Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea Treatment

Hello Everyone!

Happy Thursday. Can you believe it's December already! 2013 is just a few weeks away! Well today we wanted to write this blog post about a common issue many people have during sleep, its called Sleep Apnea. Many of you have heard the term before, but a brief definition of this condition is: 

A sleep disorder characterized by abnormal pauses in breathing or instances of abnormally low breathing, during sleep. Each pause in breathing, called an apnea, can last from a few seconds to minutes, and may occur 5 to 30 times or more an hour. Similarly, each abnormally low breathing event is called a hypopnea.

Some interesting facts concerning sleep apnea are:

• According to a Swedish study, as many as half of all women between the ages of 20 and 70 suffer from mild to severe sleep apnea – the inability to breathe properly during sleep. Among women with hypertension or who were obese, 80-84 percent had sleep apnea
• Sleep apnea is associated with increased risk of stroke, silent brain infarction, heart attack, and early death
• Signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include increased forward head posture when sleeping, snoring, and frequent tossing and turning while sleeping
• While obesity was previously believed to be a primary cause of sleep apnea, the issue appears to be more related to the shape and size of your mouth and the positioning of your tongue than your weight
• If your sleep apnea is related to your tongue or jaw position, specialty trained dentists can design a custom oral appliance to address the issue, or you can use a novel set of tools called myofunctional exercises, designed to naturally reshape the structure of your mouth
• Mandibular repositioning devices, designed to shift your jaw forward, or others that help hold your tongue forward without moving your jaw, may also be helpful.

If you have been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea by your physician and you wish to explore the option of a dental device to help with this condition, be sure to ask us about it. We'd love to explain what sort of dental options could be done for your case!

I hope you are all doing well! Enjoy your weekend.

Richard Stickney DDS PS

Another Friendly Reminder!

Good morning everyone!

I just wanted to remind everyone that we have about 5-6 weeks left in the calendar year and for our patients who are dependent on insurance coverage, we wanted to remind you to book your appointments in advance so that you can be sure to be covered in the 2012 year. If you don't use your insurance, it does not "roll-over" into the new year, so you will lose it. December is usually our busiest month, so if you've been putting off your work for any reason, now is the time to get it scheduled.

To schedule an appointment today, please call us at (206) 728-1330.

I hope you are all doing well.
Enjoy the long weekend!
Richard Stickney DDS PS

FAQ: What Toothpaste Should I Be Using?

I often get asked what sort of toothpaste people should be using. For many years, I believed that using a toothpaste with any sort of baking soda in it was too abrasive, and thus, harmful to the enamel of the tooth and the gums. I recently took some continuing education and there has been extensive research about this topic and in fact, I must admit that I was wrong about baking soda. This research shows that when baking soda is used in Arm and Hammer toothpaste is less abrasive than most other toothpaste. One dentist at this seminar  said he recommends Arm & Hammer Sensitive toothpaste for patients who have gum line sensitivity and he found it to be effective. This type of sensitivity is a common problem for patients who have receded gums.

I still prefer to use our Dental Herb Company's Tooth and Gum Paste, and I recommend that to all of our patients. We also still recommend that no matter what toothpaste you are using, to be applying only a pea sized amount on a soft bristle brush. I like this tooth paste because it is free of chemicals and it is effective.

I'm always looking for new ways to be educating our patients and my staff. So knowing this new research about baking soda is going to be very helpful when educating our patients about proper home care and what toothpaste they should be using.

I hope you all are having a great week. Stay warm this weekend, I hear it is going to get cold!
Richard Stickney DDS PS

Boomerang Champion!

Hello!

Today's post is not about Dentistry, but rather, a post from a proud father! My oldest son, James, participated in the 2012 World Boomerang Championship in Sao Paulo, Brazil, which started on October 17th, 2012 and ended the 29th. This event was 10 days of competition with "boomerangers" from around the world, including countries like Germany, Austrailia, Japan, Brazil, France, Italy, Spain, and many others. In addition to the competition, my son and the other participants got to experience Brazilian culture and food. I'm proud to say that James came in 4th place, which makes him the 4th best in all the world for Boomerang!

