Written on August 18, 2010 by Chris McMahon
Spring is finally here!
After a long and snowy winter, it's time to start focusing on brighter days ahead.
In this issue's cover story, you can learn more about dental anxiety and how we work with patients to minimize their nervousness and discomfort. We talk about dental anxiety and discuss what you can do if you are worrying about your visit to the dentist. Also, we'll talk specifically about what we do here at Hagen Dental Practice to help curb and alleviate anxiety.
We also explore a procedure that has become synonymous with pain - the root canal. Even though it has a bad reputation, have no fear, this needed procedure is not something you should dread. We'll look at some common myths and misconceptions about root canals and share the facts with you.
Word of Mouth also features patient Russ Dahlem, who, after years of dental neglect was able to bounce back and become a model patient. After almost giving up on his teeth, Russ was able to overcome his initial apprehension and dedicate himself to turning his oral health around.
Do you know a Hagen patient with an interesting story we should feature in a future edition? If so, let us know! Email us at info@hagendds.com with your suggestions.
As always, thanks for reading!
Written on August 18, 2010 by Chris McMahon
If you really don't want to do something, you might say, "I'd rather have a root canal." But, do root canals deserve such a bad rap?
Dr. Hagen says they don't and that root canals have improved immensely over the years.
"They are virtually painless, now. And they are very important to rid the body of the infection," he said. "Patients can get very ill if they leave an abscess untreated. Patients still fear this procedure, but the way we treat it today is very different and much more comfortable for the patient than it was in the past."
A root canal is the procedure commonly done when there is no other way to save a tooth that might be very decayed or infected. During a root canal procedure, the pulp and nerve are removed from the center chamber of the tooth (the root canal), and then the tooth is cleaned and sealed. The dentist will then commonly place a crown on the tooth to protect it.
Instead of panicking about root canals, you should know all the facts.
Claim: Root canals are extremely painful.
False. This is the most widespread myth about root canals. In fact, most people do not report pain during a root canal procedure. The source of the excessive pain usually comes from the tooth that needs the root canal because it is suffering from an irreversible condition, such as tooth decay, not the procedure itself. Some people compare it to having a filling placed. The purpose of a root canal is to alleviate pain and salvage your tooth.
Claim: A root canal requires powerful pain medication after the procedure.
False. After the procedure, pain or discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Most individuals are back to performing their normal activities the next day.
Claim: A tooth has to hurt before a root canal is needed.
Not necessarily. If a tooth is dead, it won't feel anything. Regular check-ups are needed so dentists can determine if a tooth might be dead or dying. If this is the case, root canal therapy may be needed to prevent infection.
Claim: Root canals require multiple appointments.
False. On average, root canals are completed in one to two appointments. It depends on the severity of the infection as well as other factors. Follow-up appointments are needed to restore the tooth; however, these appointments are not part of the root canal procedure.
Claim: Root canals can cause you to get sick.
False. This misconception draws its origins all the way back to the early 1900s. Research conducted back in the early 1900s claimed that bacteria trapped in a treated tooth could cause diseases such as heart disease or arthritis. These findings have not been confirmed using modern testing. The fact is bacteria can be present in the mouth at anytime, even in teeth that are not decayed or experiencing gum disease.
No one wants a root canal, and you should take proper steps to maintain your dental health to avoid having one. However, if you have a tooth that is severely decayed or dying, a root canal will likely be the best option to salvage you smile. After all, the common alternative to a root canal is having the tooth removed.
If you do have to get a root canal, consider the facts, and remember the "tooth."
Resources:
http://dentistry.about.com/od/specializeddentistry/a/Rootcanal.htm
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-root-canals
http://dentistry.about.com/od/preventionandtreatment/tp/toprootcanalmyths.htm
Written on August 18, 2010 by Chris McMahon
In the early 90s, with almost 45 years of dental neglect behind him, Russ Dahlem met with Dr. Hagen. At the time, he had all but given up on his teeth. His mother lost her teeth to pyorrhea, an inflammation of the gums and tooth sockets that causes teeth to loosen and eventually fall out. Russ was certain his teeth would suffer the same fate.
"I rarely, rarely went to the dentist," said Russ.
It's been almost 20 years since Russ had that first appointment with Dr. Hagen, and his dental habits have changed completely. Russ is now a reformed dental sinner and a model patient.
