Mercury Free Dental Wellness » Oral Healthcare

It’s Much More Than “Just a Cleaning”

Shelby Township Dentist — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:01:49 +0000

Most people visit their dentist when they experience pain, have a broken tooth, or when they want to get their teeth cleaned. This is what we learned from our parents growing up about the importance of seeing the dentist.

As the years have passed and research has progressed, we have learned that going to the dentist regularly to maintain good oral health is vital to overall heath and wellness. A routine visit to see the hygienist and dentist for a cleaning and exam now entails much more.

More and more dentists now incorporate routine exams inside the oral cavity and the outside of head and neck into their hygiene appointments to screen for a host of oral diseases, including gum disease and oral cancer. Unfortunately, not all early signs of disease can be seen by the naked eye. At our practice we do much more.

Advances in technology have made it possible for dentists to offer non-invasive screening tests to help identify patients that are at higer risk for developing head and neck cancers and gum disease and to detect these diseases at an early stage. At our office we utilize 3 screening tools, in addition to the examination of the oral cavity and head and neck, to help identify at risk patients that we serve. They include individualized Oral Health Scores, a light based screening tool for the oral cavity, and a saliva test that measures the amount of human papillomavirus in your mouth.

At your hygiene visit, our hygienists will provide you with your individualized Oral Health Scores that are generated by your answers to a few easy questions about your health history. Your scientifically validated Oral Health Scores will be calculated by a computerized risk assessment program. Based on your risk, we will recommend different treatment options to manage your risk. Your Oral Health Scores are very much like the cholestorol scores you receive from your doctor to better understand your risk of heart disease. We use these scores to recommend different intervals of screening with other tests mentioned earlier. You can get your free Oral Health Scores at hpsdental.mydentalscore.com.

VELscope® Vx is a non-invasive light based screening test that allows our doctors to look at your mouth literally in a different light. Different cells, viruses, bacteria, fungi, cancer cells, etc, all show up in different colors when seen through the VELscope® Vx. Based on what the doctor sees will determine if you have anything that may need further evaluation. If you are in the low risk category base on your Oral Health Scores, we would suggest less frequent screening and if your are high risk we would suggest screening on every hygiene visit.

We are also very excited about being able to offer our patients the latest screening test for oral cancer to help identify high risk patients – the OraRisk HPV® Salivary Diagnostic Test. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common virus groups in the world. According to the Centers for Disease Control, at least 20 million people in the United States are infected with HPV and there are approximately 6 million new cases each year.

The OraRisk^® HPV test is a non-invasive, easy-to-use screening tool to identify the type(s) of oral HPV, a viral infection in the mouth that could potentially lead to oral cancer. OraRisk^® HPV enables us to establish increased risk for oral cancer and determine appropriate referral and monitoring conditions.

Who should be tested?

Patients with traditional risk factors for oral cancer
Patients who are sexually active
Patients with signs and symptoms of oral cancer
Patients with suspicious oral lesions

Following increased screening saves lives. At our practice, we do more than just cleanings, we individualize your care to your specific needs.

About HPS Advanced Dental Care, PC

Dr. Heather Pranzarone Stratton is a Family and Cosmetic Dentist practicing with a Biological and Biocompatible philosophy in Shelby Township, Michigan. Our practice provides a full range of Family and Cosmetic Dentistry services for your entire family including, professional cleanings and oral cancer screenings, tooth restoration, porcelain veneers, crowns, bridges, root canal therapy, tooth whitening, and dentures. We are a mercury free and mercury safe dental practice and latex free practice. HPS Advanced Dental Care, PC easily serves Macomb and Oakland Counties. We are easily accessible from many metro Detroit cities including: Shelby Township, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Macomb Township, Oakland Township, Washington, Birmingham, Troy, Sterling Heights, Clinton Township, and many more.

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Cosmetic Dentistry – It’s Not Just For Looks

Shelby Township Dentist — Wed, 18 May 2011 19:58:51 +0000

Cosmetic Dentistry. It brings to mind the photos of your favorite movie star with their $1 Million smile that probably cost that much to get. What is often times missing from the doctor-patient discussion regarding cosmetic dental procedures is the health benefits of having these procedures done.

