Choosing the Right Orthodontist

The advent of modern techniques in modern dentistry has lead super specialty procedures in dental surgery. The common problems that people in general face in teeth are decay of teeth, gum disease also known as periodontal disease, tooth erosion, toothaches, tooth sensitivity. If you’re suffering from any of these cases, you need to see a dental specialist surgeon without delay.

What does an orthodontist do?

If you’re suffering from crooked teeth, it is important to undergo some corrective treatment. In crooked teeth, teeth are not straight as they should be. Whether a tooth or a set of teeth, they are said to be crooked if they are the tooth is bent. It’s here that the role of an OKC  orthodontist becomes important.

As a professional, the orthodontist is supposed to locate the issue of positioning the teeth correctly so that they deliver the optimal function. As a matter of diagnosis, and surgical aids, the the professional can use X-rays or other means of diagnostics. They will prescribe dental brace, space maintainers, retainers to bring out correction in crooked teeth..

 Further, the professional can play a big role in envisaging custom treatment that may be required according to the peculiar nature of the case. They will work along with orthodontic technicians who will assist in placing the brace correctly.

The Shawnee orthodontist designs and gets fabricated dental braces and implants. The braces are aiding tools in orthodontic that bring the teeth into proper alignment and straighten them. On the other hand, dental implants are  surgical components that that are used as support to the bone of the jaw or skull to support a dental prosthesis  like a bridge, crown, denture facial prosthesis and so on.

Choosing the right orthodontist

So, if you are planning to get dental braces, or implants, it is important to choose qualified experienced orthodontist in your area. In addition to their professional qualification, competency, you need to consider a few more points. They are as follows:

Choose one with a good name – Check out on the Internet for orthodontist in your neighborhood. Also, seek advice from friends, relations, colleagues. Their advice could be valuable. Check their professional credentials. Check if they have got proper certification and education and training

Convenience – Visiting the professional should be convenient. Therefore, the best thing is to choose one in or around your location. This will make it easy for you to reach there easily and on time.. thus, you can save time. You can reach on time when you get an appointment to see the doctor.

While you can undergo treatment for any condition in the teeth, it is important to take care of your teeth. They are simple, yet highly effective. You should brush teeth twice a day and clean the tongue with brush as well as with the tongue scraper. Further, use floss to get rid of food debris between teeth. This will help you keep your whole oral cavity healthy. Further, consume a balanced diet. Drink plenty of water. This will help you keep the health of in our oral cavity intact. If you experience pain, sensitivity or an injury in the teeth or any part in the oral cavity see special doctor immediately.

Find Orthodontist for Your Tooth Health Care

There are people who are not much proud of their teeth, but are afraid of wearing braces thinking that it would not give out a good image of their personality. Such people need not worry anymore because the recent advancement in the field of dentistry has made it possible to get the teeth aligned with hardly anyone noticing. This new way of getting a perfectly looking smile does not require people to wear the uncomfortable metal braces. Envisaging is a new technique that many people across the world are using with outstanding results. This form of treatment involves wearing several plastic aligners. The aligners come in different shapes & sizes and have to be worn for definite period of time. The users have the liberty of removing the plastic aligners while eating, brushing, or flossing. These plastic aligners are patient-specific and are prepared by the dentists by taking impressions and pictures of a patient’s teeth. After going through the dental orientation of a patient, a dentist prepares the aligners in such a way that pressure is applied on the specific teeth.

As a result, the teeth get properly aligned over a period of time and thereby create a lovely smile. The patients are asked to visit their Orthodontist in intervals of 2 weeks. They check the progress of the previously used aligner and then change it with the next one if the pack. Usually, a pack of aligners is prepared for every patient and each one in the pack is changed every 2 weeks. Once removed, the aligners are of no uses and thrown away. This technique of Envisaging is used for both teenager and adults. Especially those teenagers who participate in sports activities and have badly-shaped teeth can benefit from Envisaging  in Okc . They can choose a treatment plan that suits their sports schedule and have their teeth straightened without any difficulty. This treatment also rules out the worry of an injury to the mouth while playing. And with the liberty of removing the aligners for special events like prom night, this treatment is sure to attract a lot of teenagers. Also, Envisaging allows the teenagers overcome the embarrassment of looking dull in the photos because of the braces.

