benefit your health but also save you a lot of money.

Although there are dentists and dental offices that specialize in performing cosmetic dentistry, it should be noted that there is no such thing as a "Cosmetic Dentist" as the American Dental Association only recognizes 11 areas of dental specialties; Dental Public Health, Pediatric, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.

Because of the growing market of people who want "cosmetic" (or restorative as it's properly called) dentistry done on them such as bleeching, contouring, esthetic partials, veneers, porcelain crowns, teeth reshaping, caps, etc., there are those dentists who are trying (and succeeding!) in exploiting their patients by getting them to pay more money than they have to for procedures which, in many cases, can be done by a regular dentist (crowns, bridges, caps) for a lot less money.

The bottom line is don't just assume you need to see a "cosmetic dentist"; have a regular DDS or DMD dentist examine you first and if they can't help you, have them recommend a dentist who specializes in restorative dentistry.

Four Most Popular Types Of Cosmetic Dental Work
Porcelain Veneers: It is a known fact that veneers (porcelain laminate veneers, technically) are gaining in popularity, especially among wealthier folks. Veneers are very thin porcelain ‘false fronts’ for your teeth. They are custom-made from a meticulous mold of your teeth, which are then applied directly to the fronts of your teeth to produce instant perfect whiteness. They are most often used to cover stains that cannot be removed through other methods, to fill in gaps, and to cover surface damage. In the world of cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers are just about the most expensive solution. Prices vary considerably, depending on the renown of the dentist you use and where you live. Expect to pay anywhere from $400 to $1,000 per tooth. While some people have all their teeth done, the vast majority who choose this option have just their front six teeth done (top and bottom). This translates to a total price of $4800-$12000.

Professional Tooth Whitening: These days tooth whitening is the most popular form of cosmetic dentistry, by far. Millions of Americans have this procedure done every year. The process involves applying a gel mixture containing about 35% hydrogen peroxide directly to the teeth via a mouth tray (similar to mouth guards worn by football players). Your dentist then uses a plasma arc light or laser to quickly heat the hydrogen peroxide, which then oxidizes the stains on your teeth. You usually have a choice between having the teeth whitening done in the dentist’s office, or using an at-home system that he or she devises and manages. The in-office procedure is more expensive, but is also quicker and often produces more whitening. At-home systems are slower and may not produce as much whitening, but they are less costly. In-office whitening will run you $400-$1200 while at-home systems generally add up to $150-$750.

Tooth Shaping: This type of procedure is becoming popular as a way for people who have generally good teeth to fine-tune their smiles. Some people have long teeth or maybe their canines are too sharp for their liking. A very simple and relatively inexpensive procedure in the pantheon of cosmetic dentistry at just $40 to $80 per tooth, the process is painless and can be finished in as little as thirty minutes and one office visit. The dentist uses an instrument to essentially file or sculpt the teeth in question to the agreed upon shape. Only bits of enamel are removed, and the tooth’s nerve is not disturbed, so no pain is involved.

Gum Lifting: Gum lifting is another increasingly popular form of cosmetic dentistry. A small portion of the gum line (usually the upper gum) is removed in an effort to make the gum line appear uniform. You’ve probably seen people with ‘gummy’ smiles, where the upper lip exposes most (or at least too much) of the upper gums. This procedure reduces the amount of gum showing when a person smiles, as well as making the gum line even across the teeth. Gum lifts are done tooth-by-tooth, and involve a mild local anesthetic to deaden the nerves in the gums. Patients generally report only very mild discomfort for a day or two after the procedure. This can be a fairly expensive procedure, depending on the number of teeth that need to have their gums reduced. A gum lift will set you back $75-$200 per tooth.

Making Cosmetic Dental Care More Affordable
Most people who get cosmetic dentistry done these days pay out-of-pocket for this service. This is because very few dental insurance policies cover so-called "elective procedures", even though some of these procedures (ie. braces, dentures, root canals) would be considered anything but "elective" by most people. However, there are a couple of steps you can take to reduce how much you will pay for cosmetic-related dental procedures, especially if these procedures are not covered by your existing dental insurance coverage;

(1) By far the best way to reduce what you pay for cosmetic dentistry is to shop around. Don't be taken in by fancy newspaper advertisements of glowing testimonials about how much better a person feels about themselves after they've went to this dentist or that dental office, do some old-fashioned comparison shopping. Start by going to a dentist that you trust and after explaining to them the type treatment you're looking for, ask them what your options are and how much they will cost. Then if you need to go somewhere else for treatment, ask your dentist for a referral.

(2) An easy way to save money on cosmetic dentistry is to enroll in a discount or reduced fee dental plan. These plans allow members to save 15%, 20% and in some cases as much as 25% on any cosmetic procedure done by a dental specialist (Periodontist, Orthodontist, Oral Surgeon, etc). The problem with these type of plans is that unless you live in or near a large-size city, the chances are that you'll find few if any specialists in your area who will accept a discount dental plan, so before you join any plan, make sure that plan has at least one orthodontist, periodontist and oral surgeon within a reasonable driving distance from where you live.

