Smile Imaging Available

We've all seen them, those "try it before you buy it" products. They're a great way to really know what you're getting before you cough up the cash. Even high-end hair salons can take a quick picture of you and with the help of a fancy computer program, show your head with the hippest hairstyle so you can test-drive the look for yourself.

Wouldn't it be great if the dentist could do that for you?
Now, we can!

Here's how it works. Lets say you have chips on your front teeth and your smile just looks crooked.  Dr. Dooley has recommended you get 4 crowns but suggests 6 crowns and a special surgery that could completely even out your grin and help you ditch that "gummy" look. Done! But we know your only consideration isn't just appearance, it's cost, too, and you want to make sure you'll look your best.

Enter our new "smile imaging" program that will allow you to see what your restored smile will look like!

We take a picture of your current smile, and with the help of the experts at Bayview Dental Laboratories, use dental imaging software to show you exactly where Dr. Dooley will contour your existing features to create a new, more beautiful smile. The final result can show you with new crowns, whitening, gum surgery, a new denture, you name it! Visit our website for a complete list of services to learn just what we can do for you!

We're sure you'll love this amazing new feature! It's like seeing yourself in the future! This new technology will help you picture yourself with your new smile. Call us at 757-486-4880 or schedule online to find out how we can help make your dream results a reality!

Give Thanks for Good Foods!

There are certain foods that can help you maintain good dental health. Not only are these food choices good for your teeth but they are also healthy choices for your body. Many of these will show up on the appetizer trays at your next holiday party or football get together!

Oranges and Kiwis

These fruits can pack a holiday punch on the table and in your mouth! With Vitamin C as a big part of these fruit, Kiwis and Oranges strengthen the collagen in your gums — fighting periodontal disease.

 

Just section an orange while you make a holiday display like the one pictured, or simmer some on the stove afterwards with some cinnamon and a clove for a great holiday potpourri!

      Celery

It seems like a bland food but it is good for your teeth and gums – it is celery. Why? The extra chewy nature of this vegetable causes our mouth to produce additional amounts of saliva, which helps to neutralize the cavity causing bacteria in our mouth. Although some may think it doesn’t have much taste, the texture of this vegetable is abrasive which cleans our gums and teeth while eating it. A modest dip of ranch or smear of peanut butter is OK.

       Onions

Although strong smelling, this vegetable contains antibacterial sulfur compounds that are found to rid different types of bacteria. The benefits of this veggie are best when eaten raw.

·        

        Cheese     

 A popular food for everyone, cheese is low in carbohydrates and includes calcium and phosphate which help balance the PH level in your mouth. The extra saliva your mouth makes while you chew cheese is also beneficial. Saliva can help protect and rebuild your tooth enamel, strengthening them from the outside.

 

 

·         Making wise decisions in choosing food will help you maintain a healthy smile and healthy body for years to come. Make an appointment with Dr. Mary Dooley at Total Care Dentistry to be sure you get your teeth cleaned at least twice a year to have them professionally examined and cleaned!

Practice Points

Happy Monday!
Here are a few special notes for our patients this week:

We hope you made it through Hurricane Sandy safe and sound. In her wake, our offices closed Monday, October 29th. We want to say thank you to our patients who have been understanding and willing to reschedule. We know the storm caused many inconveniences and appreciate your patience!

Are you needing to schedule your next dental appointment? Call now! Keep in mind our office is closed every other Tuesday and Thursday so that we may share the space with Scott Orthodontics.

Closed: November 6,8,9,22,23

December 4,6,18,20

Closing early at 1pm Dec. 24-January 2

 

Give the gift of oral health! We’re proud to announce Total Care Dentistry is offering gift certificates for the holidays! Gift certificates are available for exam/cleaning/xray packages, in office and take home whitening packages, and “account dollars” that allow the recipient to choose how to use your gift. Call 757-486-4880 today  and ask for details!

 

 

Prosthodontists Gather in Baltimore



The view from the "Top of the World" observatory in
Baltimore's Inner Harbor.
The ACP gathers in cities around the world
annually. Several hundred international guests
took part in the Baltimore meeting this year.

     Our very own Dr. Mary Dooley has just returned from the largest annual gathering of Prosthodontists in America. The American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) held it’s yearly convention in Baltimore just days after Hurricane Sandy, October 31-November 3.

 

      Dr. Dooley was one of nearly 1,000 professionals who participated in numerous continuing education classes and seminars aimed at further improving service to patients. Many participants treated under-served residents at a free oral health clinic on Halloween. Attendees received much needed care and took home a kit containing a toothbrush, tooth paste, floss and bi-lingual instructions on proper oral hygiene.

