How to Choose a Good Dentist

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Finding the right dentist for you and your family can be as finding a parking space in a crowded shopping center. With thousands of dentists practicing all over the country --with their own specializations, specific locations and office hours-- how do you narrow your search down to that one dentist who's right for you?

You'll notice that dentists' names end with either "DDS" (doctor of dental surgery) or "DMD" (doctor of dental medicine). The difference? Just semantics. They all studied the same thing and earned the same degree.

These titles basically let you know that the dentist has had the proper training to perform treatments as a general dentist.You'll notice that dentists' names end with either "DDS," which stands for doctor of dental surgery, or "DMD," doctor of dental medicine. The difference? Nothing but semantics. They all studied the same thing and earned the same degree. These titles basically let you know that the dentist has had the proper training to perform treatments as a general dentist.

Know What You Need
General dentists often use the monikers "cosmetic dentist" or "family dentist" to indicate that they offer cosmetic dental treatments or can treat your whole family but these aren't officially recognized dental specializations. The Dental Specialists recognized by the American Dental Association include pedodontists, also known as pediatric dentists (kid specialists), endodontists (root canal specialists), oral and maxillofacial surgeons, prosthodontists (restorative specialists), orthodontists (bite specialists) and periodontists (gum specialists).

When you have symptoms such as a severe toothache, constant jaw pain or bleeding gums, it can be easy to automatically assume that you need to see a dental specialist. While you could be onto something, most dental specialists require that you first see a general dentist for a comprehensive dental exam.

If your general dentist determines that you need treatments that are outside the realm of their ability, he or she will then refer you to the appropriate specialist. Keep in mind, however, that many general dentists do perform some wisdom teeth extractions and root canals along with dental crowns and dental bridges.

Know What to Ask
It's important to ask the right questions when you're trying to choose the right dentist. Find out key information about the dentist's office such as:

Dentist's Training -- Inquire about the dentist's clinical experience and training with any of the procedures you may require.

Office Location -- Aside from everyday convenience, consider how long it will take you to get to the dentist's office in an emergency.

Office Hours and Emergency Care -- Do they have evening hours and are they available on weekends?

Patient Comfort -- Ask if the office has amenities to make your treatments more comfortable, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and/or other technology such as CEREC® or Waterlase®

Fees and Payment Plans -- Know if the office accepts your dental insurance and how much your out-of-pocket expense may be.

Dental Implants = More Visits Than Root Canals

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A new study addresses the growing controversy among dental health professionals regarding the best course of treatment when evaluating between a root canal or dental implant procedure. Researchers evaluated the success and failure rates of teeth treated with a root canal (endodontically treated teeth) or extracted and replaced with a dental implant. While the findings concluded that the success rate of each treatment was similar, the data showed that significantly more dental implants required additional treatment or surgical intervention after the procedure compared to endodontically treated teeth (12.4 percent versus 1.4 percent, respectively).

"Many dental professionals today are faced with the dilemma of whether root canals or dental implants are the best option for their patients," said lead investigator James Porter Hannahan, D.M.D., of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL. "While the success of both procedures is similar, saving the natural tooth through a root canal rarely requires follow-up treatment and generally lasts a lifetime; implants, on the other hand, have more post-operative complications and higher long-term failure rates."

Research has shown that poor oral health and tooth loss may lead to serious medical conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and even certain types of cancer. Given this connection, taking the right steps to prevent tooth loss can be important for maintaining better overall health.

"Considering these results in light of the growing body of evidence on the impact of oral health on overall health, it is imperative for dental professionals to partner with endodontists who have advanced training in examining whether a natural tooth can be saved through root canal treatment," said Dr. Louis Rossman, an endodontist and president of the American Association of Endodontists(AAE), the dentists who specialize in root canals. "While implants may be an appropriate solution for people with missing teeth, endodontic treatment should be the first choice for restoring a compromised tooth."

Because of the increasing popularity of dental implants, patients may not realize the long-term implications of the procedure or that root canals may be healthier and less complicated in the long-run. Dental professionals should ensure they explain to patients the differences between each procedure.

Dental implants require extracting the tooth followed by multiple surgeries to insert a metal post in the jaw and affix a porcelain crown to the post. These surgeries often can take three or more visits over the course of several months to complete and can be time-intensive and costly. During root canal treatment, the source of tooth pain --inflamed pulp-- is removed and the inside of the tooth is then cleaned, filled and sealed. Today, most root canals can be completed in one visit and are virtually painless. In fact, root canals restore and save an average of 17 million teeth each year.

