Last week, a team of five volunteers from Aspen Dental provided free oral care in Haiti. Here’s a post from dental hygienist Marissa Leach, RDH about her experience:
As we continue to work from the clinic in Jacmel, Haitians have shown up by the hundreds. It’s clear that the lack of oral care and oral health education is truly a crisis here.
To make sure every Haitian coming into the clinic is educated on best practices for oral care, we have provided toothbrushes and floss, and give mini-tutorials (through interpreters) on how to use them properly and often. They listen attentively and have shown appreciation for the care they have received.
Day-by-day, the line of people desiring care has grown longer. This small town works primarily on word of mouth, and if the first half of the week is any indication, we still have hundreds of additional residents to see before our trip concludes.
We have been providing care non-stop. The families in and around the Jacmel area are still recovering from the affects of the 2010 earthquake. Roads are blocked, and housing and basic living conditions are still dire. We are touched by the resilience of this community, and could not be more proud to be able to provide a true enhancement in the overall quality of life to the people here.
Editor's Note: We know a lot about dental implants, and therefore the blog you are reading is presented in the overview of and why they need to in some patients. Here, for the most part we do dental implants Spektor are patients who still have some or most of your own teeth. Still, if you are interested in learning more about dental implants in General, you've come to the right place. A future blog post we drill deeper (pun intended) and cover the dental implant services we offer here at Spektor tooth.
If the missing teeth, you want a dental procedure, which leads to the appearance, which is as close as possible to the natural teeth. Today, thanks to the huge development tooth, one aspect should be investigated by your dentist is dental implants.
It wasn't very long ago, the go-to solution for openings in the mouth had dentures, option, which left many patients saying that they would rather do without the teeth at all. And even if it is true, modern dentures are much more comfortable than yesterday 's, they can still be difficult to get used to a painful and unpleasant at best and at worst.
Carved from hippopotamus ivory dentures have been the very first President George Washington, but it was a tough old bird, which was quite uncomfortable. His dentures were ill fitting, there is a need for constant attention, and at the various stages of his life involved in the cow and the horse teeth and heavy bows the old fashioned dental supplies.
It was several hundred years ago, but when teaching projects in the light of technical developments in the dentures, only you do not respond to the many people who say they're happy with theirs. Today's technology allows for a more appropriate place for dentists and better looking dentures in the patient's mouth. But there's still a problem with dentures slipping and providing little comfort.
Today we've got dental implants, which — depending on the dentist, (quantity and quality) of the bone of the jaw and the patient oral hygiene skills — can lead to a hovering around 95% success rate.
And implants are very strong, mostly because of the method in which they are placed in the mouth. There is no slippage, so you can eat meals comfortably and confidently to speak.
Most of the dental implants consist of a titanium screw that is similar to the root of the tooth. These Titanium "roots" on the inside of the bone of the jaw, in support of the restorations that look just like the tooth or teeth, which is missing from the group. These dental implants fuse with the bone at the end of the day, becoming strong enough to speak and chew in addition to supporting crowns, bridges and dentures next to.
After hearing the opinion of the dentist and dental implants surgery before x-rays are taken of the jaw shape and dimensions shall be recorded and, in some cases, the CT scanning is performed. A Pilot hole is drilled in the jaw often using larger drill bits until the size you want.
Screw in the jaw implant is inserted the exact torque and then implant remains within 2-6 months before the prosthetic tooth to heal or the Crown is attached. In some cases, a dental implant can be used to perform a common procedure in which an implant and a new tooth or Crown.
The most important thing is to make sure that the bone is "foreign" time to grow around the implant before final restoration is placed on top of it. If the implant is loaded too quickly, the implant may move, which resulted in a failed surgery.
The Top concern would be a good periodontist, who has completed hundreds of procedures. These experts have special skills, training, education, and together with allowing new teeth that look real and feel of their own.
Keep in mind that the success rate of dental implants is almost 100% of the procedure is considered to be an excellent alternative for those who find the need to replace some of their teeth. If you or a loved one could benefit from this procedure, do your homework. Finding a good dentist.
Editor’s Note: In this two-part series, we want to be certain that you, our patient, understand that your overall health comes first AND you are comfortable with the procedures we employ to discover what it is that we can do to make your smile as bright as possible. Our first part discusses what we cover during your first visit for a cosmetic dental consult.
When you come see us for a smile evaluation, we like to sit down and discuss your general dental health and hear your thoughts on the future of your mouth. Obtaining — and maintaining — a beautiful smile is important to your overall health, and a good set of teeth instills confidence and a sense of wellbeing, which means our goal here at Spektor Dental is to make sure we’re all on the same page from the onset.
First, we look at your overall smile. Are your teeth aligned in a pleasing manner? Is your bite function correct? Do you have trouble eating? How about crooked teeth? Do they bother you? Would you benefit from orthodontics (either traditional appliances or Invisalign-see through braces)?
Since we work with orthodontists, a referral to a good orthodontist might be a good place to begin. These are specialists in tooth position. You can discuss options and possibilities with the orthodontist and decide if braces are a viable treatment option for you. A lot of times, braces are the least expensive investment because you can correct what you don’t like, get them whitened, and you’re set for life!
If you decide that braces are not the way to go, you may have other options. Just keep in mind that undergoing cosmetic dental procedures come with the risk that your treatment may not last forever. For many reasons — broken teeth, broken fillings or recurrent cavities — nothing is permanent with restorative dentistry, so there is a risk involved. Many times you don’t have a choice but you must know all the pitfalls that can occur.
In our next part, we’ll discuss the best way to whiten and brighten your smile.
This week, a team of five professionals from Aspen Dental — three dentists and two hygienists — are travelling Haiti on a one week health care mission. In the town of Jacmel, Haiti, the Aspen team has set up in a cinder block clinic and is providing vital oral care amidst a shortage of water and an unstable power supply.
Here is a post from Marilyn Bartley, RDH, Dental Hygienist at the Aspen Dental practice in Norwalk, CT about her experience.
As dentists and hygienists, we often take for granted that the patients we serve have access to dental care. Every day in my office in Norwalk, CT, I have the opportunity to educate patients on the importance of good oral health. The people we’re serving here in Haiti have no such luxury.
Your dental health is the gateway to your body’s health, and research has linked poor oral health to other serious health infections.
In Haiti, patients suffering from sharp pain in mouth are coming to us at the clinic. Many don’t have the oral hygiene knowledge to properly take care of their teeth and gums – knowledge that is second-nature for hygienists like me, or for those who regularly visit their dentist. Tooth decay and fragile teeth are a common sight this week at the clinic in Jacmel.
Haiti is the poorest country in the world that isn’t located in Africa; it is on the list of “least developed countries” according to the United Nations. Haitians across the island on average live on less than $2 a day, which includes the cost for a home.
Providing oral care is vital to the health of the people we’re seeing here. Without the proper oral care, Haitians don’t just suffer from excruciating pain, but risk their overall health, too.
Check back for more update from Haiti throughout the week.
AppId is over the quota AppId is over the quota Got a toothache? Be careful of who you turn to for help. Dental pain makes you vulnerable.
This is a continuation with the Dental Pain Management theme. In Part III we talked about Pain People and the Pain Trap.
This time I’m going to put the heat on Dentists and reveal how some take advantage of people in pain.
To begin, here’s a dirty little secret from the Dental Industry… Root Canals are highly profitable.
That’s not such a bad thing in itself. What’s troublesome is when a dentist begin slanting treatment plans for maximum profitability instead of patient benefit. It becomes a slippery slope of patient manipulation once treatment integrity has been breached.
What am I talking about? Overdoing it with the Root Canals and other invasive forms of dentistry.
What’s really disturbing is when dentists become Pain Exploiters. They start taking advantage of people in pain.
There are Root Canal Pushers, Implant Pushers, Cosmetic Pushers…
“I knew it!” you’re saying to yourself.