The ACP gathering took place
at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront
hotel days after Superstorm Sandy.

     This is the 42nd year the ACP has met on such a scale. Annual session highlights included: new developments in CAD/CAM technology and high-strength ceramics; creating affordable dental health opportunities; understanding the shift toward precision medicine in dentistry; the use of digital imaging and sleep apnea management.

 

6 Tips for a Photogenic Smile

This post is reprinted from Webmd.com. Click here for the original post. You can check out our website for more tips and a list of services including whitening, crowns, veneers, dentures and implants that can help you show off your best grin!

WebMD Feature

By Joanne Barker

Reviewed By Alfred D. Wyatt Jr., DMD

With cameras in cell phones, email profile pictures, and online photo sharing, a camera-ready smile is almost a necessity. Thankfully, you don’t have to be a celebrity or genetically blessed to create a crowd-pleasing smile.

Smile Tip #1: Wear a "Parade" Smile
Photogenic smiles are gentle and natural. Lily T. Garcia, DDS, MS, FACP tells her patients to smile as if they are in a parade. In other words, strike a smile you can hold for a long time. When you smile gently, your face looks relaxed. Your mouth opens slightly, and your lower lip matches the curve of your upper teeth.
"You’ll feel the edges of your upper front teeth gently touching your lower lip," says Garcia, president of the American College of Prosthodontists. Your cheeks may rise a bit, but not too much. It’s the opposite of the quick smile that flashes across your face when you see an old friend. That kind of jumping-for-joy smile makes your eyes squint and your neck muscles tense -- which can make for an awkward-looking photo.
Smile Tip #2: Nix the Double Chin
More worried about your chin than your smile? It’s all about posture. "If you slouch or your head is too bent forward, you won’t like how your smile looks," says Pamela McClain, DDS. She recommends turning your head slightly and dropping your chin so your face is not completely square with the camera.
Smile Tip #3: Make Lipstick Your Friend
If you are a woman, select a lipstick that works with your skin tone. "The right shade of lipstick can make teeth look whiter," Garcia says. Shades like cherry red, wine, berry, plum, or rosy pink are your best bet. The blue-based or pink-based undertones will minimize any yellowish tones in your teeth.
On the other hand, Garcia says that the wrong color, especially one that’s too dark or too red, can detract from your smile. (Psst. Lipstick sticking to your teeth? Might be a sign of dry mouth or excess plaque.)
Smile Tip #4: Work With What You Have
You don’t need perfect teeth to have a camera-worthy smile. Just look at Tom Cruise and his off-center ivories. Garcia points out that the line between his two front teeth, which should line up with the center of his nose, is off to one side. It’s a rather obvious fluke but when Cruise smiles, few people notice it.
Smile Tip #5: Prime Your Teeth and Gums
Getting your teeth and gums camera-ready requires a bit of behind-the-scenes preparation.
If your teeth have yellowed with age, you might take time to try a whitening product from the pharmacy or visit your dentist. Correcting cracked, broken, or missing teeth will likely mean some time with a dental professional.Though you may think of them as supporting actors, healthy gums play a crucial role in a photogenic smile. "You can have beautiful teeth but if your gums aren’t healthy, that detracts from your smile," says McClain, president of the American Academy of Periodontology. Take Julia Roberts, McClain says: "She’s got a big smile, and she has a really nice blend of gum tissue and tooth."
Smile Tip #6: Practice
Your perfect smile might not happen overnight. If you have a big photo event like a wedding or graduation coming up, take time to practice smiling in front of a mirror. You can see how it looks and feels when you hold your shoulders back proudly and strike a natural, unforced smile. You can also play around with turning your head and finding your best angle.
 

National Dental Hygiene Month

“Keep them healthy. Keep them clean.” That’s this year’s National Dental Hygiene Month slogan. Hygienists across America want you to know that brushing your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day will help you maintain a healthy smile.

     Studies have shown that brushing for two minutes is perhaps the single most important step an individual can take to reduce plaque build-up and the risk of plaque-associated diseases, such as cavities and gingivitis. The hectic pace of today's adult lifestyle often leaves little time for the daily oral health care routine needed to prevent cavities and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. An estimated 75% of Americans reportedly have some form of periodontal disease. Ask Dr. Dooley if you have signs of periodontal disease at your next appointment.

     To help our patients manage their oral health 27/7, we've created a series of pages on our website to guide you and your children through proper brushing and flossing techniques. You can even check out our dental videos to see proper techniques in action. Brushing isn't just brushing, accuracy matters and these tweaks to your routine could make all the difference!

 

Dentistry Sign Reappears!

