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Gentle Dental announced today that Periodontist Dr. Thomas Eshraghi has joined the staff at their Cedar Hills Office, located in the Cedar Hills neighborhood of Portland in Washington County, Oregon.Dr. Eshraghi specializes in Periodontal gum disease and implants. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Portland State University, and both his Doctor of Dental Medicine and Specialty Certificate in Periodontics from Oregon Health & Science University.Dr. Eshraghi remains affiliated with OHSU as an instructor and actively teaches advanced surgical skills, including implant placement. He believes strongly in the value of his continuing education and knowledge within his specialty. In addition to his own education and teaching others, he routinely volunteers to help dental students.“As a dentist I have the ability to combine elements of art and science as I help people maintain and improve their oral health, appearance, and quality of life,” said Thomas Eshraghi, DMD.The Gentle Dental Cedar Hills Office team of dental professionals consists of:General DentistsDr. Elise BurchDr. Melika KashkouliEndodontistDr. John JohnsonDr. Kathleen Suk Ki LeeDr. Leila TarsaPediatric DentistDr. Jessica BuenjemiaOral SurgeonDr. Normund AuzinsOrthodontistDr. Eric BurginHygienistsMarilyn BeyerTina Lewandowski-ReneauMarina WeinsteinAbout Gentle DentalGentle Dental provides what's important in your search for family dentistry—the personalized care of a neighborhood dentist within a powerful dental network. With more than 130 offices throughout the US, Gentle Dental offers convenient dentistry services including general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry and specialty dentistry for all your dental needs. If you would like more information about Gentle Dental, call: 1-800-GENTLE1 or visit www.gentle1.com.Please visit our office to know more about Gentle Dental Cedar HillsSource: http://www.gentle1.com
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Study: Redheads Twice As Likely To Avoid Dentist

I saw a news article this morning about redheads increased likelihood of having anxiety related to going to the dentist. Just from my own experience having dated a redhead for the past six years, I have to say that I am not too surprised. In the years since moving away from home after college, she has found a new primary care physician and eye doctor, but still insists on going to her childhood dentist, knowing that she can trust him to take good care of her.The study in the July edition of the Journal of the American Dental Association found that redheads (only the natural ones obviously) were twice as likely to avoid the dentist as blonds and brunettes because of fear-related anxiety.I have heard about redheads increased sensitivity to pain and bruising, so it makes sense to me that they are more likely to have anxiety about a hygienist poking and prodding around their ultra-sensitive gums.Existing research suggests that redheads may require 20% more of anesthetics for the drugs to be effective, but from my own anecdotal experience, I've seen some prescription medications effect my girlfriend much more than expected.Have you ever had any patients that support what this study found? Do you find yourself working to create a stronger patient-dentist relationship or offering more relaxation techniques when seeing redheads in your practice?
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And the Survey says...

Ok, I have been told by many that they are losing clients due to the economy. An I agree, it feels like there are fewer patients because fewer people are covered with basic Dental insurance, or for that matter any Dental plan, even very high deductible ones. So, my question is, are you in favor or opposed to government funded health care? And if so, is your support based purely on business outlook?
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I recently responded to the proverbial question which was how to market your dental practice in a down economy. What the dental professional was asking for was to get some feedback to generate new ideas that were user-friendly, practical and low cost. I had several pragmatic concepts that I shared & this was one of them.Marketing in a down economy means that you essentially have to be creative in your approach to attracting new patients. One easy method to boost your internal marketing efforts to increase referrals to your practice is as follows:Target your satisfied patients to increase referrals. Patients who have experienced positive results from their dental treatment & who trust & like your practice are your best advocates. Train yourself & your staff to be alert & ask for a referral during a "peak" patient visit. One comment I used often was "Mrs. Jones, we wish we had 100 patients like you!" The patient would then ask why that is and I'd tell them what a wonderful patient they were because they were __________ (fill in the blank with a descriptive adjective). They were quite touched by this exchange & the sincerity of the compliment. From this interaction, I was able to plant a "seed" for a future referral. Look to target & focus on the patient if they are the decision maker in the family.They can become your "dental missionaries." Pay attention whenever you have an opportunity to elevate a patient's confidence, trust & satisfaction with any in-office interaction. Patients really do remember these things & you will gain their loyalty. Loyal, enthusiastic patients will bring you more customers.Please feel free to respond. I welcome any comments on this topic. Sharing information together is a wonderful opportunity for all of us on this forum.Helen@e3coaching.com
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Forcing Flossing

