Updated on:- 09-Aug-2009

Dry sockets can on rare occasion result after a tooth is extracted. The blood clot healing in the extraction socket is unexpectedly dislodged leaving a bare painful open area. The technical term for this condition is acute alveolar osteitis. Generally the pain involved with a dry socket is intense, throbbing and unceasing. This pain is often worse than the pain associated with the tooth prior to extraction. A foul odor may be associated with this condition. Pain medication often does a sub par job of relieving the discomfort associated with this situation. What causes dry sockets to occur? Difficult surgical extractions leave patients more susceptable to this problem. Any action that forms suction within the mouth can raise risk level and should be avoided. Actions that should be avoided include but are not limited to: smoking, sucking through through a straw, spitting, vigorous mouth rinsing, sneezing, or coughing. Eating should be very light within the first 24 hours after tooth extraction to protect the affected area. In addition to the sucking action smokers use with cigarettes, smoking is thought to decrease the amount of oxygen available to the healing tissue, thereby, increase the risk of having a dry socket. Avoid smoking for at least the first 48 hours post extraction. Alveolar osteitis seem to occur in 5-10% of extractions. Frequency is greater with teeth of the lower jaw(mandible) and in cases involving wisdom teeth. Women are at greater risk than men for this condition due to hormone fluctuations associated with the menstrual cycle. Women taking oral contraceptives are at even greater risk. Prevention of Acute Alveolar Osteitis. Routine dental exams, cleanings and xrays. This regimen will hopefully allow problems to be when they are small and easily treatable. Mainaining good oral hygiene during the healing period. Women should schedule extractions during the last week of their menstrual cycles (days 23 through 28). This is when estrogen levels are lowest. Commence with a light, warm salt water rinse beginning 24 hours post tooth extraction. Avoid drinking through a straw, smoking or spitting for at least the first 48 hours post tooth extraction. Avoid alcohol for 48 hours as it can change bleeding patterns after an extraction. Avoid hard foods for 24 hours then carefully chew on the opposite side for an additional 24 hours to minimize injury to the extraction site. Carefully follow the post operative instructions given by the dentist and/or his staff. Treatment for a dry socket. Follow all post operative instruction very closely to avoid getting one. The pain associated with this condition will cause many regrets for patients that deviate from the healing protocol. The dentist may debride the socket of debris which also will cause new blood flow and clotting. Dental staff may place eugenol based iodoform gauze packing material into the socket to ease discomfort while healing commences. The site may need packed daily for up to 7-10 days although most need on 3-5 placements of analgesic packing. Take oral pain relievers. These have varied effectiveness for each individual. Even though the oral cavity is in discomfort, maintaining a proper diet is important to facilitate socket healing. Dry Sockets can be a very uncomfortable and unforgettable experience. No patient wants to add this situation to their list of dental experiences. They are best avoided through prevention by receiving regular dental checkups, cleanings and xrays. By following this regimen, problems are usually found when small and extraction of teeth hopefully can be avoided. When tooth removal can not be avoided, closely follow the instructions provided by the dental staff.read more at http://www.dental-health-index.com/drysockets.html