You might be wondering, “How can cosmetic dentistry benefit my health?” It’s a great question, one that many dental professionals do not regularly communicate to their patients. Cosmetic procedures include teeth whitening, veneers, crowns, dental implants, and Invisalign© Invisible Braces, just to name a few. All of these procedures have benefits that can affect your oral health and total wellness.

A well-aligned smile is not just a part of a pretty face – it’s the mark of a healthy mouth. Straight teeth allow you to brush your teeth more efficiently, improve speech, and allow for better digestion, leading to overall better health. Having crooked teeth isn’t just an eyesore, it also provides more nooks and crannies for food to get trapped making them harder to clean. This will lead to a build up of plaque or an abscess, or even gum disease, which can result in one or several teeth being removed. Recent studies have shown patients with gum disease are at significantly higher risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other serious health conditions. Well-aligned teeth trap fewer particles, develop fewer areas of decay and are easier to floss, all of which are vital to good gum and oral health.

Missing, crooked, or worn teeth can cause changes in your bite and jaw that can lead to functional problems when chewing and pain in your jaw. Procedures like, dental implants, veneers, or crowns restore the strength back to teeth that are weakened from large fillings, cracks and wear. Crooked teeth are often the result of overcrowding, which can be easily fixed with Invisalign© Invisible Braces, which will straighten and align your teeth over a few short months. Having a missing tooth is not purely a cosmetic problem either. It can leave your gums exposed, making it difficult and painful to eat on that side of your mouth. A missing tooth can also upset the balance of the other teeth in your mouth. This can result in the teeth shifting & moving around your jaw in order to compensate for the missing tooth. Your teeth can then become more crooked which can result in other problems. Missing teeth can easily be replaced with dental implants and crowns which will restore the strength and functionality of the missing tooth, prevent bone loss and prevent the rest of your teeth from shifting due to the loss of a tooth, which could affect your bite and ability to chew efficiently.

In your mouth there are more enzymes that break up food than in your stomach, making digestion easier. People who chew longer and eat slower digest their food better and have a tendency to be slimmer! Straight, strong, and healthy teeth do a better job of breaking up food, allowing for better digestion.

Ensuring your smile is as healthy as it can be does include cosmetic dentistry! Remember strong, well-aligned teeth are easier to brush & floss and this can reduce your risks of developing serious oral health problems, including gum disease. Cosmetic dentistry also has a profound impact on your self-confidence, romantic, and career success. So, next time your dentist or hygienist talk to you about cosmetic procedures, remember the treatment they are recommending can have a profound impact on your oral health and total wellness.

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What Are Your Oral Health Risk Scores?

Shelby Township Dentist — Wed, 12 May 2010 20:40:07 +0000

Gum disease (known as periodontitis) is a silent disease. It is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. You can’t see it. There’s usually no pain. Often times, you don’t even know you have it. If left untreated, gum disease just gets worse and can compromise your oral health and your overall health. It is possible to have periodontal disease and have no warning signs. Research has demonstrated that as many as 3 out of 4 people will experience some form of gum disease in their lifetime. There are many reasons to take gum disease seriously. The latest research studies tell us that gum disease may increase your risk of:

Heart Disease
Stroke
Cancer
Diabetes
Alzheimer’s Disease
Osteoporosis
Respiratory Diseases
Delivering a preterm, low birth-weight baby
Other serious health risks

There are many tests that help doctors predict our risk of developing certain diseases. We routinely get our blood pressure taken to assess our risk of hypertension. A blood pressure of higher than 120/80 is considered high risk and in need of treatment. We get our cholesterol checked to assess our risk of heart disease. A cholesterol score of higher than 200 is considered high risk and in need of treatment. There are even genetic tests for breast and ovarian cancer and colorectal cancer that tell us if we are in an extremely high risk category for developing these cancers. Most of us do not question the validity of these results and accept that the treatment that is recommended by our doctor is necessary to better our overall health and reduce these risks.