Despite my best efforts in hiding my lack of flossing, I received some pretty heavy finger wagging from my hygienist this week. It must have been pretty clear. No amount of Listerine can cover up how hard it is for me to routinely pick up that package of floss before I brush.I knew that I wasn't alone. Besides my friends in the industry or their immediate family, I never see anyone floss unless I point out that there is something stuck in their front teeth. I asked how many of her patients actually floss daily. Her response:"They do exist. And they are ANGELS!"The truth is that while most Americans brush daily, the ADA says that only about 12 percent floss daily, 39 percent floss less than daily, and 49 percent do not floss at all. To be honest, I was surprised that so many flossed daily. I was expecting far less than 12 percent.What is it about brushing that makes it so easy to be a part of our daily routine that flossing lacks? Is this just an American problem? What are some of the ways that you have been successful in helping patients grab for the floss before they brush every day?
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ADA Launches International Volunteer Web Site

The ADA recently launched a new international volunteer Web site as a resource for dental professionals looking to give back to others around the world. http://internationalvolunteer.ada.orgThe site is focused on sharing volunteer experiences, photos and connecting both seasoned and new international dental volunteers. It helps connect professionals with more than 100 organizations and volunteer opportunities around the world.Do you have some interesting international or local volunteering stories and pictures? We would love to see them here too!
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After years of scientific research on the safety of dental amalgam, on July 28th, 2009 the FDA has re-affirmed that dental amalgam is in fact a safe dental restorative material.The FDA has created a classification system for the mercury based material. There are two classes; class I (low risk) and class II (moderate risk). This classification system places dental amalgam in the same category as gold fillings.The AGD has taken a hard stance in support of the use of dental amalgam. According to AGD President David F. Halpern, "The AGD has long supported amalgam as a safe and effective dental restorative material. The choice for restorative material is between the dentist and the prudent patient based on the treatment, needs and wants"Read the rest of the article here byDental economics
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Adult Braces On The Rise

There has been a slow but steady rising trend of adult braces in the country.As reported by the San Bernardino sun, there are over 1 million adults in the U.S with braces now.Also according to the recent survey taken, there is a 37% increase in adult brace's from 1994 to 2004.Most doctors are finding that the average customer is getting braces primarily for cosmetic purposes and for no other reason. According to Dr. Ricardo Suarez, ""More people are interested in cosmetic procedures,sometimes to get a job, or to just get in the door."Advances in technology have created new options to straighten teeth in less time, with less discomfort and less visibility. Braces are simply not what they used to be."Most of the cases I see are mild," said Suarez. "Many adults have had (the idea of) getting braces on their minds for a long time, and it just takes that spark to go do it."As dentists, have you noticed a steady upward trend in the rise of adult braces? If so, on average how many do you see per year and are they primarily for cosmetic reasons?You can read the full article from theSan Bernardino Sun here
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Defining The Dental Hygienist

I recently came across this old, but really interesting and still quite relevant, article on the role of dental hygienists in the industry.Not only does the author raise questions about the lasting power of the profession, but describes it as the "maternal force" in dentistry and admits the he himself has difficulty describing the role.No matter where you stand, they are most often on the front lines of the twice-annual professional battle against oral pathogens.What do you think? Do hygienists own the "maternal" role in your practice? Do you work with any male hygienists? Have you found any unifying characteristic between all hygienists?
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Today I ended my week with a very grueling few days! I have now decided to cutback to two days a week at my dental job. I have been there ten years so it was a hard, emotional decision, indeed. But transitioning to a business that me and my husband are proud of! Still being able to work with Dentists, Physicians etc in the health care field. I always want to be a part of that aspect. But now most of my week will be with those professional people that make my life brighter and full of potential. I provide them with a way to improve their own business so it is extremely rewarding. I still love the patient contact so I like that I can go to the office still too! Transition time!
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The Role of Dentistry in Healthcare Reform

Recently there has been no lack of public attention to President Obama's push for significant healthcare reform by the end of 2009. The one thing that is significantly lacking is any direct attention of the need for the role of dental insurance in building a more efficient and less expensive healthcare system.We all know the facts about how oral health is tied to overall health, but does the added benefit of including dental coverage in healthcare reform justify the added expense?Delta Dental recently chimed in to the discussion with this blog post in the Asbury Park Press, but what do you think? What role, if any, should dental insurance play in the healthcare reform debate?
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Aloe Vera Good For Teeth and Gums?

