Our Blog

GET THOSE OLD SILVER FILLINGS OUT

sherrido@drueckert.com (AMY) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:27:09 +0100

BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTO'S---AFTEW REMOVING OLD LEAKING AMALGAM (SILVER) FILLINGS

BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTO'S.

THIS SHOWS TWO NEW PORCELAIN CROWNS AND COMPOSITE BONDED RESTORATIONS REMOVING OLD LEAKING AMALGAM FILLINGS.

The Icon Revolution

drueckert.com (Pattie Fennell, RDH) — Thu, 06 May 2010 16:22:57 +0100

Fluoride is used as a preventative agent.....Icon is used as an infiltrative agent.....composite is used as a restorative agent.
An early weakened spot on a tooth is called an incipient lesion. It is not yet a cavity, needing to be filled, but, if left alone, more than likely will slowly progress to the point of needing a restoration in the form of a filling. Icon is a process that uses infiltration technology to fill and reinforce demineralized enamel without drilling or anesthesia.....and without unnecessary loss of healthy tooth structure. It can also be used to treat those blotchy, white spots that some of us have on our teeth that are cosmetically less than ideal. Fluoride is used as a preventative agent................Icon is used as an infiltrative agent...............composite is used as a restorative agent. Go to www.drilling-no-thanks.com to read more on this fascinating topic!

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

sherrido@drueckert.com (Amy) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:15:43 +0100

Reports of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw (BON) associated with the use of Zometa (zolendronic acid) and Aredia (pamidronate) began to surface in 2003. The majority of reported cases have been associated with dental procedures such as tooth extraction; however, less commonly BON appears to occur spontaneously in patients taking these drugs.
Zolendronic acid and pamidronate are intravenous (i.v.) bisphosphonates used to reduce bone pain, hypercalcemia and skeletal complications in patients with multiple myeloma, breast, lung and other cancers and Paget’s disease of bone. Cases of BON have also been associated with the use of the oral bisphosphonates, Fosamax (alendronate), Actonel (risedronate) and Boniva (ibandronate), for the treatment of osteoporosis; however, it is not clear if these patients had other conditions that would put them at risk for developing BON. Clinical Presentation The typical clinical presentation of BON includes pain, soft-tissue swelling and infection, loosening of teeth, drainage, and exposed bone. These symptoms may occur spontaneously, or more commonly, at the site of previous tooth extraction. Patients may also present with feelings of numbness, heaviness and dysesthesias of the jaw. However, BON may remain asymptomatic for weeks or months, and may only become evident after finding exposed bone in the jaw. Dental Management It is important to understand that, based on the information currently available, the risk for developing BON is much higher for cancer patients on i.v. bisphosphonate therapy than the risk for patients on oral bisphosphonate therapy. Therefore, there are different recommendations for dental management of these patients. Further reading. http://jada.ada.org/cgi/content/abstract/137/8/1115

Allergic Response: Anaphylaxis

sherrido@drueckert.com (Amy) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 11:29:42 +0100

Common allergens include penicillin, latex, aspirin,strawberries, shellfish, and peanuts. Histamine, released by mast cells, produces virtually all the clinical signs and symptoms associated with allergic reactions, including rash, bronchospasm, and vasodilation.
The severity of the allergic reaction depends on how rapidly and where these chemicals are released. Delayed-onset allergies most commonly involve only the skin and are not life-threatening. Immediate-onset allergies are life-threatening, usually involving the respiratory and cardiovascular systems and producing bronchospasm and a drop in blood pressure. This requires immediate emergency management to keep the person alive.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis Requirements Prior to Dental Treatment

sherrido@drueckert.com (Julie) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 09:27:16 +0100

The American Dental Association (ADA) website has the current requirements from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the American Heart Association (AHA), regarding antibiotic prophylaxis prior to dental treatment for patients that may be predisposed to infective endocarditis due to heart conditions or who have had total joint replacement.

www.ada.org/public/topics/antibiotics.asp

www.ada.org/prof/resources/topics/antibiotic.asp

Below I have briefly listed premedication requirements for dental treatment taken from the American Dental Association along with their direct link:

The American Heart Association (AHA) states that preventive antibiotics prior to a dental procedure are advised for patients with:

1. artificial heart valves

2. a history of infective endocarditis

3. certain specific, serious congenital (present from birth) heart conditions, including

unrepaired or incompletely repaired cyanotic congenital heart disease, including those with palliative shunts and conduits
a completely repaired congenital heart defect with prosthetic material or device, whether placed by surgery or by catheter intervention, during the first six months after the procedure
any repaired congenital heart defect with residual defect at the site or adjacent to the site of a prosthetic patch or a prosthetic device

4. a cardiac transplant that develops a problem in a heart valve.

www.ada.org/public/topics/antibiotics.asp

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons(AAOS) states that preventive antibiotics prior to a dental procedure are advised for patients with:

total joint replacement

www.ada.org/prof/resources/topics/antibiotic.asp

Hypoglycemia

sherrido@drueckert.com (Amy) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:45:06 +0100

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is most likely in a diabetic, particularly the type 1 insulin-dependent diabetic. The classic signs and symptoms are that the patient is cold, sweaty, shaking, and mentally disorientated. Many patients, however, do not exhibit these. Therefore, when reviewing the patient's medical history, it is important to ask diabetic patients to list their signs and symptoms.
Before you start dental treatment, ask your patients these questions: "When did you last take your insulin?' and "When did you last eat?" If the patient took insulin and hasn't eaten recently, give the patient some orange juice before you start treatment. Mental confusion or disorientation is often the first signs of hypoglycemia. If a diabetic patient shows either of these signs, stop treatment and apply the PABCD protocol. P. Position Patient A. Airway B. Breathing C. Circulation D. Definitive Care

Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office

sherrido@drueckert.com (Amy) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:24:54 +0100

Medical emergencies can and do occur, not only in your dental office but any place at any time. The entire staff and designated in-office emergency team must be trained, and emergency equipment and drugs must be available and current. The best way to handle an emergency is to start by being prepared.
Imagine you are treating a patient, stop treatment to ask her a question, and find that she is unresponsive. You quickly ask someone to tell the receptionist to call 911 and to bring you the oxygen tank. The oxygen tank finally arrives about 10 minutes later, but is almost empty. You eventually get another oxygen tank from an assistant, but it has no tubing, so there is another delay in getting the patient oxygen. The paramedics finally arrive, but it is too late-the patient is dead. WERE YOU PREPARED? You had the oxygen tank, the emergency kit, and CPR training. You may have thought you were prepared-until the patient died. Emergencies are rare in dental offices. Nonetheless, we must be prepared to manage medical emergencies when they do occur. (Dr. Stanley Malamed)

RECOGNIZING A STROKE

sherrido@drueckert.com (Amy) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:41:09 +0100

STROKE:Remember the 1st Three Letters....S.T.R. My nurse friend sent this and encouraged me to post it and spread the word. I agree. If everyone can remember something this simple, we could save some folks. Seriously.
RECOGNIZING A STROKE Thank God for the sense to remember the '3' steps, STR . Read and Learn! Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions: S *Ask the individual to SMILE. T *Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (I.e. It is sunny out today) R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS. If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher. New Sign of a Stroke ---Stick out Your Tongue. NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue.. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other, that is also an indication of a stroke.

Dispelling Myths about Gum Disease

sherrido@drueckert.com (Amy) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:22:48 +0100

CHICAGO—February 18, 2010—The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) estimates that approximately three out of four Americans suffer from some form of gum disease – from mild cases of gingivitis, to the more severe form known as periodontitis. However, despite this prevalence, approximately only three percent seek treatment for their gum disease. With increasingly more research indicating that gum disease may be linked to several other diseases, including diabetes, heart disease and certain forms of cancer, maintaining healthy teeth and gums has become more important that ever.

In order to help distinguish between fact and fallacy regarding periodontal disease, the AAP has identified and addressed below some common misconceptions about oral health.

Bleeding gums are not that big of a deal.
Red, swollen and bleeding gums are an important sign of periodontal disease. If you notice bleeding while brushing or flossing, or when eating certain foods, you should schedule a visit with your dental professional to be evaluated for periodontal disease. Studies have shown that in addition to tooth loss, gum disease may contribute to the progression of other diseases, including heart disease and diabetes, so it is important that you begin treating periodontal disease as soon as possible.

You don’t need to floss every day.
Routine oral care, which includes brushing after every meal and before bedtime, and flossing at least once a day, is the best way to prevent gum disease. However, a recent survey estimates that only 13.5 percent of Americans floss each day. It is vital that you keep up with your daily oral care, and see a dental professional for a thorough check-up twice a year. If gum disease is diagnosed, a consultation with a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in treating periodontal disease, may be beneficial.

A visit to the periodontist will be scary.
Periodontists are gum disease experts. They have received three or more years of specialized training following dental school centered on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of periodontal disease. Periodontists are equipped with the latest treatments and technologies, using innovative tools such as digital radiography, ultrasound technology, biomarker measurement and laser therapy to help make your visit more comfortable.

A tooth lost to gum disease is a tooth lost forever.
Gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. However, in addition to treating gum disease, periodontists are also experts in placing dental implants – a convenient and comfortable way to permanently replace missing teeth. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into the jaw to hold a replacement tooth. Studies have shown that dental implants have a 98 percent success rate, and with proper care, allow you to speak, eat and smile with confidence. In fact, a survey conducted by the American Academy of Periodontology found that over 70 percent of respondents reported being “pleased” or “extremely satisfied” with the results of their dental implants.

Poor oral hygiene is the only way to develop gum disease.
Forgoing good oral hygiene can certainly contribute to the progression of gum disease, but there are a variety of other factors that can also impact your risk. For instance, tobacco use has been shown to greatly increase your chance of developing gum disease. Stress, poor diet, and even genetics, can also play a role in the health of your gums. To determine your risk of developing gum disease, the AAP offers a free online risk assessment test.

For more information on common myths surrounding periodontal disease, or to speak with an AAP spokesperson, please contact the AAP’s Public Relations Office at 312-573-3242 or meg@perio.org.

Going to the Dentist Can Be Music to Your Ears

sherrido@drueckert.com (Julie) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:27:21 +0100

I was watching the Jay Leno Show a while back and saw this clip. The Dan Band performs at a dental office....Everything IS Better With Music....www.thejaylenoshow.com/video/clips/the-dan-band/1164139

I was watching the Jay Leno Show a while back and saw this clip and could not help but die laughing. The Dan Band takes a hilarious trip to the dental office making everything from: waiting in the waiting room, having your teeth cleaned, having x-rays taken, and seeing the dentist...Everything Is Better With Music......Check it out! http://www.thejaylenoshow.com/video/clips/the-dan-band/1164139