 Updated on:- 06-Sep-2009

Ten people in northern New Jersey have been arrested in the past year for allegedly practicing dentistry without a license, and several of them are in Union City and West New York. The arrests were part of a crackdown by the state Attorney General Anne Milgram, the state Division of Consumer Affairs, and local police. “Our Enforcement Bureau investigators are teaming up with local police departments to shut these so-called ‘dentists’ down,” said Milgram. “The public’s health, safety and welfare are clearly being put at risk when unlicensed individuals attempt to practice dentistry.” _____________ Ten allegedly phony dentists were arrested in a span of 12 months in the North Jersey. ________ The impersonators allegedly performed dental work on patients in basements, apartments, and dental laboratories, leaving some patients with injuries that have included infections and broken teeth, according to the state Division of Consumer Affairs. Some patients treated by the unlicensed dentists went unconscious after receiving anesthesia injections, officials said. Those arrested in the last year for allegedly practicing dentistry without a license, according to the state Division of Consumer Affairs include:  Ramon Quevedo was arrested by the Union City Police Department on March 26, 2009 for allegedly practicing dentistry without a license. The Reporter found Ramon Quevedo working at Willys Dental Lab Corp located at 2300 Bergenline Ave. last week. When asked for comment, he responded in Spanish that he was a dual degreed medical doctor and dentist but did not want to say from which country. Quevedo then added that he had been arrested and had nothing more to say.  Luis Ponce was arrested by the West New York Police Department on Nov. 7, 2008 for practicing dentistry without a license, and also charged with alleged possession of prescription drugs.  Luis Eduardo Gallo was arrested on the unlicensed dentistry charge by the Union City Police Department on July 17, 2008. He was indicted on Sept. 23, 2008 by a grand jury. Gallo was working in the office of a licensed dentist, Vinod S. Brahmbhatt, so Dr. Brahmbhatt faces disciplinary action by the NJ Board of Dentistry. However, as of last week, the NJ Board of Dentistry listed Dr. Brahmbhatt’s license as active and he continues to use his offices located at 1311 Summit Ave. in Union City. He did not return the Reporter’s message.  Marly Vasquez was arrested by the Jersey City Police Department on July 8, 2009. A second person, Francisco R. Macias, was charged with conspiracy to practice unlicensed dentistry and possession of a prescription drug;  Alvaro Velez-Naranjo was arrested by the North Bergen Police Department on Nov. 6, 2008 and was also charged with three counts of possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (prescription drug) and possession of hypodermic syringes. Why here? Hudson County Prosecutor Edward DeFazio said that although his office did not handle these cases, his office has handled similar cases in the past. “Everyone has to be assured that their medical professionals are licensed by the state of New Jersey,” said DeFazio, “and our immigrant population is especially at risk of being taken advantage of by charlatans or by pretenders.” Weehawken Director of Public Safety Jeff Welz said, “A lot of immigrants don’t have health insurance and even if someone has health insurance, they may not have dental coverage.” He said that immigrants may find the cheaper prices of an unlicensed dentist appealing. Wellz also noted that some of the dentists may have been dentists in their own county but were not licensed in the United States. West New York Director of Police, Oscar Fernandez said that incidents like these happen in areas where the economics comes into play. “These are not people going for veneers, these are people going for a cavity but they may not realize the risk of infection and how they’re taking their own lives in their hands,” said Fernandez. Catching them in the act “Information will come in to us where someone suspects, based on activity, that there may be unlicensed practice of dentistry occurring,” said Division of Consumer Affairs spokesperson Jeff Lamm last week. “We have investigators assigned to our Enforcement Bureau that can follow up on those types of calls.” Lamm added that some investigators go out into the field pretending to be real patients and catch the phony dentists in the act before arresting them. “We actually have them in the chair ready for treatment,” he said. “As the person gets ready to perform dental work, then the arrest is made with the local police department.” Finding the right one Finding out if a dentist is licensed and in good standing can be easily done with the help of the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, which has set up a website and phone number where consumers can check if a dentist is in compliance and if they have had any disciplinary actions taken against them in the past. Consumers can visit the Board of Dentistry website at: http://www.state.nj.us/cgi-bin/consumeraffairs/search/search.pl, to find the information. For the most recent status of a dentist’s license, consumers can call the Division of Consumer Affair’s license verification line at: (973) 273-8090. “It’s just a matter of minutes for them to give that information,” said Hudson County Director of Consumer Affairs Tyrone Chess. For those on a limited income, there are agencies that can provide low cost dental services such as the Hudson Community Action Corporation (HCAC), which recently expanded their dental services due to a grant received from the federal government.