The aloe vera plant has a long history of healing power. Its ability to heal burns and cuts and soothe pain has been documented as far back as the 10th century.A recent study has shown that aloe vera tooth gel is considered (by some) to be a replacement for toothpaste because it is as effective at cleaning the teeth and gums as well as fighting cavities. Aloe vera is also a great substitute for patients with sensitive teeth and gums. According to AGD spokesperson Eric Shapria, DDS, “Thankfully, consumers with sensitive teeth or gums have a number of choices when it comes to their oral health, and aloe vera is one of them”.What do you think? Do you think aloe vera is a suitable alternative to standard general practice in dentistry?Read the full story at the Huliq News
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Talk about brushing your teeth on the go! The tooth taxi has landed in Dallas, TX and is helping local elementary school kids with educating them about proper hygiene as well as taking care of any of their dental needs. The tooth taxi program also spent over a year in Oregon, one of the nation’s highest populations with tooth decay.What about in your community? Do you think having a traveling tooth taxi would be a great way to have kids go to the dentist?Read the full story at The Dalles Chronicle
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A Third of Sheffield Does Not See Dentist

A Third of Sheffield Does Not See DentistThe UK Star recently reported that one third of the population of Sheffield, England does not go to a NHS dentist.These numbers are centered on the fact that more and more people have been going to hospitals for emergency dental surgery. According to Dr. Spencer Pitfield he states, “It's an alarming number of people. These figures underline once again the Labour Government's appalling failure on NHS dentistry”Do you think it is better to have government run programs or prefer private practices that can provide better care? Do you think it would be better to see a dentist or rather go to a hospital for emergency dental care?
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World dental congress Singapore 2009

FDI World Dental Congress Singapore 2009Kaiser Dental Laboratories welcome dentists from all over the world in Singapore. They are invited to visit the laboratoy during the congressSince 1987 the laboratory has been working under the German management in order to produce high standard dentistry at competetive prices for dentists all over the world.(newsmax.de) More than 20 years the KaiserDental Lab. has been in operation under the leadership of German Master Dental Technician Christoph Kaiser and his wife Farida Kaiser. It is probably one of the most professionally run labs in South-East Asia. Today more than 75 well trained technicians produce crowns, bridges, inlays and all other dentistry for the international market, mainly Germany, Holland, Norway, Canada and other countries.The laboratory has been recently re-certified by the German TÜV organisation for quality management refering to the ISO 9001 system. All dental materials are directly imported from Germany to assure highest and certified quality.During this years FDI world dental congress in Singapore Kaiser Dental keeps its doors open for visitors who would like to see the lab in operation and can talk to the management concerning services and conditions offered.All dentists are welcome to contact the laboratory in advance to arrange for individual meetings.Please contact www.kaiser-dental.comKaiser Dental is an internationally well known dental laboratory in operation since 1998. Approx. 80 highly skilled technicians are trained by German standards. Serving dentists all over the world at very competetive prices.All information to be found at: www.kaiser-dental.comE-Mail: kdladmin@singnet.com.sgTel: + 65 – 6741 7588Fax + 65 – 6741 74 88Technical Director: ZTM Thomas FrerichsCEO: Mr. Hashim Pillai
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The Daily News recently reported that a century-old program that provided New York City public school kids with free dental care may be coming to an end.The program that consists of 46 free dental clinics is on the chopping block as a part of the city's budget cuts. While it may save money on paper when looking at a short-term budget, you have to ask yourself how these savings compare to the long term costs associated with decreased access to affordable dental care.What about in your town? Have dental care programs been put on the chopping block? How has it impacted your practice?Read the full story at the New York Daily News.
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EXPLOTATION or COMEDY?
Interesting video post by Jamie. Even more interesting that the parents posted this and that it has been viewed over 23 million times on You Tube. For those of us in the profession, it might be seen as expoitation. To the rest of the world, it is obviously seen as comedy. Perhaps it is difficult for us to be objective. I am curious about what others think.