When considering treatment options, the AAE emphasizes that decisions must be based on factors other than outcome, such as case complexity or the patient's individual health and preferences. To assist dental professionals and their patients in determining the most appropriate treatment, the AAE has formal guidance on treatment planning, which includes evaluating various risk factors and other implications associated with root canal and implant treatment. Risk factors can include smoking, bone quality and estrogen levels -- for example, women with lower estrogen levels may encounter more treatment failures with implants.

12-Year-Old's Death Due To Poor Dental Care Helps Others

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Children in Prince George's County, Maryland, will have better access to dental care after the death of a 12-year-old pushed lawmakers and the medical community to examine the issue. Deamonte Driver died from a brain infection after his mother was unable to find a dentist to treat an abscessed tooth.

"His mother, despite her best efforts, could not get dental care for her boys," said Laurie Norris, of the Public Justice Center. Elise Driver, Deamonte's mother, had a lapse in Medicaid coverage because she was temporarily homeless. At the time, an abscessed tooth spread poisonous bacteria to Deamonte's brain.

A group of dentists --with help from the state and other groups-- announced the Deamonte Driver Dental Project Thursday. It will pay for a van equipped with a dental facility to service low-income students in Prince George's County. "It's a dentistry on wheels, and it's going to be a full-service dental clinic," said dentist Dr. Hazel Harper. "We have the ability to do preventive services as well as restorative services." The project also will increase reimbursements for dentists who provide treatment for patients on Medicaid.

Straight Teeth Are Important But Expensive

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Cameron Diaz, Brandi, and Tom Cruise are just three celebrities that have used dental braces to straighten up their smiles, and they are far from alone. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, about 75% of Americans could benefit from orthodontic treatment, including braces.

If you have a child, the American Academy of Periodontology recommends that you have your child seen by an orthodontist for evaluation by age 7, which means that you better make sure that your dental insurance covers orthodontic treatment for them! If not, you should consider purchasing a supplementary dental health plan for your family, as the cost of braces or other orthodontic treatment is pretty unpalatable without a dental health plan that covers them.

Not All Dental Plans Cover Orthodontics
The problem is that many dental insurance plans do not offer coverage for procedures done by orthodontists at all! Furthermore, there is no such thing as a policy that covers only orthodontist procedures. So, if your current dental plan doesn't cover them, you effectively have no orthodontist insurance.

Fortunately, for a modest increase in your monthly premiums, many group and individual dental plans can include coverage for orthodontist work. If, for whatever reason, your company's benefits manager doesn't offer you the flexibility to get extra coverage in the company plan for your own needs, then you may have to purchase a supplemental plan to get the coverage you want. Furthermore, many companies will allow you to opt-out of the group plan completely and get partial reimbursement for whatever plan you choose for yourself and your family.

Lastly, if you do not have dental insurance through work or if you do have it but it doesn't cover orthodontic programs, you should strongly consider getting a Discount Dental Card if you think that you or a family member will require orthodontist work in the near- to mid-term. Before should make sure that your current plan offers that coverage or else start thinking about other coverage options.

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How Bad Is Your Gum Disease? This Quiz Will Tell

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Online Tool Assesses Your Periodontal Gum Disease
Periodontal disease (a.k.a. gum disease) is a chronic bacterial infection of the gums and bone supporting the teeth and effects one third of Americans over the 30. If left untreated, the disease can progress, which may lead to tooth loss. On top of that, mounting research continues to show that gum disease may have an effect on several serious health conditions. This means that any out-of-pocket costs associated with dental check-ups and treatment needed for for gum disease is insignificant next to your overall well-being.

Don't Become A Statistic
Gum disease is the most significant dental disease affecting adults. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, "more than one in three people over age 30 have periodontitis (gum disease). And, by a conservative estimate, 35.7 million people in the United States have periodontitis." The good news is that it's treatable, and like many other health conditions, the earlier you diagnose and treat, the better the outcome.

Are You At Risk?
This tool is designed to help you and your dentist identify factors that might increase your risk for gum disease. Take the quiz by clicking on Gum Disease Quiz Link and share the results with your dentist at your next check-up. Please note that this tool serves to provide a guideline as to your risk for gum disease. It is possible to have this disease without obvious warning signs, which is why regular dental checkups are so important.