 Updated on:- 03-Jul-2009

Dental Sealants are thin, plastic coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Germs in the mouth use the sugar in food to make acids that can create a cavity in the tooth over time. Sealants prevent these acids from penetrating the tooth. If a small cavity is accidentally covered by a sealant, the decay will not spread because it is sealed off from its food and germ supply. Even though dental sealants have been around since the 1960s, fewer than 25 percent of children in the United States have sealants on their teeth. Sealants are put on in dentists' offices, clinics, and sometimes in schools. Getting sealants put on is simple and painless. Sealants are painted on as a liquid and quickly harden to form a shield over the tooth. Sealants can last up to 10 years, but should be checked regularly by a dental professional. A dentist or dental hygienist can repair chipped or worn sealants by adding more sealant material. How Are Sealants Put On? The tooth is cleaned. The tooth is dried, and cotton is put around the tooth so it stays dry. A solution is put on the tooth that makes the surface a little rough. (It is easier for the sealant to stick to a slightly rough surface.) The tooth is rinsed and dried. Then new cotton is put around the tooth so it stays dry. The sealant is painted on the tooth and hardens in a few seconds. The sealant is in place. Why Get Dental Sealants? The most important reason for getting sealants is to avoid tooth decay. Fluoride in toothpaste and in drinking water protects the smooth surfaces of teeth but back teeth need extra protection. Sealants cover the chewing surfaces of the back teeth and keep out germs and food. The chewing surfaces of back teeth are rough and uneven because they have small pits and grooves. Food and germs can get stuck in the pits and grooves and stay there a long time because toothbrush bristles cannot brush them away. Having sealants put on teeth before they begin to decay also saves time and money in the long run by avoiding fillings, crowns, or caps used to fix decayed teeth. Who Should Get Dental Sealants? Children should get sealants on their permanent molars as soon as the teeth come in - before decay attacks the teeth. The first permanent molars (called “6 year molars”) come in between the ages of 5 and 7. The second permanent molars (called “12 year molars”) come in when a child is between 11 and 14 years old. Other teeth with pits and grooves also might need to be sealed. Teenagers and young adults who are likely to get decay may also need sealants. Your dentist might think it is a good idea to put sealants on baby teeth, especially if your child's baby teeth have deep pits and grooves. How Can I Get Dental Sealants for My Children? Ask your dentist, state or local dental society, or local health department about getting dental sealants. Check with your child's school about whether it has a dental sealant program. Many schools in Oregon qualify for sealant programs, which provide sealants for free. Sometimes health or dental insurance or Medicaid programs may pay for sealants. The Argument for Dental Sealants Cavities, or dental caries, remains the most prevalent childhood disease and continues to take a heavy toll on children's health and well-being across certain socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic groups. From all available data it is clear that inadequate access to dental care is commonplace for children of families living in poverty despite tremendous advances in prevention. In Oregon, dental disease continues to be a significant health problem for segments of this population. Low-income individuals have substantial amounts of disease and limited access to dental care. The 2002 Smile Survey found that more than 56% of Oregon children aged six to eight have a history of dental caries. Nearly one in four (24%) Oregon children surveyed had untreated dental decay, and children from low-income families were 2.5 times more likely to have untreated dental decay. Serious tooth decay in children affect their fundamental well-being and sense of self. Children with unmet dental needs suffer the daily distraction of chronic toothaches, the acute and searing pain of dental abscesses, disfigured smile, dysfunctional speech, and difficulty eating. For every one hundred school children, 5.7 days of school, on average, are lost due to dental disease. In Oregon, that average translates to nearly 52,000 missed school days because of dental problems in 2002. Children with dental decay who lack access to dental care are often not brought to seek care until decay is severe. More often than not, this results in very expensive, invasive, and drastic measures to address the problem, and usually involves a visit to the Emergency Room. Clearly, dental caries are well worth preventing. Although dental sealants are relatively inexpensive and are known to be an efficient means of preventing caries, they are underused in Oregon. In 2002, only 31% of all second-grade respondents had sealants. Among third-graders eligible for free or reduced lunch at schools, only 42% received sealants. Among non-white and/or Hispanic children, only 45% received sealants. Schools have proven to serve as an innovative access point for children to receive sealants. In schools, children are not removed from the comfort of a familiar environment, and are less anxious and fearful of receiving a dental procedure, albeit a painless one. More importantly, all children (for whom parents or guardians have consented) receive a screening, and every child needing sealants may receive them. Children are not stigmatized by being singled out during the screening and sealing process.

