About Dental Care

H1N1 (Swine Flu) Information for Dental Offices and Dental Patients

2009-11-09T19:32:22Z

The 2009 H1N1 flu continues to cause havoc across the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports laboratory-confirmed flu rates are climbing, and are higher than expected for this time of year. More notably, hospitalization rates continue to be the highest among our younger populations, with the highest rate of hospitalization reported in children 0-4 years old. Sadly, 129 laboratory-confirmed pediatric 2009 H1N1 deaths have been reported since April 2009.
If you are concerned about your upcoming dental appointment, and are wondering what your dentist is doing to prevent the spread of H1N1 in the dental office, here are some of the guidelines the CDC prepared for dental offices to consider adapting into their practice during this obviously stressful time:

Patients with an acute respiratory illness should be identified at check-in and placed in a single-patient room with the door kept closed.

Staff should offer a disposable surgical mask to persons who are coughing, or provide tissues and no-touch receptacles for used tissue disposal. The ill person should wear a surgical mask when outside the patient room.

Dental healthcare personnel assessing a patient with influenza-like illness should wear disposable surgical facemask, non-sterile gloves, gown, and eye protection (e.g., goggles) to prevent direct skin and conjunctival exposure.

Patient and dental healthcare workers should perform hand hygiene (e.g., hand washing with non-antimicrobial soap and water, alcohol-based hand rub, or antiseptic handwash) after having contact with respiratory secretions and contaminated objects/materials.

Routine cleaning and disinfection strategies used during influenza seasons can be applied to the environmental management of swine influenza.

Staff experiencing influenza-like-illness (ILI) (fever with either cough or sore throat, muscle aches) should not report to work.

Staff who experience ILI and wish to seek medical care should contact their health care providers to report illness (by telephone or other remote means) before seeking care at a clinic, physician's office, or hospital.

Staff who were not using appropriate personal protective equipment during close contact with a confirmed, probable, or suspect case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection during the case's infectious period should receive chemoprophylaxis according to CDC guidance (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/recommendations.htm).

Staff who have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, or are believed to be severely ill, should seek immediate medical attention.

We are all advised to stay home if the signs of influenza-like-illness are present. If you have an appointment, contact your office for instruction. Chances are, the dentist will recommend the appointment is rescheduled until the ILI symptoms are gone. If you require emergency dental treatment, the following guidelines have been established:

"If urgent dental care is required and swine influenza A (H1N1) has either been confirmed or is suspected, the care should be provided in a facility (e.g., hospital with dental care capabilities) that provides airborne infection isolation (i.e., airborne infection isolation room with negative pressure air handling with 6 to 12 air changes per hour).

For aerosol-generating procedures, use a procedure room with negative pressure air handling. Personnel providing direct patient care for suspected or confirmed swine influenza A (H1N1) cases should wear a fit-tested disposable N95 respirator when entering the patient room and when performing dental procedures. Respirator use should be in the context of a complete respiratory protection program in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

Talk to your dentist if you have any concerns or questions about visiting the dental office during flu season.
_{Source:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.}

H1N1 (Swine Flu) Information for Dental Offices and Dental Patients originally appeared on About.com Dental Care on Monday, November 9th, 2009 at 19:32:22.

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School-Based Dental Programs

2009-11-03T03:18:45Z

Dental sealants are used to protect the deep grooves in the tooth from becoming decayed. According to the Surgeon General's report on oral health, dental sealants may reduce cavities in school aged children by up to 70%.

School-based dental programs provide children with essential dental care, including dental sealants. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will provide approximately $22 million in funding over the next five years, to 16 states. This funding is used to help these states improve their school-based dental programs to provide the best care possible for children from low income families.

Are you interested to know what your state's oral health plan is? Take a look at this state-by state chart, to see what steps are being taken to improve oral health where you reside.

School-Based Dental Programs originally appeared on About.com Dental Care on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 at 03:18:45.

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Are You Looking for a Place to Unload Your Excess Halloween Candy This Year?

2009-10-26T18:09:18Z

If you are concerned about the amount of Halloween candy that will make its way into your home this year, I have compiled a list of the Top Halloween Candy Tips for Healthy Teeth, that should do the trick. I know many of you experience a candy overload, especially when one or more of your children go out trick-or-treating. What should you do with all of that candy?

I was introduced to the Smiles Change Lives program earlier this year, and could not wait to share their information with you. Have a look at my profile on the Smiles Change Lives program, and when you're done, I'm sure you will know exactly what to do with all of your extra/leftover candy!

Are You Looking for a Place to Unload Your Excess Halloween Candy This Year? originally appeared on About.com Dental Care on Monday, October 26th, 2009 at 18:09:18.

