What's New In Dental Hygiene

Laser Therapy:



Periodontal disease is often hard to stabilize and control. Our hygiene department stabilizes a periodontally-involved patient by doing a periodontal maintenance cleaning under the gums every three months. Oftentimes for these involved patients, this is still not enough to stimulate tissue health. Something more is needed to boost the immune system to help fight the infection under the gums. Laser therapy has been found by the dental health professionals (hygienists and dentists) to significantly reduce pocketing and increase tissue health.



Laser Therapy is a procedure that removes underlying diseased tissue, thereby cauterizing and sterilizing the environment. The body then is able to regenerate new tissue to replace the diseased tissue. If a patient's home care includes thoroughly cleaning in between the teeth and massaging the tissues, the pockets will decrease. Improving patients periodontal health thereby improves their overall systemic health.



Ask if Laser Therapy is for you.



Keeping you informed with the latest and newest technology,

Sincerely,
Your Hygienists

Congratulations Kerry!!!

Kerry, who is one of our CDA Assistants, was diagnosed in early November 2007 with breast cancer.

Kerry has had a great attitude and her strength has been an inspiration to all of us. She still came to work every day with a smile and with a willingness to pitch right in no matter how she felt.

She has a sparkling personality and she is comfortable "in her own skin". We all truly love her.

Kerry finished her chemotherapy in April 2008 and finished her last radiation treatment on June 17th.

Congratulations to Kerry for being a joy to work with and an inspiration to all!!!

Kerry would like to send a special message to all our patients, thanking everyone for their cards, kind words, and support.

Making Smiles Happen

Do you have a space between your front teeth? In dental lingo, this is called a "diastema" and this is very common.

Did you know that there is an easy procedure, that we call "Instant Ortho", that can eliminate this gap? The procedure consists of using some bonding material (just like having a filling) to make the space disappear. The procedure is quick and so comfortable you may not even need any local anesthetic. Here are some before and after pictures:

Also, notice the reshaping of the lower teeth to make them even and straight.

Please feel free to call our office if this procedure would be of interest to you.

Did You Ever Wish for a Brighter Smile?

As a person ages, the adult teeth often become darker due to changes in the mineral structure of the tooth whereby the enamel becomes less porous. Teeth can also become stained by bacterial pigments, foodstuffs, coffee, and tobacco. (see first picture)

Our practice is pleased to offer some great solutions to this problem. We offer bleaching programs to whiten your teeth. Call us today to hear about our programs and to discover which option is best for you.

These pictures show the actual results for a current patient after he recently used one of our bleaching programs. He is very pleased with his "bright" smile!! (see second picture)

Another Helping Hand

We have had the pleasure of having another Dental Assistant Student giving us a helping hand recently. Her name is Jamie Sawtelle and she is from Garland, Maine. She will be graduating from University College in Bangor as a Dental Assistant in May. She would like to work in the Dover-Foxcroft or Newport area so she can be close to home.

In her spare time, Jamie enjoys 4-wheeling and camping with family and friends.

She says, "I really enjoyed working with Dr. Steinke and his assistants."

Communicating and Celebrating

Last Thursday and Friday, all of our staff journeyed to Portland for an educational seminar. The conference focused on the tools needed to improve communication. The ability to communicate well is important, not only with our patients, but in all aspects of our lives.

We managed to practice our communicating skills on Thursday evening when we celebrated Dr. Steinke's birthday with a special song. We enjoyed an evening out filled with food, fun, and birthday festivities.

Happy Birthday to Dr. Steinke!!! And, Happy Birthday to Dr. Caruso later this week!!

Xylitol

Xylitol--Finally, sugar that's good for your teeth!!

We have all grown up knowing that sugar is bad for our teeth and, in many ways, harmful to the rest of our bodies especially if consumed in excess. A new sugar has been developed, called Xylitol, that is actually almost as good as fluoride for your teeth.

By combining the benefits of Xylitol with your regular dental visits and good oral hygiene, you will be seeing fewer cavities and less gum inflamation. This is a great product for those who do not use fluoride on a regular basis.

