Treating Periodontal Disease in Lewisburg. More Than Protecting Teeth; It’s Protecting Health.

You know that regular visits to your Lewisburg dentist for check-ups and cleanings keep your teeth and gums healthy. But did you know that periodontal care can do more than prevent tooth loss? It may also save your life.

Studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of Periodontology report that periodontal disease can lead to an increased risk of:

  • Heart Disease
  • Stroke
  • Certain Cancers (including pancreatic cancer)
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Difficulty controlling blood sugar levels in diabetes
  • Premature Birth
  • Low Birth-Weight Babies
  • and more

Do you have periodontal disease? You may. More than 85 percent of people in the United States have some level of gum disease. Symptoms of periodontal disease include swollen gums, gums that bleed when you brush or floss, loose teeth, receding gum line and halitosis. But sometimes there aren’t any symptoms at all.

Periodontal disease is treatable, and in many cases, even reversible. With modern technology and advanced periodontal therapy, including ultrasonic scalers, dental lasers and antibiotics, gum treatment is more gentle, comfortable and effective than ever before.

Regular checkups and cleanings are your best defense. Just visit my Lewisburg dental practice for regular check-ups and cleanings. Brush and floss daily at home and use an oral irrigator. You’ll keep your smile and your health in good shape.

 

How to Choose the Best Lewisburg Dentist for You

Looking for dental care in Lewisburg? Well, the days of looking in the Yellow Pages are over. These days, to find the best dentist for your needs, you’ve got to head to the internet.

Why? Because times and dentistry have changed. Today, even general dentists don’t offer the same treatments.

To make things more complicated, dentistry is always changing. To get the best care available, you have to make sure that the dentist you choose not only offers the care you need, but also stays ahead of the curve on current technologies, techniques and materials.

But before you start your online search, search yourself. Ask yourself the following questions:

What kind of dentist do I need or want?

  • A family dentist that offers comprehensive care in one location?
  • A dentist that focuses on restorative dental care, like filling, bridges, crowns, dentures, etc. for the more mature patient?
  • A dentist that offers more specialized care like cosmetic dentistry? Endodontics? Periodontics? Orthodontics, TMJ treatment, etc?
  • A dentist that complements care with comfort, from sedation to patient amenities?

What are my expectations from my dental care?

  • To maintain my oral health?
  • To restore my mouth to health? Do I have broken teeth? Do I want to replace missing teeth?
  • Do enhance the appearance of my smile?
  • To restore more than oral health, but also relieve painful TMJ symptoms or sleep apnea?

What do I want from my dental practice?

  • The use of advanced technology?
  • A comprehensive range of treatment available in one location?
  • Convenient hours or location?
  • Dental insurance participation?
  • Financing?

Once you have clearly defined your needs and expectations, you can narrow your search. For example, if you need a general dentist that offers sedation dentistry, search: Lewisburg general dentist or Lewisburg sedation dentistry.. Your search should give you a list of results. Search through the results, find the ones you like and do some research on them. (Most dentists have websites that have all the information you need as well as online patient reviews.)

Ask yourself: Does that dentist have specialized training and experience in the area of care you need? Does he or she take CE (continuing education)? Does the dentist show before and after photos of patients? Does the dentist offer any patient testimonials that you can read? There’s no better way to get the “feel” for a dentist than to hear what his or her patients have to say.

Finally, call the office and ask specific questions about the dentist and the care offered. If you feel confident and comfortable, schedule a visit. You’ve done your homework and you’re well on your way to getting the care you need and deserve!

How to Find A Dentist

Whether you’re moving to a new community, aren’t satisfied with your current dental care or are looking for expanded dental services, there will come a time when you need to find a new dentist. Make sure you choose the one that’s right for you.

With specialization, advanced training, new technologies and more, these days, no two dentists are alike. The differences can have a profound impact on your oral health.

So, how do you go about finding the right dentist? The days of opening up the phone book and perusing the Yellow Pages are over. (And thank goodness for that!) Today there are a variety of steps you can take to make sure you choose the best dentist for you.

The First Steps to Take

It seems obvious, but it really is the best way to find out about dentists in your community: talk to friends, family and co-workers. Ask them why they chose their dentist and why they like them. Ask about the care and services available, the team, hours, fees, etc. Ask for their recommendations.

Ask your family doctor. He or she will probably know a dentist that meets your requirements for care (i.e. family dentistry, orthodontics, restorative dentistry, prosthodontics, etc.) and is a good match for your personality.

If you’re moving to a new community, ask your current dentist for a recommendation, or contact the local and state dental societies.

I suggest calling or visiting more than one dentist before selecting one you feel you can build a good long-term relationship with.

What Should You Look for When Choosing a Dentist?

When you choose a dentist, you’re entering into a long-term, health-based relationship; you should be very comfortable with the person you choose. But that’s not all. His or her practice, services, team, personality, and more should meet your expectations and needs. To get all the pertinent information you need, ask the following questions:

  • What are the office hours? Are they convenient for your schedule?
  • Is the office conveniently located to your work or home?
  • Where was the dentist educated and trained?
  • What’s the dentist’s approach to preventive care? (Is it a simple cleaning and exam, or is it comprehensive, including x-rays, oral cancer screening, fluoride treatments – even for adults, periodontal screening, etc.).
  • How often does the dentist attend conferences and continuing education workshops?
  • What type of anesthesia is the dentist certified to administer?
  • Does he or she handle emergency care? What about outside of office hours?
  • Are fees and payment plans presented before treatment is scheduled?
  • Does the practice offer varied financial options or extended payment plans?

If cost is your primary concern, make sure you’re comparing apples to apples; remember, not all dentists are created equal. For example, if you’re inquiring about the cost to fill a cavity, ask about the approach to restoring cavities and about the materials used. Does the dentist use silver-mercury amalgam, composite resin or porcelain?The difference in the cost could mean a difference in quality, strength and longevity of the restoration.

When you visit the dentist office, take note of the following:

  • Does the office appear to be clean, neat, and orderly? Do all surfaces and equipment in the treatment room appear clean?
  • Is the dental staff helpful and willing to answer your questions?
  • Do you feel as though the dentist and team are giving you the time you deserve? Or are you feeling rushed?
  • Do you observe the dentist and staff wearing gloves and other protective gear during actual patient treatment?

These days, most dentists have websites, and you can find the answers to most of these questions right there. Still, before you choose a dentist, even if the website covers everything you’re looking for, make sure you meet him. The chair-side manner and personality of your dentist can make or break your relationship. Find a dentist that really makes you feel at ease, confident in the care and completely comfortable.

Winans Triathlon for Kids

Dr. Larry Winans started the Winans Triathlon for Kids in Lewisburg PA in 2007. As a dedicated athlete himself who enjoys competing in triathlons around the country, he wanted to share his love of the sport with children in our community.

It has quickly grown into the “must do” sporting event for kids, reaching 225 registered participants this year. Children come from as far away as New York and Virginia to participate.

For more information become a fan of our facebook page. The page features photos of the event, time/date/location details, and weekly training tips for the kids.

Be sure to join us to cheer on the kids as they Swim, Bike, Run and Smile!