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Tagged: dental exams indianapolis

Is Your Dentist a Salesman?

78741481-640x426We’ve all been told since childhood that we should see a dentist twice a year for basic cleanings. And the good news is if we brush (and floss) regularly, we may not need any other dental work. The problem is dentists simply cannot increase their incomes by performing just cleanings. So some practices have stooped to “upselling” you into procedures you may not actually need. Many chain dental practices have been in the news lately when exposed for this very tactic.

Mother Jones (the non-profit news outlet) has examined the “creative diagnosis” some dentists come up with. These diagnoses typically require thousands of dollars of treatment without warning. Second opinions by mainstream dentists often find nothing wrong and no need for further treatment.

Mother Jones explains more:

Upselling in dentistry isn’t a new phenomenon, but it’s having a moment. One reason: Dental school tuition—and debt—has doubled since the ’90s. According to the American Dental Education Association, students who graduated in 1996 were in the hole $112,000 (in 2013 dollars), on average, while 2013 grads were a whopping $215,000 in debt—28 percent were on the hook for $300,000 or more. By contrast, the average med school grad owed $170,000. ADEA executive director Richard Valachovic explained that one reason dental schools have jacked up tuitions is the rising costs of technology for student labs.

In any case, a generation ago, newly hatched dentists would join established practices as modestly paid associates, with the promise of eventually becoming partners. But these days, with dentists retiring later, there’s less turnover in private practice. Instead, more and more young dentists are taking jobs with chains, many of which set revenue quotas for practitioners. This has created some legal backlash: In 2012, for example, 11 patients sued (PDF) a 450-office chain called Aspen Dental, claiming that its model turns dentists into salespeople.

Regardless of your satisfaction level with your current dentist, the best line of defense is always a second opinion before an expensive or invasive treatment. At Southport Dental we are committed to providing a warm, stress free environment in which our patients are treated as family. Only necessary procedures are recommended, in other words, no one is pressured with upselling here. When considering treatment, patients are clearly presented with pros, cons, and all available options.

We are accepting New Patients! Call us at 317-494-7366 to schedule an appointment.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

Want the Secret for a Lifetime of Dental Health?

Healthy teeth all during your lifetime is not as complicated as people make it out to be. Dental health is really a simple recipe – with only three key ingredients.

Lifetime Healthy Teeth Solution #1:  Treat dental problems immediately

Get cavities, infections and dental problems treated as soon as you become aware of them. Waiting for dental problems to fix themselves will never make things better.

Cavities are more easily treated when they are small. If left too long, the cavity will inevitably progress to an abscess. The filling that would have treated the cavity, will not fix the abscess. Treatment becomes more costly and possibly more radical, such as taking teeth out rather than saving them, or root canals rather than fillings.

Gum infections spread deeper and eat away at the jawbone that holds your teeth in. This bone, once eroded will never grow back – leaving your teeth unsupported and mobile. What could have been treated with a routine cleaning now requires gum and bone surgery, or even extractions.

Lifetime Healthy Teeth Solution #2:  Eat healthy for your teeth

When talking about healthy eating habits for our body, experts commonly suggest a balanced diet – rich in lean meats, fruits and vegetables with several small meals each day rather than the three big meals, which our parents and grandparents recommended.

While a balanced diet is good for your body’s general health, the manner in which food is eaten during the day can have a big influence on whether your teeth develop problems or not.

When we eat, the bacteria in the plaque on our teeth and in the mouth use the food particles to produce acids, which then eat away at the teeth. Compounds present in saliva act to neutralize these acids and minerals in saliva then act to repair the damage done by the acid attack after eating. It commonly takes ninety minutes to two hours to neutralize an acid attack after eating.

Researchers have shown that eating or drinking anything other than water on more than five different occasions each day lessens the time for saliva to neutralize the acids between each acid attack – and may not be adequate. This means that the teeth may be under acid attack for most of the day and this will inevitably lead to enamel damage, decay and tooth loss.

Lifetime Healthy Teeth Solution #3:  Regular 6 month dental check-up and clean

If you want to keep your teeth for life, being reactive and waiting for dental problems to manifest before seeking professional help just won’t do it.Mason and Jaime

Good health for your teeth and gums, just like any other body system requires being proactive, not reactive. You never hear cardiologists recommend their patients waiting for their arteries to clog to the point where you have a heart attack and then having surgery to have the diseased arteries ‘bypassed’. Common sense would say this approach is obviously inferior to a program of regular exercise and a healthy diet.

It’s the same with teeth. Waiting for teeth to abscess and having root canals does not make sense compared to regular six month visits, yet only half of the population have a regular dentist and not even all of those have regular check-ups every six months. Common sense just doesn’t seem to be that common these days.

Keep that awesome smile!

Better Health & Smile With Adult Braces

Adult SmileAdult orthodontic treatment is designed to straighten teeth, correct your bite and help you achieve a beautiful smile. Orthodontic treatment may help prevent many serious potential problems such as tooth decay, gum disease and eventual tooth loss. Fixing a bad bite improves your smile and your health.

