My Writings. My Thoughts.
Your Dentist Could Save Your Life?
// January 6th, 2010 // No Comments » // Periodontal Surgery
Neat article about how your oral health can affect the rest of your body like your heart, etc…
Posted by Dr. David Wong, periodontist, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tiger Woods and Facial Recontruction and Dental Work?
// December 30th, 2009 // No Comments » // Periodontal Surgery
Allegedly, Tiger Woods recently underwent cosmetic and facial recontruction surgery to repair injuries sustained with a golf club.
This story brings up an interesting point that most of the general public doesn’t know or think about:
Here’s the question: If you had a facial injury, what doctor would you see first?
Most people would see their general physician, but why not see your dentist? Many facial injuries are often associated with dental problems, TMJ, among other conditions. Oftentimes, your dentist can perorm a head and neck examination along with any oral/dental exams, so that you receive the most thorough diagnosis possible. They will also know who to refer you to for more specialized treatment, such as oral surgery, facial reconstruction, plastic surgery, etc…
HIV tests at your dentist’s office?
// December 28th, 2009 // No Comments » // Periodontal Surgery
On Foxnews.com, there is an interesting story about some dental offices offering HIV tests. Click HERE to go to the story.
Is your dental work covered under your medical insurance?
// December 20th, 2009 // No Comments » // Dental Insurance, Just for Patients
This is a very common question, but unfortunately, according to the dentists interviewed for this question, 99% of dental treatment is covered by your dental insurance…not your medical insurance.
Most dental offices have the ability to file your dental procedures under your medical insurance, but unfortunately these claims are usually denied or sent over to the dental claims department.
Which is better? Dental implants or a fixed bridge?
// November 19th, 2009 // 2 Comments » // Periodontal Surgery
If you’re missing a tooth, either your dentist or someone you know has probably had the discussion with you about how you should replace it. No matter how you slice it, the two most common replacement options always boils down to these two: Dental implant vs. a fixed bridge. Which is right for you?
Rather than re-hash my point-of-view as a periodontist, here’s a neat link to the New York Times on their recent article about this very subject.
How a Smile can improve your social and professional Life
// November 3rd, 2009 // No Comments » // Cosmetic Dentistry, Just for Patients
How a Smile can improve your social and professional Life by Dr. Mike Hinkle, Utica Dental
In the past five years, there has been a 300% jump in cosmetic dentistry says members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Procedures such as Lumineers, Invisalign®, and the very popular one hour in-office whitening procedure called Zoom®, have all made an unattractive smile a thing of the past.
How important is an attractive smile?
Well, 9 out of 10 men and women, agree that an attractive smile is an important social asset. Nearly as many men as women, 86% vs. 89%, say they always remember someone with an especially attractive smile. And about 75% of adults agree that an unattractive smile can hurt someone’s chances for a successful career. More than 8 out of 10 patients agree that an unattractive smile makes a person less appealing to people of the opposite sex.
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It’s Halloween, Tulsa! Time to consider sugar-free candy for your kids? Tips from your local dentists
// October 25th, 2009 // No Comments » // How To Prevent Cavities, Just for Patients, Patient questions finally answered!
Yep, it’s one of every child’s favorite time of the year– Halloween: Getting dressed up, scaring people, and eating candy until their stomaches hurt. BUT, what do parents need to know about keep their children’s teeth healthy?
1. Sugar contributes to cavities! But not how you think…it’s actually the FREQUENCY of the sugar consumption NOT the AMOUNT that causes cavities…so, it’s better for kids to eat all their candy at once rather than snack on it throughout the day.
2. Most of their favorite candies come in sugar-free forms. Here’s a link from Hershey’s about all their sugar-free alternatives… they’re great for diabetics too! http://www.hersheys.com/products/details/sugarfree/
3. Soft candies, like caramels, stay on teeth longer and can do more harm to teeth than hard candies, like Sweet Tarts.
4. BRUSH after a candy-eating binge!
5. Drink lots of water… not juice, sports drinks, or soda!
Dentists not required to carry malpractice insurance in Oklahoma
// October 1st, 2009 // No Comments » // Just for Patients, Patient questions finally answered!
I recently met this woman in Tulsa who had extensive dental implant surgery and other dental work (like crowns) and her dentist accidentally injured a nerve in her jaw and she’s now numb in her chin…permanently. Not only did the dentist (also in Tulsa) want more money to fix her condition, but when this woman called to check his malpractice insurance for a possible lawsuit, she discovered that he didn’t have malpractice insurance! And all of his assets were in his wife’s name, so she can’t do anything about it. Very sad situation.
99% of dentists carry malpractice insurance, but sometimes you have to ask the question…better safe than sorry!
Dental Implant Question: I have a loose denture. What can dental implants do for me?
// September 24th, 2009 // No Comments » // Periodontal Surgery
Loose dentures are a common complaint among denture wearers. What many patients don’t know is that as soon as you lose your teeth, the supporting jaw bones begin to shrink, or atrophy. This results in a variety of complications such as loose dentures, decreased chewing power, and increased facial wrinkles (and jowls). Sometimes, this bone loss can lead to permanent numbness of the lower jaw. Dental implants work by acting like real teeth again and fools your jaw into believing that your teeth are there. This then prevents the jaw bones from shrinking. The implants can then be used to secure your loose denture to your jaw so it is more stable and secure.
Mischa Barton talks about oral surgery to remove her wisdom teeth
// September 11th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Celebrity Smiles, Oral Surgery, Periodontal Surgery
The View / Mischa Barton – The View
So getting your wisdom teeth out isn’t fun… You can get on “The View” for that?