Wait… Before you run off on a Dentist-Hater rant, let me clarify that these Pain Exploiters are the exception, not the rule. Most dentists that I’ve met work at a level of high integrity and would do their best to help alleviate your discomfort.
How do you spot a Pain Exploiter? They’re always pushing for more invasive/expensive treatment plans. There are Root Canal Pushers, Implant Pushers, Cosmetic Pushers, you name it.
Root Canal Pushers are the Pain Exploiters. That’s where Root Canals become almost mandatory treatment for anyone with a toothache.
I first learned of the Pain Exploiter trend a few years back when one of my patients traveled down to Florida for a trip. When she came back I discovered a dentist had slam-dunked a Root Canal and Crown onto one of her teeth.
Once she got on that conveyor belt their was no turning back.
She had been out for dinner and bit into something hard. She got an immediate jolt of pain. Her tooth was cold sensitive and she was concerned it might get worse.
That’s a classic Cracked-Tooth situation. A newly cracked tooth will feel cold sensitive like that.
I’m not arguing whether something needed to be done. I take exception to how the dentist she saw immediately rushed her into extensive treatment. Personally, I wouldn’t take such liberties with another dentist’s patient. Most other dentists probably wouldn’t either.
Root Canal and Crown are the treatment of choice for the severe forms of Cracked Tooth Syndrome. With milder forms you can avoid the Root Canal and have a more conservative restoration instead of the full enamel-amputation that a Crown requires.
My patient’s cracked tooth was a milder version, and that meant there was no urgency to the situation. All she just needed to do was chew on the other side to avoid additional stress and have it reevaluated for appropriate care when she got back into town. No big deal.
Pain Exploiters are quick to take advantage of these situations.
I seriously doubt a Root Canal was necessary. The crown was also questionable. Too late now.
Florida can be like the Wild West in some ways, and my patient happened to find a cowboy dentist who had his fast-food systematized approach down pat for delivering a slam-bam Root Canal – Crown combo.
My patient’s situation made her an easy target and once she got on that conveyor belt there was no turning back.
Pain is a great motivator. When you’re deep in the throes of it, there’s a sense of desperation and you’ll do whatever it takes to get out of it.
Pain Exploiters take advantage of your situation and push more expensive (and profitable) treatment solutions.
That makes you vulnerable for exploitation.
When you’re not in dental pain, Dentists have a harder time convincing you of spending anything on dental care. Wouldn’t you agree? Nobody really wants to have dentistry done in the first place.
When you have a toothache, it’s a different story. You’re a pushover for extensive treatment. You can almost here them in the background saying “We got a live one!” with the ka-ching sound of the cash register.
Pain Exploiters take advantage of your situation and push more expensive (and profitable) treatment solutions. Root Canal Treatment is often followed by a Core buildup and a Crown.
All legitimate treatment options, but more more invasive to your tooth and pocketbook.
In short order your expenses for one tooth can easily run over $2k.
Hands down the best dentistry is NO dentistry. Pristine, untouched teeth are living sculptures of beauty.
That’s when dentists cross the line and becomes Pain Exploiters.
The second best is the least amount possible to get the job done properly. Excessive dentistry weakens your teeth. Maxing out the dental treatment options on a tooth can leave it over-engineered and vulnerable.
Don’t get me wrong, if you have a tooth in trouble, extensive treatment to save it can definitely be appropriate. When teeth are in desperate shape, heroic measures are required to have any chance of keeping them.
What I’m talking about is a disturbing trend where dentists take advantage by leveraging your dental pain to maximize treatment and profitability. Doing more dentistry when less would be more beneficial. That’s when dentists cross the line and become Pain Exploiters.
In Pain Exploiters Part II, you’ll discover the 3 Dental Sins and which specific types of dentists to avoid – the Bullies and Charmers.
Stay healthy and keep smiling!
Dr. Joe
About the Author: Dr. Joe Bulger is a West Toronto dentist. He’s also the owner-founder of Royal York Dental – a respected dental clinic serving Etobicoke since 1950.
If you would like to learn more about your dental options, fill out our contact form or CALL 416 231-0550 for a FREE & Easy No-Obligation First Visit.
Last week, a team of five volunteers from Aspen Dental provided free oral care in Haiti. Here’s a post from Dr. Ekta Sagar about her experience:
Creole and French are the official languages in Haiti. While many Haitians speak at least some French, about 80% primarily use Creole to communicate. Luckily, one of our volunteer dentists, Dr. Vincent, speaks French. That helped significantly, but we still engaged translators to help the rest of the group communicate with the residents.
Locals who speak a small amount of English are able to help us interpret information and communicate with Haitians who visited the clinic. From dental care education to oral examinations, we are able to properly communicate dental tips and provide information on best practice.
As Body Language is known to be a universal language, the message of joy and happiness we hoped to convey through our work and through the conversations we carried each day has been attainable. The show of appreciation we have received during our time here has been tremendous and despite these barriers, we have been thrilled with our efforts to provide the best dental care possible to this truly amazing community.
This week, three dentists and two hygienists from Aspen Dental offices are volunteering in Haiti to provide free dental care to Haitians in the town of Jacmel.
Moved by the devastation in Haiti in the aftermath of the island’s January 2010 earthquake, the team is offering their time to help address the fact that there is just one dentist per 100,000 people.
Leading the team is Dr. Chedly Schatzie Vincent, owner of two Aspen Dental practices in Fairfield and Norwalk, Connecticut.
Here’s an update from Dr. Vincent on Day 1 of her experience of bringing Smiles for Haiti:
We knew that we would be working with the underserved when we decided to volunteer our time to give free oral care to the communities here in Jacmel, Haiti. In fact, 80% of Haiti is considered poor, with a majority of the population living below the poverty line. It is very difficult for Haitians to have access to the proper health care.
The five of us made the long trek from the northeastern U.S. to Port au Prince, Haiti, with thousands of units in supplies, packed tightly in over a dozen large boxes. We have everything we need for general hygiene care and preventative dentistry, including kits for tooth extractions and fillings, portable X-Ray machines, gauze, needles, sutures, and antibiotics, thanks to the support we’ve received from Henry Schein, the world’s largest provider of products and services to dental practitioners.
After arriving at Port au Prince, we made the 3-hour drive to Jacmel. Through Restore Haiti, we are set up at a neighborhood clinic to administer full dental and oral treatment to Haitians living in the surrounding small towns. Restore Haiti helped us get connected with local lodging and transportation. Once settled, we began preparing for the morning’s travel and work. This included transporting the boxes of supplies from the hotel to the clinic.
These towns generally don’t have power or the stable water systems that we are used to in the U.S. but we are making the most with what we are given in order to provide the proper dental care.
The island is vibrant and beautiful, but Haitians do not have access to the same resources that people may have in other developing countries. In addition to the oral treatments, extractions and fillings we expect to administer, we are prepared to also provide plenty of oral care education.
What we might take for granted, Haitians are hungry to learn about. And we are delighted to be able to provide our services.
We’ll be posting more updates from the Aspen Dental volunteer team in the coming days. Check back for more blog posts and photos!
This week, a team of five professionals from Aspen Dental — three dentists and two hygienists — are travelling Haiti on a one week health care mission. In the town of Jacmel, Haiti, the Aspen team has set up in a cinder block clinic and is providing vital oral care amidst a shortage of water and an unstable power supply.
Here is a post from Dr. Jennifer Check, who serves as the lead dentist at Aspen Dental in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, about her experience.
Outside of Jacmel, Haiti is a small suburb called Morne Oje. Our team is set up in a health clinic that Restore Haiti had previously opened. Lawn chairs, tables and an office chair serve as our examining areas.
As we began to unpack, the team created stations in rooms within the cinder block clinic. Haitians began lining up before the 9AM opening. We knew we would have a full clinic all day.
