REDUCTION IN FEE FOR CANCER SCREENING!
August, 2011
Dr’s Mabry, Rehder & Akhrass believe that early detection is key in the treatment of oral cancer. Oral cancer is one of the most curable diseases when it is caught early. In keeping with our mission to provide the best care possible for our patients, we have reduced our charge for the Vizilite Oral Cancer Screening from $70.00 to $49.00.
Vizilite is a method to help us identify oral lesions at their earliest stage of development. We recommend this test be done annually. Contributing factors for oral cancer include alcohol use, tobacco use, HPV, and over 45 years old. Statistics show that oral cancer cases have tripled over the last 20 years. Where premalignant lesions or early stage oral cancer is found, treatment is simpler, less invasive and more than 90% successful. Call today to set up an appointment for your screening. 865-986-0842
Visit Vizilite to learn more.
APRIL IS ORAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH!
April 4, 2011
For our established patients, during the month of April, receive a $70.00 ViziLite Plus oral cancer screening for $45.00, that is a savings of $25.00!Oral cancer is one of the most curable diseases when it is caught early. ORAL CANCER SCREENING IS KEY! Early detection with ViziLite Plus makes it simple. Vizilite Plus is a method to help us identify oral lesions at their earliest stage of development. When premalignant lesions or early stage oral cancer is found, treatment is simpler, less invasive and more than 90% successful.
We recommend an annual Vizilite Plus exam, in combination with a conventional visual exam.
Want to have this important screening done today?
Let your Dentist or Hygienist know when you come for your appointment.
December 2010
PERIODONTAL DISEASE IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
Happy teeth and gums, happy smiles, and fresh breath go a long way toward a young person’s sense of personal appearance, confidence, and self-esteem. Give your child these precious gifts, which are easily achieved through lifelong habits of brushing and flossing and regular professional
Periodontal disease is often thought of as a consequence of aging, or an adult problem. But, did you know that gingivitis, a mild form of periodontitis, is often found in both children and adolescents? Additionally, research shows that more advanced, harmful forms of disease can occur in younger age groups. The good news is that a little education and a few easy steps go a long way toward preventing periodontal disease.
There are three types of periodontal disease that are commonly found in children and adolescents. The first type is chronic gingivitis, which usually causes gum tissue to swell, turn, red, and bleed easily. Left untreated, chronic gingivitis can eventually lead to more serious forms for periodontal disease. The second type of periodontal disease is chronic and aggressive periodontitis, which mainly affects the first molars and incisors. These forms of periodontitis are characterized by bone loss and, interestingly, patients usually form very little dental plaque. The third type of periodontal disease is generalized chronic or aggressive periodontitis, which is similar to chronic or aggressive periodontitis, except that it involves the entire mouth. Patients with the generalized form have heavy accumulations of plaque, calculus, and inflammation of the gums. Eventually, these forms of periodontitis can cause the teeth to become loose, and possibly fall out.
Early diagnosis ensures the greatest chance for successful treatment, The following are tips to ensure your child will benefit from a lifetime of healthy smiles:
- Establish a home and professional care routine. Reward your child or adolescent not just when a tooth is lost, but also when he/she receives a clean bill of health from the dentists.
- Check your young child’s mouth for any signs of periodontitis, including bleeding when brushing teeth, swollen and bright red gums, gum recession, and bad breath. You dentist should be notified immediately if your child exhibits any of these symptoms.
- Tell your dental professional about any medication your child or adolescent is taking, as some medications can dry out the mouth and pose other threats to oral health.
- Monitor your children for teeth grinding, a harmful habit which can increase the risk of developing periodontal disease.
DENTAL HEALTH WILL SAVE YOU MONEY IN THE LONG RUN
The old saying, a “penny saved is a penny earned”, is truer than ever
In today’s economy. Saving money is difficult at times and happens
Penny by penny. However, sometimes cutting back to save money
Costs more in the long run.
Concern about potential costs adds an extra layer of worry; more so
if you already avoid coming to the Dentist due to fear or anxiety.
Many people postpone dental visits, but waiting until the condition
worsens does not save money. Dental disease is progressive, if you
delay, there is the possibility that you will need more treatment than
initially diagnosed.
