Your Dentist Can Make a Difference in the Prevention and Early Detection of Oral Cancer

It is estimated that 36,540 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed in the US in 2010 and approximately 7,880 people will die from this disease. Oral cancer amounts for approximately 3 percent of cancers in men and 2 percent of cancers in women, and occur most frequently in black males. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, oral cancer kills roughly one person per hour, 24 hours per day and the survival rate has not significantly improved in over five decades. Although detection and treatment are possible at the early stages, most oral cancers are moderately advanced at the time of diagnosis, influencing treatment and prognosis. The cost of treating head and neck cancers each year amounts to approximately $3.2 billion.

There are multiple risk factors for oral cancer, including age, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, HPV infection, exposure to ultraviolet radiation and a diet low in fruits and vegetables. Although most cases of oral cancer occur in people older that 45, data on the incidence of oral cancer has shown a substantial increase in those younger than 40 . While most oral cancers can be prevented by avoiding risk factors, it is noteworthy that approximately 25 percent of oral cancer occurs in those with no risk fctors. The American Cancer Society recommends the primary care physicians and dentists examine the mouth and throat as part of a routine cancer-related exam. Also, people at high risk for oral cancer should perform monthly self-examinations using a mirror to check for signs and symptoms of cancer in the mouth and throat.

We at Suwanee Dental Care will work together to reduce the incidence of oral cancer, to improve early detection practices, and to create an environment that supports saving lives as a practice priority.

Loyal Patient Rewards

We have found a great way to say "thanks" for choosing us to be your dentist. It's our Loyal Patient Rewards, a great new way to save lots of money on the things we all want and enjoy - travel, entertainment and brand name merchandise! And of course it is free as our thank you gift. This program offers guaranteed savings for over 8500 hotels, 83000 restaurant offers, software, movie tickets, jewelry and giftcards. You earn your Loyal Patient Rewards every single month for just being our patient. However there are many more ways to earn additional rewards such as:

*attending appointments as scheduled

*returning if you have been gone awhile

*having any cosmetic or other elective procedure

*telling a friend about our practice

*a healthy check-up

You can easily earn over $1,000 in rewards each year. Get rewarded right now by calling our office and scheduling an appointment today!

Sensitive Teeth - Your dentist can put a stop to that

Now your dentist or hygienist can easily eliminate tooth sensitivity caused by enamel erosion. The most common cause of sensitive teeth is the exposure of the sensitive part of the tooth called the "dentin". The dentin is made up of thousands of microscopic passageways that lead to the tooth's nerve center. These passageways, known as tubules, are normally covered and protected by the tooth's enamel and the surrounding gums. But when the dentin is exposed, and your teeth come in contact with something hot, cold or sweet, the tubules carry the sensation directly to the tooth's nerves and cause pain.

There are several types of "desensitizers" that stop sensitivity. First they mimick the protective action of the tooth's enamel by plugging and protecting the tubules so that sensitivity and pain disappear. The more deeply the tubules are blocked, the deeper and longer lasting the desensitization.

The enamel where the tooth meets the gum can become worn away, either by hard brushing or by the natural effects of aging, causing exposure of dentin. which results in hypersensitivity. These "desensitizers" are specially formulated to quickly, simply and painlessly stop the sensitivity and prevent it from recurring. Ask us about it at your next dental visit.

The Wand- Computer Controlled Anesthetic Delivery

The Wand conquers the pain and anxiety of dental injections. The microprocessor inside The Wand automatically ensures a steady flow rate regardless of tissue density. Constant, slow flow is one key to virtually pain-free injections. The computer provides a flow of anesthetic directly ahead of the needle. This creates a pathway of anesthesia so you hardly feel the needle at all.

The source of discomfort for most injections, however, isn't the needle, it's the flow of the anesthetic into your tissue. The Wand delivers the anesthetic at an optimal flow rate for a comfortable injection.

We've taken the Fear, Anxiety and Pain our of Dental Anesthetic. We know that some patients get more nervous than others do at the mere site of a needle and syringe. That's why this office now performs anesthetic injections with a revolutionary system called The Wand. It doesn't look like a syringe. It doesn't feel like a syringe. The Wand allows injections that do not numb the lips, face and muscles of expression. Whether injections make you nervous or not, The Wand helps us provide a more effective anesthetic delivery and the onset of anesthesia is often faster.

A more pleasant dental experience The Wand is an excellent example of our efforts to bring you helpful dental technology, and to aid all of our patients to have a pleasant, positive visit to our office. Feel free to ask us if you'd like to know more about this remarkable system.

Excess Occlusal Forces ~ T-Scan

All known public research on articulating paper consistently shows that articulating paper marks do not predictably measure the force or time-sequence of occlusal contacts accurately. Today we need a diagnostic device that can realiably determine occlusal force concentrations and contact time prematurities.

