Candy doesn't cause cavities! (ok, keep reading...)

      We've all heard the phrase "sweet tooth," and many of us have one! It might be that secret desire to go gorge yourself on a giant ice cream sundae with all the sprinkles, nuts and fixing's  possible at the local self-serve ice cream bar, or maybe its that gotta-have-it chocolate bar you grab at the

convenience store when no one's looking. Sometimes you've just got to give in to that need for a sweet fix! We know you do it, we do too!

      No one knows for sure where the phrase originated, some believe it was derived from the toothache you may feel when eating sugar, others say it's just the food-mouth connection. While opinions are split, people have referred to the "sweet tooth" since the 1400's as the desire to eat sweet foods. You can imagine our surprise when we staffers at Total Care Dentistry heard Dr. Dooley say it's OK to have sweets, "go ahead, it's that time of year," she said recently. What????? "Sweets don't give you cavities, that's only part of the story," she continued.

      We had to hear more! Did we just get a free pass to eat sweets? Really? They won't hurt our teeth? Turns out Dr. Dooley's main point was that eating sugary treats isn't bad, as long as you don't let the residue sit inside your mouth afterwards. Candies and treats that are heavily chewed are concerning when you don't brush the leftovers out of the crevices of your teeth. Removing the gummy remnants and even flossing it out of tight spaces makes a major difference!  Don't take this the wrong way, sugar isn't good for you. But simply eating a piece of candy won't hurt your teeth as long as you are diligent about your oral hygiene. Otherwise, the sugar you ate, can eat your teeth. Here's the scientific explanation for all you detail types:

"When sugar is consumed, particularly sucrose, naturally occurring bacteria inside the mouth interact with the sugar and produce acids that demineralize enamel on teeth. This demineralization process creates dental caries (lesions on teeth), which produce pain and, if left untreated, will erode and destroy teeth."  (National Institutes of Health)

That said, if you experience pain or sensitivity when eating sweets, that could signal a problem. Please schedule an appointment to have the tooth examined and treated.


Willy Wonka's dad was a dentist after all, he had to know something about the whole thing, right?

BRUSH!

So the next time a major candy holiday comes around, you can tell you Trick or Treater or Easter basket binger to go ahead... they may get a sugar high and bounce off the walls for a bit... but as long as they brush after they chow down, they should be just fine! Oh, and you should be too!

Your FAQ's: When do I replace my toothbrush?

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: "When do I replace my toothbrush?"


A: This is a question we hear quite often. Dr. Dooley's
answer is always the same, even though your toothbrush
usage and kind you use my be different than that of another patient!

You can use the same toothbrush for as long as it maintains it original shape. Ignore those color-changing, or fading bristles, the shape is what matters. Most toothbrushes can keep their shape for about three to six months. If your brush is wearing out sooner, you could be brushing too hard. (Yes, that's a big problem! We'll tell you more about that another time.)

Still don't know if your toothbrush is good enough to keep getting the job done? You can also bring your toothbrush with you to your next visit. We'll take a glance and tell you if it's time to get a new one. Schedule your next appointment online on our website or Facebook page or call us at 757-486-4880.
   

Your FAQ's: Toothpaste 101

(Blog note: The following article is edited from a post of the same title on the website Everyday Health. Follow the link to read the full text.)


Toothpaste is not always paste. It can be a gel, powder, or paste that you brush onto your teeth and gums to help get rid of accumulating plaque and improve your oral health. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), toothpaste is important to oral health because it helps to remove plaque and its bacterial buildup on teeth and fights off periodontal (gum) disease. Most toothpaste also contains fluoride, which bolsters tooth enamel and fights tooth decay.

What's in Toothpaste?
The exact composition of different toothpastes may vary slightly depending on the benefits being touted by the particular brand (such as whitening teeth or reducing gum inflammation). In general, toothpastes include the following ingredients:

• Gentle abrasives, such as magnesium carbonate, dehydrated silica gels, calcium carbonate, hydrated aluminum oxides, and phosphate salts.
• Glycerol, sorbitol, or other so-called “humectants,” substances that keep the toothpaste from drying out.
• Thickeners like seaweed or mineral colloids, synthetic cellulose, or natural gum to give the toothpaste a homogeneous appearance and texture.
• Fluoride to help make tooth enamel stronger and more resistant to decay.
• Flavoring agents that do not cause tooth decay, such as saccharin.
• Detergents, such as sodium lauryl sarcosinate, to make the toothpaste foamy.