As there are not porcelain brackets or wires in this form of treatment, there is no possibility of marks left behind due to the braces. Also, the teeth are prevented from having ugly white spots, as the brush cannot reach the areas covered by the braces. And as the aligners are transparent, people hardly get noticed that they are wearing mouthpieces. Irrespective of their age, people can finally get the smile that they desperately want. If there are any queries or questions related to this method of straightening of teeth, the professionals are the best ones to ask. They know everything about the procedure, benefits, challenges, difficulties, solutions, etc., of Envisaging. So, people can get all their doubts solved beforehand and proceed to have outstanding results with Shawnee orthodontics. Envisaging, even the most complex conditions can be treated for a perfect smile, which is clearly evident from the numerous happy customers worldwide.

The signs and symptoms of Lyme disease: What to look out for in the dental hygiene operatory

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease

Recently, a patient walked into my operatory with bright red knees and a rash of round blotches on her arms and legs. I took one look at her and asked if she had been tested for Lyme disease. She told me how she had gone to the walk-in clinic the week before with a crushing headache and fever, tested negative for Lyme disease, was told the cause was probably viral, and was instructed to take ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

When the rash appeared a few days after that, she went to her primary care physician who diagnosed her with hives, putting her on prednisone and loratadine. “I’ve had hives,” my patient said to me. “These aren’t hives. They don’t itch.” I told my patient that Lyme disease is endemic where we live in upstate New York, and the test is unreliable in the early stages of the disease. I urged her to go back to her doctor.


As dental hygienists, we are partners in our patients’ whole health, and sometimes the red flags we see have nothing to do with their teeth. In the case of this patient, the first red flag I saw was her knees. There was something abnormal about how angry and inflamed they appeared. Swollen, painful joints are a sign of Lyme disease.1 The second red flag was her rash. The classic presentation of erythema migrans, the rash associated with Lyme disease, is the bull’s-eye lesion. An estimated 27% to 80% of Lyme disease cases present with a rash,2 and some people get an atypical rash.3 My patient’s rash was not the classic bull’s eye, but it was suspicious enough for me to ask more questions.

Autism spectrum disorder: Strategies for successful dental hygiene appointments

Most clinicians have or will treat a patient who has special needs, whether those special needs are easily recognizable physically or come in the form of a developmental disability such as autism. What may be a routine dental visit for us or for another child can be a stressful event that incites an emotional tailspin for others.

Autism spectrum disorder is a variable condition on the rise in the United States, and it affects our children in mysterious ways. In April 2018, the Centers for Disease Control released new statistics on autism spectrum disorder. The newest studies indicate that, in the United States, one in 59 children is on the autism spectrum, up from the previous figure of one in 68.1 A government survey of parents revealed that one in 45 children has been diagnosed with autism.2 The prevalence of the disorder is greater among boys than girls: one in 37 and one in 151, respectively.1 There is speculation about the cause of autism, although it still remains unknown.

Autism can manifest in a multitude of ways; every child it affects is different. From those mildly affected to those who have a profound disability, each individual has unique triggers and coping mechanisms. In many cases, early intervention and therapy have improved the ability of children to learn and communicate with others and to learn social skills that don’t come naturally to them. Some of the more common manifestations of autism include repetitive movements such as rocking back and forth, avoiding eye contact and touch, struggling to understanding others’ feelings and emotions, delayed or undeveloped language, and upset over changes in routine. Most children who have autism have intense reactions to textures, smells, sounds, lights, or colors. Shifts in routine and new environments or faces can cause anxiety in these children, often making them less cooperative as patients.