"Before I went to Dr. Hagen, I was very apprehensive and had a vague sense of anxiety, but once I met with Dr. Hagen and made the decision to save my teeth, determination took over," he said.
Russ says he ultimately made the decision to not give up on his teeth because Dr. Hagen had a plan from the beginning, and most importantly, he found Dr. Hagen to be believable and genuine.
In the beginning stages of treatment, frequent dental appointments were needed to repair the damage. Dr. Hagen started by removing a couple of Russ's molars. He then began a comprehensive scaling treatment to remove years' worth of plaque build up on each quadrant of his mouth.
Although faced with an extensive course of treatment that others might find daunting or even terrifying, Russ was quickly able to overcome his anxiety.
"Dr. Hagen has a way of alleviating stress," says Russ. "There is a gentleness in his techniques, he was very responsive to pain, and he was always sure to use several shots of Novocain during the scaling process."
Now, Russ only needs to worry about regular dental maintenance. "I follow their maintenance instructions and it works," said Russ. He uses the Sonicare System daily to maintain his dental work, and he is sure to schedule appointments with Dr. Hagen every three months to ensure the serious dental problems of his past stay in the past.
What does he do when he's not at the office? Russ is retired from the insurance business. He is an active volunteer with Crossroads Hospice. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, when the weather allows, and traveling. He and his significant other try to take a major trip every year. Past favorites include Florida and Hilton Head. This year, they hope to go to Alaska. Russ lives in Blue Ash with his significant other and his dog, Buddy, just a couple blocks away from the golf course.
Thanks to Dr. Hagen and his staff, Russ now has many reasons to smile.
Written on August 18, 2010 by Chris McMahon
There's a difference between not looking forward to a visit to the dentist and having dental anxiety. For some, dental anxiety can be a serious problem that prevents them from receiving the treatment they need.
Regular dental appointments are essential to maintaining oral health. In fact, dentists act as gatekeepers for your overall wellbeing. Avoiding the dentist can lead to such problems as tooth decay and gum disease, which can affect your self-confidence and your ability to chew and digest properly.
If you find yourself dreading the dentist, you're not alone. According to an article in the Journal of Dental Education, about 15% of people experience dental anxiety. That translates to about 45 million people in the United States alone. And a much higher percentage has experienced some apprehension at one time or another about visiting the dentist.
Treating Dental Anxiety at Hagen Dental Practice
Hagen Dental Practice offers some innovative options to help alleviate the anxiety and inconvenience often associated with visiting a dentist.
We offer The WandTM, a computerized local anesthetic injection system that eliminates the need for traditional needles. And it delivers a precise dosage of anesthetic for virtually painless procedures.
We offer conscious sedation methods (i.e., nitrous oxide) that can be used in conjunction with a local anesthetic for more comfortable treatment.
In addition, we offer virtual reality glasses that allow patients to relax and watch movies during treatment.
In very severe cases of dental anxiety, we can prescribe Valium to be taken before the appointment.
The WandTM
Dr. Hagen understands that some patients cringe at the mere sight of a needle and syringe. To ease this discomfort, this practice now performs all anesthetic injections with a revolutionary system called The WandTM. This latest advancement in dental technology delivers a more accurate, effective dose of local anesthesia with the help of a computer.
It doesn't look or hurt like a syringe, and it works even better. A microprocessor inside The WandTM automatically compensates for different tissue densities. The anesthetic is delivered at a constant pressure and volume that is typically below the threshold of pain.
The computer provides a flow of anesthetic directly ahead of the needle. This numbs the site of insertion and develops a "pathway of anesthesia," meaning you hardly feel the injection at all.
Also, Hagen Dental Practice may be able to utilize new techniques that could decrease or even eliminate the lingering numbness of your tongue, lips, and face following a procedure.
What can you do to ease anxiety?
If you experience dental anxiety, there are many ways to calm your fears and possibly help you to overcome them. Here are some common techniques that people find helpful.
- First, if you feel anxious or nervous, talk to your dentist. Explain your fears so your dentist knows how to put you at ease. Dental anxiety is very common. Most dentists deal with this every day, and they are always willing to help.
- Relax, breathe, and think of something positive. Picture yourself in your favorite place or engaging in a fun activity. Employ yoga techniques for breathing and meditation.
- Understand the procedure. Have the dentist explain exactly what is going to happen and why. You will feel better if you know what to expect.