As the first patients walked in, the generator finally turned on. Purified water from five-gallon jugs were set up for procedures and to help sterilize instruments. Patient after patient, we began seeing a trend in multiple teeth and gum infections – the majority of which were cases of extreme decay and abscess. In the most extreme cases, when a patient’s teeth were examined we would notice such extreme decay that the tooth has already begun falling apart in their mouth.
All stations ran smoothly as we saw more and more patients during the day. A patient would come in and check in with a local Haitian nurse who worked for the Restore Haiti and Restoration Ministries clinic. From there, we would assess their chart based on the issues or toothaches they tell us they face, and decide if they need a cleaning, an X-Ray, or in cases where their teeth were extremely decayed, an immediate extraction. All extractions were closed up with sutures.
At one point, the power went out. Our team improvised and switched into manual mode, and were not able to use any of the electrical instruments for the rest of the day.
Through local interpreters, patients kept telling us how much pain they were in. They were beyond grateful we were there to help with their pain. What struck me most was that as we continued to see patients (we saw over 100 patients yesterday), not a single person complained with the wait or seemed ungrateful for the work we were doing.
Our hope is to see hundreds more patients during our time here. We know dental problems can be the cause of some of the worst pains. My hope is to be able to do anything possible to help Haitians in need of proper dental care.
Stay tuned for more updates from the Aspen team throughout the week.
So we know from brushing our teeth is an important right? But did you know that people with unhealthy teeth are usually spend time cleaning your teeth or making simple things on a daily basis, they will know that they should. Why? Because it's boring. Our team has found a creative dental Spektor app, which can be the solution for you.
Dentists, developed by free dj app will keep your teeth with a brush a healthy, fun and effective. Keep your gums and teeth healthy is something fun to enjoy. We want to keep your smile healthy fun.
This application is available for the iPhone and Android devices. Enjoy. You know, I love helping to make you smile!
Do not forget! The American Dental Association recommends using antimicrobial gargle water and flossing daily to get rid of the food between the teeth and minimize the plaque and bacteria.
Recently we shared the message of the importance of wearing a mouth guard to protect your teeth.
This post is all about sports drinks to our brief. We want to stress, which is important. We will focus on some important steps to improve your child's dental care.
Sports drinks are popular among young athletes-bombarded with marketing messages and popular professional athletes, which is driving higher levels of consumption. However, sports drinks are sweet and sour, so "safe and healthy" liquids can really wreak havoc on teeth.
Acidic components, sugars and additives will weaken the tooth surface, combined with sports drinks erode tooth enamel, which protects your teeth bacteria. Enamel erosion eventually makes the teeth more susceptible to bacterial and which causes hypersensitivity, staining, and tooth decay. It is crucial to limit sports drinks, that a child or young teenager consume during sports.
Is not a student-athlete to brush his teeth immediately after graduating from a sports drink. Acidic drinks consumption causes the enamel to soften, making teeth more susceptible to more wear on abrasive toothpaste. Wait 45 minutes to an hour before brushing. During that time, the saliva will start work with re-mineralize Dental tissue and to neutralize the damage. Saliva, does not remove the residual sugar, so you will need to brush.
Most children should see a dentist for regular cleaning and check every six months. Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease that is five times more common than asthma. It is preventable with proper care. Dr Spektor Wendy to help identify early signs of erosion, the reasons and solutions on how to prevent damage and more serious problems in the future.
Most of us know that a mouthful of healthy teeth, tissue and gums may be in good general health. We know, for example, is a bacterial component, which connects to the overall condition of the oral health of our bodies.
Even under the best of circumstances, our mouths still bacteria factories, but when properly to control these bacteria are harmless. And they are harmless, when the body's natural defenses are in good condition, and when we heed our warnings to the dentist.
You know, that we are talking about: we are constantly nagging our patients to brush and floss and watch sugar intake our diets. It is the best. And good oral care, which helps to keep them from bacteria in the world and harmless.
Things start to go bad quickly when conditions change. Oral health are affected by a variety of physical conditions, ailments and diseases. It is also the opposite: your physical health can affect the condition of your mouth-mouth health.
For example, heart disease — such as clogged blood vessels and strokes — might be linked to poor oral health. Severe gum disease, for example, can really spark as heart problems. And if you have heart problems to begin with, gum disease can make for bad bacteria access to the rest of your body, to promote a very bad infection or even worse.
Diabetes is a disease that can damage your teeth. The disease reduces the body's ability to fight infection, so compromised the gums and the bones that hold your teeth in place. And, of course, Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak already, to promote the dental problems and tooth loss.
The best recipe and good dental health is the dentist advise:
In addition, the alert for brushing and flossing, be sure to replace your toothbrush every few months.Schedule regular dental checkups at least twice a year and to keep appointments.Keep an eye on what you eat, sweets and foods containing acids in abundance.Consuming antioxidants such as green tea, Pomegranates, blueberries and raw cranberries.Stay in tune with what your mouth.If you have pain or seems to be symptoms of oral disease, contact your dentist immediately.
Maintain health is becoming increasingly important to maintain a bit of a smile-overall health. There is really no difference between the two.
Someone who has a child will participate in organized sport to worry about injuries as a result of that type at the time. And it is relevant, it is not a question of contact sports such as football or less impactful activities such as tennis. There's always the threat of injury.
That is why many dentists and the American Dental Association-we are firm believers in mouth guards to protect against injuries to the mouth are invaluable. These same dentists and ADA also believe that the custom-made mouth guard is superior to them, you can pick up at the local sports shop.
First of all, is better suited to the child's mouth guard custom created, which means that they are comfortable with — and that is also the young athletes are more likely to use them. Also, because they are well suited, it is more likely that the Guard will remain in place as the rambling across the inside of the mouth.
Dentists dental care for Spektor has created these custom mouth guards for years, and many of our patients — high school athletes, middle-aged sports buffs — swear by laminated mouth guards.
The delicate heat-pressure paper machines, our team creates mouth guards of different thicknesses for different sports are more susceptible to the influence of the thicker guard. Custom devices are better, longer than store-bought varieties and will surely give better protection.
This is what we like to call "preventive" treatment, because it prevents damage to those that you love, you have participated in youth sports or active adult athletes.
At Bellevue, Washington Dental care, it not only meets the Spektor cavities, promotion and flossing of teeth whitening. Drs. Wendy and Michael Spektor also keeps those who are suffering as a result of a lifetime of chronic jaw pain caused by TMJ (also known as some of the TMD).
If you have a sore jaw bone, two of the most likely suspects are Myofacial pain syndrome (MPS) or Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ or TMD). Both of these conditions to concentrate on the muscles of the jaw, TMJ/TMD applies to more than just muscles.
Symptoms may include pain, inability to open your mouth wide, or at all. Chewing food is painful and ear pain is one of the symptoms are the teeth, which do not fit together correctly. The causes of these ailments may vary and include stress at work and the challenges of life.
Because TMJ/TMD and MPs are primarily muscle disorders, State-of-the-art resolution may take time. Relief may include medication, oral exercises, or wearing oral appliance such as a bite-the protector, guardian of the night and going to bed. If medication is prescribed, NSAIDs and muscle relaxants are the most popular. In addition, many dental practices — treatment of TMJ/TMD — including our Botox helps muscles to relax. In this regard, we are in favour of conservative treatment.
First of all, you need to see a dentist but if you happen to live or work in Bellevue, Washington area, that could be a dentist Dr. Michael Spektor. Dental teams than anyone here has a dental care can Spektor to rule out more serious problems by taking x-ray images, make sure that you are not suffering from abscessed tooth or bone.
Prevention is always the best solution. To avoid such terms, you might want to:
Make a habit of Sleeping on your back at night to avoid the muscles.Use bite protector (NightGuard, or Essix retainer) to prevent clenching and grinding.Avoid opening your mouth while eating.