Dr. Mills can help you determine if orthodontic treatment is the right option for you. These days adults make up almost half of all orthodontic patients. About 1 million Americans over the age of 18 wear braces. We offer both Six Months Smiles cosmetic braces or clear aligners such as Invisalign. Both types of braces are an effective option.

When considering Six Month Smiles or Invisalign, patients are clearly presented with pros, cons, and all available options.

If you would like to learn more about adult braces, and which solution may be best for your lifestyle, give our dental team a call at 317-494-7366.

We are always available to answer questions about your dental health and about the services we provide for your treatment.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

 

When Was The Last Time You Saw The Dentist?

Dental Checkup IndianapolisCan’t remember the last time you saw a dentist? Don’t worry we are here to help no matter what your history is in seeing a dentist. If it’s been a while since your last exam, here’s what you can expect the next time you sit in the dentist’s chair. On your initial visit we will perform a comprehensive examination that will include examining your mouth, head a neck. We will also do a series of x-rays and discuss your medical history with you.

Southport Dental is proud to provide a talented, friendly staff to make your dental experience exceptional. Dr. Mills stays current with dental techniques and trends by frequently attending continuing education seminars and courses ensuring that his patients receive the most comprehensive and advanced dental care. Our front office staff will find the answers to all your questions and make you feel at home. We provide skilled, gentle and knowledgeable dental hygienist and dental assistants. They will give you their undivided attention during your cleaning visits and dental procedures.

A dental checkup can keep you and your teeth healthy. Don’t delay when it comes to the health of your teeth. Any untreated problems can turn into even bigger ones, so it’s important to schedule a checkup soon. New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! Your first dental visit promises to be a pleasant experience. Making sound decisions about your dental care and oral health is an easy thing to do with the right preparation beforehand:

  • Make a list of questions to ask our office, so you don’t forget anything on the day of your appointment. This includes any concerns you have, or oral problems you’ve been experiencing.
  • Fill out the New Patient Form at home and bring it with you or arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to complete this at our office.
  • If you have dental insurance, remember to bring your insurance card with you.

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment give our team a call at 317-494-7366 or fill out an appointment and new patient form.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

Are You Grinding Your Teeth? 

BruxismTeeth grinding can happen during the day or night. Most often the grinding of the teeth occurs while sleeping. Most experts classify teeth grinding, called Bruxism, as a sleep disorder. It can get ugly when grinding begins to cause damage to your chewing muscles, jaw joint, and teeth. Fortunately, there are telltale signs of teeth grinding. The Mayo Clinic notes the signs and symptoms of Bruxism (teeth grinding) may include the following:

  • Teeth grinding or clenching, which may be loud enough to awaken your sleep partner.
  • Teeth that are flattened, fractured, chipped or loose.
  • Worn tooth enamel, exposing deeper layers of your tooth.
  • Increased tooth sensitivity.
  • Jaw or face pain or soreness.
  • Tired or tight jaw muscles.
  • Pain that feels like an earache, though it’s actually not a problem with your ear.
  • Dull headache originating in the temples.
  • Damage from chewing on the inside of your cheek.
  • Indentations on your tongue.

Grinding your teeth at night is common, however, if not treated it can lead to a number of dental and health issues. If you are experiencing some of the symptoms above you may have Bruxism. Regular checkups are key to diagnose any dental problems and the proper treatment. If you suspect any dental problems including teeth grinding we can examine your mouth during your visit to determine what’s wrong and how we can fix it. We are committed to providing a warm, stress free environment in which our patients are treated as family. Only necessary procedures are recommended, in other words, no one is pressured with “up selling.” When considering treatment, patients are clearly presented with pros, cons, and all available options.

The solution to your teeth grinding may be as simple as fitting you with a night mouth guard. Contact our Southport Dental team today to schedule a visit. We look forward to seeing you and taking care of all your dental needs!

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

Southport Dental Indianapolis | Screening for Oral Cancer

A regular oral cancer screening by your dentist, every six months, is the best way to catch cancer at its earliest stages. An oral cancer screening takes just minutes and can be performed during regular dental exams and cleanings. During your routine dental cleanings and exams at our office, Dr. Mills and his team will perform an oral cancer screening to check for the signs of oral cancer.

The video below demonstrates a screening of oral cancer during a dental checkup:

Oral cancer screenings are important for detecting and treating mouth cancer early! Oral, head and neck cancer represents a variety of cancers that can be found in the mouth, including the tongue, throat, lips, larynx and salivary glands, as well as the sinuses, nasal cavity and thyroid. Early detection is key to surviving this type of cancer.

If you would like to schedule an exam with an oral cancer screening give our team a call at 317-494-7366 to schedule an appointment. We are dedicated to providing you and your family the highest quality dental care!

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

Southport Dental Indianapolis | Kicking the Tobacco Habit is Good For Your Teeth

SmokingBadforTeethKicking the tobacco habit is not just good for your body, but good for your teeth and gums. Smoking causes bad breath and stains the enamel on your teeth. In addition to having unsightly teeth, smoking can cause serious health conditions. Because of the carcinogens in cigarettes, smoking is associated with an increased risk of oral cancer, which can be deadly. Smoking and tobacco products can lead to gum disease by affecting the attachment of bone and soft tissue to your teeth.

