Average Dental Wait Times and American Dental Care

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

Many Americans find themselves complaining about the costs of oral care, particularly when they do not have dental insurance to help subsidize the costs. However, in the United States we are fortunate, compared to other countries that have extreme wait times just to get in for a check-up and cleaning. In Australia those in need of oral care have been known to wait for as little as a year and as long as six; with even longer waiting periods for those in need of services relating to dentures.

(Image Credit: Flickr Creative Commons)

Oral care is important, and while in the United States sometimes costs can cause people to delay necessary dental services; at least we do have access available to us when we need it.

At ToothSavers we try to accommodate timelines and costs so care doesn’t need to be delayed for any reason. We have patients that travel around the New York area to come to our practice because of what we can offer. Here’s a testimonial from one of our patients:

“At first I thought it was ridiculous to travel 60 miles from my home to have dental work done. Well, it was well worth the trip! I must commend the staff for their courtesy in getting us in and getting us out!”

-        Anthony Mammone

Via: The Age

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Referrals and Testimonials: The Best Gifts to Give Your Dentist

Friday, February 26th, 2010

It’s always a dilemma when you appreciate a professional service provided if it should be rewarded with a gift. Honestly, dentists and healthcare professionals have no expectation that they will receive any gift, not even during the holiday season. If you do want to give something, make it a small gesture that can be used in the office; a personalized notepad, engraved pen, or a gift certificate to a local store or restaurant.

What all dentists, doctors and other professionals really appreciate more than anything is to know that they’ve satisfied their patients with their services. A written testimonial sent to the office or posted online really does mean a lot, or even a referral to a friend. After all, dentists are in the business to help make sure that their patients’ emotional and physical health is improved.

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Understanding the Causes and Treatment of Bruxism

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

As a follow-up to last week’s post on the economy, stress and oral health; we’re featuring bruxism, which is the technical term for grinding and clenching your teeth. As you’re reading, take a minute and focus – are you doing it right now?

So, now that you already know what bruxism is; here’s what it does to your body. You might think it’s nothing to worry about, this common reaction to stress, but it does take a toll on your mouth and your body. It can damage and degrade your teeth, result in headaches and earaches, cause jaw pain and muscle pain and more. So, the most important thing for you to know is how to prevent bruxism, and that’s where your dentist comes in.

Treating Bruxism:

1. Reparation of teeth – teeth can be worn down from grinding or clenching, and a dentist can help restore them. This can also include the replacement of any fillings that might have been dislodged
2. Preventative appliance – a bite splint or bite plate can be provided and created by your dentist to fit your mouth. This alleviates pressure on your jaw and your teeth when you clench at night
3. Psychological care – if your dentist narrows the cause of bruxism down to stress, he/she may recommend that you seek psychological care to deal with the underlying issues

Via: DentalHealthSite

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How the Economy Effects Dental Care

Saturday, February 20th, 2010

Although the American economy is beginning to show signs of improving, it’s still not thriving and then can have an effect on the dental industry. There are some trends that dental professionals are noticing with their patients, and unfortunately, they aren’t positive.

1. Stress effects oral health – as people feel the stress placed upon them by the state of the economy and the way it affects their lives, it can take a toll on oral health. Not only can people neglect to care for their teeth properly, they might also begin grinding their teeth or clenching their jaw
2. Oral health no longer the priority – with the state of the economy, people have lost jobs, lost healthcare insurance, or received pay cuts. As their financial well-being changes, this causes them to make sacrifices. Basic oral care, such as visits to the dentist for cleanings might be put off due to lack of affordability as people struggle to pay other bills.

If you are struggling with the above issues, please contact one of our offices so we can discuss how we can help you deal with the effects of stress on your oral health, and try and accommodate you financially so your health becomes a priority again.

(Image Credit: Flickr Creative Commons)

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3 Myths of Dental Implants

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

ToothSavers specializes in dental implants, and offers some of the best rates that you’ll find anywhere in the United States, right in New York City. While dental implants are a new and emerging trend in dental care, replacing many traditional options, the procedure and general information available about them is shrouded by misconceptions. Of course, your dental office can put your mind at rest about some of these misconceptions, but here are some that many have particular concerns about.

1. That the procedure results in excruciating pain – yes, dental implants involve screwing a titanium screw into the jaw; and sure that sounds like it might be a source of pain. But, cosmetic dentists are skilled and have access to modern technology. Most who have experienced the process claim the pain is less than a tooth extraction, and following the procedure, many don’t even require pain killers.
2. That implants are like dentures – there’s a belief that dental implants are similar to dentures and that they need to be removed and cared for similarly. In reality, they are a prosthetic and are closer to real teeth. They are not removable, and feel like a permanent part of your mouth!
3. They look fake – while some dentures can be obviously fake in appearance, this is not the case with dental implants. They are designed to fit in appearance with the rest of an individual’s teeth, including shape and color

Via: ArticleSnatch.com

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Dental Emergencies: Responding to Cardiac Arrest

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

Actress Brittany Murphy’s untimely death at the age of 32 from what has assumed to be cardiac arrest is making headlines around the world and causing individuals and industries to reevaluate how they deal when such a situation occurs. Many dental clinics are prepared to respond to such a medical emergency in their offices, and Florida even made it law that all practices have a defibrillator.

If you have  a dental practice, and you’re wondering what you should do to prepare for a medical emergency like cardiac arrest, here are some suggestions:

1. Have a defibrillator – all staff should be trained in the use of a defibrillator, and it should be kept in an easily accessible place in the office where everyone present has access to it if it’s required

2. Receive first aid training - it’s recommended that at least one person present in a dentist office at all times has received first aid training. Certification cards expire every 2 years.

3. Discuss safety drills - safety drills are handy for any medical emergency, not just cardiac arrest. Every member of the team in the dental practice should have a role. One might be tending to the person who has fallen ill, while another calls 911 and another ensures that other patients in the office are kept out of the way and have the situation explained to them as necessary.

4. Keep records - if you have a defibrillator , it needs to be inspected regularly (depending upon the laws and recommendations in your state). Keep this documentation to reduce liability.

Via: Flickr Creative Commons

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