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H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

WebDental has posted an important update from the ADA regarding Swine Flu. http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/topics/swine_flu.asp According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), laboratory confirmed human cases of influenza A/H1N1 have occurred in the United States. Status reports are regularly updated and available on the CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) Web sites.1,2 Most cases experienced mild flu-like symptoms. All viruses have the same genetic pattern based on preliminary testing. The CDC recommends avoiding nonessential travel to Mexico. For updated travel information see http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/ What is H1N1 Flu? H1N1 flu is caused by type A strains of the influenza virus, and is being described as a new subtype of A/H1N1 not previously detected in swine or humans. Previous variants of H1N1 are known since 1918 with the most recent major outbreak in 1977.3 How can Humans Become Infected? Transmission of all reported cases appears to have resulted from human-to-human contact through coughing or sneezing by the infected person. What are the Symptoms? Those carrying the virus can reveal typical flu-like symptoms: * fever (greater than 100ºF) * chills * head and body aches * fatigue * cough * stuffy nose * sore throat * vomiting and diarrhea More serious illnesses such as pneumonia or respiratory illness have also been reported. What are the Recommendations for Dental Health Care Workers? The CDC has developed recommendations to prevent the transmission of respiratory infections like H1N1flu in a dental healthcare setting. The CDC recommends that infection control measures be implemented at the first point of contact with a potentially infected person. Dental health care workers looking for guidance regarding prevention of H1N1flu can find the latest information from the CDC’s Division of Oral Health http://www.cdc.gov/OralHealth/infectioncontrol/index.htm in the document Prevention of Swine Influenza A (H1N1) in the Dental Healthcare Setting. What can the Dental Team do to be Prepared? * Close attention should be given to proper hand hygiene Link opens in separate window. Pop-up Blocker may need to be disabled. and coughing etiquette. The CDC has developed a poster for patients that can be downloaded and displayed in the dental office reception area or waiting room.4 * Employ appropriate infection control procedures as outlined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention5 [Also for more information specific to H1N1flu see Interim Guidance for Infection Control for Care of Patients with Confirmed or Suspected Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection in a Healthcare Setting (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)] * Stay informed * Know the contact information for your local or state health department Link opens in separate window. Endnotes 1. http://www.who.int/csr/don/en/ (April 27, 2009) 2. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ 3. Nelson MI, Viboud C, Simonsen L, Bennett RT, Griesemer SB, et al. (2008) Multiple Reassortment Events in the Evolutionary History of H1N1 Influenza A Virus Since 1918. PLoS Pathog 4(2): e1000012. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1000012 Pathogens (April 27, 2009) 4. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/flugallery/ (April 27, 2009) 5. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5217a1.htm (April 27, 2009)
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Ozone Dentistry: What Is Dental Ozone Therapy



When you hear the word ozone, the first thing that many people think of is air pollution. Yet ozone protects us from harmful sunlight that causes skin cancers. In fact, many critically important uses of this powerful, naturally-occurring gas are not so well known, but they serve us every day.Major cities throughout the U.S. and the rest of the world use ozone to sterilize their public water systems, and ozone is commonly used to sterilize the fruits and vegetables we eat and the bottled water and sodas we drink. It's used in air purification systems, commercial laundries, and swimming pools and spa baths.

The medical community — especially in Europe — has been using ozone for decades to speed up wound-healing and to treat a variety of diseases. Most of the original research was carried out in the U.S. and Europe in the early 1900s.

Controlled ozone application has been found to be extremely safe and free from side effects — far freer than most medications, including antibiotics. What could be more natural since our own bodies produce ozone at the white-cell level to kill offending microorganisms? The ozone molecule is the most powerful agent that we can use on microorganisms. It is deadly to bacteria, viruses, and fungi, yet the more highly evolved human cells are not damaged by ozone in lower concentrations. Ozone's pioneering use in dentistry naturally followed.

Reversing cavities

Another way of looking at ozone is to see it as an activated, excited form of oxygen. The highly unstable ozone molecule (O3) wants desperately to kick off one oxygen so it can return to the more stable O2 molecule. So, does that powerful reaction drive oxygen beneath the surface of a tooth through the tubules and kill bacteria in early decay? Does that essentially start a process that removes bacterial waste products, halts dental cavities, and begins a process of repair via accelerated remineralization? Dr. Ed Lynch and Dr. Julian Holmes, coauthors of the book, “Ozone, the Dental Revolution” (Quintessence 2004), say an unqualified “yes.”

Dr. Lynch has been researching ozone for decades and has been involved in almost 100 studies on ozone's effectiveness. One of cosmetic dentistry's pioneers, Dr. Ray Bertolotti, has been touting Dr. Lynch's work for years. The KaVo Company has manufactured a dental ozone delivery unit called the HealOzone, and it is being used by dentists all over the world.