As always we are here to answer your questions and help you live the life you deserve. For more information about the Myofacial pain syndrome (MPS) or Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD) gives our office call at (425) 454-1322.
AppId is over the quota AppId is over the quota You put your trust in a dentist’s hands. Putting all your trust in a Dentist’s hands
Are they taking care of you appropriately? Do you ever worry that the dentist might be taking advantage of your trust?
This is a continuation on the subject of Pain Exploiters. In Part I the concept of Pain Exploiters was introduced.
Now I’ll explain the 3 Sins in Dentistry and warn you about some Dentists you should avoid – the Bullies and Charmers.
There are three dental sins any dentist can be guilty of. The dentist may not gain from committing these sins, but you as a patient would certainly suffer the consequences. Too much dentistry?
If you don’t receive enough care, you’ll gradually run into more problems.
Sometimes it’s the patient that chooses a minimalist approach to dental care. If a patient is left to set their own treatment standards they will usually set the bar too low.
“If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.” is a common approach, and that probably won’t be good enough if you want to stay healthy and keep your teeth.
Ar you one of those that refuse to go to a dentist unless you’re in agony? I call those people Dental Avoiders and the path they’re on the Path of Pain.
Sometimes it’s the dentist that under-serves your needs. The term for this is Supervised Neglect. You think everything’s fine because you’ve been going regularly, but you’ve been lulled by a false sense of security.
At one time, Preventive Dentistry and Hygiene Services were commonly neglected by dentists. Whenever that happened, patients would gradually develop gum disease that would destroy the bone supporting their teeth.
Nowadays, these less profitable dental services are often delegated to hygienists and that can improve the quality of your care. The key is to find a hygienist that can deliver excellent hygiene services. A great hygienist will help ensure you stay healthy and keep your teeth.
This is where a dentist over-treats a tooth or your entire mouth.
Remember from my last post, the best dentistry is NO dentistry. The second best dentistry is the least amount possible to get the job done properly.
Dental Exploiters are all about excessive treatment. They’re drawn to more lucrative services such as Implants, Smile Makeovers and the like. Providing Root Canals and Crowns on people in pain are slam dunks for Dental Pain Exploiters.
Like any profession, there are skilled providers and there are ones you should steer well clear of.
My advise? Choose your dentist carefully.
The hard part is knowing who to trust because how can you judge quality of work? Only once things start falling apart do you discover the truth.
Look for compelling evidence of success and a great reputation.
The key qualities you’re looking for are CHARACTER and COMPETENCE. You want a dentist with rock-solid integrity and impeccable skills.
If you want to learn more, I made a Special Report about the Insider Secrets of Choosing Your Healthcare Team.
My advise? Choose your dentist carefully. Where any one Dental Sin is found, you’re likely to encounter all three. Ethical breaches and lower quality go hand-in-hand.
The corrupting force in dentistry is profitability. When a dentist puts profit before a patient’s needs, optimum care becomes all about funneling people towards extensive care such as Implants and Extreme Makeovers. Less profitable services will be neglected and the profitable ones promoted heavily. A heavily-engineered tooth becomes more vulnerable to future problems.
That’s the Double Dental Sin – pushing too much fancy stuff while neglecting the basic services that would keep you out of trouble in the first place.
If the work is poorly done, then you’ve got a perfect storm of all three Dental Sins happening at once.
Here’s the problem with over-treatment. A tooth only has so many chances, and over-engineering tends to shorten a tooth’s lifespan.
Here’s the good news. Patients are always suspicious of over-treatment and I would say 90% of the time it’s not the case. If anything, insufficient care is more prevalent.
Most dentists are very conscientious and want to always do the right thing for you. Most new patients I see have been receiving appropriate care from their previous dentists – not too much and not too little.
However, these are leaner times and that puts financial pressure on dentists. Some might slip over the integrity line and commit one or more of the Dental Sins.
Be careful. There’s always that small percentage of dentists out there that have an agenda primarily driven by profit. Combine that with a moral flexibility that allows them to bend all rules in their favor, including shortchanging you on quality.
These Dental Exploiters wouldn’t hesitate to take advantage of your vulnerability.
I’ve encountered a few dentists over the years who were masters of exploitation. These Bullies and Charmers don’t need you to be in pain to initiate exploitation. They’ll be on you as soon as you walk in their door.
They wiggle out of everything and leave a trail of bad karma and broken relationships behind them.
Bullies have driven-style personalities and tend to dominate people into submission. Their treatment plans tend to be extensive and they use pressure tactics to push people into treatment. Putting people into tears over treatment decisions is routine for them.
Dental Bullies are loud and proud. These dentists are ruthless competitors. They see every interaction in Win-Lose terms. Bullies love winning and hate losing.
These dentists will intimidate, manipulate and use every tool at their disposal to push their agenda down your throat. They’ll badmouth every other dentist and tell you all your dental work needs to be redone.
People mistake Bullies as leaders because of their loud, over-bearing nature.
Expect to be heavily sedated as Dental Bullies lack a delicate touch. Empathy and compassion are not in their repertoire. The only way your visit will be pleasant is if you’re totally out of it.
Charmers are sociopaths. They’re effective salespeople because they use their silver tongues to build quick rapport and convert it to instant sales. Their charm makes them very likable and they have tremendous confidence. People see them as natural leaders. Unfortunately these charmers are showman, not leaders. They’ll burn you.
Once you can recognize true leaders, you hopefully won’t be fooled by any false ones.
Dental Charmers are fast-buck artists. Everything they do is a big con, including their sham emotions. They’re masters of deceit and will exploit your trust for personal gain.
Charmers will act like your best friend, but don’t be fooled. They lack empathy, have no remorse for their actions and don’t keep any of their elaborate promises.
Dental Charmers seem friendly on the surface, but they’re ruthless in nature and fast on their feet. They wiggle out of everything and leave a trail of bad karma and broken relationships behind them. They look for angles to work and opportunities to exploit with everyone they meet.
How do I know all this? I’ve met a few of these Dental Bullies and Charmers over the years. I’m sorry to say I had a Charmer working for me for 6 months. I got a hard lesson in sociopath behavior. What a disaster!
The key to recognizing and avoiding Dental Exploiters is understanding leadership and people. Once you can recognize true leaders, you hopefully won’t be fooled by any false ones.
I wrote a Special Report on 25 Leadership Gifts to help people understand leadership and become better leaders.
Here are some suggestions on how to prevent dentists from taking advantage of you…Arm yourself with knowledge. The more you know, the less vulnerable you become to Pain Exploiters. The hard part is finding this kind of information in a world full of self-serving marketing. This blog for example, is all about helping you understand more about dentistry so you can enjoy a healthy beautiful smile.Maintain healthy skepticism. Trust your instincts. Be wary, even a little suspicious. Your trust must be earned. If something doesn’t feel right, you need to step away.Smell the intent. Are these people trying to guide you in the right direction or take advantage of you?Slow down. Don’t be rushed into things. Dental situations aren’t life and death. If you’re in pain, treatment should be focused on getting you out of pain.Get a second opinion. Weigh your options and don’t let any Bully Dentist railroad you into extensive treatment.
My next post will be about Dental Drama – the emotional fallout from dentistry.
Stay healthy and keep smiling!
Dr. Joe
About the Author: Dr. Joe Bulger is a West Toronto dentist. He’s also the owner-founder of Royal York Dental – a respected dental clinic serving Etobicoke since 1950.
If you would like to learn more about your dental options, fill out our contact form or CALL 416 231-0550 for a FREE & Easy No-Obligation First Visit.
Tagged as: Dental Pain, Hate Dentist, Pain Management
We are pleased to celebrate with dentists and teams in the Lady Lake (Florida); Sun City, Florida; Bristol, Connecticut; and Mount Pleasant, Michigan practices on their award as "best dentists" and "top dentist" in their communities!
