Download Watch Your Mouth! Did you know that over 200,000 injuries occur to

2565 Forest Hill Ave. S.E. Suite 200
Grand Rapids, MI 49546-7535
Phone: (616)949-0230
Do you have sleep apnea?
Watch Your Mouth!
It’s a common condition affecting up to 12 million Americans, including children. Snoring
is often brought on by sleep apnea and can lead to more serious conditions, caused by a
restriction of airflow to the lungs when the jaw opens and the tongue falls into the back
of the throat, resulting in a restless sleep pattern.
Did you know that over
200,000 injuries occur to the
mouth and jaw each year?
We now offer an appliance to help alleviate this condition: the Thornton Adjustable
Positioner, referred to as the TAP. The TAP is similar in appearance to an athletic mouth
guard and holds your lower jaw in position, preventing it from falling open during the
night, therefore maintaining a clear airway to reduce snoring and improve breathing.
With the advent of fall comes a variety of sports
activities. In order to best protect the mouths of
your family, Partners In Dental Care recommends
a custom-made mouthguard. Mouthguards are a
flexible appliance worn during athletic and other
recreational activities to protect the mouth from
trauma.
Please make an appointment or ask us about the insurance-covered TAP appliance during
your next visit if you’re experiencing symptoms caused by sleep apnea.
A properly fitted mouthguard can help prevent
broken teeth and injuries to the lips, tongue, face
or jaw. Your dentist creates a custom fit from a
cast, offering the best protection and comfort level
available. It stays in place while you are wearing it,
making it easy to talk and breathe. Protecting your
family’s dental health is worth the investment!
Experienced Dentists
Our four dentists have
advanced training in
all aspects of dentistry,
including occlusion,
implants, cosmetic,
invisalign and children’s
dentistry.
Dr.Timothy Gietzen
Education: Western Michigan
University & The University of
Michigan School of Dentistry
Dr. Shawn Dial
Education: Grand Valley State
University & The University of
Michigan School of Dentistry
Dr. Christine Mason
Education: Georgia Tech & The
University of Michigan School
of Dentistry
Dr. Matthew Gietzen
Education: Denison University
& The University of Michigan
School of Dentistry
Help for migraine pain and
TMD Sufferers
Reference Guide for Dental Emergencies
Good times are sometimes interrupted by unexpected dental injuries. Here are some
helpful ideas in the event that you find yourself facing an unexpected crisis situation.
Responding quickly and correctly can help minimize damage.
• In the event of a lost tooth, holding it in place is recommended. Do not remove any
tissue from the tooth if at all possible. If you are unable to hold the tooth in place,
put it in a cup of milk and call us immediately.
• Broken tooth emergencies are best cared for by rinsing the mouth, using a cold
compress and visiting us as quickly as possible.
• Bitten tongue or lip injuries should be cleaned and cared for with a compress to
prevent swelling. If bleeding is excessive or you are in need of stitches, contact your
local hospital emergency room.
• If you have an object stuck in your teeth, gently try to remove it with dental floss.
If this does not work, visit Partners In Dental Care. Using a sharp or pointed
instrument could result in a more serious injury to the mouth.
For any dental emergency contact Partners In Dental Care and you will be instructed on
how to get connected with our on–call doctor.
If you tend to experience
migraine headaches combined
with facial pain, ear pressure
or other headache pain,
you could be experiencing
symptoms of TMD.
Temporomandibular Disorders describes a group of
diseases that affect the jaw and can interrupt your
ability to enjoy daily life. Many causes are thought to
be at the root of TMD, including stress or physical
trauma. A thorough exam is the first and most
critical step to determine your treatment options.
Among those options is a small device call the NTI
Tension Suppression System. This small mouth guard
is FDA approved in preventing medically diagnosed
migraine pain, tension-type headaches and other
discomforts associated with TMD. It simply snaps in
place over the teeth to help prevent either sideways
or forward movement or “clenching”. Research
shows that 82 percent of migraine sufferers showed
a 77 percent decrease in pain severity when using the
NTI-TSS. We recommend a consultation to find out if
you can benefit from this device.