We said the sign would return and here it is!!! Keep your eyes out!




The new sign was hoisted into place!

Crews showed up bright and early to get the job done!

The new "old" sign is visible from Virginia Beach Boulevard and
Witchduck Road intersection, several blocks away!

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes!

You've probably noticed some of the many changes that have been taking place here in our office.  Today's blog post aims at getting everyone caught up on what we've been doing!

Our office is now located at 114 S. Witchduck Road,
Virginia Beach. The building is also home to
Scott Orthodontics and Shall We Dance Studios.

The biggest change this summer, our office moved. June 1st we moved from Great Neck Road, to Witchduck Road. The office is right next to the 264WB ramp to Witchduck Road, near the Sears Home Central building.

A new white sign with a toothbrush can be found at the building marquee, and that's where you'll see our new name! Because Dr. Dooley is like one-stop-shopping for all of your dental needs, we have updated the practice name to now be Total Care Dentistry, Mary T. Dooley, DDS. We think the name sounds pretty nifty! You will also notice the reappearance of Dr. Dooley's green sign from our previous location soon facing Witchduck Road.



We are also happy to display a new logo featuring the new practice name. Thank to all of our patients who took part in either in-office or Facebook voting for the design! Your input is greatly appreciated!

We are very excited to present a new name and
logo! The design speaks to our strong ties to our
area's military families!

We are in the process of redesigning our website to feature services growing in popularity, such as dentures, implants and cosmetic procedures. Never fear, we are always happy to take care of your basic oral hygiene needs to keep you smiling! The site includes videos and testimonials from real patients. You'll also find links to news releases we think you'll want to read, and publish our monthly newsletters!

Don't forget to take advantage of our appointment scheduler, you can send us requests 24/7. The new look will appear at the URL http://www.dooleytotalcaredentistry.com in the coming weeks!



Use your smart phone app to scan this QR code for
instant access to our site at any time. Forms, scheduling
information, and more are at your fingertips!

As you know Dr. Dooley is always on the cutting edge of digital dentistry, and we've added another advancement to the list of offerings. You can now use your smart phone to connect to our website anytime with our new QR code. You'll find it on our Facebook page, on our new business cards and on our google places page. Use it at will! You never know when you might find a special offer along the way!

As we've mentioned in the past, we are still looking for our permanent new home, we will make an announcement when we have this information. Meanwhile, thank you for your patience and understanding!

Back to school tips and tricks!

With just a few weeks remaining until the school bells ring again, it's time to start thinking about back to school lists. For most parents, the list gets more lengthy every year. A few more composition books, then a gadget shows up on the list... before you know it they'll need their own laptops and tablets for college. Never fear, our back to school tips and tricks aren't pricey, and they'll help keep your kids healthy, too!

Pack or prepare after school snacks like popcorn. They're
sugarless, taste great and can be strung for out of
class time projects!

Your child's teacher will be the one influencing much of her day, but your presence can be felt in other ways. We love little post-its in lunch boxes, and handwritten notes from home on napkins. They go a long way in making your child smile. But also consider the foods in your lunch from home. Fruit rolls and raisins are popular additions to the mid-day meal, but they aren't the most tooth friendly. Because of the gummy texture, fruit rolls, raisins and similar type foods can stick in the "nooks and crannies" of the teeth and cause cavities. Instead, consider fresh fruits. Fresh fruits are a more instant source of energy for your child. Fruits like apples and bananas are best because they are not acidic and require little effort for your child to chow down!

Instead of a juice box or mini can of soda, consider sending a bottled water and flavor packet. Check the sugar content of the flavoring first as there are no-sugar and no artificial sweetener versions available. Juices are yummy, but should be limited to 8 ounces a day. Additionally, the high sugar content is not only poor nutrition but also can again, lead to cavities! Chances are your child needs to replenish her water stores from gym class or recess anyway!

Ask your child's elementary school teacher if dental health is part of any lesson planned for the year. You might consider scheduling your child's dental appointment around that time to help drive the lesson home. If not, our website is full of resources that can help you instruct your child on proper techniques and overall good oral hygiene!

Finally, if your child is one of the very few who will brush at school, fantastic! Reward her, she's doing great! But don't forget to encourage everyone else to brush after that after school snack. Any time we brush after meals we're doing our mouths a favor.

Enjoy this new school year! Your lesson for today is over :)

Your best bat

Prince Fielder made a splash at the All-Star Home Run Derby in Kansas City last night. Eight splashes to be exact, as he lofted balls straight into the right field fountains. The Detroit slugger is now in the history books along side Ken Griffey Jr. as the only players to win multiple derby titles.