 Updated on:- 03-Jul-2009

Ten Great Reasons Not to Dodge Your Dental Cleaning Appointment! Sure, regular cleanings with our office promote good oral hygiene, but did you know they can also prevent a multitude of diseases? That two o’clock chair-side rendezvous may not seem nearly as exciting as a late lunch with a friend, but it will be well worth it in the end. Here are 10 really great reasons to stick with your regular cleaning schedule! 1. It Prevents Oral Cancer. You may or may not realize that you’re screened for oral cancer during your regular dental cleaning. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, an Indian dies of oral cancer every hour of every day. It’s a sad proposition, especially when you consider that it is highly curable with early diagnosis. 2. It Wards off Gum Disease. Gum disease (an infection in the gum tissues and bone that keep your teeth in place) is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. It can be treated and reversed if diagnosed early. Unfortunately, not receiving treatment will lead to a more serious and advanced state of gum disease. Regular cleanings and check-ups and daily brushing and flossing are key weapons in the fight against these conditions. 3. It’s about More than Your Mouth. Sure, not getting regular check-ups may make you less kissable, but did you know that studies have linked heart attacks and strokes to gum disease associated with poor oral hygiene? A trip to our office every six months could reduce your risk of serious health problems. 4. You Want to Preserve Your Smile. As mentioned, gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. To keep your pearly whites intact, stick with your cleaning schedule. 5. It’s Best to Detect Dental Problems Early. We’ve already touched upon early detection of gum disease and oral cancer, but don’t overlook more basic dental problems. Cavities and broken fillings are easy to treat. Without regular trips to the dentist, these problems can lead to root canals, gum surgery and tooth extraction. Which sounds worse: a 30-minute cleaning or an hour under the knife? 6. You Want to Know You’re Doing It Right. Maybe you bought a fancy new electric toothbrush, or aren’t keeping up with what current research has to say about caring for your teeth. Either way, check-ups allow us to examine your mouth and keep you on the right path. 7. You Have Dental Insurance. Consider how much money you put into your insurance plan. Take advantage of it and save a lot of money in the long run by avoiding costly procedures that result from poor dental habits. 8. You Want to Upgrade Your Smile. If you’re already suffering from tooth decay or gum problems, regular appointments will allow our office to create a personalized treatment plan that will give you the best smile possible. 9. You Want to Dazzle. Regular cleanings remove most tobacco, coffee and tea stains, polishing your teeth to a beautiful shine! 10. You Need Some Time Alone. Okay, maybe not completely alone, but the time you spend in our waiting room and in our chair is really your time. You can forget about the office or the stresses of family life. Read a magazine or work through a crossword if you want. Take advantage of the time you’re given, rather than worrying about how to fit it in your tight schedule. Your health and well-being should never take a back seat to your daily planner. If it’s been more than six months since your last check up and cleaning, call our office to schedule an appointment today! We promise to take good care of you (and your smile)! If you have questions regarding your dental health, please call our office at 9872221544 or e-mail at info@missionsmile.com Best Regards, Dr. Rajan Bir Singh Thind www.thind.com www.missionsmile.com P.S. If you have any friends or family members who you feel could use our services, please don't hesitate to have them call us. We'll be sure to take good care of them.