- Schedule appointments when you are not feeling rushed or under excessive pressure. For example, schedule appointments when you don't have to miss school or work.
- If certain noises bother you, bring your iPod or other handheld music player and headphones with you, and listen to music that will calm you.
- Develop hand signals with your dentist to communicate pain or if you need to stop for a break.
If you suffer from dental anxiety, remember, you are not alone. And while it may seem difficult, you can overcome it. We just have to find the method or combination of methods that work for you.
First and foremost, talk to Dr. Hagan about your anxiety and fears. He can then help you develop a plan and talk to you about ways to effectively manage the stress. Dr. Hagen and his staff want to make sure you stay healthy and happy.
Resources:
http://www.ada.org/public/topics/anxiety.asp
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/easing-dental-fear-adults
www.dentalfearcentral.org
http://www.1800dentist.com/dental-encyclopedia/dental-anxiety-dental-fears
Written on August 18, 2010 by Chris McMahon
Congratulations to Dennis Meyung, who correctly answered the last newsletter's question, what is a possible treatment for canker sores? The correct answer was "L-lysine and vitamin C." For his correct submission, Dennis received a $50 gift card for Country Fresh Market. Thank you to everyone who entered our contest.
In this issue, we shared a lot of information about dental anxiety and what we do at Hagen to alleviate anxiety. So, for this issue's contest question, we thought we would ask you...
What is the WandTM?
- A - A prescription oral drug used to curb anxiety
- B - What the kids from Harry Potter use to cast spells
- C - A local anesthetic injection system that eliminates the need for traditional needles
- D - A device that emits a sedation gas to calm patients
The winner of this issue's contest will receive a $50 gift card to Home Depot to help with spring cleaning around the house and yard.
Please submit your answer by June 18, 2010.
Visit www.hagendds.com and submit your answer via our new website. Just click on "News," and you'll see the "Our Patients are the Best" section and an easy-to-submit form. You can also drop off your entry in person during your next office visit or mail your answer to Hagen Dental Practice, 4998 Glenway Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45238. If you win, we will notify you by phone or e-mail.
Written on December 23, 2009 by Dr. Hagen
I hope you all had a fantastic holiday season and your 2010 is off to a great start! The holidays are always a great time to reconnect with family and friends, and are often filled with parties and events. However, at these festive get-togethers, there typically is no shortage of sweet treats available to consume. If eaten in excess, these treats take a toll on our teeth and gums. While it is OK to occasionally partake in a delicious treat, especially during the holidays, remember to limit sugary snacks and eat nutritious foods that promote a healthy smile.
This issue of Word of Mouth, just in time for New Year's resolutions, includes a cover article on Nutrition and Oral Health. It discusses the leading causes of tooth decay, the potentially harmful foods and beverages to avoid, and how to maintain a diet that promotes oral health. It contains advice on maintaining your health and your smile all year round.
In addition, I can report another successful Halloween candy buyback this year. For the third straight year, you and your families came out to show your support. And we were able to collect 1,800 pounds of candy to be sent to thousands of soldiers and children overseas! Our program has caught on and our efforts expanded this year to include other tri-state dentists. A heartfelt thank you to all those who participated in this wonderful program.
Also, I want to congratulate the winner of the last newsletter's trivia contest-Heather McAlpin. Heather correctly answered our question about Invisalign and won a Zoom! Whitening treatment.
I hope you all are having an excellent year so far, and as always, thank you for taking the time to read Word of Mouth. We hope you will make a resolution to schedule your next appointment with us. We look forward to seeing you!
Written on December 23, 2009 by Jenny Hagen
Have one too many gingerbread cookies after Christmas dinner? Or maybe swiped too many candy canes away from the kids? While the treats that accompany the holidays may be one of the highlights of the season, those little sugary indulgences aren't always kind to our smiles, and often add up.
Hagen Dental Practice reminds you that while you take stock of your personal health goals in the New Year, don't forget about your first line of defense in your healthcare regimen, your oral health.
All dentists agree-there is a huge correlation between your diet and your overall oral health. The food we choose to eat affects our health, which includes our teeth and gums. The American Dental Association recommends following the guidelines set forth in the USDA's food pyramid to maintain a healthy diet, which includes all of the food groups.
There are a number of foods that lead to poor oral health, but the number one enemy for teeth, gums, and dentists everywhere is sugar. According to the American Dental Association, patients are consuming record amounts of sugar in the form of sodas, non-nutritious snacks, and sweetened fruit drinks.