The pro-baller will tell you practice is key in his successes. That and a little video game action as a child with Griffey Jr. and his father. Baseball at its simplest is repetitive motion: load, step, swing. As long as you can see and predict exactly where that speeding bullet of a ball will be... when it will be at the optimal position, you're good to go.

Detroit Tigers' Prince Fielder beat Toronto's Jose Bautista 12-7
in the MLB MVP Home run Derby July 9th.

The breakdown of the sport got us thinking about the surprising similarities between baseball and prosthodontics.

As a prosthodontist, a specialist in the replacement of missing teeth, Dr. Mary Dooley is familiar with repetitive motion, but that isn't what makes her so precise. It is her ability to "see that ball" and predict where it will be that gives her an edge.

Computer guided implant dentistry allows
virtual placement of implants to ensure success!

In the field of modern-day tooth replacement, patients of Dr. Mary Dooley are asked to have a CT scan performed. Consider this the "load" element in our baseball analogy. With a CT scan, prosthodontists are able to prepare for your dental implant surgery in its early stages. The next step in the process is unique. Our office utilizes advanced computer guides that allow the viritual placement of every implant. It is this stage that we'll label the "step." In reality, this is what allows Dr. Dooley to see and predict exactly where the real-life implants will go in a live patient. The virtual imagery gives her the precision she needs to make your case a home run. She can see where to place the implant, how deep to insert the implant and what size implant you'll need for optimal positioning. Finally, surgery day, and she "swings," and gets that hit of a lifetime with the successful placement and healing of new dental implants! The winner in this case, is the patient, but we're happy to accept the applause!   

The advancement is so important it puts the use of digital x-rays back in the shadows. No longer will prosthodontists have to extrapolate information from xrays. The ability to see a patient's implants before placement is amazing!

If you are considering having full size or mini dental implants, ask your doctor if they will be using a computerized surgical guide. Your chances of success will be dramatically increased, and your smile, that much brighter! Total Care Dentistry and Dr. Mary Dooley are excited to offer specials on implant placement this summer. Call 757-486-4880 or click here to schedule online and ask for more information.

4 Bad Dental Health Practices You Should Avoid

It isn't often that I'll share something we found online, but this article is great.
Please, take a few minutes and take this advise, and mine, to heart!

4 Bad Dental Health Practices You Should Avoid - Dental Health Magazine

We're Moving!

Last week we announced the office of Dr. Mary T. Dooley will soon be moving. To help communicate with you, our valued patients we have put together these FAQ's. Please don't hesitate to call us at 757-486-4880 with any questions!

Q. What is the address? Where is it?

A. Our new location is very centrally location in Virginia Beach. It is 1 block south of Virginia Beach Boulevard and Witchduck Road intersection, right at the 264 & Witchduck Road interchange. Next to the Sears building.

114 S. Witchduck Road, Suite 201

Virginia Beach, VA, 23454

  

Q. Will the phone number change?

A. No, our phone number will not change. You will be able to contact us as you always have, with zero to no interruption! Our phone number is 757-486-4880 or, reach us online at office@drdooleydental.com. Our website is www.drdooleydental.com.

Q. Will my existing appointment change?

A. It is our goal to keep all appointments as scheduled. Unless you have been contacted with a change, your appointment is already scheduled for you at the new temporary office location.

Q. You say “temporary” what does that mean? How long will you be there?

A. Plans are in the works for a new permanent home for Mary T. Dooley, DDS and staff. We cannot announce those changes as of yet and no timeline is available. However, it is our goal to stay in our temporary home as long as we need to maintain quality care. It is our goal to make sure you will always be able to see Dr. Dooley!

Q. What other changes are in store?

A. We like to think big! You may have noticed improvements to our website and social media in the past few months. We plan on expanding digitally, and more!  Look for more information about this over the next year.

Make yourself comfy!

All too often patients think of a trip to the dentist as sterile, cold and uninviting. That may have been true 20 years ago, but today its more like a break! Truth be told we see patients actually fall asleep in the dental chair quite often!

Our office welcomes modern creature comforts you're used to at home! For instance, our patients are welcome to bring their own I-pods. This is a great option for teens and young adults who like to express themselves through music. Feeling a chill? We will gladly warm things up a bit for you with a nice cozy throw. Is your little one a bit anxious? Have them bring a favorite stuffed animal to their next appointment. We'll give them a quick "exam" and help your youngster feel a little more at ease! We know adults get a little nervous too. Check out our article on relieving stress and anxiety, and consider bringing something to cuddle yourself! OK, maybe not a stuffed animal, but a stress ball will work wonders!