We could not prouder to work and attentive patient care these offices - and Aspen dental practices across the country - transport every day. The recognition of inhabitants in each region, through reader surveys in their local newspapers votes, is further proof for Aspen dental commitment to patients the care received, they need.
Here is a look at each of their special services:
Aspen dental Lady Lake, Florida Office Dr. Paul Pimentel and his team at the Office Lady Lake won the 2012 readers choice awards for "favorite dentist" by the daily commercial & South Lake.
"I'm honored and pleased on behalf of the entire team for all the hard work, we practice Aspen dental Lady Lake recognized to be", said Dr. Pimentel.
Aspen dental clinic Sun City (Florida) The Sun City Office celebrates an exciting by the South Shore News & Tribune "Best of South Shore 2012" vote to win. More than 6,500 readers voted in the poll reader Aspen dental office with the "Gold winner" award as the best dentist in the region.
"We're thrilled, awarded gold", said owner practice Dr. Dustin Dixon. "The team is motivated and committed the care patients get they need. It is nice to see that their hard work is recognised by the community."
Aspen dental practice in Bristol, Connecticut Bristol, the Office for the second consecutive year in which Bristol has award observers with a "one of the best" is a reader's choice awards. Residents in the Bristol community with the name of this Office as one of the best practices in the field of dental.
"It is one of the best dentist named are in the second year and I couldn't be more proud... on my team,", said Dr. Yutdhasak Kjornrattanawanich, owner of the Aspen dental practice in Bristol. "I know that our team is coming into the Office every day for that patients treated comfortably and with respect are."
Mount Pleasant, Michigan Office The Mount Pleasant Office was central Michigan life best Central Michigan 2012 people's Choice Awards winner of first place in the category "best dentist/jobs". More than 1,200 readers voted in the poll.
"We are thrilled that the best dentist in Mount Pleasant, are named", said lead dentist Dr. Alifiya Barodawalla. "Our team is committed to the patients, to visit our Office, and we look forward to continued access to high-quality, low-cost dental treatment in which to enable Mount Pleasant community."
AppId is over the quota AppId is over the quota Welcome to the Drama Triangle – the special fantasy realm of Drama Queens and Drama Kings. For simplicity, I’ll just stick to using Drama Queen to cover both males and female versions. Heroic fairy-tale drama...
Here within the Drama Triangle you’ll find epic stories filled with evil ogres, victims of injustice, and heroic rescuers.
It’s an ego-centric realm. The teller of the story inevitably portrays themselves as a heroic figure. The whole story is designed to convince you of their hero status.
If the incident is fresh, you’ll be told an enticing tale with the clear intention of pulling you into the drama. The teller of the tale will lay claim to being the victim of unjustified persecution.
This isn’t just venting. After sharing their drama, you’ll be expected to join in as an ally-rescuer. An easy trap to fall into, as the rescuer also gets to enjoy playing a heroic role.
That’s the point of sharing their Drama story. It’s not just to entertain, it’s to paint a clear picture of good guy vs. bad guy and to gather allies to rally against an alleged ogre.
Drama Queen Victims enjoy telling dramatic stories, and everyone loves a juicy tale. That’s why it’s so easy to get sucked into believing their version of events.
The key role in the Drama Triangle is the Victim. Without his or her harrowing tale, there is no epic storyline.
Here’s the thing. Drama Queen Victims rarely see themselves as victims. They see themselves as heroic figures forced to endure great injustices. They play the center characters of an epic adventure where they’re the TRUE prince or princess.
The Cinderella Story is an appealing plot…
Overcoming adversity is always at the heart of an appealing movie script like Disney’s Cinderella. Yet innocent as it may seem, there’s dangerous thinking in that movie. It’s easy to indulge in a fantasy role where you start believing that you’re special, that honest work is beneath you, and that friends are expected to rescue you.
Fantasies have a way of turning into nightmares. And those who see themselves in a Cinderella role will often act more like one of her cruel step-sisters – lashing out in retaliation for perceived injustices.
Dramatic storylines are warped to cast players in Scripted Roles as either heroes or villains. A Drama Queen Victim’s version of events are always heavily slanted to portraying themselves clearly on the side of good. That’s exactly how they see their place in the world.
Hero vs. Ogre - Good vs. Evil
Someone may see themselves as a Helpless Victim. Picture a damsel in distress – like Rapunzel trapped in the tower. They see themselves as powerless to struggle against powerful forces.
Another common role is that of a Noble Martyr. Cinderella is the classic example. These people perceive themselves as a noble hero or heroine forced to struggle on against great obstacles and unjust enemies.
People love to play the Helpless Victim and Noble Martyr roles. These role are highly addictive. They allow a person to blame, complain and publicly act out any frustrations in a child-like manner.
A Victim might appear helpless, but they can exert great power in manipulating others with their drama. A Victim’s dramatic show is all about leveraging influence through the power of spoken words. The better the story, the more the influence.
A Victim’s Story generates lots of Drama, gains plenty of attention, wins people over to a one-sided version of the story, and garners power.
A Victim’s hero-villain mindset fuels hostility and resentment. The longer they stay committed to the role, the more hostile and vicious a Drama-Queen can become. They see themselves at war with evil and will use whatever strategies and tactics they can to prevail.
A victim will gather allies with their story. Once they’ve gained enough support or justification, they may switch over to attack mode to smite the perceived ogre.
Rather than risk a full scale frontal attack or lynch mob, they’ll often use more subversive sniper tactics (such as gossip) to punish their enemy.
Constantly playing the Victim is destructive. Nothing gets resolved. Relationships are damaged. Energy and attention are diverted away from constructive efforts.
Watch this video =>
There are different levels of drama. Drama Queens are those that tend to crank the dial to the max.
Serial Victims eventually become experts at blaming, complaining and excuses. Masters of the Blame Game.
Excuses, blaming and victim drama all go hand in hand.
Even if the world keeps punishing them, these people will continue playing out a scripted role of a Noble Victim. Their Victim-Hero Status helps them maintain the illusion of not being responsible for their predicament.
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This is the bad guy in the Drama Triangle. The dragon. The evil ogre. At least that’s how it plays out in the victim’s version of things. Beware the Evil Ogre! Photo from game cover of Warcraft by Blizzard
Drama Queen Victims find ogres everywhere and will always emphasize the unfairness of the ogre’s dirty deeds.
Victims resent their oppressors – be it parents, teachers, or the boss at work. They’re infuriated by anyone in a position of power who exerts some measure of control over them. Anyone telling them to wake up, grow, up, step up or shut up.
Anyone who bursts their bubble by reminding them they’re NOT a special person entitled to special treatment.
Attacking the boss is practically a national sport. Studies have shown American workers spend an average of 14 hours a month engaged in boss-attacking conversation.
The persecutor often doesn’t even know they are being cast as the villain. They may not realize any of this Drama Triangle dynamic exists.
That’s the thing about the Drama Triangle, so much of it goes on behind the scenes and a persecutor may be oblivious to how they’re being sabotaged and back-stabbed.
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Classic Painting: The Hero Slays the Dragon and Rescues the MaidenOf course the Drama Triangle wouldn’t be complete with a willing Rescuer or two. Even better, a whole mob of Rescuers looking to slay that evil ogre as revenge for the perceived indignation placed upon this righteous Victim.
Note: Character assassination will do in place of actually slaying an ogre. Direct confrontation isn’t required as sniper tactics can be used from afar.
If you’re clearly on a Victim’s side, you’re one of the good guys in their books. The more you encourage a Victim, the more they’ll ramp up their ogre-slaying crusade.
Some people love to play the Rescuer. It’s clearly a heroic role and very addictive. Rescuers unknowingly support and perpetuate a Victim’s behavior.