At our Family and Cosmetic Dental Office in Shelby Township, Michigan, we are very proud to offer every one of our patients PreViser™, a state-of-the-art, easy to understand and scientifically validated risk assessment tool for gum disease. This specialized computer software is an easy tool that you will receive at every routine hygiene therapy and oral cancer screenings appointment at no extra cost. The PreViser™ analytic reports provide us with a Periodontal Disease Risk Score that tells us, on a scale from 1-5, the probability you have of developing gum disease in your lifetime. It also provides us with a Periodontal Disease Score, on a scale of 1-100, which tells us how healthy you are right now.

Why is this important? The earlier that gum disease is diagnosed the faster it can be halted it in its tracks. Gum disease affects more than just your teeth and gums. Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. That is why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations, as well as, good oral hygiene at home are essential to help keep gum disease from becoming more serious or recurring. You don’t have to lose teeth to gum disease.

No one wants to lose teeth. No one wants to risk heart disease. No one wants to risk diabetes. No one wants to risk cancer. Knowing your Oral Health Scores is the first step toward healthier teeth and gums. It allows us to chart your course to better oral health. Remember that if caught early enough, gum disease can be reversed or prevented altogether. Now is the time to find out if you are at risk for gum disease. There can be no greater peace of mind than knowing you are protecting your health.

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Help Take a Bite Out of Oral Cancer

Shelby Township Dentist — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 18:39:15 +0000

Screening for the early warning signs of oral cancer is one of the most important reasons why you should visit the dentist on a regular basis. More than 34,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. It will cause over 8,000 deaths, killing roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day. This is a number which has not significantly improved in decades. In fact, recent statistics published by the American Cancer Society indicate that while the incidence and death rates for cancers overall have decreased, both the incidence and the death rate for oral cancer have increased. Early detection and diagnosis are essential in successful treatment of the disease. Oral cancer is 90% curable when found in its early stages.

As your dental team, we are the front line of defense in early detection of this disease. It is estimated that only about 50% of the US population visits the dentist every year. Unfortunately, only about 15% of those who visit a dentist regularly, report having had an oral cancer screening. This is unfortunate and unacceptable in my opinion, when you consider that historically, the greatest strides in combating most cancers have come from increased awareness and aggressive campaigns directed at early detection. For cervical, prostate and breast cancer, we’ve gotten used to annual screening exams — Pap smears, PSA tests and mammograms — each of which has greatly reduced death rates and increased early detection of the disease. In a similar fashion, utilizing new technologies available through our dental office, like computerized oral cancer risk assessment software, PreViser, and ViziLite Plus, an FDA-approved early detection test, could help reduce the deaths and disfigurement that can result from oral cancer. At our practice we are concerned with much more than cavities; we’re focused on total wellness, as indicated by conditions in the mouth.

Actually, it is easier to follow through with oral cancer screenings, since unlike many other cancer screening procedures, there is no invasive technique necessary to look for it, no discomfort or pain involved, and it is very inexpensive to have your mouth examined for the early signs of disease.

While most cases of oral cancer are associated with smoking and alcohol, one-quarter of all cases affect people with no risk behaviors. There is growing evidence that HPV (human papillomavirus), a sexually transmitted virus that has long been associated with cervical cancer, is associated in nearly 10% of oral cancer cases in both men and women. Public health experts think this may account for the growing number of oral cancers in younger people. The bottom line for everyone: See your dentist; it may save your life. It is our goal to have 100% of our practice family screened for oral cancer on a yearly basis. It is important to realize that a visit to our office is no longer about a filling, a crown, or “just a cleaning,” but can actually be a matter of life and death. Dental examinations, when properly done and which include a screening for oral cancer will save lives.

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Your Child’s Developing Smile

Shelby Township Dentist — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:01:14 +0000

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. In the spirit of Children’s Dental Health Month we wanted to bring you some information that we feel is important for you to know. We often get many questions from parents about their children’s developing smile regarding what to expect and how best to care for them. Below is more information that can be helpful as you help your child maintain proper oral health as they grow.