At Mary T. Dooley, DDS, we are always looking for new ways to make our patients feel more at ease. If you have a suggestion, let us know! With convenient scheduling online, over the phone and in person, our goal is to make you smile!

A Surprising Player in Tooth Decay

If you drink lots of water but still have a dry mouth, or suffer with bad breath, the problem could be dry mouth. Dry mouth is a condition in which your mouth is unusually dry. Dry mouth is pretty common, and might seem just annoying. But a dry mouth can affect the health of your teeth.

Dry mouth can lead to problems because saliva helps prevent tooth decay. Your saliva limits bacterial growth and washes away food particles. Saliva also enhances your ability to taste and makes it easier to swallow.

 Dry mouth is, in some cases, a side effect of medication. Dry mouth may improve with an adjusted dosage or a new prescription. This means that patients of any age can suffer from dry mouth. Dry mouth advances the rate of dental decay at an alarming rate, but can be somewhat controlled.

If you're not producing enough saliva, you may notice the following signs and symptoms:

• Dryness in your mouth
• Saliva that seems thick and stringy
• Sores or split skin at the corners of your mouth
• Cracked lips
• Bad breath                                                       
• Difficulty speaking and swallowing
• Sore throat
• An altered sense of taste
• A fungal infection in your mouth
• Increased plaque, tooth decay and gum disease

In women, dry mouth may result in lipstick adhering to the teeth.

If  Dr. Dooley or your hygienist does not notice your dry mouth, ask about it during your next dental exam appointment. Try these simple remedies to help stop your dry mouth:

• Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free hard candies.
• Limit your caffeine intake. Caffeine can make your mouth drier.
• Avoid sugary or acidic foods and candies because they increase the risk of tooth decay.
• Don't use a mouthwash that contains alcohol because alcohol can be drying.
• Stop all tobacco use if you smoke or chew tobacco.
• Sip water or suck ice chips throughout the day to moisten your mouth and drink water during meals to aid chewing and swallowing.
• Try over-the-counter saliva substitutes. Look for ones containing carboxymethylcellulose or hydroxyethyl cellulose, such as Biotene Oral Balance.
• Avoid using over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants because they can make your symptoms worse.
• Breathe through your nose, not your mouth.
• Add moisture to the air at night with a room humidifier.

Dry mouth is a common concern of patients. You can visit our website's FAQ section to read answers to more common questions.
Taken in part from Mayo Clinic.com, Read this article on Mayoclinic.com.

Papoose boards not used at Mary T. Dooley, DDS

Virginia Beach, VA,  April 30, 2012 – The April 26 episode of “Inside Edition,” the television news magazine    program, is causing an uproar in the dental community. The show aired a segment about a California doctor’s use of a “papoose board” during the treatment of children.  Parents of child patients allege papoose boards, which act as restraints, have caused emotional and physical harm. While the doctor has not been charged with any wrongdoing, and the use of papoose style restraints is allowed by the dental boards, the practice is not common.

  The American Dental Association released a statement about the case Friday, saying in part, “The American Dental Association (ADA) notes that the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) guidelines state when stabilization is used, it should always be the least restrictive, but safe and effective. “  The entire ADA statement can be found on their website. 

              Virginia Beach dentist Mary T. Dooley says she’s never used a papoose style restraint on a child patient. “If a child needs special behavioral management for care we refer them to pediatric specialists. Those specialists adhere to AAPD guidelines.” Children are a welcome part of Dr. Dooley’s Virginia Beach practice. “Our goal for care is the same as any parent, a happy child with a healthy mouth,” Dr. Dooley adds.

                If you have questions about pediatric dentistry, do not hesitate to ask your dentist.

Dental Implants Preserve Bone

As you may be aware, this is National Prosthodontics Awareness Week, recognized here in Virginia Beach to be so important our own Mayor has issued a proclamation announcing the same locally! Many of our patients and other blog readers are asking to better understand what a prosthodontist is.

Prosthodontists specialize in the replacement of missing teeth. Replacing missing teeth is important because of its side effects. In a recent Institute of Dental Implant Awareness survey, only 36% of respondents who knew about implants knew that tooth loss immediately results in bone loss. A lack of bone then leads to a change in your physical appearance, giving some people a "witchy" look, sunken features and a protruding chin and nose.

75% of respondents who already had bridges, partials, or dentures stated that they would have changed their minds about getting those treatments if they had been aware of bone loss resulting from extractions and that implants can preserve bone.

This patient has a multi-unit bridge. Bone loss is clearly
visible as support under the gums has been lost.