There will be a new post this Thursday, as usual, but I just had to share this exciting news with everyone!
I hope you are all staying dry in this Seattle rain (although we should be grateful that we aren't dealing with hurricane Sandy).

Richard Stickney DDS PS

Common Dental Issue

Hello everyone!

Today we wanted to talk about a common issue many of our patients have. On our Health History forms we have the question, "Have you had problems or undesirable experiences with previous dental treatments?" Many of our patients have stated there that they requested no amalgam fillings, but they were put in anyways! You might be wondering, "well how is that possible?"

The answer to that is communication, and the lack of REALLY listening to what the patient wants. As for the amalgams, sometimes they are left behind when a crown is made and they are found years later. They can be underneath old crowns, fillings, or bridges. Other times, some dentists take it upon themselves to make decisions for the patient without consulting with them about what they would prefer.

When we consult with patients about their treatment, whether it be crowns, onlays, composites, etc, we really try to listen to the needs and desires of each individual person. We may have a recommendation, but if the patient would prefer some other form of treatment, we of course would cater to that need, as long as it applies to the situation. When we go over treatment options with them, we outline what the ideal and optimal solutions would be, but also provide alternative plans so that the patient can make an informed decision regarding his or her mouth. To me, patient education plays a major role in my practice so we always encourage our patients to ask questions. We also ask our patients to speak up about things so that we can deliver the best experience for them. We are happy to tell our patients about the materials we are using and why we use them.

I hope you are all doing well!
Richard Stickney DDS PS

Periodontal Disease: Interesting Statistics

Good afternoon!

How is everyone doing today? Well we wanted to share some interesting information about how prevalent periodontal disease is among adults. This was an email newsletter sent to me recently and I thought it would be informative to our readers.

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September 21, 2010 -- The number of adults in the U.S. suffering from periodontal disease may be significantly higher than previous research has indicated, according to a study published online in the Journal of Dental Research (September 21, 2010).

The study, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), researchers appear to have underestimated by as much as 50% how many cases of moderate to severe periodontitis actually exist in the U.S. population.

"This study shows that periodontal disease is a bigger problem than we all thought. It is a call to action for anyone who cares about his or her oral health," said Samuel Low, D.D.S., M.S., associate dean and professor of periodontology at the University of Florida College of Dentistry and president of the AAP, in a press release. "Given what we know about the relationship between gum disease and other diseases, taking care of your oral health isn't just about a pretty smile. It has bigger implications for overall health, and is therefore a more significant public health problem."

According to Paul Eke, Ph.D., M.P.H., an epidemiologist at the CDC and lead author of the study, the findings have significant public health implications. Several research studies have associated gum disease with other chronic inflammatory diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Because recent research suggests a connection between periodontal health and systemic health, "understanding the relationships between periodontal disease and other systemic diseases in the adult U.S population is more crucial than ever," he added.

Copyright © 2010 DrBicuspid.com

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Many adults live with this disease and do not even know they have it. The best way to find out is to have your dental hygienist do an examination of your gum health at your next check up. At that point the dentist can figure out the best way to treat the disease according to your specific needs. We even have Oral DNA tests to determine whether a patient is genetically susceptible to periodontal disease.

This statistic is a wake up call! Make sure you get in to see your dentist or hygienist every 6 months for check ups. Things in the mouth can change quickly, and prevention is the best way to deal with this disease.

I hope you are all doing well.
Richard Stickney DDS PS

Laser Helps With Sensitivity

Hello everyone!

I hope this blog post is finding you all happy and healthy! We just returned from our two week vacation, and we are ready to start up our weekly blog again, sharing timely and informative news with you!

