"The side effects of bruxism can be quite damaging."
Did you know...
We now participate in several insurance networks, including MetLife, Guardian and some Delta plans?
We now offer substantial discounts for the uninsured and underinsured through Ameriplan?
We now offer extended evening hours on Thursdays? (Appointment times as late as 6 p.m.!)
We no longer require a minimum purchase when you use your Care Credit account?
We value communication with our patients so much, Dr. Katya is available any time?
We welcome your referrals? We want more patients like YOU!
Winter, 2008
Vol. 2, Issue 1
Dr. Katya Voted “Best in Columbus”!
Your feedback has helped to make Dr. Katya one of the top rated dentists in Columbus! Dr. Oogle, a site that features reviews written by patients for patients, holds Dr. Katya as one of the best dentists in the area. Dr. Oogle (“oogle” literally means “a corner meeting place where people gather around to talk”) is a website that allows people to research dentists by reading and posting reviews. Known as “The Good Dentist Guide,” the website has over 80,000 patient reviews and recommendations. Not only can patients post reviews, but they can also post their dental questions and receive advice from interested dentists in their location. The individual dentist ratings are based upon opinions expressed voluntarily by patients in their reviews and are rated on a scale from 0 to 10. The more often a dentist receives positive reviews, the higher their rating will be. Dentists can pay to make their reviews free and accessible to patients. Otherwise, patients must pay a small fee to read and review.
No money, however, is used to “buy” reviews or ratings. The founders feel as though they have an obligation to patients who are relying on other patients’ opinions to ensure authenticity and reliability of such reviews. In fact, they have extensive compliance procedures to prevent rankings manipulation by both patients and dentists. And, they will not hesitate to suspend a dentist’s account should they tinker with their own ratings. Dr. Oogle also highly values patient privacy, so even if a patient chooses to post a negative review, they need not fear retribution by an angry dentist. Many of you have come to us by reading Dr. Katya’s stellar reviews on the site! We appreciate your business, and encourage all our patients to give their feedback on one of the best!
Chicago Mid-Winter Meeting
In order to continue offering the highest quality care, dental professionals are required to accumulate a set amount of continuing education credits per year. Dr. Katya is part of the Central Ohio Study Club, which meets once a month and allows area dentists to meet, discuss and learn about cutting-edge materials and techniques. In addition to her regular study, she and the staff will be attending the Chicago Dental Society’s Midwinter meeting February 21-24.
The conference not only offers class courses, but also stages one of the largest dental exhibitions in the country. Staff members are taking courses ranging from the newest technologies and occlusal disease to classes on osteoporosis, treating severe dental injuries, and financial management. Most of the staff’s yearly requirement for CE credits (and caloric intake!) will be met in this short time.
The Daily Grind: Bruxism, Stress and You
Nearly half of US adults grind their teeth at night, and almost 20% grind their teeth in a destructive way. Bruxism (pronounced BRUK-sizm) is the technical term for this forcible grinding and clenching of the teeth. It usually happens at night, during sleep, although some people grind their teeth during the day as well.
Bruxism can have a variety of causes, but the most common are emotional factors such as daytime stress, anxiety, anger, pain and frustration. People who are competitive, aggressive, and rushed, or those with certain sleep disorders may also be at greater risk.
The side effects of bruxism can be quite damaging. When you chew your food, you deliver a force of about 175 pounds per square inch (psi) to your teeth. When you grind your teeth at night, however, there's no food to absorb the impact, so the force on your teeth can be 300 psi or more.
That's enough to cause permanent damage, including cracked and chipped enamel, hairline fractures, and wearing down of the teeth to the gumline. The enamel may even wear so much that the inside of the tooth (dentin) is exposed.
Example of damage caused by a severe bruxer.
Grinding your teeth can also cause a wide variety of other symptoms including soreness and fatigue in your jaw and facial muscles, and earaches or headaches—especially in the morning after waking.
There is no known cure for bruxism, but there are ways to reduce or stop your grinding and limit further related damage and pain. With Americans ranking as the most “stressed out” people in the world, it’s important to first evaluate your situation. Are you currently working in a stressful job, or heading a taxing project? Is your home life causing you to be busier than ever? Study how your body reacts to these scenarios and strive to consciously relax the tension around your mouth.
Next, look closely at your habits. Are you a gum, candy,
ice (or even pen!) chewer? Simply eliminating these habits can make a noticeable difference. Also try forgoing hard or chewy foods for a few weeks.
If you are still experiencing pain, follow the lead of top athletes. Rest, massage, mild pain relievers, and hot and cold packs often help with the soreness in your jaw muscles and joints.
In addition to these home remedies, most dental offices offer a reasonably priced splint or “night guard” to help with bruxism symptoms. The guard—a small, horseshoe shaped appliance that snaps easily on the lower teeth—produces remarkable results by lessening head and earaches, and significantly reducing damage. In fact, nearly 60% of dental patients could benefit from this appliance. Ask an assistant for details, and help eliminate your “daily grind.”
Mini Extreme Makeovers
Many Americans were unprepared for the big hit ABC’s “Extreme Makeover” would be. The show took people whose looks had effected their lives in a negative way, and transformed them drastically in a mere six weeks. The subjects went through myriad procedures, but probably the most noticeable (and appreciated!) difference was the dental transformation. Dr. William Dorfman, dentist to the stars, was the main agent in the smile changes.
Dr. William Dorfman of ABC’s “Extreme Makeover”
Because of his work, Americans suddenly became aware of the cost-effective “mini-makeover” that cosmetic dentistry provides. This awareness caused teeth whitening and bleaching procedures to increase over 300% in the last five years, and it’s estimated that Americans spend over $2 billion per year for teeth whitening products and services.
Prices for a “mini-makeover” vary as much as the options, ranging from $30 for a box of at home bleaching strips, to well over $900 for veneers. Most patients believe it’s worth the cost, though, and enjoy the effects of their new smile. At Village DentalCare, we offer many affordable options to brighten your smile! Ask Dr. Katya for details today!