You can find Xylitol in many products, such as sugar-free gum, candy, and mints. Check the labels for products that are sugar-free with Xylitol. Many products are promoting the use of Xylitol in their ingredients by proclaiming their use in bold letters right on the front of the product.

For those of you dry mouths, Xylitol will also stimulate saliva, which is a natural tooth protector.

Parents, just imagine your children's delight when you encourage them to chew gum or eat candy. Just imagine keeping them healthy without the hassle!

For more information on Xylitol, ask your dental professional at your next visit.

Dental Assistant Student

We have enjoyed having Brittany Rockwell, a Dental Assistant Student, with us for the last couple of weeks. She has been a pleasant addition to our team.


Brittany is from Sebec and she is a 2007 Foxcroft Academy graduate and will be a May 2008 graduate of University College of Bangor's Dental Assistant Program.



Her future plans are to work in this area with Prevention Partners. We all wish Brittany the Best of Luck in all her future endeavors!!

Dental Assistants Recognition Week

Designated by the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA), along with the American Dental Association (ADA), the US Army Dental Command, and the Canadian Dental Assistants Association (CDAA), and the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), this year's Dental Assistants Recognition Week is March 2-8. Each March, a special week is set aside to acknowledge the unique talents of dental assistants.

The Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (DANB) recognizes the significant role of the dental assistant to the dental team and salutes the community of DANB Certificants who elevate the quality of the delivery of oral healthcare through their dedication and commitment to Certification and the dental profession. (Information provided by DANB's Certified Press, Volume 27)

The staff of Steinke and Caruso Dental Care would like to take this time to say we truly appreciate all our Certified Dental Assistants!! We value their high standards of care and their commitment to the dental profession. We appreciate their dedication and their amazing abilities.

We recognize your wonderful contributions--not just this week, but all year long!!

Pining for Spring

The snowbanks are too high.
The temperatures are too low.
The current season makes me sigh.
Just can't wait for the winter to go.

I am looking forward to spring
when the weather gets nice.
I want Mother Nature to bring
lots of sun to melt all the ice.

Let's hope that the melting of snow
brings out your smile and your grin
Please let those pearly whites show
your joy with the coming of Spring!!

Dental Insurances

Well, now the New Year is upon us and we are all saying, "Where did last year go?!" We have all been busy with the holidays (and the snow, snow, and more snow!)

The first of the year is a good time to remind our patients that most insurances have a Plan Year that runs from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31. (There are some exceptions to this and a quick check with your employer should help you verify your Plan Year.) That means that most of you now have benefit money available for your dental care. Now is the time to plan to use those benefit dollars to their maximum potential.

We encourage all of you to bring your insurance cards to the office. We like to get a copy of your new cards every year.

We would also encourage you to be familiar with your benefits. Now is a good time to familiarize yourself with your Dental Plan Explanation of Benefits book or pamphlet. We are always happy to give you an estimate of coverage, but we would suggest you call your insurance company if you want more information.

We are always happy to assist you with obtaining your insurance coverage and with any insurance questions. We eagerly look forward to seeing you in 2008!!!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

We hope you have a healthy and fulfilling new year.




Happy Holidays, everyone!!

Before & After

Have you ever wanted to improve your smile? Take a look at what Dr. Steinke and Dr. Caruso can do. In just 4 short weeks we were able to change this persons smile. It can change your life, the way people look at you, or even the way you interact with people. This person is so excited about her new look she can't wait to do more!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

We all hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving Day and a very enjoyable long holiday weekend!! Our office closes at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 21 and will re-open at 7:00 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 26.

May you all enjoy your feasts and your time with friends and family.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!!

Future Dental Professionals

We had extra hands in the office this week because a couple of students from Dexter High School came in to job shadow the hygienists and the assistants working with Dr. Steinke. The students took pictures and even did some "hands-on" tasks with us.

We really enjoy having people from the community come in and experience dentistry from "behind the scenes".

Are you thinking of a career in the dental field? Come check us out!! Jolene