 Updated on:- 03-Aug-2009

One of the great mysteries of medicine for patients is why doctors charge what they do. Some are amazed at the fact that bright young doctors are willing to slave for hours for patients whom they do not know, for an income which is not bad , but which is much less than others ( bankers , for example) command. They admire the fact that doctors are willing to work for 24 hours at a stretch ; and to get up at two o'clock in the morning for emergencies. It can be an arduous lifestyle which disrupts both personal and family life - something which it's not possible to compensate for simply by money. On the other hand, most patients feel that doctors charge too much. They envy the Mercedes many doctors drive ; and the fact that they take Wednesday off for playing golf. Many resent the fact that they have to pay hundreds of dollars for medical procedures which may just take a few minutes. Also, it’s a well-known fact that the fees charged can vary considerably – not only from doctor to doctor – but from patient to patient as well ! Patients would be much happier if the medical costs were transparent. The truth is that the amount which doctors charge is often a mystery for doctors themselves. Most doctors are not very good businessman; and fees are usually set for reasons which are beyond their control. Since they are used to working for free during their the medical training and residency , young doctors often quite uncomfortable collecting fees for their professional services when they first start weighing hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt. Most use market criteria to set their fees – and charge what other doctors are charging. While this is a useful rule of thumb, in many cases it can be too much- while in others it’s too little. Many, who are idealistic when they are young, charge enough to make a comfortable living , so that they can cover their expenses , and still have enough to keep the family happy. This is easier to do in smaller towns in India for example , but extremely hard to do in the US , where doctors will start their practice often owing hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt to cover their loans to pay for their educational tuition fees. Other doctors , who are hard-nosed businessman ,take a much more pragmatic viewpoint . They do an informal market survey to study how much patients in their community are willing to pay for their services – and price these accordingly. Some doctor will deliberately charge a higher fee than the competition. This is especially true for senior doctors , who feel they have earned the additional income because of their experience and expertise. Others do so because they want to create an air of exclusivity about them , because they know that patients often misinterpret high fees as being equal to a better quality of service. After all , if a doctor charges more, it must be because he is better ! This is especially true for fields such as cosmetic surgery, where patients pay directly for their services, and there is intense competition for patients. Some doctors deliberately charge a premium, not just in order to maximize their income , but to convey that they are better than the rest. However, remember that higher is not always better. On the other hand, lower fees are not always a bargain either ! What I doctors who charge less ? Some doctors are financially quite comfortable , and because they have low overheads , they are willing to charge just enough to cover their costs. They charge enough to cover their staff salaries and electricity costs for example , but they often end up underpaying themselves. Ironically, though the doctors charges less because he doesn't need much money to be contented, the disadvantage of charging low fees is it often conveys to patients that the quality of services may not be as good ! This is why it's quite common to see an escalation of prices. Once one doctors increases his fees , the others often have to do so , in order to toe the line. Fortunately , this is true in the other direction as well, and of one doctor drops his prices , many others will do so as well , in order to stay competitive. In places like the US where third party payers dominate the market, the ability of the doctor to set his own fees is practically zero. He pretty much has to charge what the third party is willing to pay. As medical insurance becomes prevalent in India, this is going to be true here as well , where the insurance companies are soon likely to call the financially shots. In countries like the UK, which have a nationalized health service, doctors do not have to worry about how much to charge , because this is a decision which is taken out of their hands . For many doctors, this can be a blessing ! While many doctors pride themselves on their professional skills , and take pride in the fact that they couldn't be bothered about money, the fact of the matter remains that medical private practice is also a business , and unless doctor learns how to charge the right amount for his services, he will often end up underpaying himself. In the long run , this may mean that he may not be able to invest in either updating his professional skills or buying state-of-the-art equipment , both of which can lead to poor quality medical care. He will then end up losing his patients to corporate hospitals, which are extremely good at maximizing their profits. Doctors need to find the right balance, so that they can both enjoy their financial income, as well as their emotional income. Earning money is not a sin just because you are a doctor; and if this money is utilized to improve patient care, this is good for everyone involved.