The consequences of dull dental hygiene instruments on practice productivity

Sharpening in the trenches: Survey results

Instrument sharpening is rarely part of discussions about the business model of dental hygiene. This isn’t surprising given that sharpening is often literally left out of the hygienist’s day, whether he or she likes it or not. Our recent survey on sharpening revealed that of hygienists who say they aren’t sharpening as much as they’d like, 73% cite a lack of time as the main issue.

From our survey, it also became clear that some hygienists’ employers (both individual dentist-owners and DSOs) don’t value sharpening. They don’t provide reasonable time to accomplish it, expecting hygienists to do it after hours—that is, unpaid. Some employers even downright discourage it. One respondent said, “The doctor gets upset when we sharpen and thinks we will ruin the instruments.” There were many other comments such as this one.

Why is something as central to the practice of dental hygiene as a sharp scaler so neglected in some practices’ models of productivity and everyday activities? Why should hygienists feel confident in including sharpening as an important part of their work, both as clinicians and as generators of revenue? In this installment, we’ll explore these questions and hear what experts have to say about them.

The money

Let’s be cynics for a moment. We all know that not every dental professional has the patient’s best interests at heart. We’ll explore the clinical consequences of dull instruments in an upcoming article, but what about consequences that are spelled out in dollars? Sometimes even dire clinical consequences are not enough to push a practice owner to prioritize patient care, but such a person or entity will pay attention when the practice loses money. So, it’s worth asking: Can dull instruments actually hurt a practice’s bottom line?

The gag reflex: How dental hygienists can help patients who experience it

When exposing radiographs, some techniques may alleviate the reaction

Our gag reflex is a natural protective automatic response designed to keep us alive. It keeps us from allowing any foreign object from going down our throat. It’s one of many survival responses, like jerking our hand away when we touch something hot. We don’t think about gagging; it just happens. Have you ever gagged when having x-rays taken? This is not pleasant.

The pharyngeal reflex or laryngeal spasm activates the gag reflex when something touches the back of the throat, roof of the mouth, tongue, or uvula areas. The tissues constrict in the back of the mouth, which causes a person to gag or feel like throwing up. Many people become concerned when the gag reflex activates, and this makes them feel uncomfortable or nervous.

The gag reflex starts in the first months of life. If the infant’s brain perceives something that’s too lumpy, the hypersensitive reflex activates. Once the infant starts to eat solid foods, the gag reflex diminishes and is less important for survival, unless, of course, a bitter taste is detected and interpreted as dangerous or poisonous. The bitterness will cause someone to vomit and eliminate the hazard immediately. Cotton rolls can also activate the gag reflex.


Patient perception

Some people have a terrible time preventing their gag reflex from activating. This is embarrassing, and they don’t really know why it’s happening. Gagging can be a physiological fear of losing control by vomiting. Some people can see the x-ray holders coming toward their mouths (it’s not even in their mouths yet) and they start to gag. As dental professionals, this can be frustrating, time consuming, and scary. I have told my patients that if they throw up, I’ll be next. I’m a “sympathy gagger.” However, we should offer our patients who gag encouragement, patience, and a positive attitude.

I came up with my article topic when one of my myofunctional patients visited a dentist for her prophylaxis and new-patient examination. When she returned to her therapy appointment, she told me that she went to her dental appointment, but because she had a sensitive gag reflex, they told her to see another dentist. They actually dismissed her from their practice! I was flabbergasted! This patient truly has a severe gag reflex. The dental team did not understand how to handle or temporize the situation. Aren’t dentists always looking for new patients? What do you think this patient will have to say about that office? Negative publicity will not grow a practice.

As a prevention specialist, I felt so bad that she was turned away because of a problem she could not control. So we discussed ways to eliminate her gag reflex. She has a narrow palate and small mouth. We started some remedial activity. The most successful technique was using a small graham cracker placed between her tongue and mandible. She was able to tolerate this and did not gag.