As with any addiction, breaking your tobacco habit may take some time. If you are able to kick the habit, it will only lead to better oral health! Your teeth will be whiter and less likely to decay. Everyone wants white teeth, fresh breath, a healthy mouth and firm gums. With help from your dental office, you can achieve all of these. It’s never too late to quit using tobacco. Ask us how to help kick the habit and reasons why it needs to be done soon!.

Southport Dental is proud to employ a talented, friendly staff to make your dental experience exceptional. Our front office staff will find the answers to all your questions and make you feel at home. Give us a call today at 317-494-7366.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

Southport Dental | About Us Video

At Southport Dental we appreciate our patients and new patients are always welcome! We offer a wide range of dental services for the entire family.

Our emphasis is on oral care education and the prevention of dental problems.

Check out our video to learn more about our practice: 

 

Our friendly and professional staff is always available to answer questions about your dental health and about the dental services we recommend for your treatment.

Southport Dental is located on Emerson Avenue between Southport Road and Stop 11. The office is just south of the I-65 bridge, on the East side of the road, in front of the Rosegate Senior Community. Call us at 317-494-7366 to schedule an appointment.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

 

Southport Dental | Overcoming Dental Fear!

Overcoming Dental Fears IndianapolisAre you afraid to see the dentist? As humans, we are often scared of the unknown. Dental phobia can be one of those unknowns and is incredibly common with estimates that it affects betwen 13% to 24% of people around the world. Being afraid of the dentist means different things to different people. Maybe it’s the thought that the treatment will hurt. It could be that you haven’t seen a dentist in years and are embarrassed by your teeth. Whatever the reason, dental health is crucial to your overall health. Many Americans are at risk of gum disease and early tooth loss-conditions that can affect your physical, social, and mental health.

If it has been a while since you have seen a dentist, make it a point to schedule an appointment soon. The dentist understands your fears. On your first visit to the dentist, the goal is to calm your fears, perform an exam, and make you feel as comfortable as possible. The dentist will then discuss with you the results of the exam and the recommended dental services. When considering treatment, patients are clearly presented with pros, cons, and all available options.

Our staff at Southport Dental is happy to offer dental services to you and your entire family. Only necessary procedures are recommended. In other words, no one is pressured with “up selling” like many chain dental practices.

When our patients require dental care, we offer a wide range of services to meet the needs of every member of the family. We are always available to answer questions about your dental health and about the services we provide for your treatment.

We are accepting new patients! Give us a call today at 317-494-7366.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

Southport Dental | 10 Facts You Should Know About Tooth Decay

stages of tooth decay IndianapolisTooth decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth. To repair a cavity, the decay must be removed and replaced with a manmade substance.

There are different types of materials used to fill cavities, including gold and metal alloys.

If you have ever had tooth decay, you should know:

  1. Tooth decay is one of the most common of all diseases, second only to the common cold.
  2. Tooth decay affects more than one-fourth of U.S. children ages 2 to 5, half of those ages 12 to 15, and more than 90 percent of U.S. adults over age 40.
  3. Tooth decay causes pain, suffering and disability for millions of Americans each year — even more disturbing, tooth decay is preventable.
  4. If it is not treated, in extreme and rare cases tooth decay can be deadly. Infection in an upper back tooth can spread to the sinus behind the eye, from which it can enter the brain and cause death.
  5. Tooth decay is an infectious process caused by acid-producing bacteria. Your risk for decay can be assessed in our office with a simple test for specific bacterial activity.
  6. Three factors are necessary for tooth decay to occur: susceptible teeth, acid-producing bacteria and a diet rich in sugars and refined carbohydrates.
  7. Babies are not born with decay-causing bacteria in their mouths; the bacteria are transmitted through saliva from mothers, caregivers, or family members.
  8. Fluoride incorporated into the tooth structure protects teeth against decay by making the enamel more resistant to acid attack.
  9. Sealants, which close up the nooks and crannies in newly erupted teeth, stop bacterial collection where a toothbrush can’t reach. Teeth with sealants have been shown to remain 99 percent cavity-free over six years.
  10. Restricting sugar intake is important in preventing tooth decay. Your total sugar intake should be less than 50 grams a day (about ten teaspoons) including sugars in other foods. A can of soda may have six teaspoons of sugar — or more!

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and discuss possible tooth decay issues. We are accepting new patients!

You can learn more by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Tooth Decay – The World’s Oldest and Most Widespread Disease.”

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

 

What our patients are saying about us.

The crew and Dr. Mills are exceptional! The dental care my whole family has had done is beyond any other dentist we have been to! We are always greeted with a smile, and they know each one of us on a first name basis. They treat us like friends instead of clients! Truly a great dentist office, even my 10 year old son loves to go to the dentist now. Thank all of you for everything you have done!
- Angela L.

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