Without a Rescuer to influence, a Victim has no power. That’s why Victims seek out people who are habitual Rescuers.
Parents naturally fall into the pattern of a rescuer for their children. Yet I’ve seen the opposite occur. An Amiable child will play the Rescuer role to an Expressive parent’s Drama Queen act.
Personality Profiles play a big part. Amiables are highly-tolerant and natural rescuers, while Expressives are natural Drama Queens and masters of the Victim role. That’s why they tend to get along so fabulously.
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Drama Queens have had plenty of practice within the Drama Triangle, often having all 3 roles mastered. You’ll see them easily slide from one role to another.
People judge themselves on good intentions while judging others on actions alone.
The Victim role is the clear favorite of the Drama Queen, as it instigates the drama and offers maximum influence.
Influence is what a Drama Queen seeks to exploit for gain with their stories. They’re constantly trying to build themselves up and knock others down. There’s usually deep insecurity beneath it all.
Here’s the thing. Drama Queen Victims don’t just tell these fairy tale versions, they believe in them. In their child-like,self-centered world, they’re ALWAYS the lead character. The crowd favorite.
Is it a maturity issue? Is it ego? Is it personality? Hard to say. Sometimes a little of everything. One moment these people can be insecure attention-seekers begging for more attention like a child. The next they can be vicious manipulators that bully people with their drama.
One thing’s for sure, Drama Queen Victims are so engrossed in the Drama Game, they’re incapable of seeing things objectively. They live the hero’s life and the deeper into the story they get, the more detached from the truth they become.
Why the disconnect? People judge themselves on good intentions while judging others on actions alone. That means a Drama Queen Victim tends to see themselves in a better light. As if wearing a halo.
Fantasy is tempting when reality sucks. Their hero status and victim stories grant a narcissistic Drama Queen emotional relief from the more painful burdens of reality. As long as they can cling to their delusional hero perspective, they’re not forced to face the darker parts of their own nature.
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In reality, who is the real ogre? Over-indulged Drama Queen Victims are so wrapped up in their heroic perspective and warped storyline, they fail to see themselves as the ugly ogres they transform into.
The entertainment industry is full of narcissists.
They think they’re living the Cinderella role, but often act more like the cruel step-sister.
Even Mel Gibson saw himself as a heroic victim who had done so much for his girlfriend. In Mel Gibson’s phone rants he continually blamed her for his rage. So much rage, jealousy and pride. Such a clear example of Emotional Transference (see previous post on Toxic Drama).
Psychotic? No, just another self-indulged Drama Queen. The entertainment industry is full of narcissists. What makes them so compelling on stage also makes them hard to live with.
Apparently Mel the actor can’t see himself playing anything but a leading man. Always the hero in his own mind.
Indulging in the Drama Triangle creates glaring blind spots. Faults and unpleasant truths that are obvious to everyone but themselves.
Failure to give them exactly what they want could put you into the ogre camp.
Drama Queen Victims are blind to the fact their ways are ugly and destructive. Their Righteous Indignation allows them to be toxic and not feel responsible for the damage they cause.
Warning: Hang around a Drama Queen Victim and sooner or later you’ll get burned. You’ll be the one being called an ogre.
Everyone involved with a Drama Queen Victim is left feeling drained (which is why these people are also called Emotional Vampires). They tend to lose friends as fast as they make them. People are drawn to the drama, but it doesn’t take long for others to see their stories are self-promotional or thinly-veiled attacks. Credibility and trust are lost.
Drama Queens are narcissistic and expect your continual admiration and loyalty. Failure to give them exactly what they want could put you into the ogre camp.
Don’t get into a drama contest with a Drama Queen. They’re far too good at it.
My advice? Steer well clear of them.
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Within a team of professional , Drama Queen can be saboteurs. Do you play a Cinderella role?
It starts innocently enough. Stories are escapes from their daily grind used to spice up a day. Stories can also be long-winded excuses to divert attention from lack of performance and results.
Given some slack, a Drama Queen will push for more attention and influence. Their toxic affect on a team’s culture can go unnoticed.
Every episode of drama can be another emotional hand grenade. They spread discontent and their covert hostility will rip a team apart.
It’s all sideshow games and completely unprofessional. These Drama Queen Victims focus upon social maneuvering instead of professional contribution. Stories instead of results.
Condone the drama and people can become whiners rather than winners. Excuses pile up as performance falls apart. Their Toxic Drama can destroy a relationship or a team.
Share the poison pill with a Drama Queen and you could find yourself on the wrong side of the firing line.
Give a Drama Queen a position of power and they’ll wield it for personal gain. They already see themselves as entitled to special attention, now they have the power to ensure their privileged status.
It’s vitally important to purge drama from a team. Allow it to grow and discontent will spread like cancer. Soon performance will derail and morale will plummet.
Here’s a quick lesson in running a business. People by nature are either Lifters or Leaners. They either enjoy working hard or enjoy goofing off.
Here’s a poem that explains it perfectly…
There are just two kinds of people on earth today, Just two kinds of people, no more, I say. Not the rich and the poor, for to count a man’s wealth You must first know the state of his conscience and health. Not the humble and proud, for, in life’s little span, Who puts on airs is not counted a man. Not the happy and sad, for the swift counting years Bring each man his laughter and each man his tears. No, the two kinds of people on earth I mean Are the people who lift and the people who lean. Wherever you go you will find the world’s masses Are always divided in just these two classes. And oddly enough you will find, too, I ween, There’s only one lifter to twenty who lean. In which class are you? Are you easing the load Of overtaxed lifters who toil down the road? Or are you a leaner who lets others bear Your portion of labor and worry and care?
- Ella Wheeler Wilcox -
Drama Queen Victims are emotional leaners. They dump their toxic outbursts on others and everyone around them are forced to walk on eggshells to keep some semblance of peace.
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Consider these 3 classic Victim Styles of the Drama Triangle – Martyrs, Shirkers and Vicious Victims.
Watch this video =>
The Martyrs play poor helpless victims in the Drama Triangle. All their miseries are due to the cruelty of fate or being taken advantage of from other people.
Your life will continue to go nowhere.
The video focuses upon the affect these Toxic Victims have on others, and are described as Emotional Vampires. Different terminology, but same concept of Toxic Drama.
Martyrs use their victim status to invoke pity and to justify doing nothing to improve their situation. As long as Martyrs can find someone or something to pin the blame on, and find others willing to buy into their victimized version of things, they can keep on spinning their story for sympathy and attention. They can keep on living in Pity City.
Now if you choose to play the Martyr role, you could be forever stuck as that damsel trapped in that tower. Your life will continue to go nowhere. That fabled white knight you’re hoping for isn’t likely to come along and rescue you.
The Shirkers don’t see themselves as victims. They don’t believe they’re responsible for anything.
Shirkers live in a fantasy realm to avoid facing the reality that their life sucks.
Shirkers assume a passive, sheep-like approach with a strong sense of entitlement. They fail to lead themselves, let alone stepping up to lead others. They focus instead on complaining, blaming and excuses.
Shirkers need a huge push, but as soon as you do, you become that mean ogre.
These people act helpless and dependent, waiting for some great leader, teacher, or shining white knight to come along and guide them forward. This approach relieves themselves of the burden of accountability.
Some Shirkers live in a fantasy realm to avoid facing the reality that their life sucks. They serve no great purpose and haven’t put in the effort to master anything worthwhile.
Behind a Shirker’s drama, there’s always a dodge or cover-up. They’re trying to squirm out of responsibility for something or avoid an uncomfortable truth. The more drama they make, the bigger the cover-up.
As adults, they fail to develop a strong character and good work habits.
At work, Shirkers will take hold given the opportunity. Some people are masters at wasting time and will use drama to spice up their day.