When you add sugar to bacteria in your mouth (plaque), acid is produced and typically attacks the teeth for 20 minutes or more, which eventually results in tooth decay. Prolonged exposure to acids can lead to permanent damage and often to enamel erosion, or the loss of enamel from the tooth surface, making it more difficult for the mouth to resist infection. The right minerals and nutrients are essential in helping your body resist infection, and too much or too little of a nutrient can have harmful effects, particularly on the mouth and teeth.
Foods to stay away from
Surprisingly, foods high in carbohydrates can be just as harmful as candy, because carbs break down into simple sugars, which then form plaque. So, try to only eat carbs during meals, when your mouth naturally produces a greater amount of saliva, as this helps to neutralize acids and wash food away.
Also, candy, chewy sugary snacks, fruit and vegetable juices, and soft drinks are foods that, if eaten to excess, are very harmful to our teeth. Sodas are the leading sugar culprit in our diet. When consumed in excess, soda leads to cavities and gum disease. According to the National Soft Drink Association (NSDA), consumption of soft drinks is now over 600 12 oz. servings per person per year.
To maintain a balanced diet that will promote a healthy smile, eat a variety of nutritious foods. There are some oral health all-stars out there that can give you the upper hand in protecting your oral health.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C isn't just an immune booster for the cold and flu. We know that vitamin C is great for our skin, as it holds our cells together, but this also applies to our gum tissue. Consuming plenty of vitamin C is essential to keeping gums healthy and strong. In fact, not getting a sufficient amount of vitamin C can lead to loose teeth and bleeding gums. According to the General Academy of Dentistry, vitamin C is also a great way to ensure a speedy recovery from oral surgery, as it aids in the healing process by assisting in tissue repair. Orange juice, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and raw red peppers are great sources of vitamin C.
Calcium
Calcium-rich foods also rank ahead of the pack in maintaining healthy teeth. Studies show that the more calcium you have in your diet the less likely it is that you will develop gum disease. The vast amount of calcium in your body is contained in your bones and teeth. Getting the right amount of calcium in your diet will help your jaw bone stay strong and keep your teeth in place. Foods like yogurt, cheese, and milk are rich in calcium. Milk, in particular, helps to prevent cavity-causing bacteria from sticking to tooth surfaces.
Teas
Also, green and black teas are rich in polyphenols, which help prevent plaque from sticking to teeth, which in turn greatly reduces the risk of developing cavities and gum disease. Many studies have shown that the polyphenols in teas are also effective in fighting the bacteria that cause bad breath. And leaves from many teas contain fluoride, which protects tooth enamel.
L-Lysine
Lysine, or L-lysine, is an essential amino acid, which is necessary for human health but cannot be made by the body and must be obtained from food. Lysine is important for proper growth and helps to lower cholesterol. Lysine appears to help the body absorb and conserve calcium, and it plays an important role in the formation of collagen. L-lysine can be used to treat mouth and genital lesions caused by herpes simplex virus as well as shingles caused by herpes zoster viruses. Taking L-lysine supplements can speed recovery time and reduce the chance of recurrent breakouts of the herpes infection. A combination of L-lysine and vitamin C can be used in the treatment of aphthous ulcers (canker sores). Lysine can be found in foods rich in protein, including meat, cheese, certain fish, nuts, eggs, and soybeans.
Overall guidelines to follow
While it may be overwhelming to constantly monitor what we eat as well as worry about how our food might affect our teeth, there are some simple common sense guidelines you can follow to maintain a healthy smile.
- Drink lots of water.
- If you do drink soda or fruit drinks, try to drink them with a straw to limit the contact they have with your teeth.
- Limit the number of snacks between meals.
- When you do snack, try to eat foods that are low in sugar.
- Be sure to brush AND floss. Brush twice a day with a fluoride-based toothpaste, and floss to remove the plaque from under gums and between teeth.
Finally, and most importantly, visit Hagen Dental Practice regularly for checkups and cleanings.
For More Information, check out
Written on December 23, 2009 by Jenny Hagen
One of Dr. Hagen's patients has the unique title of "Master Organ Rebuilder." Ron Wehmeier, whose name is synonymous with the preservation of pipe organs, led the arduous 30-month, $1.4 million restoration of the rare Mighty Wurlitzer from Cincinnati's old Albee Theater.