How to Pick the Right Toothpaste for Your Teeth
      With the dizzying array of toothpaste choices in a typical drugstore aisle, it can be daunting to try and find one that's right for you. “One almost needs a PhD degree to weather the dental 'aisle of confusion',” says Richard H. Price, DMD, spokesperson for the ADA, and a former clinical instructor at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine.
     When choosing a toothpaste, the first order of business is to make sure that the product is safe and will do what it claims. Toothpastes containing fluoride are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since they make disease-fighting claims. These products will display a standard “drug facts” panel on the packaging listing active ingredients, warnings, and other relevant information. Toothpastes without fluoride are considered cosmetics and, therefore, do not fall under FDA supervision. However, these products should still provide a list of ingredients. To avoid counterfeit and unregulated products, steer away from any toothpaste that doesn’t clearly state ingredient information or is not properly labeled.
     Confused toothpaste shoppers can find additional guidance by looking for the ADA seal of approval. This symbol indicates that the manufacturer has participated in a voluntary testing program conducted by the ADA to gauge a product’s safety and effectiveness. Any toothpaste containing sugar, for example, will not get the ADA seal of approval.
“With the ADA seal on it, you know that it will do what it says,” notes Dr. Price, who is retired from a 35-year private group dental practice in Newton, Mass.

     Hundreds of oral care products bear the ADA seal. To see a complete list of ADA-approved toothpastes, check out the ADA Web site.

The Benefits of Fluoride in Toothpaste
     A key ingredient in toothpaste is fluoride. Fluoride has broad benefits for people, both young and old. “Fluoride toothpaste is not just for kids — it is beneficial for us our whole lives,” says Price. “The fluoride in the toothpaste heals and remineralizes microscopic cavities as they form, it hardens the tooth surface, making it more resistant to the acid attack of bacteria, and slows down the action of these acid-producing bacteria.”

Fluoride Safety
     Although the FDA requires fluoride toothpaste to carry a warning label urging parents to contact a poison control center if their child accidentally consumes a large quantity of toothpaste, the ADA’s Council on Scientific Affairs takes the position that the FDA warning overstates the risks of ingested fluoride to children. According to the ADA statement, children cannot swallow enough fluoride from toothpaste during normal brushing to cause any serious problems. Nevertheless, to be on the safe side, Price recommends limiting children under age 5 to a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and supervising their brushing since most young children haven’t learned to rinse rather than swallow at the end of brushing.

Toothpaste for Particular Tooth and Gum Conditions
     No matter what your personal oral health needs are, there’s likely a toothpaste for you.
If you have sensitive teeth, look for products with ingredients such as potassium nitrate or strontium chloride. To fight gingivitis or tartar buildup, choose a toothpaste that contains pyrophosphates, triclosan, and zinc citrate. In addition, you can find products designed to combat bad breath or formulated with special abrasives to help whiten stained teeth.
“If you have special needs, such as teeth that are sensitive to cold or heat, or problems with tartar buildup, look for toothpastes that address these issues that carry the ADA seal, or speak with your dentist for a recommendation,” Price advises.

Originally published by Clare Kittredge

Medically reviewed by Cynthia Haines, MD

Wednesday humor

Happy Wednesday! We hope these will humor you through the rest of the week!

 

 

 

 

What makes you smile?

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!

 

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 :)

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.

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!

Dental Anxiety Alleviated

     Anxiety is becoming a common problem throughout the country. A common anxiety issue is the fear of visiting the family dentist. The fear of the dentist is a major stumbling block for many people. This anxiety prevents healthy, intelligent, rational people from taking care of their teeth from fear of the drill or other dental treatments.

    However, the key to good oral health is prevention or stopping issues before they arise. But, when people who suffer from dental anxiety they don’t want to visit the dentist for cleaning or when a problem occurs. When they finally do go, a small preventable problem is usually a larger problem which intensifies their anxiety even more.

    Some people call this dental phobia. Most good family dentists know how to work with people of all ages that suffer from a dental phobia. Coincidentally, most dental phobics started with their anxiety due to an uncaring dentist or a bad experience with another dental attendant.

How do you overcome dental anxiety?
The answer is easy – get back to the dentist – a good one. Here are some things to consider when you search for a good dentist.

• Highly competent.
• Tries to make treatments pain free.
• Cares about you.
• Has good communication skills to nurture you through bad experiences from the past.

     If you don’t know where to find a good dentist, the best place to ask is a family member or a friend. You are the consumer and it is the dentist who should be selling a service – you have the right to the best treatment available for you and your family. We will help you overcome your anxiety with a caring and nurturing staff and environment. Make yourself at home, bring an I-pod, your favorite book, something that makes you comfortable. We know it's the little touches that put us all at ease!

Lessons from a Groundhog

Today is February 2nd, or Groundhog Day here in America, the day we rely on a furry critter to tell us what the weather will be like for the next few weeks.

Believe it or not, there is a big lesson we can learn from the common woodchuck! Turns out the animal's teeth grow an amazing 1/16" per day! To combat the growth, the groundhog must chew constantly.