You see, many people are social-oriented rather than task-oriented. That can be problematic in a work place. Left to their own accord, they’ll continually engage others in idle chitchat. Now you have multiple people wasting time. They’ll continue sharing stories and killing time because they prefer social interaction to the work itself.
Children of successful parents have a tendency to be Shirkers with an attitude of entitlement. They enjoy the rewards of success without ever having struggled to climb the proverbial mountain to achieve success of their own.
As adults, they fail to develop a strong character and good work habits. That’s why rags to riches to rags within 3 generations is such a common generational pattern.
In the case of lottery winners, the rags to riches to rags may take only a few years.
The Vicious Victim is hostile in nature and justifies their wrath and vicious acts by taking a victim stance. That’s the scorpion blaming the frog.
In their grandiose versions of stories they always play the hero striking back at evil.
For Vicious Victims, their emotion of choice is anger. These people are filled with Righteous Indignation and insist their toxic emotions and vicious acts are justified and transfer all responsibility onto the targets of their wrath.
Anyone capable of such viciousness clearly has an abundance of pride and a shortage of empathy.
A Vicious Victim has strong Narcissistic tendencies. In their grandiose versions of stories they always play the hero striking back at evil.
These people are volatile and combative, with the combination of a vulnerable nature and a bite that’s just as bad as their bark. They have everyone walking on eggshells around them in attempts to minimize the Toxic Drama.
Know anyone like that?
These 3 distinct Victim Styles are probably only a fraction of the possible variations.
All these Victim Styles tell lopsided versions of stories, and it’s those stories that get in the way of any resolution. Drama Queen Victims continue heaping blame and responsibility upon the Persecutor – that evil ogre. They continue seeking the attention of anyone willing to play the Rescuer role. They continue along in an unproductive pattern of behavior – addicted to drama.
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Avoid the Drama Triangle. Especially avoid indulging in Victim behavior such as venting, blaming, complaining and making excuses.
Building a winning team involves getting everyone past the Drama Habit.
Recognize drama when you see it. Don’t buy into it when you do.
Help others grow out of the Drama Habit and Victim behavior before they pull your team down.
Don’t enable a Victim by rescuing them. Instead help them move to professional behavior whereby they learn to overcome challenges and confront others in a caring respectful way.
Protect yourself and your team from the toxic fallout of the Drama Triangle.
Why do I drag all this drama stuff up?
Drama is very relevant to the dental world… Building a winning team involves getting everyone past the Drama Habit. It means keeping everyone grounded in reality and focused on the task at hand. Otherwise the team can be infected by drama and easily sidetracked.
Recognizing and diffusing drama are vital skills for any dental team leader. It’s a life-changer. The day you help someone move out of the Drama Habit is the day they grow up and start becoming a professional.
Building a terrific customer experience involves helping patients get past their old stories. People can remain stuck in a worst moment.
There you have it, the Drama Triangle and the Victim Styles.
In previous posts on Drama Queens, you’ve learned about Personal Drama, the Expressive Personality Profile and Toxic Drama. Now you’ve learned all about the Drama Triangle.
Next post I’ll finally get to the subject of Dental Drama.
Stay healthy and keep smiling!
Dr. Joe
About the Author: Dr. Joe Bulger is a West Toronto dentist. He’s also the owner-founder of Royal York Dental – a respected dental clinic serving Etobicoke since 1950.
If you would like to learn more about your dental options, fill out our contact form or CALL 416 231-0550 for a FREE & Easy No-Obligation First Visit.
At this time of year, many of us are thinking about our New Year’s resolutions. With that in mind, I would like to recommend that everyone considers including regular dentist visits as one of their health resolutions for the new year.
A routine check-up is one of the best ways to help prevent and catch problems such as cavities, periodontal disease and oral cancer. It’s best to catch these health issues sooner rather than later, when patients are forced to deal with the pain and consequences from these conditions.
In fact, Dr. Nadia Chowhan of Aspen Dental shared her advice on making oral health a priority here.
Routine dental check-ups can help prevent a variety of medical problems, in the mouth and elsewhere. Incorporating proper and regular oral care can go a long way. It’s as simple as brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily, making your next dentist check-up a breeze and maintaining better oral health for longer.
There’s no better time to commit to better oral health and hygiene than at the start of a new year, with a clean slate.
Recently, dental professionals from three Aspen Dental offices in Maine provided free dental care to 70 patients as part of the fourth annual Dentists Who Care for ME day.
This year, 31 dentists from throughout the state, along with a large group of hygienists, dental assistants, and office staff, provided free care in 13 different locations.
The Aspen Dental practice in South Portland provided care on a first-come, first-served basis as patients lined up for hours before the office opened to ensure they would have a chance to be seen.
As Dentists Who Care for ME organizer Dr. Barry Saltz told the Portland Free Press, “None of these people have insurance, and these are people who have fallen on tough economic times and we’re here to help them. It’s a wonderful feeling for us to be able to carry out that service.”
By day’s end, the Aspen Dental team had donated more than $10,000 in free care that included services ranging fromexams and cleanings to fillings and extractions.
Led by Dr. Justin Griffee (practice owner of Aspen Dental in South Portland, Portland, and Biddeford), the Aspen Dental team included:
Dr. Jeff Bellanti (South Portland), Dr. Sepand Gahnouni (Portland), Dr. Kristian Richardson (Biddeford), Amanda Benn, RDH (Portland), Lynn Jurczak, RDH (Biddeford), Sabrina Alaimo (Portland), Courtney Clark (South Portland), Ginger Flament (South Portland), Lindsey Jacobsen (Biddeford), Ruth Obrion (Biddeford), Crystal Coombs (Portland Area), Mason Barker (South Portland), Amy Payeur (South Portland), and Deb Huddy (Portland)
A decision to whiten your teeth in Bellevue, Wash., isn’t something you should take lightly. On the surface, tooth whitening might appear to be a quick and painless procedure that leaves you looking breathtakingly beautiful (or incredibly handsome). And on the surface, that assumption on your part is mostly correct.
It is an easy and pain-free event and it certainly shows remarkable results. In fact, you’ve probably got questions because you have friends or relatives who display the results of a tooth-whitening session and you’re impressed with their smiles.
Anyone’s who’s even had a fleeting thought of getting their teeth whitened has questions. That’s to be expected. To that issue, Spektor Dental’s own Dr. Wendy has come up with a list of the Top 10 questions every patient should ask her or the staff at Spektor Dental – or of whomever handles your dental-related needs – before consenting to a tooth-whitening process.
And this is a complete list of questions. Many of them center on the most important query, which is “Is my mouth ready for this procedure?” So when you set up an appointment for a consultation, bring along a copy of this list.
That being said, here is Dr. Wendy Spektor’s Top 10 questions to consider before getting your teeth whitened:
Do I have any problems with my gums?Do I have unscheduled immediate dental needs such as decay or cavities? Do I need fillings? Caps? Are there any teeth that require extraction?Will I want to do fillings or caps/crowns before whitening or after in order for the permanent fillings to match?Do I have any teeth that have root canals and may not whiten the same as my other teeth?Do I have old crowns or veneers that may not whiten and would need to be redone?What options do I have for whitening?What are advantages and disadvantages of whitening my teeth?What should my expectations be for whitening? What can I do for sensitivity?Will whitening solve my goals or is it just an extra step not really needed?What upkeep is required on my part after the procedure?
We’re sure you have other questions about the procedure and we’ve got the experience to provide you with answers that target your concerns and not our schedule. Give us a call and we can even answer some of them over the phone.
Editor's Note:In part I of this series (see what to expect during the cosmetic dentistry to negotiate), we discussed how important it is to have a "talk" before starting any dental treatment with your dentist. In view of the above, in an effort to make sure the chat, and the dentist are on the same page when it comes to your overall health and perfecting your smile. Today we are going to talk about the color of your teeth. This is a discussion on some of the previous blog post for more information on teeth whitening, you can find it here: Top 10 questions to consider prior to whitening your teeth.
