We Were Always Taught

Posted on September 28, 2017May 19, 2021 by Richard H. Nagelberg, DDS

Dentists who were trained in the 70’s were always taught that the first instrument used in an operative procedure was the enamel hatchet. Caries excavation was done with spoon excavators and a belt driven low speed handpiece. We were always taught that reversible hydrocolloid was an excellent impression material, especially since you could use the same material on multiple patients. You just had to warm it back up in the water bath. We were always taught that we only needed to use a mask and...

A Total Health Approach at a Reasonable Price: An Interview with Dr. Isaac Comfortes DDS

Posted on September 22, 2017May 19, 2021 by Isaac Comfortes DDS

Dr. Nagelberg: Tell me how you use OralDNA salivary diagnostics. Dr. Comfortes: I started utilizing salivary diagnostics in 2013. Since then my approach has concentrated on total health, which I discuss this during every patient consult. Without the use of OralDNA® salivary diagnostics, the total health conversation would be difficult. First, I ask the patient if they understand the importance of the test. Then I address the levels of bacteria and how that is expressed in their gum health...

Where to Start

Posted on September 15, 2017May 19, 2021 by Richard H. Nagelberg, DDS

A common dilemma among many dental practices is how to transition the hygiene department from prophylaxis to comprehensive periodontal diagnosis and treatment. Among the concerns is the perception that if we are starting something new, does that imply that up until now patient needs have been inadequately addressed? The simple solution to this dilemma is referring to the constantly evolving knowledge in healthcare. Using phrases such as “Research has shown” or “We now know” , can help with t...

A Progressive Oral Wellness Center in Rural America

Posted on September 8, 2017May 19, 2021 by McCreight Progressive Dentistry Team

In our rural practice (McCreight Progressive Dentistry) in Northwest Colorado, we see periodontal disease on average in about one of every two patients, or around 46%. This is representative of the CDC statistic as posted in the May 2015 Journal of Periodontology. Whenever we read these statistics, we are puzzled. In an industrialized nation where home care tools and dental technologies are readily available, how can there be so much disease? Here are some measures (newer technologies) we ha...

Dentistry is Medicine

Posted on August 18, 2017May 19, 2021 by John Kempton DDS

In the previous blog, we discussed that the use of systemic antibiotics, for high-risk patients may currently be the most effective method to treat the systemic impact of translocated periodontal pathogens. As periodontal treatment plans are formatted, utilizing a MyPerioPath test assists in determining the pathogen profile of the periodontal infection and provides evidence- based systemic antibiotic selection. If dentistry is medicine, then utilizing a test to confirm the presence of bacte...

Routine dental hygiene… is never routine!

Posted on August 11, 2017May 19, 2021 by John Kempton DDS

The Merrian-Webster defines paradigm shift as “an important change that happens when the usual way of thinking about or doing something is replaced by a new and different way.” There is a definite paradigm shift in dentistry and a strive to parallel our dental profession to our medical counterparts. Dr John Kempton is on this front line, helping address oral systemic health with direct patient care and as a leader inspiring others to a higher quality of care. Dr John Kempton will be our gues...

The Medical History Form and Salivary Diagnostics

Posted on July 28, 2017May 19, 2021 by Traci Warner, RDH

A medical history form is a starting point to guide conversations and to make connections between oral health and overall health. Consider re-configuring your current medical history form to quickly be able to visualize oral systemic connections and/ or concerns. These 5 questions should be asked on your current health history form. 1) Has a parent, sibling or grandparent had a heart attack or stroke? Yes__ No__ 2) Has a parent, sibling or grandparent had diabetes? Yes__ No__ 3) Has a p...

Communicating with Patients about Nicotine and Perio

Posted on July 21, 2017May 19, 2021 by Kim Miller, RDH, BSDH

During a recent in-office team workshop, we were discussing nicotine use and its dramatic effects on the progression of periodontal disease. To help the team fully understand the consequences of nicotine use, we talked about vasoconstriction and how smoking masks the true level of periodontal infection. The vasoconstrictive properties of smoking reduce blood flow and, in turn, oxygen to the tissue, resulting in gums that do not bleed or have reduced bleeding. Smoking patients have pockets th...

“Seeing” What Can’t Be “Seen”

Posted on July 7, 2017May 19, 2021 by Tanya Brown, DMD

Can you think of a patient who, despite all your efforts, continues to struggle with their periodontal health? Do you ever wish that you could “see” that which you cannot “see”? Well, here’s the good news: You can! In addition to a complete professional prophylaxis or periodontal therapy, part of your mission as a healthcare provider is to partner with your patients to achieve better health. When you identify the oral-systemic link for your patients in addition to identifying risk f...

The Third Annual North American Saliva Symposium

Posted on December 23, 2016May 12, 2021 by Richard H. Nagelberg, DDS

I attended the third annual North American Saliva Symposium (NASS) this year which was held at New York University College of Dentistry, December 9-10. It was an event filled with globally recognized researchers in salivary diagnostics presenting updates on their respective research efforts. The following is a glance into what the future holds for salivary diagnostics as well as the exciting application of salivary tests currently available. Dental innovations of the future were captured ...