There is never a good time to have an emergency, but why is it that most emergencies whether they are dental or medical happen in the evening or on weekends?
It was 1971 when I had my one and only dental emergency. I was at college and my mouth started to hurt. I called my dad and he told me to come home for the weekend and we would go to a dentist on Monday. ON MONDAY!!! What was I suppose to do all weekend.
My father told me to garggle with scotch, so I did. My jaw was swelling bigger and bigger, but the specialist was not available until Monday.
Finally Monday comes around and I had my father drive me to the doctor since I was so drunk from the scotch. I got into the specialist and had a root canal. I was finally out of pain.
That was 1971. Things have not changed much as far as dental emergencies and getting in to see a specialist. At Wheaton Cosmetic Dentistry, we see patients for dental emergencies on the day they call. If you are a patient of record and you have an emergency, Dr. Beri will prescribe medication and schedule you for an appointment. If it is really bad, we will see you anytime 24/7.
Our patients are our greatest asset, and providing outstanding customer service when YOU need it is our goal. Dental emergency or not, talk to your dentist about emergency care and know your options.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
What makes a dentist a cosmetic dentist?
I just did a search for cosmetic dentistry on google and was amazed that there are 3,430,000 results. Cosmetic dentistry + Illinois came up with 289,000 and cosmetic dentistry + Wheaton came up with 21,200 results. Granted, there is some duplication of listings but in the small town of Wheaton, there cannot be even 1000 dentists. Probably not even 100 dentists.
So my question is - what makes a dentist a cosmetic dentist?
My understanding of the true definition of a cosmetic dentist is one that does procedures that are NOT paid for by the insurance. A cosmetic procedure is done because YOU want the procedure completed and are willing to pay for it out of pocket. Veneers are a good example of a cosmetic procedure. Most insurance companies do not pay for them because they assume they are placed for cosmetic purposes only. A white filling can be used to replace a decayed tooth, but the insurance will not pay for a veneer.
Veneers are usually placed on front teeth, so you definately want them to look good. Are you going to trust your dentist to prepare your teeth properly and place veneers that everyone will see if you have not seen the cosmetic work he has done on others? Just like any attorney can call themselves a real estate attorney today, and an estate attorney tomorrow without any further education, a dentist can go from being a general dentist to being a cosmetic dentist without further education. Does that make it right?
I like my estate attorney. I like my corporate attorney. I like my personal attorney. They are all different. They have specialized training.
Ask your dentist what type of specialized training they have for cosmetic dentistry. Look at their work on THEIR patients, not a stock book of photos.
At Wheaton Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Beri has 100's of continuing education hours in Cerec technology, Invisalign, treatment planning, management and cosmetic procedures. Ask questions before beginning your smile change.
So my question is - what makes a dentist a cosmetic dentist?
My understanding of the true definition of a cosmetic dentist is one that does procedures that are NOT paid for by the insurance. A cosmetic procedure is done because YOU want the procedure completed and are willing to pay for it out of pocket. Veneers are a good example of a cosmetic procedure. Most insurance companies do not pay for them because they assume they are placed for cosmetic purposes only. A white filling can be used to replace a decayed tooth, but the insurance will not pay for a veneer.
Veneers are usually placed on front teeth, so you definately want them to look good. Are you going to trust your dentist to prepare your teeth properly and place veneers that everyone will see if you have not seen the cosmetic work he has done on others? Just like any attorney can call themselves a real estate attorney today, and an estate attorney tomorrow without any further education, a dentist can go from being a general dentist to being a cosmetic dentist without further education. Does that make it right?
I like my estate attorney. I like my corporate attorney. I like my personal attorney. They are all different. They have specialized training.
Ask your dentist what type of specialized training they have for cosmetic dentistry. Look at their work on THEIR patients, not a stock book of photos.
At Wheaton Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Beri has 100's of continuing education hours in Cerec technology, Invisalign, treatment planning, management and cosmetic procedures. Ask questions before beginning your smile change.
I am amazed every day at the technology that is coming out each year for dentists. I am also amazed at how many dentists do not keep up with the new technology to make patients more comfortable in the dental chair or to diagnose and treat patients more efficiently and thoroughly. Dr. Beri of Wheaton Cosmetic Dentistry is one of those dentists that gets it. He keeps up to date with the technology and implements it into his practice.
