Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
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.