This 1927 organ is one of the 25 surviving major theater Wurlitzers and is considered by many to be one of the top five of its kind in the nation.
Ron's recent "labor of love" required an incredible amount of work, including replacing work parts and seats on the 2,000 individual pipe actions and soldering miles of wires for a new relay system. He worked on nearly every aspect of the organ restoration except the finishing and filigree work on the console.
As explained in a recent Cincinnati Enquirer article featuring Ron, a gift from an anonymous donor funded the repairs and installation, which allowed Ron to save the Mighty Wurlitzer.
At the Music Hall dedication of the organ on Nov. 28, 2009, Ron was on hand to say a few words to the sell-out crowd of over 700 and speak about the technical aspects of the restoration of the unique instruments that he loves.
"I was as nervous as when I'm in Doc's chair," Ron joked. "But Wurlitzers were always my favorite pipe organ and it was a great dream to have a chance to restore it myself and have it stay in Cincinnati."
Ron's fascination with organs began when his father talked about his days playing the Wurlitzer at Cincinnati's Royal Theater downtown for silent movies in the 1920s and 30s. Ron apprenticed in Cincinnati, Detroit, and Baltimore before opening his own workshop in Cincinnati in 1965.
Like a true perfectionist, at both his craft and in other areas of life, Ron keeps regular appointments with Hagen Dental Practice. Although, he does not always relish going to the dentist, Ron has been a faithful patient at Hagen Dental Practice for decades.
He says he likes Hagen Dental Practice because, "everyone in the office is very nice. Doc is very straightforward and tells it like it is." Ron, a resident of Price Hill, also appreciates the location of the office - only 10 minutes from his house. And, for someone who is used to the painstaking and time-intensive restoration of a classic like the Wurlitzer - convenience is often appreciated.
The Wurlitzer's Mighty History
- The Mighty Wurlitzer's original home was in the Albee Theatre downtown from 1927 to 1968.
- After the Albee was demolished, the organ was moved to the Emery Theater in Over-the-Rhine. It remained there until 1999.
- The Mighty Wurlitzer sat hidden away in storage until 2003.
- The grand organ was dedicated in front of a sell-out crowd of over 700 on Nov. 28, 2009 at Music Hall, with a special performance by renowned organist Ron Rhode.
Written on December 23, 2009 by Jenny Hagen
What started out as an incentive to get children to reduce the amount of candy consumed after Halloween while doing a little something for U.S. troops serving in Iraq, has once again gained momentum and proved to be a huge success.
The candy buyback started three years ago when Mathew Kurtz, son of Dr. Hagen and office manager Jenny Hagen, was serving in Iraq.
"While he was over there, he said a lot of the troops never got anything from home. We thought this would be something small we could do to change that," said Dr. Hagen. "We all know that the candy kids get on Halloween is really too much for them to eat. While the candy buyback encourages kids to take care of their teeth, it teaches them generosity and to appreciate the sacrifice these brave men and women are making."
For the third year in a row, Hagan Dental Practice has held a successful candy buyback. This year was no exception, with 1,800 pounds of candy collected.
This program has gained popularity and expanded to other tri-state dentists, including Dr. Hill of Finneytown, Dr. Henize of Blue Ash, and Drs. Smith and Elliott of Northern Ky., as well as other dental practices throughout the country.
A big thank you to everyone who participated and donated candy this year!
Written on December 23, 2009 by Jenny Hagen
Congratulations to Heather McAlpin, who correctly answered the last newsletter's question, how long is each Invisalign set worn each day? The correct answer was "20 to 22 hours." Heather received a FREE Zoom! Whitening treatment at Hagen Dental Practice (valued at $500). Thank you to everyone who entered our contest.
In this issue, we shared a lot of information about how nutrition affects your oral health So, for this issue's contest question, we thought we would ask you...
What is a possible treatment for canker sores?
- L-lysine and vitamin C
- Soft drinks
- Eggs and soybeans
- A Mighty Wurlitzer
The winner of this issue's contest will receive a gift card for $50 to Country Fresh Market to stock up on those fresh fruits and veggies we recommend for the new year.
Please submit your answer by Feb. 5, 2010. Submit your answer here. You can also drop off your entry in person during your next office visit or mail your answer to Hagen Dental Practice, 4998 Glenway Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45238. If you win, we will notify you by phone or e-mail.