Millions of patients have already been treated with the HealOzone worldwide, and not a single adverse side effect has ever been recorded. Estimates are that there are over 100 HealOzone units currently in use in the U.S.

Originally, the HealOzone unit was about to receive approval as a medical device, but then the FDA decided to treat ozone as a new drug and started the slow approval process all over again. This has stymied sales of the units in the U.S. There is a common misconception among dentists that using ozone in their practices is illegal. Actually, ozone has been grandfathered into usage in the medical and dental world because it was in use before the 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act.

There also have been rulings specifically permitting ozone use, most notoriously with the Dr. Atkins case. We can select many materials for use in our dental practices that have not had FDA approval, such as hypochlorite for endodontics. So FDA approval is not necessary and it is completely legal for dentists to use ozone.

Dentists Phil Mollica and Robert Harris have set up training here in the U.S. to teach other dentists the science of ozone, as well as its applications for their dental practices. They already have trained 150 dentists here in the U.S.

Dr. Julian Holmes from England and South Africa also regularly travels to North America to teach and train dentists in the use of ozone in modern dental care.

 

Uses in dentistry

Lime Technologies is a new international company with a mission to bring ozone and ozonated products not only to the dental world, but also to other types of practices including veterinary science, skin care,home, and recreation, and to help the HIV-infected community. Ozone, for instance, is ideal to treat diabetic f
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DENTAL IMPLANTS FOR A HAPPY SMILE

                                 

Are you happy with your smile? The photoshoot is a click away and when everyone shouts cheers, your lips are sealed with a half-smile that don’t show your teeth. How fluent is your word pronunciation? Is it affected by a gap in your teeth? Millions of people still suffer from tooth loss mainly due to decay and maybe trauma or diseases. A dental implant is a sure remedy and is considered as a form of cosmetic dentistry as it seeks to address the patient’s dental satisfaction.

What are Dental Implants?   

They are fabricated screw like tooth roots placed in the jaw bone and serve as a firm foundation for the crown known as the artificial teeth. The crowns are tailored to look like the original teeth and also sized to fit into the mouth. Dental implants are not new, they have been in use for years and the demand for them is currently on the rise. They are the strongest materials that support teeth replacement. They offer ease and the new teeth bonded to them looks, feel and function like natural teeth.

Why use Dental Implants?

  1. They improve one’s appearance, making you feel and look like you are wearing your natural teeth.
  2. They support bone growth and also preserve the natural bone.
  3. Implants do not slip or shift when the mouth undergoes activity like eating and speaking.
  4. Poorly arranged dentures, missing tooth or teeth can cause poor and degraded speech production as the misarranged teeth serve as an embarrassing obstruction to free flow of words causing slurring or mumblings.
  5. Dental implants give the confidence of speaking without such fears or worries.
  6. They are durable and can last a lifetime if well preserved.
  7. It feels comfortable in the mouth and saves one the stress of daily removing and fixing.
  8. With dental implants, you can win yourself esteem back and go back to eating all the food you would have thought of battling to chew.

Types OF Dental Implants

They are classified based on the type of procedure carried out to place them. The best option is left to the patient’s decision.

  • Two-stage implants
  • Endosteal implants
  • Single-stage implants
  • Subperiosteal implants.

 

Visiting the Dentist

If undergoing a dental implantation is your choice, be rest assured that there are well-trained professionals that can carry out this procedure which is 80% predictable.

A treatment plan is organized which best suits the patient’s needs and specifications. Before the commencement of the implantation, your dental professional will examine your teeth and gums to ensure your bone is strong and for those with soft bones, bone grafting is carried out.

 

  1. A titanium post known as the tooth root implant is embedded into the bone socket where the missing tooth occupied. Within 2 to 6 weeks, the bone undergoes a healing process known as osteointegration and grows around the implant.
  2. After the bonding, an abutment known as a small connected post is bonded to the implant. This is what holds the new tooth in place.
  3. Impressions of the teeth are made and a new tooth or teeth is fabricated based on the impressions taking into consideration the color, shape and dental arrangement.
  4. The new modeled tooth or teeth is the replacement tooth known as the crown.
  5. The crown is then attached to the abutment.

 

Minor discomforts experienced are taken care of by prescriptions and the surgeries heal in no time.

 

Viola!!! Don’t your teeth just look perfect like there was never a gap?

 

Preserving Your Dental Implants

To ensure it lasts longer, dental implants require care like the natural teeth. Quit smoking, Brush twice, floss and visit the dentist for frequent check-ups is vital.

 

 

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