I love watching him do a Cerec crown. Watching him take the computer images on the Cad/Cam, and then manipulating the image to get the perfect fit. It is truely amazing - and then he warranties the crown for their lifetime - THAT is amazing.
How long can I wait to have this filling taken care of?
At Wheaton Cosmetic Dentistry we hear this a lot. Every day a patient will ask our hygienist, or assistant, or guest services director - "How long can I go without having this work done?" I don't think I have ever asked my personal physician that question nor any of the specialists I have chosen: whether it is for my car or my insurance. If a specialist tells me I need something, I trust them enough to know I need the work done - and therefore I want it done.
In dentistry, cavities do not go away. Bacteria eat away at the tooth and continue to eat the tooth until the decay is removed. Cavities do not miraculously go away. Broken teeth do not mend themselves. Old fillings that are opening on teeth do not close up. When your dentist recommends work, if you have a trusting relationship with him/her, get it done.
My goal for my mouth, my teeth, my gums and my smile is to keep my teeth in my mouth and my smile beautiful for the rest of my life. I DO NOT want to sleep with my teeth next to my bed. So when Dr. Beri recommends work to be done, I will be the first in line to get it done. I trust him and I know he is not recommending work that does not need to be done.
How long can you wait? I don't want to test time.
In dentistry, cavities do not go away. Bacteria eat away at the tooth and continue to eat the tooth until the decay is removed. Cavities do not miraculously go away. Broken teeth do not mend themselves. Old fillings that are opening on teeth do not close up. When your dentist recommends work, if you have a trusting relationship with him/her, get it done.
My goal for my mouth, my teeth, my gums and my smile is to keep my teeth in my mouth and my smile beautiful for the rest of my life. I DO NOT want to sleep with my teeth next to my bed. So when Dr. Beri recommends work to be done, I will be the first in line to get it done. I trust him and I know he is not recommending work that does not need to be done.
How long can you wait? I don't want to test time.
Hair and oil change insurance
OK - I know there is no insurance for getting my hair cut - but wouldn't it be nice? Even though I do not have insurance to get my hair cut, I still get it done every 6 weeks. I still have my hair colored every 3 months. There really are no health issues involved with not getting my hair cut or colored. I could let it grow and never cut it.
OK, I also know there is no oil change insurance, but wouldn't THAT be nice? Even though I do not have insurance to get an oil change, I still get it done very 3 months. Again, there are no real health issues involved with not getting an oil change every 3 months. I could let my car go for a year or two without it, but I do go in every 3 months.
Why is it that people that have bleeding gums, periodontal disease (gum issues), or cavities assume that they do not have to have anything done to correct the situation? Unlike our hair and our cars, if there is a problem in our mouths, this CAN lead to serious health problems. Unfortunately, many patients say: "If my insurance ONLY pays for twice a year that is all I want to get." or "I have no dental coverage right now, so I cannot have a hygiene visit until I do."
The strong link between your mouth and your whole body's health has been proven through medical and dental research time and time again. Many times a dentist can find symptoms for disease before it is evident to a doctor.
So why do so many people let insurance determine their frequency of visits? I wish I knew - since in all my 56 years of living I have never had dental insurance and I still have all my teeth and my gums are in great shape. Maybe because I listened to my dentist and my hygienist and increased the frequency of my visits as my oral health dictated to these professionals.
At Wheaton Cosmetic Denstistry, we work on educating our patients on their whole body health. Our highly trained hygienists take the time to educate - but ultimately it is up to the patient to decide what they will do.
OK, I also know there is no oil change insurance, but wouldn't THAT be nice? Even though I do not have insurance to get an oil change, I still get it done very 3 months. Again, there are no real health issues involved with not getting an oil change every 3 months. I could let my car go for a year or two without it, but I do go in every 3 months.
Why is it that people that have bleeding gums, periodontal disease (gum issues), or cavities assume that they do not have to have anything done to correct the situation? Unlike our hair and our cars, if there is a problem in our mouths, this CAN lead to serious health problems. Unfortunately, many patients say: "If my insurance ONLY pays for twice a year that is all I want to get." or "I have no dental coverage right now, so I cannot have a hygiene visit until I do."
The strong link between your mouth and your whole body's health has been proven through medical and dental research time and time again. Many times a dentist can find symptoms for disease before it is evident to a doctor.