Dental implants are substitute tooth roots, providing the same function as natural tooth roots, including stimulating the bone, therefore preserving it.  By preventing bone loss, the facial structure stays remarkably intact. Bone grafting at the extraction site is still necessary in many cases and improves the likelihood of a successful implant.

Believe it or not, dentures reduce your ability to chew by nearly 75% less than your natural teeth. Restoring your smile with implants at the time of extraction, and treating periodontal disease regularly can keep you from suffering this fate!

As a prothodontist, I know you don't want to lose your natural teeth, or bone! Let us help you stay in the best oral health as possible. Visit my website and watch our videos on dental implants and periodontal disease. If you have questions, call us at 757-486-4880 or schedule your appointment online.

Your FAQ's: Dental Implants

The Your FAQ's titled posts are truly inspired by our patients and prospective patients. Please take the time to read these thorough explanations of the most common questions we hear in our practice.

Most people are aware of implants as replacements for single teeth, but implants as supportive structures under dentures, and partials are growing in popularity. A great deal of patients ask us first about price. Today's post helps adress the question!

Pictured: Mini dental implant supported denture.
Mini implants require less bone to attach securely and have a quicker
healing time than full size implants. Your dentist
will ask for a CAT scan to help determine which kind
of implant is right for you and where to place the implants.

Q: How does the cost of implants compare to alternatives?

A: The perception is that implants cost a great deal more than other methods of tooth replacement or restoration. However, looking at the long term, implants are in fact less pricey that the alternative. For example, if a single tooth is being extracted (or has been lost) and replaced, a bridge would be the traditional treatment. This option is often times asetheticly pleasing, and lasts 5-10 years. Surrounding teeth will be affected as grinding is necessary to fit supporting crowns on either side of the missing tooth. The cost would vary from $6,000. With a single implant and crown, you can expect a 25 years to life expectancy and the added benefit of bone preservation. The implant physically acts as a tooth root and maintains your natural bone. This bone would deteriorate otherwise. The implant costs $2,500-$4,-500, once.

                                      Cost over 20 years
Bridge                  6,000                       Single tooth implant   2,500-4,000
Replacement  #1  6,000                               no need to replace
Replacement  #2  6,000                               no need to replace

Total                  $18,000                  Total                  $2,500-4,000

If you have more questions about full size or mini dental implants, check out our website or give us a call at 757-486-4880.

Do you have a question you'd like us to answer? Submit your questions in the "reply" section here or email us at office@drdooleydental.com. We hope you've found this questions helpful. Be sure to check our website for a list of other frequently asked questions!

Mayor declares Prosthodontics Awareness Week in Virginia Beach

We are excited to announce a partnership between Virginia Beach City Mayor William Sessoms and our office! Below you'll find our official press release.

Mayor declares Prosthodontics Awareness Week in Virginia Beach

National Prosthodontics Awareness Week 2012 will be April 22-28. It focuses on raising public awareness about the critical importance of a healthy mouth. This is especially important now as the link between oral health and overall health is being increasingly documented.

Seeing the need for immediate treatment in many people in Virginia Beach, area dentist Mary T. Dooley decided to reach out to Mayor William Sessoms to bring attention to the cause. “Oral hygiene and restorations improve an individual’s self-esteem, Many adults who do not replace their missing teeth suffer premature aging, poor diet, loss of function and social embarrassment,” says Dr. Dooley.

Understanding the cause, Mayor William Sessoms issued a mayoral proclamation declaring Prosthodontics Awareness Week in Virginia Beach. It is our hope that his support will give weight to to the matter in the minds of patients desperately in need, and yet unconvinced of necessity.

“By utilizing dental implants, fixed bridgework, removable partial dentures and complete dentures a prosthodontists’ expertise can change a smile and a life.” Dr. Dooley explains. This initiative focuses on the important role prosthodontists have in treating patients with missing, broken and worn teeth. The American Dental Association recognizes prosthodontists as dental specialists with two to three years of additional training after dental school in the prevention and treatment of tooth loss and advanced expertise in comfortably treating even the most complex dental needs of patients. The American College of Prosthodontists is urging all patients to talk with their dentists about how to care for their damaged or missing teeth during this National Prosthodontics Awareness Week campaign and the appropriate time to seek the care of a prosthodontist.

 

Virginia Beach dentist Mary T. Dooley is proud to have served in the US Navy Dental Corps before having opened her doors to patients in private practice a decade ago. As a specialist in prosthodontics she is able to see patients through all aspects of care, from general cleanings and examinations, through major restorative care and implant dentistry.

X-rays and Brain Tumors Headline Misleading

Patients should consider factors in wake of new research. Study suggests people who had certain kinds of dental X-rays in the past may be at an increased risk for the most commonly diagnosed brain tumor in the U.S.

