Diamons

Patient Education

Photography by Dr. Padval

Sterilization In Our Practice

Dentistry, like any other science, has evolved over time. We've come a long way from the old days of "drill and fill" to a new era of sophisticated technology and technique. And along with this growth has come a new understanding of sterilization and infection control. With a variety of serious illnesses that can be cross-communicated, sterilization protocols have been dramatically refined. And for our practice, there is no "enough." For starters, we use physical barriers over every possible surface. We use disposable products [...]

By |2018-03-20T08:00:25-07:00March 20, 2018|Patient Education|

Overcome Your Dental Fear

We'd like to offer one comforting and wonderful fact about today's dentistry: it's comfortable, even pleasant. Technology, new procedures, and some very sophisticated approaches to anesthesia have all contributed to painless treatment, from cleaning to cavity preparations to root canal therapy. But what if you didn't grow up with modern dentistry, and remember it differently? If you've had difficult dental experiences, you may be among the 150 million Americans who suffer through treatment, or avoid the dentist altogether. The fact is, about 80% of [...]

By |2018-03-06T08:00:34-08:00March 6, 2018|Patient Education|

Don’t Forget Your Calcium

Since childhood we've been told we need calcium to build strong teeth and bones. But the fact is we never outgrow our need for this important mineral. Why...? Osteoporosis and loss of bone around the teeth can result when we don't consume enough calcium Authorities say that to reduce the risk of weak, brittle bones later in life, you need a daily intake of 800 mg (men) or 1000-1500 mg (women). Rapid growth during adolescence and the demands of pregnancy and breastfeeding create even [...]

By |2018-02-27T08:00:23-08:00February 27, 2018|Patient Education|

Asthma Alert

Beware of the oral complications of this respiratory disease In years past, asthma attacks could be unpredictable and difficult to control. Today, medications have been developed to control attacks—in some cases preventing them from occurring at all. If you—or a member of your family—still suffer the attacks, check with your physician about new treatment methods. Although we may not know its exact cause, most people are familiar with asthma, the chronic lung disease that makes breathing difficult. Asthma may be triggered by allergens such [...]

By |2018-01-16T08:00:42-08:00January 16, 2018|Patient Education|

Sounding Off About Snoring!

Do you snore, and has your partner compared it to the sound of a giant band saw slowly slicing through the house? Ever wake up groggy and grumpy after a "full night's sleep?" If the answers are "Yes" and "Yes," you could be suffering from sleep apnea, a not-so-funny condition in which sleepers actually stop breathing for brief periods overnight. For most of us, snoring can be reduced or eliminated by wearing a simple oral appliance at night. It enlarges the airway by positioning [...]

By |2018-01-09T08:00:07-08:00January 9, 2018|Patient Education|

Resolutions for a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Here's to Health in 2018! We care about you as patients and as friends too! As we all try to get healthier in the New Year, here are some common resolutions that can improve dental and overall health. Make the New Year tobacco-free! Do whatever you need to quit smoking—seek out a program, a patch, a support group. Half a million North Americans die annually from disease caused by cigarette smoking. It doesn't have to be! Check your blood pressure and cholesterol. See a [...]

By |2018-01-02T08:00:16-08:00January 2, 2018|Patient Education|

Expiring Dental Insurance Benefits?

Use Them or Lose Them! What if someone gave you free money to spend on improving your smile? With one string attached: use it all by New Years', or lose it. Well, for those fortunate enough to have insurance, be sure to take advantage of your plan's benefits before they expire at the end of the year. Most dental insurance policies have a dollar limit to the amount of treatment provided over the calendar year. Benefit money not used by December 31 is NOT [...]

By |2017-12-12T00:00:03-08:00December 12, 2017|Patient Education|

Hormones and Periodontal Disease

Women of all ages are prone to changing levels of progesterone in the body. And progesterone—especially when you are pregnant or taking oral contraceptives—causes some bacteria to grow in awesome numbers. Unfortunately, the bacteria associated with gum disease are among them. Are you taking progesterone medication? Tell us if these ring a bell: Provera, Amen, Cycrin, Norlutate, Norinyl, Otho-Novum, Ovral, Triphasil—among many others. In the face of such drugs, an existing periodontal problem may worsen, or the disease can develop suddenly in apparently healthy [...]

By |2017-11-21T00:00:53-08:00November 21, 2017|Patient Education|

Your Health History

Keep Us Informed of Any Changes! If it's been a little while since your last appointment, then don't forget to update your health history. Your dental care is part of your total health-care package. Have you: experienced any new allergies or sensitivities? quit smoking (or started)? begun taking new medications, even over-the-counter drugs? had any accidents or injuries? been diagnosed with any illness or other medical condition? experienced dry mouth? had a baby? Your answers help to determine how we treat your mouth. In [...]

By |2017-11-07T00:00:02-08:00November 7, 2017|Patient Education|

Antibiotics before Dental Procedures?

Know the Guidelines If in the past your doctor has prescribed antibiotics before you had dental work, don't assume that your future holds more such meds. The guidelines may have changed since your last appointment… so check with your family doctor or cardiologist to learn if premedication is necessary for you. For years the American Heart Association (AHA) recommended an antibiotic regime before dentistry for certain heart patients. But recently the AHA rewrote its guidelines, and the American Dental Association adopted them, agreeing that [...]

By |2017-10-24T00:00:55-07:00October 24, 2017|Patient Education|