The Growing Years: From Birth to Six…

People usually think of a newborn baby as having no teeth, but the 20 primary teeth that will erupt in the next three years are already present at birth in the baby’s jawbones. A baby’s front four teeth usually erupt first, typically at about six months of age- although some children do not get their first tooth until 12 to 14 months. As soon as teeth appear in your child’s mouth, decay can occur. One of the risk factors for early childhood cavities (sometimes referred to as baby bottle tooth decay) is frequent and prolonged exposure of a baby’s teeth to liquids containing sugar; including milk, breast milk, formula and fruit juice. It is very important to remember that you should schedule your child’s first visit to the dentist at around 1 year old or when they start getting their first teeth.

As our children grow, a good diet is essential for growth and development. Like the rest of the body, the teeth, bones and soft tissues of the mouth need a well-balanced diet. Our children’s pre-school years are an important time to help establish good eating habits. Children should eat a variety of foods from the five major food groups; fruits, vegetables, breads and other grain products, milk, meats and alternates, such as dry beans and peas, eggs and nuts.

The Growing Years: From Six to 12…

At about age six, although sometimes it may start earlier, children begin to lose their front teeth on top and bottom. During the next six years or so, permanent teeth gradually will replace the primary teeth. The first molars usually erupt between ages five and six. It is at this time that Dental Sealants are recommended to keep these teeth protected for the long life they have ahead; because these will be the oldest teeth in our children’s mouth when they reach adulthood. These teeth will have been exposed to a lot more decay causing elements than all the other teeth. A sealant is a plastic material that is applied to the chewing surface of healthy, cavity-free premolars and molars, where decay occurs most often. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting the decay- prone areas of the back teeth from plaque and acid attacks.

The Growing Year: From 12 to adulthood…

From age 12 continuing on to adulthood are crucial ages to maintain optimal oral health. Regular dental visits are vital to keeping a healthy smile, for at these visits the dentist examines our children’s mouth for tooth decay and growth or proper development conditions that could possibly pose a problem in the future. At these ages, the last of the permanent teeth are erupting and constantly shifting; which can lead to malocclusion or an “improper bite.” This is a condition which the teeth are crowded, crooked, or out of proper alignment. If this is the situation, an orthodontic evaluation is recommended; early examination and treatment may help prevent and reduce the severity of malocclusion. Orthodontics not only helps move teeth to their proper places, but also because your child’s teeth will be in the correct position, they will be easier to keep clean and cavity free. Let’s all work together to ensure that nothing, including tooth decay, malocclusion, and gum disease is standing in our children’s way of achieving and maintaining optimal oral health.

Remember Mom and Dad, good oral health habits begin at home with you. As you well know, your children are constantly watching and learning from you. Studies have shown that children whose parents have poor oral health habits and do not visit the dentist regularly will grow up with the same belief and neglect their oral health. Poor oral health has been linked to serious health conditions including heart disease and diabetes. Let’s all work together to be role models and teachers for our children and encourage good oral health so that wonderful smile that warms your heart will last for their lifetime!

Tips to maintain Tip Top Teeth throughout you Child’s life:

Infants and Toddlers: After every feeding, wipe your baby’s gums either with a clean, wet gauze pad or a washcloth. This removes plaque and residual food that can harm erupting teeth.
Toddlers: Brush and floss your child’s teeth until the child has developed the necessary skills to do so themselves.
Bring your child with to your next dental reservation so they may become acquainted and comfortable with the office, the dentist and the staff. Also schedule your child’s first reservation with the dentist early (around 1 year old)…Good habits can never start too early!

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Can What’s in Your Mouth Really Make You Sick?

Shelby Township Dentist — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 20:44:19 +0000

For years we have heard of the ever-growing connections between dentistry and medicine, with articles written in many medical and dental journals. For decades dentists have looked at the increasing body of evidence that what we are doing in the mouth can affect the rest of the body.

The mountain of evidence that supports the oral health-overall health connection has seen incredible growth and advancement over the past few years. There is no longer a question as to “if” the soft tissues in the mouth are connected to the rest of the body. For example, we can easily find evidence of gum disease-causing bacteria creating challenges in tissues throughout the body. However, the mouth-body connection is not limited to just infections in the soft tissues of the mouth. The impact of the mouth also extends to such monumental things as blood flow to the brain.