The latest dental related headline may be jarring to patients. The results of a new study suggest x-rays could be more harmful than once thought. The findings cannot prove that radiation from the imaging caused the tumors, and the results are based on people who were likely exposed to higher levels of radiation during dental x-rays than most are today."It's likely that the exposure association we're seeing here is past exposure, and past exposure levels were much higher," said Dr. Elizabeth Claus, the study's lead author and a professor at the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut.

A typical bitewing x-ray. Bitewings are necessary x-rays
to make sure your dentist can make
informed diagnoses.

A panographic x-ray is most often taken while standing.These are helpful for intensive cases and determiningthe development of wisdom teeth.

Here at Mary T. Dooley, DDS, we use digital x-rays, which require less exposure. With panoramic x-rays, we can treat wisdom teeth proactively, to prevent possible life-threatening infections. Every person is evaluated individually as to the frequency and type of x-rays they need to prevent infection and tooth loss. We follow the guidelines accepted by the American Dental Association (ADA), including the use of blankets to reduce exposure to other parts of the body. 

The American Dental Association put out a statement noting that the interviews relied on participants' memories of how often they had different types of X-rays years earlier. The statement added, "The ADA's long-standing position is that dentists should order dental X-rays for patients only when necessary for diagnosis and treatment. Since 1989, the ADA has published recommendations to help dentists ensure that radiation exposure is as low as reasonably achievable."

Portions of this article were taken from Reuters news service. Click here to read the full article.

Caring for your Athletic Mouthguard

More and more people are getting outside and taking advantage of spring with athletic activities! It's a fantastic way to stay in shape, but don't forget to take care of your (or your child's) protective mouthguard!

Once you've gotten Dr. Dooley to make a custom athletic guard, care for it as good as you can. Not only will proper care extend the life of the guard in general, it will help the guard stay odor-free, meaning germ free, and maintain its resistance to cavity-causing bacteria!

Sports such as softball, baseball, lacrosse, and field hockey
recommend the use of mouthguards for players.

Whether you've bought your guard at a store, or wear one that is custom-made, you can care for it quite easily. Follow these tips and ask questions to score smile points!

• Before and after each use, rinse it with cool water or a mouth rinse. You can also clean your guard with toothpaste and a toothbrush.
• Store and transport your mouthguard in a sturdy container that has vents to allow air circulation.
• To keep the mouthguard for losing its shape, avoid exposing it to high temperatures such as in hot water (don't boil it to kill germs) on hot surfaces or in direct sunlight.
• Do not chew on or cut pieces off your mouthguard.
• Check your mouthguard regularly for tears of holes and make sure the fit isn't too loose. A poor fit can irritate your gums, lips or cheek lining.
• Bring your guard to your next dental appointment for a check by our staff.

Its is never too early to start wearing a mouthguard. As soon as you begin to look into sports for your child, consider a guard, and talk to Dr. Dooley. Good habits start early, and use of a mouthguard by children and teens will reinforce wear later in life.

An Important Notice To United Concordia Tricare Patients

As of May 1, 2012, United Concordia will no longer be your insurance carrier for dental coverage. Metlife has been awarded the new Tricare contract. Rest assured, Dr. Dooley and our staff members are aware of the upcoming change and have been making preparations for the event for quite some time! Dr. Dooley WILL be a provider for Metlife. The Metlife website has NOT been updated at this time to reflect her participation.

To maximize your benefits with United Concordia before the switch, we recommend you make sure you've had your regular visits and any fillings, crowns, or other work recommended performed BEFORE APRIL 30, 2012. This will minimize the likelihood of confusion between insurance companies and lessen the chance you will be responsible for what insurance should pay.

We know you may have questions. Below we've answered a few we've been hearing. PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE to call us if you have any other concerns.

Q. Will Dr. Dooley be part of the new plan?
A. Yes, Dr. Dooley will be a provider on the new Metlife TRDP list.

Q. Will my out of pocket costs go up?
A. We have not been given a copy of the patient plan with Metlife. Ask your superior or the representative handling benefits before you sign up to make an informed decision. As always our office will check your benefits and provide the most accurate co-pay information possible.

Q. What do I, the patient, need to do?
A. Very little. Make sure you've chosen the best plan offered for your family's needs. Coverage should be seamless during the transition. Bring any new insurance cards with you to your next appointment.

Your FAQ's: "What does my insurance cover?"

The Your FAQ's titled posts are truly inspired by our patients and prospective patients. Please take the time to read these thorough explanations of the most common questions we hear in our practice.

Q: "What does my insurance cover?"               