Unlike humans with our full set of 32 adult permanent teeth, the groundhog is born with just four teeth and should keep them for life. His constant chewing is his insurance that they won't grow too long and actually prevent food from entering his mouth. Many other animals share a similar fate if they ignore the natural urge to chew.

The lesson is clear! Take care of your teeth, always!

We can help you understand the proper ways to  brush, floss and maintain your beautiful smile, just ask our staff.

Toothbrush Care 101

A popular tweet sent recently from my twitter account had to do with the origination of toothbrushes. It is true that horse and boar hair were once used to make the bristles for the common tooth brush! Its a pretty disgusting thought to us now, but you'd be surprised what used to pass for "OK to use!"

Still, these days tooth brushes are not as durable as they once were. Have you ever thought about how long yours lasts? According to a study sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive, most Americans replace their brush every 9 months, with only about 9% replacing their brushes regularly. Turns out you need to replace it when it shows wear, not within a certain time.

Follow these simple steps to extend the life of your toothbrush:
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months (or sooner if the bristles start to bend or fray).
• Rinse your toothbrush with tap water after brushing and allow it to air dry; air drying helps kill bacteria.
• Store your toothbrush upright so it can drain and air dry faster. If you keep it in a cup with other toothbrushes, don’t allow the toothbrushes to touch each other.
• Don’t share toothbrushes.
• Avoid placing your toothbrush in a small container for long periods of time. Moisture can easily build up, creating an environment for bacteria to grow. While traveling, allow your toothbrush to air dry completely before storing it.
• Keep your toothbrush away from the toilet. Because germs may go airborne when you flush, always keep the toilet lid down.

Now if that's not incentive for closing the toilet seat, I don't know what is! Proper oral hygiene is a learned ability. Children may need extra help in reaching back teeth, and yes, those baby teeth are still important even though they'll fall out! Parents should brush children's teeth and coach proper brushing until the technique is mastered. You can get tips on how to properly brush and floss on our website. If you're still having trouble explaining technique to your child, we can help at your next appointment.


Sources: American Dental Association, Colgate-Palmolive, Tricare Dental Program websites

Why Dentists Offer Free Consultations

In today's blog post, we'll take a  few minutes to address one question we get quite often. It boils down to this: "Why do I need to come for a (free) consultation?"

The answer isn't because we want to convince you to have more "work" done. Believe it or not, most insurance companies request estimates be submitted for treatment that could cost in excess of $300. For us to meet this request, patients need to be seen face to face. Truth be told, if you're calling to make an appointment, we know you're aware your oral health is important, and that's terrific! But your mouth is unique and dentistry is not an exact science, it is individualized. Looking deeper at the question, "Why do I need to come for a (free) consultation," consider this example:

Sample email to our office:
Dear Office, Could you tell me how much a (crown, root canal, implant, et cetera) will cost me? My dentist/specialist said it would cost a lot of money and I want a second opinion. Please call me.

Sample response:
While you have given us some information about your case, it is difficult to give a clear, valid opinion from the details we have here. We believe our doctor, Dr Mary Dooley, would actually need to see what the situation is herself. We do have openings for consultations available in the coming weeks and
would accomodate your schedule to the best of our abilities. I have left a message on the phone number you submitted, please return my call. I would like to help schedule an appointment to get you smiling!

A second opinion is truely different from a cost comparison. However, both need to be addressed with an appointment.

A free consultation is important because:
1. We get a chance to understand what YOU really want.
2. You get personalized case by case details about what YOU really need.
3. We include an evaluation of any insurance benefits so the cost can be explained more clearly.
4. It allows us to document your case in the event of any changes in your status.
5. Its FREE! What do you have to lose?

During your consultation, we'll show examples of your potential outcome that will help you understand how you will benefit from the services done in our office. We've heard people say "I don't want to take up all of your time," and we don't want to take up yours either. We strive to find solutions to evey case that you'll be able to handle in every sense of the word.

So, the next time you hear you need some serious work done, consider scheduling that consultation.
You'll be a more informed patient for it, and your dentist really does want to make you smile!

Dental Implants: Big Impact!

     If you’re missing a tooth or more, you may find that there are other things you miss. You may miss your natural smile. Maybe your mouth waters at the thought of biting into an apple. Maybe you feel self-conscious about your teeth and mouth, or discomfort as remaining teeth shift. Some patients even suffer muscle strains, have trouble speaking, or experience headaches.
     Most people are familiar with crowns and dentures, but there's an innovative middle step so to speak that you may not have heard of yet. If you’ve lost the crown, you’ve lost the visible part of your tooth. But if you’ve lost the root as well, you’ve lost the unseen part of your tooth. The next step doesn't have to be complete or even partial dentures.
    There are many ways to replace tooth crowns, but only dental implants can replace the entire tooth including both crown and root. Dental implants look, feel and function like your own natural teeth.