Placing that huge x-ray holder in a little mouth is a challenge for both patient and dental professional. There are other ways to collect radiographic records, such as a panorex, child-size sensors or films, or piggyback bitewing tabs on the sensor to move it toward the center of the palate to avoid contact and gagging. Crosstex has excellent Wrap-Ease Cushions for sensors with barriers. These prevent the mandibular and palatal tori from being injured. They’re also comfortable and easy to use.

Professional swallowers

Think of a sword swallower. I gag just thinking about that, and I’m not a gagger! How did they train themselves not to gag while putting that long sword down their throats? What about people who “swallow” fire or other items mentioned in books like Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

Do these people not have gag reflexes? How do they overcome any gagging? Do they use continuous training such as mind over matter? What about people who are professional eaters? They have to overcome gagging in order to swallow enough food to win a contest. Participants practice in order to put on great shows for audiences. Patients can also practice at home to desensitize their gag reflex.

In the dental office, gagging takes most people out of their comfort zones. Gaggers often don’t want to return for more dental care. Every experience can be traumatic. Treatment is often postponed until it becomes an emergency. Future recare appointments are frequently cancelled due to anticipated stress and fear.

Every office should consider creating a standard operating procedure for these patients. Every team member should learn techniques to make appointments as comfortable as possible. Stress management is a significant step in this process. Patients could practice at home to desensitize their gag reflex each time they brush their teeth.

Gagging is a defense system of the body to prevent choking. I hope this article helps lay this gagging reflex problem to rest. You can collect some little bags of salt to use, and remember, they are infection-control friendly.

, RDH, COM, is a national and international speaker specializing in OSHA, infection control, lasers, and orofacial myology. Pine conducts in-office trainings, boot camps, online seminars, and lectures at dental/dental hygiene conventions. She is a member of OSAP speaker’s/consultant’s bureau and publishes regularly in several dental magazines. Pat provides both OSHA Boot Camp and orofacial myofunctional therapy. Contact her at info@oshatrainingbootcamp.com.

References

1. https://www.medigoo.com/articles/hyperactive-gag-reflex/

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8647679

3. http://www.dentalhygiene411.com/how-to/x-rays-gaggers/


Tips and tricks from Facebook’s hygienists

My dental hygiene peers on Facebook shared the following suggestions after I asked: “What do dental professionals do for patients with gag reflexes when taking x-rays?” I was pleasantly surprised by the great responses.

    • Communication is key, talking softly and calmly to patients to give them a sense of calm and control.

 

Addressing compliance in the periodontally involved patient

Start with one part patient relationship plus one part break down compliance barriers. Toss in some patient education and combine with follow-up. Sprinkle liberally with communication. Serve with a smile.

Periodontal disease continues to be prevalent in the United States. In a recent report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 47.2% of adults ages 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease.1 Every day dental hygienists try to help patients improve their oral health along with their systemic health. In November 2016, the American Heart Association stated that, based on recent research, periodontal disease is independently associated with arteriosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD).2 This was a breakthrough in the medical and dental communities. Before, we could only say there was a strong correlation between periodontal disease and heart disease, but now we can say it is a fact. Dental and medical professionals need to come together to help patients improve their oral and systemic health.

Dental hygienists face issues daily with patients regarding periodontal compliance for a multitude of reasons. Getting patients to comply with treatment recommendations is a multifaceted process. The importance of compliance must be communicated consistently by all dental team members, primary care physicians, specialists, and team members throughout the referral network.

Communication

To increase patient periodontal compliance, it may be helpful to contact your patients’ physicians and specialists to request assistance in supporting the cause for treatment of the patient’s periodontal disease. In my office, our doctor regularly seeks medical clearance and support for periodontal treatment from our patients’ physicians and our referral network. Unfortunately, most physicians and specialists outside our network respond with letters that leave much to be desired and contribute little to help improve our patients’ compliance. But within our referral network, we have found that patients will comply with the periodontal treatment that we recommend. Building rapport not only with our patients but with local physicians can help increase patient compliance.

