Health

There are very few dental practices that still use analog film and chemicals to produce dental x-rays. With digital technology around for decades, and improving along the way, there really is no excuse not to be digital.  However, patients still often express concern...

I was at a continuing education seminar last week and one of the topics being discussed was mouthguards. Although it seems basic, and you would think that everyone who should be wearing one does, this is far from the case. I still see far too many sports related...

It is not uncommon for me to get a strange look when I ask a patient about snoring in the dental office. After an explanation about some of the reasons I include this on my medical history form, the patient will often say, “Well, I don’t snore but my spouse (usually...

I understand that periodontal disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults, but is there anything I can do about it? Gum disease—periodontal disease—often progresses slowly, without pain, over a long period of time. This is one reason why it is common among older...

Liz H: I was recently told by a dentist that I need a root canal, a post, periodontal crown lengthening surgery and a crown. The total cost of treatment is $3500! Do I have any alternatives? That is a difficult question to answer without seeing the specific case, but...

Isn’t tooth loss inevitable in later years? Today, older adults are keeping their natural teeth longer because of scientific developments and the preventive emphasis in dentistry. This improvement was seen in the results of a survey released by the National Institute...

This week the topic has nothing to do with dentistry. It is a topic that some will be able to relate to and others may not. It is a topic that some may appreciate and others may criticize. It may be something you have thought about before or maybe have never thought...

In last week’s column, I wrote about some specific differences between dentists and dental practice philosophies. But, what makes for an ideal doctor, dentist, nurse, physical therapist, or any other care giver? Patients shared their views in a study which appeared in...

No two dental practices are alike! Each takes on the characteristics of the practitioner and the supporting team. Every office/patient interaction is the key to how that office "feels" when you walk in the door. Some practices may feel "clinical and efficient", while...