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Part Four: Including Technology in Your Search for the Perfect Dentist

2009-10-19T13:11:39Z

Dentistry had evolved significantly over the years, thanks to advances in technology. From the latest in digital radiography to laser dentistry, how influential is technology in your search for the perfect dentist? Satya Misra CEO of ActionRun Inc, offers these final suggestions for your consideration, when looking for the perfect dentist.

"What factors should you consider when looking for a dentist? Cost is definitely an important factor, but it shouldn't be the only one. What type of dental services do you require? Do you have dental insurance? These are just a couple of the type of questions you should ask yourself. Another important inquiry to make in your search for a dentist is the type of technology that is used.
Is technology in the dental industry really important in your search for a dentist? It is if you like the idea of dental procedures taking less time, spending less money for dental procedures, and experiencing less discomfort while sitting in a dentist's chair. The dental industry has experienced significant technological advancements that can greatly benefit both you and your dentist. Of course, a dental office with every possible gadget and instrument on the market is not necessarily the best choice. A dental office with current technology that enhances your experience without resulting in an astronomical increase in fees has the best interest of their patients in mind.

The technology you want a dentist to have depends greatly on what services you require. The following are a few of the current dental technologies from which most dental patients can benefit:

Digital radiography that streamlines administrative and dental processes

Digital x-rays that significantly lessen radiation exposure. Especially in case of panoramic x-rays, digital technology is important since ordinary panoramic x-rays expose your jaw and head to higher levels of radiation.

Dental lasers that reduce patient discomfort

Intra-oral cameras that enable better visual diagnostics

Air abrasion that reduces patient anxiety with sounds associated with drills

Digital Imaging Fiber-Optic Trans-Illumination that enables the dentist to diagnose conditions more accurately

If you require specialized dental services, such as cosmetic dentistry, you should research the current technology associated with these services and ensure that the dentist you choose has these tools available and is very knowledgeable and experienced in their use.

Using technology as one of the deciding factors for selecting a dentist can lead you down a path of exploration that may make you feel uncomfortable. There are many resources available to help you learn and understand the various technologies that are used in dentistry. The American Dental Association website (www.ada.org) is a good place to start. You can simply search their website for technologies used in the dental industry and learn what the standard is currently and what technologies are more in the experimental stage. It will take you a bit more effort to research this information, but your results will help you more closely identify the dentist that is best for you.

_{Resources

Journal of American Dental Association, Vol 136, No 10, 1358-1360 "Dental digital radiography"

Journal of American Dental Association, Vol 135, No suppl_1, 18S-22S "How technology can help improve office efficiency"

Journal of American of Dental Association, Vol 135, No suppl_1, 11S-16S "Can technology help dentists deliver better patient care?"}

Part Four: Including Technology in Your Search for the Perfect Dentist originally appeared on About.com Dental Care on Monday, October 19th, 2009 at 13:11:39.

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Part Three: Considering Cost When Searching for a Dentist

2009-10-12T13:43:53Z

The cost of dentistry is an undeniable factor that many people rely on when selecting a dentist. Satya Misra, the CEO of ActionRun, Inc, helps narrow down the financial questions that you should consider asking your dentist.

"In your search for a dentist, you have undoubtedly received names of highly recommended dentists from family, friends, and or other sources. This may sound like a good way to find a dentist; however, everyone has different dental needs. Someone with serious dental problems will benefit from a dentist who offers specialized services, while someone who only requires regular dental cleanings will have different needs. A better way to search for a dentist is to make a list of the factors that are important to you and evaluate dentists based on those items.

What Fees Do They Charge?
If you're like most people, the costs associated with a dentist's work will probably top your list of factors on which to judge dentists. Many factors can influence how a dentist sets their fees, so these can vary widely. A report provided by Cable News Network (CNN) uncovered that the billing method a dentist office uses has a significant influence on the fees they charge. Dental offices use either a paper-based or electronic system to handle their billing processes. The traditional paper-based method involves more time and in the case of document storage, can result in more costs. As a result, dental offices that use a paper-based billing system tend to charge higher fees for their services. In addition to cost savings, you can also expect faster billing processing when a dentist uses an electronic billing method.

The type of alternative payment options available is probably another important cost factor to consider when selecting a dentist. In most cases you will probably plan your dental visits according to your budget constraints. When you require unexpected dental services, you may lack the financial means to pay for the services. Many dentists offer financing, either in-house or through a third party.