"Cosmetically Friendly" Dental Plan Coverage
But how do you know which discount dental plan is best for you and your specific cosmetic dental needs? There can literally be dozens of plans to choose from, each one with their own participating dentists, monthly premiums and dental fee schedules, so it can be easy to pay too much for a discount plan. The National Association of Dental Plans reports that 68% of all buyers pay too much for their dental coverage which is why its a good idea to shop around for the plan that's best for you. If you want help finding a "cosmetic dentistry friendly" discount plan in your area, sent me an e-mail and I'll give you only guidance you could ever want as I live for this sort of thing (i.e. helping people).


My Sponsors
Corporate Video Production In NJ & NY Area <-> Affordable Internet Marketing <-> NY\NJ Construction Law Attorneys

New Study Further Strengthens Link between Gum Disease and Early Indicators Of Cardiovascular Disease

_
New England Journal of Medicine: Warminster, PA 3/8/2007 - Researchers may be one step closer to establishing a link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD) – the number one cause of death worldwide. According to a new study unveiled recently in the New England Journal of Medicine, periodontal disease contributes to blood vessel dysfunction, which was improved by an intensive regimen of periodontal treatment. The research team, led by Maurizio Tonetti, D.M.D., Ph.D., Executive Director of the European Research Group on Periodontology, demonstrates a link between early indicators of arthrosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and periodontal disease.

The study enrolled 120 otherwise healthy patients with a severe form of periodontitis in a six-month trial and compared the effects of regular tooth cleaning with those of intensive periodontal treatment (scaling and root planing, locally administered antibiotics and tooth extraction, when necessary). The intensive treatment group showed important and statistically significant improvements in blood flow (as measured by brachial arterial dilation) within two months of treatment. The improvement was greater six months after treatment.
“In recent years, there have been numerous hypotheses linking periodontal infections to atherosclerosis –...the process that leads to blockage of blood vessels,” notes Dr. Tonetti. “This study validates the effectiveness of intensive periodontal treatment in affecting vascular health.”

Currently, more than one in three Americans over age 30 have some form of periodontitis, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. CVD is the single largest killer of American adults; in 2003, it caused one of every five deaths in the United States. Unfortunately, periodontal infections often go untreated, creating a chronic inflammatory burden that may result in systemic inflammation, possibly contributing to broader health problems.

“The study published in the New England Journal of Medicine is promising for patients, as well as for the medical and dental communities,” notes periodontist Michael C. Lynch, DMD, PhD, Director, Clinical Research Rx, New Technology Oral Health Care R&D, of OraPharma, Inc., whose locally applied antibiotic, ARESTIN® (minocycline HCl) Microspheres, 1 mg, was selected by Dr. Tonetti for use in this study. “While researchers continue to study the link between systemic disease and oral health, this study adds to the growing body of evidence and underscores the potential impact of infection and subsequent inflammation on systemic diseases.”

“Our mission is to advance oral health and improve overall health through innovative products and services for the dental professional,” adds Russell Secter, PharmD, president, OraPharma, Inc. “We are excited by the results of this study and will continue to support research in this area.”

Results of the clinical trial by Dr. Tonetti and colleagues are reported in the March 1 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). The team of independent researchers that completed the study includes: Maurizio S. Tonetti, D.M.D., Ph.D., Francesco D'Aiuto, D.M.D., Ph.D., Luigi Nibali, D.M.D., Ph.D., Ann Donald, Clare Storry, B.Sc., Mohamed Parkar, M.Phil., Jean Suvan, M.Sc., Aroon D. Hingorani, Ph.D., Patrick Vallance, M.D., and John Deanfield, M.B., B.Chir. As reported in the NEJM, this study was funded by leading academic and research institutions, as well as by an educational grant from OraPharma, Inc.

What Are Dental Sealants?

'
Dental Sealants: Friend or Foe
Looking for a fool-proof way to prevent cavities? Then sealants are a clear dental best buy!Despite how vigorously you brush your molars or how often you rinse with fluoride treatment, it is almost inevitable that plaque will build up in the deep grooves on the top of your large molars, leading to dental decay.

A dental sealant is a thin plastic layer that is painted on the top of your tooth and prevents plaque from building up and eating away at the tooth's enamel. A sealant is pretty inexpensive and any dentist can apply it, but, despite their obvious benefits, only 20% of Americans currently use sealants!

If you want a fool-proof way to prevent most cavities from forming, ask your dentist about dental sealants the next time you the visit the dentist. Depending upon your dental coverage, they should cost anywhere from $10 to $35 per tooth, while if you're paying private and/or don't have a dental plan, expect to pay $50 to $75 per tooth.