New Leaf Dental Care

Doing our part to be “green”

admin — Wed, 26 May 2010 20:32:45 +0000

We at New Leaf Dental Care are concerned with doing our part to help the environment by being as “green” as possible. While it is difficult, we have implemented being a totally digital office. We help save trees and paper by not having the standard patient charts, and all the paperwork that goes into keeping patient records. By being a digital office, all the information about our patients is held on our computer’s hard drive so that we can easily access patient records, information and even images and x-rays.

Having a no patient charts means that we are also able to have a smaller space as we do not require as much storage as other non-digital dental offices and therefore do not have to heat/cool as much office space. This too helps to reduce our energy cost and usage and strain on the power grid. Having Digital x-rays is another part of our being green. Because the sensors we use to take x-rays are so sensitive, we are able to use significantly less energy and radiation to capture our images. So a twofold benefit; the patient receives less radiation, and we are able to use much less energy. A significant part of being green with the digital x-ray system is that there is no developing of traditional film. Therefore, we do not use any harmful chemicals in developing our x-ray images, and in such a way, we prevent producing harmful waste by-products, such as the lead/silver shields used in all x-ray packages. In addition, by using digital imaging, we avoid producing chemically contaminated waste-water that would normally go down the drain and pollute the waterways.

All our suction lines have traps that capture removed debris, which in many cases involve old mercury type filings. By having the traps, the toxic metals are not flushed into the water system thereby avoiding contaminating our waterways with mercury and other such debris.

By scheduling our patients for slightly longer procedures, means that we are able to accomplish more for the patients. This equates to less number of appointments, which means less driving back and forth for the patients, and therefore less gasoline consumption and pollutants put out by patients vehicles. For our patients, it means less dental appointments and they get to more optimum health faster.

These are some of the steps we have been using at New Leaf Dental Care to do our part in helping our environment and being “Green”.

Tips for good brushing

admin — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:30:32 +0000

Hold your brush at a 45 degree angle and don’t press too hard.
Twice a day for at least 2-3 minutes – use a timer or play a song to keep track of the time.
Use a soft bristled brush and change it when it gets frayed – every few months.
Brush all your teeth…not just the front ones! Clean all the surfaces.

Straight teeth in 6 months!

admin — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:29:39 +0000

Gaps and crooked, snaggletooth smiles can be fixed in about 6 months with tooth colored braces. We at New Leaf Dental Care are proud to be one of the first offices in the area to offer Six Month Smiles®. It is a fast, easy and less expensive cosmetic answer to straightening your teeth. Improve your smile and enhance your confidence!

The Six Month Smile® system is a modern twist on traditional braces. Unlike metal braces, we use clear brackets and tooth colored wires which are barely visible. Braces, as opposed to aligner therapy, provide the most conservative and predictable final result. Patient tray kits ensure your appointments are fast and comfortable. By focusing only on the teeth that show when you smile, we can correct what bothers you most about your smile in an average of 6 months.

Call to schedule a consultation and find out if you are a candidate for this innovative new treatment.

Can a knocked out tooth be saved?

admin — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:28:10 +0000

It depends…the sooner you can get to the dentist office the better the chance. If the knocked out tooth is returned to its socket within 30 minutes it has the highest chance of survival. TIP: don’t scrub the tooth under water with soap. This may remove the necessary tissue critical to re-implanting. Handle only by the crown (biting surface) not by the root. If dirty, rinse with milk (tap water may have chlorine) and then place the tooth in a container with milk. Even if the tooth reattaches, however, you most likely will need root canal treatment to clean out the damaged nerve.

Prevent tooth and mouth injuries

admin — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:23:33 +0000

Injuries to the teeth and mouth are common. Approximately 80% of dental injuries affect one or more of the front teeth and damage to the tongue, lips and inner cheeks may also be involved.

In very young children injuries to baby teeth are usually a result from learning to walk. Up to 40% of dental injuries in adolescents and adults occur while playing sports. Usually it is when we are least prepared that injuries occur.

When playing sports, the best way to protect your teeth and mouth is by wearing a mouth guard. There are three types of mouth guards available.

STOCK MOUTH GUARDS are pre-formed and come ready to wear. They are inexpensive and can be purchased at most sporting goods stores. However, little can be done to adjust their fit. Stock mouth guards are bulky and make breathing and talking difficult since the jaw must be closed to keep it in place. They provide minimal protection. We don’t recommend these.

“BOIL AND BITE” MOUTH GUARDS can also be found at most sporting goods stores and offer better fit and protection than stock mouth guards. They are made from a thermo plastic material. When placed in boiling water the guard becomes soft and pliable. Next you place the guard in your mouth and bite down. Using your fingers and tongue to apply pressure causes the guard to form to your mouth. This type of mouth guard offers good protection and some have a built-in breathing channel that makes them more comfortable and doesn’t make you want to gag as much. One brand that is quite good is the “Shock Doctor”. This brand comes in youth and adult versions. The quality of comfort and protection will be compromised if bitten too hard or improperly formed.

CUSTOM FITTED MOUTH GUARDS are individually designed and made in a professional dental laboratory based on your needs and dentist prescription. The American Dental Association advises that a custom-fitted mouth guard is the best protection against dental injury and concussion. First we take an impression of your teeth and then the mouth guard material is molded over the model. This type of mouth guard is the most comfortable and offers the best protection. Since they are custom made to only your mouth, they are less bulky and have a perfect fit. Custom mouth guards last longer than other types. We can customize your mouth guard to match your team colors or add your name or team number. These mouth guards are ideal for every sporting activity.