Insurance Concerns
The question "Do you accept XYZ dental insurance" is an important one to ask a dentist. Whether or not a dentist accepts your insurance is important. There are more insurance-related questions to ask. Your dental insurance carrier undoubtedly enables you to choose dentists from two types of network: in-network and out-of-network. The main difference between the two is that insurance carriers make agreements with doctors that are in-network on acceptable charges. You are typically not billed for any fees that are beyond these "usual and customary" charges. Consumers tend to translate this to mean that in-network dentists charge more reasonable charges. This is not always the case. Dentists that are out-of-network have more freedom to set their fees. When comparing dentists you should ask how much out-of-pocket money you will have to pay for the services you require. It is possible to pay less money out of your pocket for an out-of-network provider with equal or higher quality of service.

Unlike regular health insurance, dental insurance typically will give you a maximum expense amount. In many cases, dental work far exceeds the allowed limit; the difference between in-network and out-of-network virtually disappears at this point. In such cases, you should focus on overall cost versus quality of care and what you have to pay out of your pocket.

In conclusion, dentists provide a service and understand that the financial aspect of receiving dental services is undoubtedly an important concern for most people. To this end, dentist may be willing to negotiate with you and your insurance company in order to obtain your business. This is something to keep in mind when you consider the financial options that a dentist offers."
_{Resources:

Journal of American Dental Association, Vol 136, No 2, 204-209 "The ins and outs of dental insurance"}

Part Three: Considering Cost When Searching for a Dentist originally appeared on About.com Dental Care on Monday, October 12th, 2009 at 13:43:53.

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Looking For a Dentist Part Two: Key Factors to Consider

2009-10-04T10:11:59Z

In part two of our quest to find the perfect dentist, Satya Misra, the CEO of ActionRun Inc focuses on the finer details you should consider when searching for a dentist that will best fit your situation.

"For many people, dental emergencies have been the precursor for a visit to the dentist. Now that current research findings have brought to light the importance of oral health for everyone, more people are putting forethought in the individual who takes care of their dental needs. If you're in this position, you may have considered several avenues for finding the "perfect" dentist. Whether you have a dental emergency or need a simple dental cleaning, you should give some serious thought to the dentist you choose to perform the services you need.

Education
Knowing the educational background and experience of a dentist can help you determine how prepared they are to provide the dental services you need. The college or university a dentist attended can give you some insight into their educational background, but it isn't absolute. While elite schools tend to offer their students more resources, a degree from a top institution does not necessarily indicate that an individual took advantage of the resources available to them.

When looking at a dentist's education, at the very least you want to make sure they have completed an accredited dental program. Then, you want to dig a little deeper to determine just how smart the dentist really is. To become licensed or to enroll in post-graduate courses in the United States, dentists must take the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) and receive a score of 75 or better. Depending on the state in which you live, you may be able to view NBDE scores for dentists by accessing the website of your state's dental board. Most state dental boards also provide information online that enables consumers to verify the license of a dentist and view any disciplinary action that has been documented.

Experience
Dental experience is a key factor when looking for a dentist because it indicates whether or not a dentist has put into practice what they have learned. In most professions, the number of years of work experience is indicative of the level of expertise. This is not the case for dentistry. It's possible for a dentist with many years of experience to have treated fewer patients than a dentist who has fewer years of experience.

Advancements are continually being made in the dental industry. The number of continuing education hours for dentists varies across the nation. High-quality dentists who are committed to their profession will continue their dental training after they graduate and take more than the minimum course that are state-mandated after graduation.

In conclusion, the more you know about a dentist's training and experience, the more knowledgeable you are in understanding how qualified they are to perform the services you need. You should make an appointment to speak one-on-one with potential dentists and ask as many questions about their background as you consider relevant to determine the quality of care a dentist will be able to offer. Any dentist who objects to your questions probably isn't the right dentist for you."

Looking For a Dentist Part Two: Key Factors to Consider originally appeared on About.com Dental Care on Sunday, October 4th, 2009 at 10:11:59.

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Looking For A Dentist?

2009-09-30T00:44:09Z

The quest for the perfect dentist is often a difficult venture. Satya Misra, the CEO of ActionRun, Inc., offers the following suggestions, for those of you looking for a new dentist.

"Finding a dentist that is "perfect" for you shouldn't cause you stress and difficulty. It shouldn't require some scientific formula either. It may take you some time, but by using some common sense tips and understanding exactly what you require from a dentist, you can easily make a selection. At the very least you will need to see a dentist for regular checkups. All dentists should be able to offer this service. When you require specialized services, such as cosmetic dentistry or dental surgery, your search for a dentist should include dentist with those specialized skills.

The dental industry is often viewed as being closely related to the medical field. There are some similarities, but one way in which the professionals differ is in how specialists are named. A dentist may have DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) after his name, but not actually perform dental procedures that require surgical knowledge and proficiency, such as tooth extractions or root canal therapy. If a dentist does not perform surgical dental procedures, they may perform the general x-rays and refer you to a dentist that does. To prevent this run around, it is a good idea to ask the dentist to tell you exactly the services he or she performs in their office.