Gum disease can lead to tooth extractions, a bridge, partial denture, crowns, or implants. However, caught early, gum disease is easy to treat, reversible, and more affordable than procrastinating. Additionally, the links to gum disease leading to systemic illnesses are very real and may include heart disease, cancer, arthritis and
other inflammatory disorders.
When you think of putting off your dental treatment due to fear or the economy, we are here to talk with you and help to find a solution to get the best value for your money, improve, or give you back your smile, and safeguard your health.
JOIN OUR OFFICE IN "GOING GREEN"
On visits to our dental office you may have noticed that we no longer use "paper" charts to record your dental treatment. Our office has gradually converted to a paperless system where we enter all of your treatment, including digital x-rays, into our computer system. This not only saves us time and helps us work more efficiently, but we have the added benefit of knowing that we are doing our part in saving paper (trees) and reducing the amount of waste in landfills.
All of us need to be good stewards of the Earth. We should ask ourselves if we are doing everything we can, in our homes and communities, to leave the Earth better than when we found it, for future generations. There are many things that we can do to renew and reuse sustainable resources. One of the easiest things is to recycle. Did you know that 70% of material found in landfills is recyclable? Today recycling is easier than ever. There are recycling centers found adjacent to schools, grocery centers and even separate recycling centers that are happy to accept glass, plastic, cardboard, newspapers, and other paper products. Our office is doing its part by recycling those items. Each week we break down our supply boxes, plastic bottles and containers. Employees at our office take turns at loading up and taking recyclables to the local recycling center.
Other things that can help us as a community to "go green" is to use energy efficient light bulbs, compost leaves and grass cuttings, have a programmable thermostat in our homes, drive hybrid cars, or even as one employee's husband does... ride a bicycle to work.
We hope this will give you a few ideas on how to help conserve our natural resources. After all, the Earth is not given to us by our parents... instead it is on loan to us from our children.
July, 2009
CONGRATULATIONS TO DR. MABRY
Dr. Don Mabry has been voted Hometown Favorite Dentist for 2009 by readers of the local press. THANK YOU to the community. Drs. Mabry, Rehder and Akhrass welcome new patients. We thank our patients for their many referrals to family and friends.
March, 2009
NUTRITION AND YOUR ORAL HEALTH
Most people know that nutrition plays an important role in their overall health, but it can also have an effect on dental health as well. People with poor diets lack crucial nutrients that help the body to fight off infections, and unbalanced diets can have a negative impact on periodontal health. Too much sugar, trans-fat, and sodium lead to tooth decay and poor periodontal health. The following nutrients have been shown to have a possible positive effect on periodontal diseases, but they are in no way a substitute for daily brushing and flossing.
LACTIC ACID AND CALCIUM A recent study found that people who consume 55 or more grams of foods containing lactic acid have a lower instance of gum disease. Lactic acid is found in many dairy foods, which also contain calcium that can help keep the jaw bone strong. The American Dietetic Association recommends that adults consume at least three servings of calcium per day.
VITAMIN C Many people take Vitamin C to ward off colds, but it may also help prevent gum disease. One study suggests that consuming less than the recommended daily allowance for Vitamin C per day may increase a person’s risk for gum diseases. The recommended daily allowance for Vitamin C is 60 mg per day, or about one orange.
VITAMIN D Vitamin D is found in foods such as eggs, sardines, tuna fish, and vitamin D-fortified milk. Our bodies also produce Vitamin D when we are exposed to the sun. With more people avoiding exposure to the sun by wearing sunscreen and limiting their time outdoors, it may be more important to get Vitamin D through our diets. Vitamin D can help lessen the inflammation associated by periodontal disease.
Remember, having a healthy body includes having a healthy mouth!
FEBRUARY, 2009
My Valentine, My Valentine, treasure your smile. Good teeth and strong gums will promote general health So see your Dentist often, just give them a dial “Cuz” dental care, my love, will ALWAYS add to your wealth.
Mounting research continues to show that gum disease may have an effect on several health conditions. Complications from this chronic bacterial infection (gum disease) have been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, pre-term birth, osteoporosis and even pneumonia.
Since 1 in 2 adults over the age of 30 are affected with some level of gum disease, it is important to understand the mouth/body connection.