Maybe your teeth whitening in just a simple update — pick-me-up if you will. We can think of at least five easy solutions, bearing in mind that the whitening whitening can affect dental, you already have a well. For example, crowns, bridges and implants some veneers may not whiten. So again you are going to have to hold this debate on the dental professional.
And you're going to have to be borne in mind that the small white goes a long way. View John Malkovich in Transformers 3. Now it's white, white smile that is off the charts!
Here are a few of the options you have for whitening your teeth (all sorts of products out there, but these are the ones we recommend that we will study and discuss with your dentist):
Crest whitening strips work with young adults. They are messy, and most adults do not like them. The cost is minimal, but the devotion is high.The highest Treswhite strip to deliver the goods for those who want whiter teeth. They seem to work the best, if you do not have a very yellow teeth. They can be messy, but are one step away from the Crest whitening. The cost is minimal. The dedication is high.Custom whitening trays works well. Here we do Dental impressions of the teeth and create Spektor trays that fit exactly to your teeth. With us you get the gel in and whiten, until you want to color. You can use the lockers while you sleep so aware of the dedication will be reduced. The cost is modest, starts at about $ 365 and platforms can last a lifetime, if any in your mouth will not be changed. Retouching Kits have always been also available for purchase. (Note: ask for our "getting ready for a fall special.")We can kick start your whitening Power Boost treatment as well. Office procedure done at any time — before, during, or after the whitening. It works great, and you only need an office appointment. The investment is modest. 5 The new and amazing KOR whitening Gets the yellow out and really whitens your teeth. It requires a significant investment of time and money, but if you want good results, it's the top option. The good news is that it comes with a money-back guarantee if it does not work. How much are we talking about? Prices start at around $ 1000. But the trays professionally (if nothing big will not change in the mouth) and touchup procedures will always buy.
We hope that this two-part series about whitening your teeth will prepare what is in front of you. No matter what procedure you choose, be sure to ask your dentist if you are really ready for cosmetic dentistry.
We are pleased 3 on our new partnership with Boston University Goldman School of dental medicine and award two dental to announce academic year with $5,000 scholarships. The Aspen dental scholarship was awarded to Marina Gonchar, DMD, 14, and Benjamin Irzyk, DMD 14.
Aspen dental are here we proud to assist dental schools nationwide and help to reach dental students while studying their full potential. In turn helps us nourish the next generation of top dentists to ensure that patients have access to the quality health care they need.
We Marina and Benjamin about their career paths as dentists languages:
From left to right: Marina Gonchar, Joseph Calabrese, DMD, DMD 14; Benjamin Irzyk, DMD 14; Catherine Sarkis, JD, MBA
Marina Gonchar DMD 14
What do you like most about dentistry? I have to say that we are as if reviews make dentist, affecting not only the oral cavity, but the quality of the overall condition of the patient. Combines multiple skills to help provide care comprehensive patient dentistry. Many times at the dentist are the first that have the ability to identify the symptoms of diseases. I was really appreciating this point at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of dental medicine.
What are your professional goals as a dentist? As a dentist is my primary goal, to be able to offer outstanding comprehensive dental care of my patients. This target to reach you must commit becomes a lifelong learners and stay current with the changes that technology brings. It is important also to the profession and your patients are always active in organized dentistry and in the service of the community outside of the Office.
Ben Irzyk DMD 14
What influenced you to participate in dental school? I remember what we wanted when we grew up in the 4th grade asked and I had written "Dentist." When I started in high school I reflect my hometown dentist. It turned out that after the first day in the Office, which I was addicted; I spent the rest of the summer hanging around the Office trying to learn as much as I could. Ultimately, I have my home during studies of the library and what I could assign to fact, my resume to build school dental clinic after my 4 years at the school. I am still so passionate and enthusiastic, a part of a such great professional like me 15 years ago.
What do you like most about dentistry? The goal number one I did like a dentist is, my patients always in the first place. In an ideal world I would be lost in retirement with never a patient due to frustration or inadequate care or compassion for them. I would like the appropriate skills that allow me, clearly communicate with my patients more than a professional relationship but a trust and understanding. A dentist told me once: "Dentistry is the easy part." He said that the clinical work, every day we has been what to do and what we will do for the rest of our lives. To develop skills outside of the clinical area is what can really set a dentist, apart from the rest. The skills and the confidence must be solid, but listen to the patient and put them first can really go a long way.
Marina and Ben congratulations and good luck in your dental career!
AppId is over the quota AppId is over the quota You never know where blogging takes you. I recently switched this blog’s URL over to www.HateDentists.com Hate Dentists Blog gets new home.
I needed a name that related to Dental Psychology. Something that spoke to the extreme drama some people experience when sitting in a dental chair.
“Hate Dentists” captures all that drama in 2 simple words.
My only reservation is that the name might attract only the ranters. Some people just want to vent their fury towards the dental profession.
When I started the blog I had no idea what direction it would go in and it soon outgrew my local-based name of Toronto Dentist Smile Blog. I’ll keep that one going as a team-based blog.
Once you’re ready to move past the hate and you want to know more about your dental options, visit my Dental Consumer’s Blog called Dental Secrets & Tips Guide.
Good news… We recently created a video related to the Reasons People Hate Dentists. We all had a good time, and from my acting skills it was clear I should stick to dentistry.
Not sure if it’s going to play out as a horror, a comedy, or a little of both.
We’ll see.
Dr. Joe
About the Author: Dr. Joe Bulger is a West Toronto dentist. He’s also the owner-founder of Royal York Dental – a respected dental clinic serving Etobicoke since 1950.
If you would like to learn more about your dental options, fill out our contact form or CALL 416 231-0550 for a FREE & Easy No-Obligation First Visit.
If the missing teeth, you want a dental procedure, which leads to the appearance, which is as close as possible to the natural teeth. Today, thanks to the huge development tooth, one aspect should be investigated by your dentist is dental implants.
Dental pain makes you vulnerable.
Most of us know that a mouthful of healthy teeth, tissue and gums may be in good general health. We know, for example, is a bacterial component, which connects to the overall condition of the oral health of our bodies.
Someone who has a child will participate in organized sport to worry about injuries as a result of that type at the time. And it is relevant, it is not a question of contact sports such as football or less impactful activities such as tennis. There's always the threat of injury.
At Bellevue, Washington Dental care, it not only meets the Spektor cavities, promotion and flossing of teeth whitening. Drs. Wendy and Michael Spektor also keeps those who are suffering as a result of a lifetime of chronic jaw pain caused by TMJ (also known as some of the TMD).
Putting all your trust in a Dentist’s hands
Too much dentistry?
A heavily-engineered tooth becomes more vulnerable to future problems.
Heroic fairy-tale drama...
Hero vs. Ogre - Good vs. Evil
Beware the Evil Ogre! Photo from game cover of Warcraft by Blizzard
Classic Painting: The Hero Slays the Dragon and Rescues the MaidenOf course the Drama Triangle wouldn’t be complete with a willing Rescuer or two. Even better, a whole mob of Rescuers looking to slay that evil ogre as revenge for the perceived indignation placed upon this righteous Victim.
Do you play a Cinderella role?
A decision to whiten your teeth in Bellevue, Wash., isn’t something you should take lightly. On the surface, tooth whitening might appear to be a quick and painless procedure that leaves you looking breathtakingly beautiful (or incredibly handsome). And on the surface, that assumption on your part is mostly correct.
Maybe your teeth whitening in just a simple update — pick-me-up if you will. We can think of at least five easy solutions, bearing in mind that the whitening whitening can affect dental, you already have a well. For example, crowns, bridges and implants some veneers may not whiten. So again you are going to have to hold this debate on the dental professional.
Hate Dentists Blog gets new home.