The T-Scan system is the only diagnostic device on the market that measures occlusal contact force and occlusal contact sequence. Objective data sets T-Scan apart from traditional occlusal indicators. The invaluable information it provides helps to easily diagnose and assess the balance of a patient's bite. The T-Scan illustrates the forces from first contact through closure, allowing the dentist to prevent general occlusal problems such as pain, gum disease, broken restorations, tooth loss, headaches and TMJ disorder.

The T-Scan system was recently selected by the Pride Institute for the "Best of Class" technology award in the diagnostic category. The T-Scan has proven to be so useful and accurate that many of the leading dental institutes are incorporating the system into their curriculum.

Milk and Weight Loss

The high levels of Calcium and Vitamin D found in milk may help people who are dieting lose more weight. More than 300 participants were examined who were overweight or at risk of becoming overweight over a period of 2 years. The study results showed that after adjusting for age, gender, Body Mass Index, and total fat intake, participants with higher intake of milk-based calcium and serum vitamin D (about 12 oz per day) experienced greater weight loss than those who consumed a half-glass of milk per day. However, the role of dairy products in weight loss is not well understood and more research is needed.

Estimates of Periodontal Disease Under-Reported

Differences between the types of testing used to detect periodontal diseases in the United States may have caused an under-reporting of the diseases' prevalence by as much as 50% of actual figures. Partial-mouth periodontal examinations have been used to establish previous estimates. A new study funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), however, shifted testing methods to a full-mouth comprehensive periodontal examination, to determine prevalence rates.

An epidemiologist at the CDC says the inaccuracy created by previous testing has "signifcant" implications for public health. In light of these findings, understanding the relationships between periodontal disease and other systemic diseases in the adult US population is more crucial than ever.

This new study demonstrates that the scope of periodontal diseases is significantly larger than what had been previously reported. Citing the relationship between periodontal diseases and systemic health, the prevalence of periodontal disease among Americans carries great implications for overall health of individuals, and is therefore a significant public health problem. An annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation should be a part of the preventive measures used to maintain oral health.

We are the Team Dentists for the Gwinnett Gladiators

The dentists at Suwanee Dental Care are the team dentists for the Gwinnett Gladiator hockey team. We construct the professional grade hockey mouth guards for the team. Our dentists attend the Gladiator games to manage any on-ice accidents involving teeth and other oro-facial structures and are on-call for team emergencies and have been named the official team dentists for the Gladiators. Come out and support the Gladiators and join in the fun of watching an exciting hockey game!

Single Tooth Replacements

Implants are tooth replacements that mimic nature. The premier choice for replacing a missing tooth may be a dental implant. Teeth may be lost for a number of reasons, including cavities, periodontal disease or trauma. Did you know that by age 17, more than 7.3% of US children have lost one permanent tooth; and by age 50, Americans have lost an average of 12 teeth?

Compared to other treatment options to replace missing teeth, such as bridges and removable partials, an implant with an implant crown offers a long-lasting solution for a missing tooth and requires fewer follow-up dental visits.

Did you know that oral health is a major factor of general health? Replacing your missing tooth with a dental implant and crown should allow you to live your life as if you never suffered from a missing tooth. When your treatment is complete, you should be able to chew, speak, and socialize without experiencing the negative emotions that having a missing tooth can sometimes cause.

A dental implant and crown will help minimize the amount of bone that will be lost in the area of the missing tooth. Preserving oral bone may help maintain your remaining natural teeth and natural facial contours. Replacing your missing tooth may reduce the risk of having poor nutritional habits often found in those who do not replace missing teeth.

Only your dentist can be sure if you are a candidate for a dental implant, but most patients can be treated with dental implants. Schedule an appointment to talk to our dentists about how implants might benefit you.

Phillips Sonicare FlexCare

Phillips Sonicare FlexCare is a most effective toothbrush at plaque removal. Patented by sonic technology, Sonicare uses dynamic cleaning action to remove plaque between the teeth and along the gumline. Sonicare gives you naturally whiter teeth and healthier gums. Guranteed or your money back.

Sonicare removes plaque and is clinically proven to help reduce gingivitis and is gentle on the gums, as well as restorations, implants and braces.

Sonicare's brush head conforms to your teeth to remove more plaque with contour-fit bristles, a wider bristle range for a broader sweeping motion and is easy to use and maintain.

Ask us about the Sonicare toothbrush at your next professional dental cleaning.

Invisalign

Straighter teeth, healthier gums, easier cleanings.... Invisilign. Invisilign is the clear way to straighten teeth. There are many benefits of Invisilign including:

*It's removable for good hygiene. You can brush and floss normally which can help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

*Your gum health may improve. Research has show that periodontal health may improve with use of Invisilign aligners during your orthodontic treatment.

*There's no metal to irritate your mouth. Some orthodontic appliances, like braces, can cause temporary inflammation. With Invisilign there's no risk of lost braces, broken wires, or alergies to metals.

*Cleanings are quicker and easier than with traditional orthodontics.

*You can still eat what you want. Because Invisilign is removable you don't have to worry about what you eat.

Over 1.5 million people are already smiling ~ thanks to Invisilign!