So why do so many people let insurance determine their frequency of visits? I wish I knew - since in all my 56 years of living I have never had dental insurance and I still have all my teeth and my gums are in great shape. Maybe because I listened to my dentist and my hygienist and increased the frequency of my visits as my oral health dictated to these professionals.
At Wheaton Cosmetic Denstistry, we work on educating our patients on their whole body health. Our highly trained hygienists take the time to educate - but ultimately it is up to the patient to decide what they will do.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Bleeding Gums - Is this normal?
At Wheaton Cosmetic Dentistry, I love to hear patients say, "My gums always seem to bleed a little." My question to them is: "If any other part of your body bleeds, is that normal?" BLEEDING OF ANYTHING IS NOT NORMAL!!!!!!
We are lucky to live in an age where the advancement of perio disease is preventible. I remember when I was pregnant with my children my gums bled. My dentist at the time wanted me coming in every 3-4 months which I was happy to do (even though I did NOT have dental insurance.) I did want to keep my teeth for my entire lifetime. My dentist told me something was good for me, and I did it. HE was the expert - not me.
Today so many patients argue with their hygienist and/or dentist about their perio (gum) condition. It is not the providers "fault" that the patients gums are bleeding or are in bad condition. It is up to the hygienist and doctor to educate the patient on the condition and what can be done about it.
Seriously folks, listen to your provider. Only brush and floss the teeth you want to keep. If you don't want to sleep with your teeth in the glass next to your bed, follow your dental providers recommendations. YOU are the only one that can take care of those teeth outside the dental office. Do you want to keep them for your lifetime.
We are lucky to live in an age where the advancement of perio disease is preventible. I remember when I was pregnant with my children my gums bled. My dentist at the time wanted me coming in every 3-4 months which I was happy to do (even though I did NOT have dental insurance.) I did want to keep my teeth for my entire lifetime. My dentist told me something was good for me, and I did it. HE was the expert - not me.
Today so many patients argue with their hygienist and/or dentist about their perio (gum) condition. It is not the providers "fault" that the patients gums are bleeding or are in bad condition. It is up to the hygienist and doctor to educate the patient on the condition and what can be done about it.
Seriously folks, listen to your provider. Only brush and floss the teeth you want to keep. If you don't want to sleep with your teeth in the glass next to your bed, follow your dental providers recommendations. YOU are the only one that can take care of those teeth outside the dental office. Do you want to keep them for your lifetime.
All Dentists Are NOT Created Equal
Hi everyone. Sharan Tash here from Wheaton Cosmetic Dentistry. Some of you know me as "The Professional Networker" and some of you know me as "The Professional Connector". This blog was started today from a situation I went through yesterday at Dr. Beri's office in Wheaton.
I am 56 years old and have been getting my preventive care (hygiene) appointments every 3 to 4 months for the past 10 years. So according to my estimation, that would equal about 30 - 40 exams and "cleanings". My lastest exam was 4 months ago.
Yesterday I had a hygienist who was fresh out of college take care of my preventive care appointment. Not only did she do a great job, and she was gentle and thorough, but I had my exam by Dr. Beri (who wears surgical loupes and an LED lamp to focus in the mouth). The hygienist noticed some failing white fillings (composites), and Dr. Beri followed up with some intra-oral pictures.
Needless to say, I was VERY depressed when I went home. It was obvious to me that the white fillings that were placed had deteriorated. Many of my teeth were cracking and had stress fractures. Dr. Beri educated me by showing me HUGE pictures of my teeth. I totally agreed that my mouth could not have deteriorated that much in 4 months.
Not all dentists are created equal. I never had the pictures taken at another office. I never had the Doctor show me each tooth and outline the problem area. I never had a Doctor that educated me on the consequences of not having the problems taken care of. Not all dentists are created equal.
Not all dentists are created equal. I never had the pictures taken at another office. I never had the Doctor show me each tooth and outline the problem area. I never had a Doctor that educated me on the consequences of not having the problems taken care of. Not all dentists are created equal.
At Wheaton Cosmetic Dentistry we show you, the patient what is going on in your mouth and educate you on the possibilities. I know I learned a lot yesterday and I hope everyone questions their dentist to understand all the possibilities there are to having a healthy mouth.
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