Five Tips For Dental Patients

1.    Don’t be embarrassed. We understand that the fear of dentists and dentistry may have kept you away. We also understand that sometimes a lack of home care may have contributed to the dilemma. “What we want patients to know is that we are pleased they have trusted us now and have made the decision to help themselves course correct and get healthier,” Dr. Denine Rice says from her Riverside Periodontal and Implant Surgery practice. “So be honest with us about your challenges with home care. We may have some suggestions that will help you achieve your desired oral health.”

2.    Bring a list of your current medications with you. Medications that you are taking, including vitamins and herbal remedies can play a significant role in your oral health. “It’s important for us to know the names of each medication as well as the dose,” Dr. Rice adds.

3.    Brush and floss your teeth before your dental visit. Often patients come and inform the hygienist that they didn’t brush and floss because they were coming in and would have the professional do it, but having your hygienist spend time removing food particles should not be the reason you are there. “When you come in for your visit, we want to focus on the areas you can not gain access to – those below the gum line or in hard to reach areas. This is where you will receive the greatest benefit,” Dr. Rice advises.

4.    Ask questions. “Please let us know if you have any questions, whether its regarding treatment, your oral health or home care, we want to help.”

5.    Be comfortable. “Wear comfortable clothing, and let us know if we can provide you with a pillow for your head or knees or a throw to keep you warm. Do not suffer, or worry you might inconvenience us. We are here for you!”

Dental Hygienists Rock!

For many, a trip to the dentist means a visit to the hygienist. These well-educated men and women are there to help answer questions, reduce your fear and keep you healthy.

First off, they receive training not only in how to use their specialized tools and equipment, but also in nutrition, anatomy and home care. Another part of their education deals with how to calm patient fears and answer questions related to dentistry. And their education continues in the dental practice setting where they may learn about laser periodontal therapies, implants (links)and how to maintain them and a host of other more specialized concepts. They are a wealth of knowledge.

While your dentist will be the one to diagnose any treatment, many times you may feel more comfortable turning to your hygienist to explain what to expect. Or if you have been informed you are missing an area of your mouth when brushing or flossing, they may have ideas to help. “Patient interaction is one of the most enjoyable parts of our work,” says Nick Rossi, the hygienist for Rice Periodontics and Implant Surgery in Riverside, California says. “Most of us come into hygiene because we love to work with people.”

“Hygienists are part of the team that hopes to keep you healthy,” Dr. Denine Rice adds. “So make sure you ask any questions. We want to help improve your quality of life. When that happens, it puts a smile on all our faces.”

Your toothbrush as important as your shoes

The training Olympic athletes require is intense, but getting their oral health into shape generally isn't part of their focus. New research suggests it should be. According to researchers, the toothbrush may be as important as athletic shoes. 

The research shows the links between oral health, general wellbeing and athletic performance may be due to the following: 1.) pain from oral disease, 2. inflammation, and 3.) a decreased level of self-confidence.

 

The studies are based in part on findings that athletes tend to have frequent carbohydrate intake and reduced immune function from intensive training. Both of these things can lead to less than ideal oral health. 

"While this relates directly to athletes, the information is also important for the general public," says Dr. Denine Rice from her Riverside Periodontal and Implant practice. 

According to Professor Ian Needleman of the University College London Eastman Dental Institute and one of the original researchers of the study,  "Clearly, pain and discomfort from tooth decay, dental erosion, periodontal (gum) disease or infected wisdom teeth will affect performance. We see psychological impacts from, for example, bleeding gums, bad odors and poor appearance." Needleman went on to explain, "It has been shown that infection in the mouth from periodontal disease, increases the levels of inflammation in the rest of the body, too."

The good news? "These conditions are easily prevented with regular maintenance and general dental care," says Dr. Rice. So, perhaps it would be a good idea to pick up the toothbrush and improve your performance. 

For More Information: Rice Periodontics & Implant Surgery

Superior Oral Health, Superior Athletes

Recently a study, led by Professor Ian Needleman of the University College London Eastman Dental Institute, was published in the BritishJournal of Sports Medicine. The study, conducted on 302 athletes, showed the impact of oral health on quality of life and athletic performance.

Dr. Needleman's team recruited athletes from the London 2012 athletes' village to take part in the study. Each athlete received an oral health exam which included a personal assessment of the impact their oral health had on quality of life and athletic performance. 