Each year we learn more and more about how poor oral health is linked to problems elsewhere in the body. It has been linked to serious conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s Disease, respiratory diseases, and even increased risks of some cancers. Today, more than ever, it is vital to make regular trips to the dentist a part of your plan to achieve optimal health and wellness.

At our practice we don’t just look in your mouth, we look past your mouth to see the whole picture of you individually. Your mouth is the window to your overall health and wellness. The state of your oral health can offer clues about your overall well-being. Oral Health and total health and wellness are more connected than you might realize.

As we have learned more about the relationship between oral health and overall health, we have also learned much about how the materials and techniques that we use everyday can affect your overall heath as well, both positively and negatively.

At our practice, we are committed to practicing dentistry with a Biological and Biocompatible philosophy. In using the terms ‘biological and biocompatible’ we are not attempting to carve out a new specialty in dentistry, but rather to describe an attitude and philosophy that can apply to all facets of dental practice, and to health care in general.

To us, the best way to describe Biological Dentistry is Individualized Dentistry. It is dentistry that is completely focused on You. Not just who you are in terms of your teeth and oral health, but also who you are as a whole person physiologically, emotionally, and dentally. Since every person does not react the same way to the same procedures, medications, or materials, why should we treat every person the same way? We do not just treat teeth and oral disease at our Practice. We treat People. And in our experience, every person is unique and different in their own ways.

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Why Your Oral Healthcare Can’t Wait

Shelby Township Dentist — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:22:17 +0000

It seems that everyone you talk to these days has been affected by tough economic conditions. Do you know anyone who isn’t trying to save money by cutting back on discretionary purchases that they may have taken for granted just a few months ago? A new car? It can wait. New kitchen cabinets? They can wait. Caribbean vacation? Make that a “staycation.” Gourmet coffee? Home-brewed tastes pretty good these days. Being frugal in an uncertain economy is not a bad thing – we’re all doing it to some extent.

However, there are some things that should always remain on the “must have” list unless your financial situation is critical. One such example is oral healthcare for you and your family. For many Michiganders, maintaining proper oral health via regular dental visits and compliance with a dentist-recommended treatment plan are being given a very low priority that can only be described as neglect.

To be completely frank, your Oral Healthcare Can’t Wait! Unfortunately, many people still believe that the only time they really need to see a dentist is when they feel pain. Ouch! That hurts us because, as caring dental professionals, we’re primarily focused on disease and pain prevention when our patients allow us to do so.

However, we see it time and time again – patients wait until emergency conditions arise, i.e. – broken tooth, severe pain, swelling etc. In virtually every one of these cases, the necessary and immediate course of treatment is much more invasive and costly than if the patients had been proactive and allowed us to diagnose these conditions early or take steps to prevent them entirely. Perhaps you yourself have “been there, done that.” If so, you should agree that oral healthcare is a perfect example of an “ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure.”

Did you know that what you can’t see or feel happening in your mouth can still hurt you? Recent studies have linked undiagnosed and untreated periodontal disease with increased complications for patients with heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic health conditions including some cancers. The latest medical research also indicates that maintaining optimum oral health is vital for one’s overall health and well-being.

Although many are postponing dental treatment due to economic factors, the fact is that many Michiganders actually have adequate dental benefits that they are not taking full advantage of – even though they pay for a portion of the dental benefits! Our office staff can help ensure that you are taking full advantage of your allotted and deserved dental benefits – especially those routine hygiene visits that can go a long way in preventing cavities and periodontal disease.

Even if you don’t have dental benefits, you can maintain the oral health of you and your family by discussing flexible, interest free payment plans with our office staff or using a major credit card, which we accept as well.

Our goal it to help you achieve your Optimal Oral Health based on what is most important to you. We strive to provide you, your family, and friends with the highest level of care in the most trusted, modern, state-of-the-art, friendly, relaxed, and enjoyable environment. Call us today to schedule a visit to begin your journey to the smile you have all ways wanted!

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