In your search for a dentist, you may come across various types of specialties. Currently, the American Dental Association (ADA) acknowledges the following dental specialties:

Endodontics (root canal specialists)

Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (management of oral diseases)

Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (interpretation of diagnostic images)

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (procedures to treat diseases of the mouth and nearby regions)

Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (treatment of teeth abnormalities)

Pediatric Dentistry (oral care and treatment of children under the age of 12)

Periodontics (treatment of diseases and conditions affecting soft tissue of the teeth)

Prosthodontics (structures for supporting missing or damaged teeth)

By considering the services that a dentist offers, along with personal referrals from family and friends, and your individual research, you increase your chances of finding a high-quality dentist to perform the services you need."
_{Resources

http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/specialties/definitions.asp "Dentistry Definitions"}
Looking For A Dentist? originally appeared on About.com Dental Care on Wednesday, September 30th, 2009 at 00:44:09.
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"Eye Tooth" Takes On a Whole New Meaning

2009-09-18T15:39:45Z

Unbelievable news has emerged from the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute this week. After nine years of blindness, Sharron �Kay� Thornton's sight has been restored; thanks to her "eye tooth".

The procedure know as modified osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (MOOKP), and described as a "last resort" for patients that may reject a transplanted or artificial cornea, involves implanting an extracted tooth from the patients mouth, into their eye. The tooth is used as an anchor for a prosthetic lens. In Thornton's case, the tooth used to restore her sight was her cuspid, or more commonly known as an eye tooth.

Information from the official press release reveals more about the procedure:

"Developed in Italy, MOOKP has proven effective as a solution to end-stage corneal disease where severe corneal scarring blocks vision and corneal transplants are no longer an option but the eye�s internal structures and optic nerve remain healthy. Patients may have suffered trauma to their cornea, the outside surface of the eye where a contact lens would sit, from chemical injuries, thermal burns, and inflammatory or autoimmune disorders, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome."

Thornton is the first patient in the United States to have this operation.

"Eye Tooth" Takes On a Whole New Meaning originally appeared on About.com Dental Care on Friday, September 18th, 2009 at 15:39:45.

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Wisdom Teeth Surgery Blamed for Mischa Barton's Meltdown

2009-09-13T11:37:58Z

Former O.C., and current The Beautiful Life actress Mischa Barton told the ladies of The View Friday her recent stay at the not-so-posh psychiatric ward was caused by wisdom teeth surgery gone wrong. Here is just a taste of what Misha had to say about her meltdown:

"I had an infection and a dry socket, and I woke up on a Sunday morning and there was no doctor available," she says. "I was trying to take the minimum amount of painkillers and get through it because I had to go to work soon and I was getting ready to go do this show, The Beautiful Life, and meanwhile I still had a schedule to travel�.I think that I was just starting to feel completely overwhelmed. It was just too much to have this surgery go so wrong."

I'm sure many skeptics out there are questioning the validity of her story. Can pain after wisdom teeth extraction really send a person into the psychiatric ward? Patients that experience pain from a dry socket often describe it as pain they have never experience before. There is literally no relief from the pain, except to have your dentist treat the infection accordingly. When Joy Behar questioned Mischa as to why a psychiatric hospital treated her dental pain, Mischa explains,"When they take you into the hospital for something when it goes really wrong if you're having a meltdown and you say something like 'I feel like I want to die'�they start injecting you with things to calm down. Like I'm petrified of needles. Like absolutely petrified."

Unfortunately, most of us will never have the opportunity to share our wisdom teeth stories with the ladies of The View, but if you think your wisdom teeth surgery experience tops Mischa's, share your story in my reader respond section: "Your Wisdom Teeth Removal - No Big Deal or a Complete Nightmare?

Wisdom Teeth Surgery Blamed for Mischa Barton's Meltdown originally appeared on About.com Dental Care on Sunday, September 13th, 2009 at 11:37:58.

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Fluoride: Yes or No?

2009-09-02T18:18:02Z

Most dental experts advocate the use of fluoride; a naturally occurring element that has been shown to prevent tooth decay. In an attempt to provide the benefits of fluoride to the general public, fluoride is added to the public drinking water system, in areas where fluoride does not occur naturally.
Most people accept water fluoridation as a benefit to their dental health, but did you know that there are people against the addition of fluoride to their water?

What are your thoughts? Do you think fluoride should be added to public drinking water? Be the first to respond with your opinion.

Fluoride: Yes or No? originally appeared on About.com Dental Care on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009 at 18:18:02.

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