Courtesy of Andrea Lucas, our patient at Tyson’s Dental Associates

On one of my extended trips to China I broke a tooth while eating lotus root, having forgotten about the ever-present bones in any dish served in China, even in a vegetable dish, where bones are added as a flavoring agent. I rescued the broken piece and folded it into a napkin while contemplating what to do. The thought of going to a Chinese dentist did not appeal to me, but the alternative was to stop smiling for the next two to three months until I could get back to the States to have proper dental work done there. So reluctantly I asked my Chinese partner to arrange a visit to the local dentist.

This morning the escort party arrived: the General Manager of the company (our cooperation partner in Hainan); the Sales Manager; the driver and Miss Sun, the translator. We all piled into the car and drove the short distance to the dentist’s office, which was located down a narrow alley way off one of the main roads of the city.
(more…)

MOVIE TICKETS
Our winners this month are J.J. P. & Kathleen W.!! Don’t forget that you can also receive movie tickets by referring your friends, family, co-workers etc… Just have them mention that you referred them to our office and as a thank you we will send you two movie tickets good at these leading movie theatres: AMC, LOEWS, CINEPLEX ODEN, MAJIC JOHNSON and STAR Theatres.

CONTINUING EDUCATION
Our office has completed Dentrix G4 training.  We learned to use the Internet, our website and our software to update your insurance info, confirm your appointments via email, give our patients clear alternative treatments plans and much more.

Current special offers at Tyson’s Dental

1. FREE Veneer consultation. $500 off full veneer case.

2. Implant, Abutment & Crown, all included: $2700. Posterior (rear) teeth only (Reg. $3850). Valid until June 30th 2010.

3. ZOOM® Whitening Special $499.00 in office (Reg. $650).

How to treat bite collapse or exchange pain for a new smile?

We would like to thank our patient Eric W. for letting us use his photos and story for this E-Smile newsletter
Eric came to us a few months ago complaining about consistent pain on both sides of his jaw joint, missing and broken teeth, a deep crease above the upper lip and a toothless smile. All of these symptoms derive from what is called the posterior bite collapse.

Our bite – the relation between our upper and lower teeth – defines the structure and balance of our face, our chewing muscles and comfort of our jaw joint.

If some of our teeth are missing, or they get worn down because of neglect or grinding, bite relation and height becomes reduced or “collapses”. As a result, our facial expression changes, we look older, our smile disappears and chronic pain develops in the jaw joint. To treat bite collapse, we first build an immediate occlusal guard (see photos below) and have the patient wear the guard 24/7 for a several weeks. After a few adjustments, teeth and jaw joints are sufficiently realigned, pain disappears and we register the height of the new, correct bite.

This new height – the distance between lower and upper teeth – becomes a guide for new crowns, bridges or veneer restorations. As one can see, the new smile looks much better, with full-length masculine teeth and most importantly relieves the associated pain.

The Smiths
The Smiths were shown into the dentist’s office, where Mr. Smith made it clear he was in a big hurry.

“No fancy stuff, Doctor,” he ordered, “No gas or needles or any of that stuff. Just pull the tooth and get it over with.”

“I wish more of my patients were as stoic as you,” said the dentist admiringly. “Now, which tooth is it?”

Mr. Smith turned to his wife Sue. “Show him, honey.”

FISH

We will do our best to see that you receive your maximum insurance benefits for all covered services, however, please note that dental insurance is intended to cover some, but not all, of the cost of your care. Most dental insurance plans include co-insurance, a deductible and other expenses which are not covered.

Also, you should be aware that the total fee, regardless of your insurance, is ultimately your responsibility. Please bring in your insurance plan information and we will make every effort to see to it that you receive the maximum benefits to which you are entitled.

Should you have any questions about your specific insurance plan, please contact our office and we will be glad to assist you.

According to an article recently published by the Washington Post, scientists are repeatedly seeing a connection between oral health and heart conditions. In the milder form of gum disease, gingivitis, infection leads to inflammation and left untreated is a precursor to more advanced stages of periodontal disease.

The bacteria that cause these diseases release toxins that can circulate in the body. Especially in the body’s arterial system. The more advanced the gum disease, the thicker and harder the walls of the arteries become, thus causing narrowing of the arteries and this is a key factor in heart disease.

Gum diseases have been shown to contribute to diabetes, kidney disease, pre-term labor, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s and certain types of cancer.

With proper deep cleanings and removal of these bacterial build-ups on a regular basis, caught in early stages, may help prevent or lessen the effects of these conditions and lead to a healthier heart.

- Trenna Nelson, RDH