Improved Comfort

     Dental implants eliminate the pain and discomfort of removable full or partial dentures. Since dentures sit on top of the jawbone and gums, continuous shrinkage of the jaw bone alters the fit of the denture resulting in slipping or rocking of the dentures. Exposed nerves and irritation of the gum tissue may add to the discomfort.

    Implant supported replacement teeth are like natural teeth because they are anchored securely to your jawbone. Gum irritation and the pain of exposed nerves associated with conventional full or partial dentures are eliminated.

MDI Mini Implants like this one anchor to your bone
and retain functionality for most patients.

Great value

     Although dental implant treatment may initially be more expensive than other treatment methods it often turns out to be the best investment from a long term perspective since most patients can expect them to last a life time. Other treatment methods like bridges and dentures often requires regular alterations and adjustments over time.

Improved Speech & Convenience

     Dentures that aren't fitted properly can allow the teeth slip and slide around the mouth. The facial muscles become tense in an attempt to hold the teeth in place. This often results in mumbling, slurred speech or clicking noises. Implant supported replacement teeth allow you to speak with confidence in a relaxed and natural tone. Dental implants can eliminate the numerous embarrassing inconveniences of removable partial and full dentures. Say goodbye to messy adhesives! You will no longer need to cover your mouth when you laugh or smile, for fear that your teeth will pop out or fall down

Improved Self Esteem
     Our Virginia Beach practice uses MDI Mini Implants with amazing success! Imagine walking into a room with the beaming smile you did ten, 15, or 20 years ago! You can regain nearly all the capabilities you had with your natural teeth, giving you renewed confidence, and allowing you to enjoy life, do all the things everyone else is doing and not think twice about it.
    Dental implants allow you to taste your food like you did before! By not covering the upper palate, you can experience the texture of most any edible and enjoy eating again.

      If you're thinking dental implants could make your life easier, more enjoyable, you're not alone. Call us at 757-486-4880 to schedule an appointment today! We'll review your case and help you consider your options!

Understanding Your Benefits and Insurance

Open enrollment is ending at most major employers, and whether you're experiencing a change in plans this year or not, chances are you still have questions.

The most common misconception about employer sponsored plans is the assumption that all offerings are for (health/dental/vision/life) insurance. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Many coverage plans are not insurance, but benefit and in some cases, discount plans. This means that should the need arise for care, you are not necessarily insured, but can utilize a benefit amount (consider it an allowance for care that is exhaustible) or are eligible for a discount on services from many providers.

Traditional insurance contains detailed descriptions of what is covered and exactly how it is covered. While there is often a benefit to seeing an "in network" provider, often times large insurance companies still offer exceptional benefits to employees who choose to be patients of providers who are not  "in network." This is important because while HMO's of days past dictated who patients could see for care, modern benefits for "out of network" providers mean you may never need to change your doctor. While you may incur minimal out of pocket costs, not having to change your provider means you can develop a good relationship and receive even better care. Below is information you need to know about traditional insurance.

What you should know:

1.       Insurance coverage is a contractual agreement between a patient and the insurance company, not with Dr. Dooley or any other care provider.

2.       Dr. Dooley is happy to file claims on your behalf, the patient. However, it is your responsibility to monitor the details of the coverage and claim status with the insurance company.

3.       It is customary for insurance companies to pay out dental benefits on a monthly or quarterly basis. This means that should your insurance end or change for any reason, before treatment has ended, the remaining insurance balance is your responsibility.

4.       Any Information obtained from your insurance company by an employee o Dr. Dooley is not a guarantee of payment. If for any reason an insurance company pays less than the estimated benefit, you will be held responsible for the balance.

5.       It is the patient’s responsibility to provide Dr. Dooley with any changes in insurance coverage within 10 days of the change.

If you are unaware of your Dental Insurance benefits, please call the number on the back of your insurance are or the personnel department for your employer and ask the following questions.

1.       Has our policy taken effect?

2.       What are our benefits? Can you explain dental co-pays to me?

3.       Is there a waiting period for any specific treatment?

4.       What is the mailing address for claims?

If you have any other questions about insurance coverage, or would like us to investigate your personal plan, don't hesitate to ask. We are always willing to help you better understand your health care options!

MORE than you pay for!

Do you think of a trip to the dentist as a quick set of x-rays, a “rinse and spit” with a hygienist and a “once over” by the doctor? We know you do. But that’s just the beginning of what you’ll receive as a patient of mine, Mary Dooley, DDS.

Your office visit actually consists of a professional scaling and polishing, full mouth exam, a soft tissue exam, a hard tissue exam, head and neck exam, bite evaluation, and special custom preparations for your visit.

 My patients recieve:

Free Health and Blood Pressure Screenings

Free Oral Cancer Screenings

Free Cosmetic Evaluation

Free Home Care Tools

Call today!

757-486-4880