BRIGHTER SMILES
Summer 2009
says dental hygienist Sue Chesney. Over the course
of the past 33 years, Sue has had the opportunity
to get to know many of her patients, just one
rewarding aspect of the job. “My years of service
have allowed me to keep up with the changing
dental trends and technology which is useful when
I have to introduce the need for a procedure or
explain a new method of care” notes Sue.
Your next appointment:
“The focus is always on
periodontal therapy, but I do really
enjoy getting to know our patients,
both longstanding and new,”
For cancellations, please
provide 24-hour notice
Smile Profile: Sue Chesney
In addition to her position with us at Partners In Dental Care, dedication to physical fitness also plays
a large role in Sue’s life. She is certified to teach spinning, Group Power and Zumba and leads group
fitness classes for two Grand Rapids-area gyms. When she isn’t looking after your smile or working up
a sweat, Sue enjoys relaxing along the shoreline in Spring Lake with her husband.
Hygeine Saturdays for Kids
Support Local First!
Don’t forget…starting this October and running through next March, Partners In Dental Care will
offer Saturday appointments from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. This is a great way to schedule children
for their cleanings without having to take time off from work or school. We are even able to book
multiple appointments at the same time to accommodate siblings.
Partners In Dental Care (PIDC) is a member
of Local First, an organization that encourages
the development of a vibrant, sustainable West
Michigan economy by promoting local business
ownership, social equity and environmental
kinship through education, support and
collaboration.
Survey Reminder
Thank you again for selecting
Partners In Dental Care for your
dental health care. Because we
value your ideas, we invite you
to participate in our survey.
We make every effort to ensure that our
patients receive the best possible care and
superior customer service. To accomplish
these goals, we need your help evaluating the
quality of service you and your family have
received. Please take a few moments to visit
us at www.partnersindentalcare.com and
share your opinions with us.
If you prefer, we also offer hard copies of the
survey, which are available at our front desk.
We will use your feedback to improve the
quality of our service, and all responses are
confidential.
Thank you very much!
Partners In Dental Care
OFFICE HOURS:
Mondays & Wednesdays:
7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Tuesdays & Thursdays:
7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Phone: (616)949-0230
Fax: (616)949-1125
2565 Forest Hill Ave. S.E. Suite 200
Grand Rapids, MI 49546-7535
www.partnersindentalcare.com
[email protected]
PIDC’s membership in Local First demonstrates
our commitment to purchasing supplies and
products from local businesses, strengthening
our local economy. For example, PIDC chooses
to use local companies such as Founders
Bank & Trust, Forest Hills Foods and the Gilmore
Collection (all based in Grand Rapids) keeping
our dollars local.
Why the movement in Local First? This question
is best answered by Michael H. Shuman, author
of the book Going Local. “Going local does not
mean walling off the outside world. It means
nurturing locally owned businesses which use
local resources sustainability, employ local
workers at decent wages and serve primarily
local consumers. It means becoming more
self-sufficient and less dependent on imports.
Control moves from the boardrooms of distant
corporations and back into the community
where it belongs.”
Find more information about Local First and
West Michigan businesses that have made this
commitment at www.localfirst.com.
Dental Care during tough
times…too expensive to
ignore
Times may be difficult financially, but
if you’re thinking of skipping that next
dentist appointment, it could very well
cost you more in the long run. Research
has demonstrated the importance of
preventative dental care in reducing the
need for more invasive, costlier procedures.
Deferring preventative care can also lead to
serious health problems.
For example, statistics show that people
with higher levels of gum disease also have
higher levels of heart disease. The American
Dental Association recommends routine
teeth cleanings alongside regular dental
checkups to avoid developing serious health
conditions.
Don’t let cost keep you from having the
best possible oral health and a beautiful
smile. We offer the Citi Health card and
Care Credit, a convenient payment plan,
allowing for flexible, interest-free payments.
We also offer a five percent discount
on cash or check payments for patients
without insurance. Please see our Financial
Coordinator to discuss these and other
options.
Rewarding Referrals
C u rre n t Pa tie n ts :
R e fe r a Frie n d
Refer a friend and receive a
$50 gift certificate redeemable
at any Gilmore Collection
Restaurant.*
New Patient:
Referred by:
* Gift certificate will be sent to you
after referred patient has received
Parters In Dental Care services.
N e w Pa tie n t Sp e c ia l:
> $50 credit toward first visit
> $25 credit for children
17 and younger
Please present this card at time
of service.