The biofilm & plaque that form on the teeth is a dense, slimy matrix of bacterial species. The longer the bacteria remain undisturbed, the more toxic they become. The toxins and enzymes that the bacteria release damage the tissues that support the teeth. In the early stages, gum disease is often painless, but frequently people will notice the gums bleed when they brush or floss. Bad breath or foul taste in the mouth is also a common complaint.
Gum disease (periodontitis, gingivitis) is linked to letting these toxic germs gain access to the vascular system, or when inhaled, to the lungs. However, the good news is that it is treatable and the earlier you diagnose and treat, the better the outcome. The dental professionals at Mabry, Rehder & Akhrass, DDS will assess the health of your gums and make individual recommendation. So don’t delay, give us a call today (865) 986-0842.
Tooth Whitening (March 2008)
Most of us would like to have a whiter smile. Today there are may bleaching (whitening) options. Choices range from high concentration in office bleaching, lower concentration at-home bleaching, and over the counter (OTC) products. While bleaching is the quickest and most cost-effective way of obtaining a whiter smile, it can be confusing to choose the best method with so many options available.
The most important and first step in any procedure is to seek the advice of your Dentist for a thorough examination, assessment and recommendation. This visit will result in the whitest smile possible by making sure that your mouth and teeth are healthy, and any oral heal problems are addressed prior to beginning the bleaching process. The recommendation your Dentist makes for bleaching will depend on your personal needs such as time, cost, and the type of fillings or dental work you presently have, including tooth colored fillings or crowns. Only natural teeth respond to bleaching agents.
Bleaching will continue to provide an excellent, safe and cost-effective way to improve your smile. Your Dentist will determine which of your teeth will whiten, and the best product for your individual needs.
Most important to having an attractive and healthy smile is to see your Dentist on a regular basis to maximize your oral health and maintain your smile!
Digital radiographs are one of the newest x-ray techniques around. With digital radiographs, film is replaced with a flat electronic pad or sensor. A small sensor is placed in the mouth. The sensor is connected to a computer by a thin wire. X-rays hit the sensor in the same way they would hit film. The image is electronically sent directly to a computer where it then appears on screen. The image can then be stored on the computer or printed out.
The digital x-ray system is more sensitive than dental x-ray film systems, so your exposure to x-rays is cut by greater than 80%. The large, color-enhanced images let you see what your dentist sees; you are able to better understand what type of treatment your dentist can provide. Some benefits of using digital x-rays include not having to pay for photo chemicals, film storage as part of your fees. Another benefit is that you're going "green" - you're not polluting the environment by having used photo chemicals and film left over. Digital x-rays are an amazing new way to provide better check-ups and also a fun way of watching how this new technology works.
Electric Handpiece (drill) July 2008
In keeping pace with technology, our doctors use electric drills during patient treatments. These handpieces are much quieter and allow smoother cutting of the teeth. Treatment with electric handpieces is less invasive, puts less stress on healthy tooth structure, and results in less post-op pain or discomfort. For the patient, this means measurable less pain in most cases.
Dr's. Mabry, Rehder & Akhrass were chosen by the community as the Hometown Favorite Dental Practice for 2008. Thank you for your vote of confidence. We welcome new patients and invite you to contact our office at 865-986-0842 for further information or to schedule an appointment.
Sealants are easy for the dentist or hygienist to apply and only takes a few minutes. The teeth to be sealed are cleaned and the chewing surface is roughened with a solution to help the sealant adhere to the tooth. The sealant material is "painted" onto the tooth enamel where it bonds to the tooth and hardens. Sealants hold up well under the force of chewing and routinely last several years before reapplication is needed. As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface is protected from decay. Development of pit and fissure decay begins early in life so children and teenagers are the most likely candidates for sealants, but adults can benefit from sealants as well.
Links
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is at work in communities all across the country providing programs aimed at reducing the risk of cancer, detecting cancer as early as possible, ensuring proper treatment, and empowering people facing cancer to cope and maintain the highest possible quality of life.
www.cancer.org
Tennessee Dental Association
We are a membership organization of Tennessee dentists and part of a tripartite organization along with the American Dental Association and our nine component societies.
www.tenndental.org
Vizilite Patient Information
The ViziLite Plus exam can help your dentist or hygienist identify abnormal tissue, that might develop into oral cancer.
http://www.vizilite.com/patient_site/