More than 75% of the participants had gingivitis and 15% had signs of more advanced periodontal disease. The athletes, mostly from Africa, the Americas and Europe, represented 25 different sporting events with the vast majority competing in track and field. These participants were eager to share how they felt that the lack of oral health care impacted their performance. 

Everything from pain and swelling, to bad breath and embarrassment were their complaints.

The conclusion: "Oral health is important for wellbeing and successful elite sporting performance," says Dr. Needleman. "It is amazing that many professional athletes - people who dedicate a huge amount of time and energy to honing their physical abilities - do not have sufficient support for their oral health needs, even though this negatively impacts on their training and performance."

"Each day we see patients who report that the treatment they receive has led them to have enhanced well-being and feelings of more energy," says Dr. Denine Rice (link) from her Riverside Periodontal practice(Link). "No matter your activity level, good oral health pays off."

Dr. Rice, DDS

Dedication to Patients

At the Periodontal and Implant practice of Dr. Denine Rice,  they know exactly how to impress patients. At a time where everyone is in such a hurry, Dr. Rice and her team believe in taking the time to do a job well. “We feel spending the time with our patients is critical for their periodontal success,” Dr. Rice says. For most patients this means they schedule a minimum of one hour for each hygiene visit. “We find that is the time that’s required,” Dr. Rice adds.

Their focus on what is best for patients doesn’t end there. As an implant surgeon, Dr. Rice often sees patients who are referred to her because they have failing implants. “That’s so disappointing for patients,” Dr. Rice says. “Many times the reason is as simple as cement that is left after the final crown or bridge was cemented or the placement of a final fixture before the implant was really secure,” she adds. To prevent failing implants, Dr. Rice uses Periotest to test all her implants to determine osteointegration. Her dedication to implant success doesn’t end there, she also sees her patients for 5 years after the implants are restored at no additional charge. Just one more way they show how much they care.

 Dr. Denine Rice at Rice Periodontics

Periotest

 Implant surgery has become more and more common. 

Two reasons: 1.) Many times placing an implant means that other teeth do not have to be involved. 2.) The cost of dental implants has become very affordable.

Replacing missing teeth with an implant is a great way of correcting bite issues, but it also maintains bone that shapes the face. When bone erodes, over time, it changes the shape of our jaw and cheekbones. Keeping bone means keeping a more youthful appearance, too. 

“Many patients who come to my Riverside Periodontal practice are worried over tooth loss,” Dr. Rice says. “They know losing a tooth means a possible change in appearance, change in the ability to eat the foods they like and overall function.” While implants are not always the answer, many times they are. “Patients generally have the same questions about implants.  Can I eat anything I want with it? The answer is yes as long as you are talking about foods. Once integrated into the bone and restored, an implant will need to be brushed and flossed and will function as well as the tooth it replaced. Will it look natural? The answer again is yes. Implants and restorations done well look like natural teeth. Will the surgery hurt? No. In my office, we place implants under a local anesthetic. After the surgery there is generally little if any discomfort or bruising and many return right away to work,” Dr. Rice says.

Then the waiting begins. “We wait to make sure that the implant integrates into the bone. When we think the time is right, I use Periotest to determine if the implant is ready. This ensures a great outcome. It’s one of the reasons I can stand behind my implants,” Dr. Rice says.   

Not all Laser's are created equal

For treating Periodontal Disease, not all lasers are created equal. 

Many dental offices currently treat periodontal disease at the beginning stages with small lasers. These lasers may be used to reduce the bacteria in the mouth (sometimes called bacterial reduction) or in the pockets between your gum tissue and teeth. While the experts are still out regarding the benefits of such treatment, the benefits of the LANAP protocol are backed by the FDA’s approval, which really says something.

The LANAP protocol also uses a laser to treat periodontal disease. What makes it different from the other, more frequently found laser? “The studies behind it,” says Dr. Denine Rice from her RiversideDental Practice. The LANAP protocol for the treatment of advanced periodontal disease has been proven in studies to work. “I love using the LANAP protocol with patients because it means faster healing, less recession, less discomfort and better, long-term results. That it’s the only FDA approved laser treatment also means I can feel confident recommending it to my patients,” Dr. Rice adds.

Meet Dr. Rice and her team today by calling 951-683-3030.