Ask the Experts: Our go-to sealants for pediatric and adult patients

Properly applied sealants are a cornerstone of dental hygiene prevention, especially for young patients—but they’re not just for kids. We recently asked our editorial advisory board how they would handle sealant application in two very different patient situations. If you’ve got patients who love gummy worms and patients who love coffee (and we know you do), read on!


Patient A

This 7-year-old patient is at high risk for caries due to his diet, which includes sugary drinks and sticky foods, and his oral hygiene habits; he brushes just once a day and flosses only occasionally. He has normal dexterity for oral hygiene for his age, and while he seems mildly interested in home-care instruction, his parents are not particularly interested in enforcing good habits at home.

Patient B

This 42-year-old patient has excellent oral hygiene awareness and habits but is suffering decay issues. She has medication-
induced xerostomia. She enjoys a few cups of sweetened coffee spread throughout the day, which she drinks slowly. She is frustrated by the current state of her oral health and is interested in additional preventive measures.

Amber Metro-Sanchez, BA, RDH

What is your sealant of choice for these patients, and why?

For the younger patient, I would use UltraSeal XT hydro by Ultradent. This sealant material works well in a moist environment, which thankfully reduces the constant need for saliva control in this age group. This product also releases fluoride after placement and has excellent wear resistance, so it is a winner for this patient all around.

It’s not about you. Or is it? The key to keeping your patients coming back for recall appointments

When your patients don’t show up for their dental appointments, what is your first thought? A missed confirmation call or text? Think again; it’s not about your system. The key to keeping your patients coming back for their recall appointments starts with the letter R.

Ask yourself: What is the most important factor in ensuring patients keep their dental appointments? If your first thought is “confirmation calls or texts,” you would not be alone. But you would be wrong!

When we experience a no-show in our schedules, the first thing many of us look to is the confirmation list. “Did we speak to the patient or leave a message?” “Home or cell?” “Do we have a good phone number?”

Another element on which we rely heavily is the recall system the office uses. “Did the patient receive a reminder card in the mail?” “Were they properly entered into our continuing care system?”

Recall systems and confirmation calls are necessary components of a healthy hygiene department, of course. However, they are just that: components and complements to the real factor that helps ensure patients make and keep appointments.

Surprisingly, it’s not your system. It’s you.

Your relationship with your patients determines whether they make appointments and keep them. If you don’t agree with this, I challenge you to think about the appointments in your own life that you never want to miss. Do you have a friendly hair stylist you would never stand up? A personal trainer who gives you the push you need to be your best? A much-needed massage with the masseuse who knows where your muscle pain is located? These are all relationships. Not deep or complicated ones, but important ones in your life.

Guiding pregnant patients’ oral care

I love having pregnant women in my chair for prophylaxes! It allows me to really hone in on proper home care for mother and child. Since most soon-to-be mothers are concerned about doing everything right, it is rare that they become upset when I review oral hygiene instructions.

By the time I finish explaining the importance of home care, they usually have many questions for me. This is a great opportunity to build rapport with patients and gain their trust. Let’s be honest; this interaction is something that often gets pushed aside because of the high demand placed on hygienists to produce and do more throughout the day.

Subbotina | Dreamstime.com

Pregnant patients

It is usually through the medical history that I find out a woman is pregnant. I like to ask a few questions to feel out whether the patient is happy about the pregnancy before I congratulate her. Most of the time the woman is happy, but I do have patients who aren’t exactly thrilled with the situation, and I have to respect that too. I usually ask how far along they are, when they’re due, if it is a high-risk pregnancy, and how they’re feeling.

Based on their answers, I can usually detect if the pregnancy is good news or not, and then I can continue on with boy or girl questions, offer congratulations, and more. It is always good to have the information about the patient’s obstetrician on file in case the dentist needs to consult with him or her about the patient’s case.