A: This is a very common question, asked by nearly every patient before every visit! If you have dental insurance this is a very important question, because not all policies are created equally! The typical insurance plan we see covers 100% of preventative and diagnostic care, 80% of basic care (fillings & extractions) & restorations, and 50% of major care (crowns, periodontal) and reconstruction. That said, your plan could be very different. Some plans have deductibles, ranging from $50.00-$200.00.

It is the patient's responsibility to understand their benefits. To find out exactly what your plan covers, ask your employer or benefits administrator to give you this information. It should also be available to you online. At Mary T. Dooley, DDS we perform a benefits check before every appointment, so we are always able  to tell you what your copay will be. We are also able to ask for a preauthorization from your insurance company to give you a better idea of what your insurance may pay towards any larger dollar work! As an extra perk, we are also happy to give you a benefit report, just ask for a copy at your next scheduled appointment.

Finally, don't let the words "out of network" scare you. Contrary to what your insurance company may lead you to believe, you may have more coverage than you think if you go out of network. Some plans coverage is up to 100% regardless of provider participation for diagnostic and preventative care. (Diagnostic & preventative means your yearly visits with exam, x-rays and cleaning.) Remember, regular care is your best insurance! Most big problems are preventable with regular care!


Do you have a question you'd like us to answer? Submit your questions in the "reply" section here or email us at office@drdooleydental.com.  We hope you've found this questions helpful. Be sure to check our website for a list of other frequently asked questions!

Your FAQ's: "Why can't you tell me how much it will cost?"

The Your FAQ's titled posts are truely inspired by our patients and prospective patients. Please take the time to read these thorough explanations of the most common questions we hear in our practice.

Q: "Why can't you tell me how much it will cost?"   

A: This  is one of the first and most common questions we get in our dental practice. We see a wide variety of patients, from those needing routine diagnostic and preventative care (cleanings, exams and x-rays) to fillings and crowns to multiple extractions and implant supported dentures. Most simply put, if you haven't been a patient and therefore do not have information including x-rays and a history on file with us, we don't really know that you need the root canal you're calling to get a price about. Most people have heard the doctor's oath "first do no harm." The idea is the same here, meaning we cannot diagnose any condition over the phone, or without having seen it first hand.
    Here's another example, let's say you're considering dentures. Without an exam and x-rays (and in some cases a CAT scan) it is nearly impossible to know if your jaw will support dentures. Each denture is custom crafted with state-of-the-art technology to give patients the best fit and most durable wear possible. We work hard to give you as many options as possible to perfect your smile, including choosing the color, shape and size of your new teeth.
     Our final example concerns crowns and veneers. Much like dentures, each is custom made especially for you, the individual patient. We need to know which tooth is being restored, where on the tooth is the restoration needed? What kind of materials will be used? We adress these concerns during your exam. We also address variables behind the scenes, for instance, does the patient have insurance? How much will insurance cover? Is there a deductible? What benefits has the patient used this year? We research these kinds of questions for you and are always happy to do so!
     Patients requiring extensive dental care get what we call a treatment plan, a thorough explanation of necessity and cost after an exam and all other pertient information has been reviewed. While this may require an additional visit, it is the best way to gurantee you're getting exactly what you need.
      If you're considering having elective procedures, understand most are not covered by insurance. This is why we offer consultations. Consultations are your opportunity to learn about your options and are a very wise investment in your time.


Hopefully this FAQ is helpful! Please submit your burning questions to office@drdooleydental.com or post them in a reply and we will be happy to address them!

Trip to Richmond

     On January 20th, 2012, members of  the Virginia Dental Association visited state legislators at the general assembly, to discuss current issues pertaining to dentistry, and our own Dr. Mary Dooley was there.

Dr. Dooley (seated) visited the state capital with fellow
VB area dental professionals Dr. Rod Rogge,
Dr. Mike Fernandez and others.

       VDA members visited with their respective representatives of the House and Senate. Many dentists spoke to their concerns potential budget cuts  would eliminate almost all of the 25 public health dentist positions in the state. Most legislators were not aware how this would impact emergency rooms and patient morbidity in Virginia.
     In related news, we are proud to announce that Dr. Dooley is now the Chairperson of the Dental Benefits Committee for the Virginia Dental Association. Dr. Dooley's goal is to help make insurance companies more accountable to patients and better disclose information before signing patient contracts for benefits. The new title is the latest in a line of elected positions she has held. Dr. Dooley is also the current Treasurer for the Tidewater Dental Association. For more than 100 years, the TDA has promoted the highest levels of oral health for the community of Tidewater by providing support and educational opportunities for dental professionals in our area.