This week's blog is talking again about our dental laser! (Boy do we love it!) But this time we are focusing on how the laser can help with sensitivity during and after dental procedures and how it can help with general tooth sensitivity. We've attached a video at the bottom on this post that explains how the laser can help with sensitivity caused by gum recession and exposed nerve endings. These exposed nerve endings can cause sensitivity to brushing, and cold.

This week alone, we've done a couple of composite fillings with the use of our Waterlase. Asking the patients afterwards how they felt during the treatment, all of them said they had no discomfort. No anesthetic was used during either of these treatments. Unfortunately, we cannot use the laser for every procedure, but we do use it as often as we possibly can. Many of our patients prefer the use of our laser opposed to the use of anesthetic and the drill. On the flip side, some people prefer not feeling anything at all and want to be numb, so we definitely respect all of our patients wishes.

If you'd like to see an animated demonstration of how the laser can help with tooth sensitivity, please follow this link to watch a short video.

Please feel free to leave feedback in the comments section or on our Facebook or Twitter pages!

Be well,
Richard Stickney

Don't Wait Until the Last Minute!

Use it or lose it!

What are we talking about here? Dental insurance.

Many of our patients have dental insurance, that if not used within the calendar year (January-December), they lose that coverage; it does not roll over into the new year. So what happens every year is many people decide to come in in December, and we book up very fast, often being booked out for weeks. The problem with this is that with most dental insurance companies they cover based on the finished date. For example, if a patient needed a crown prep, the insurance company would go based on the SEAT date, not the PREP date.

So if a patient comes in for a prep on December 28th, that restoration may not be covered in that year because it takes about 2 weeks for the crown to be made and sent back to us to be seated.

We want to encourage everyone to start booking their cleanings and restorative work early so you'll be sure to get insurance coverage for the work! November and December are the busiest times of the year for most dental offices. Don't wait until the last minute!

Enjoy the rest of the summer!
Richard Stickney DDS PS

Dental Seminar: Laser Dentistry

Hello everyone!

About 2 weekends ago I attended a Waterlase dental  laser seminar done by Dr. Marshall Golan. Much of this seminar discussed technical aspects of laser dentistry, and some of it I'd like to share with you all today.

I've had my Waterlase for over 5 years now, and I use it as often as I can on my patients. Dr. Golan outlined some suggestions that I've already been putting into practice during the seminar, but one thing he mentioned is that he uses the laser on just about every patient to kill bacteria and decontaminate after decay removal, even if he used the drill. On Dr. Golan's website, he outlines some other advantages of using the laser, such as:

• It helps remove areas of infection
• Removes gum disease with great precision
• The laser beam sterilizes as it works
• Anesthetic is not needed as often
• Faster healing
• Less bleeding and swelling
• Less noise so less anxiety
• Less post operative pain so less pain medication is needed.

92% of stained grooves on a non smoker's occlusal (or biting) surface has decay underneath, and this does not show on an x-ray. If that decay stays only on the enamel, then we can treat that as a sealant, but if it goes into the dentin layer of the tooth, at that point we have to do a composite filling. The laser can often be used in removing such decay without the use of anesthetic. Some other uses of the laser include:

1. Gum surgery- we can often treat gum disease with the laser to disinfect deep pockets, remove diseased tissue, and stimulate reattachment of the tissue to the gum without invasive painful scapel surgery.
2. Decay removal- the laser can remove decay, disinfect and biostimulate the tooth
3. Cosmetic purposes- the laser can re-contour the gums and eliminate a "gummy" smile

We love using our laser, and I enjoy learning new ways to use it. If you'd like more information about the Biolase water laser that I use in my practice, please visit their website.

Be well,
Richard Stickney DDS PS

What's In Your Mouthwash?

Today we wanted to talk a little bit about what's being put into current toothpastes and mouthwashes. A dangerous chemical called Triclosan, which is an antibacterial chemical used in mouthwash and toothpaste, along with other products such as lipstick, deodorant and hand soap. A new study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has shown that not only does Triclosan hinder reproductive hormone activity and signaling in the brain, but also has dramatic effects on cardiac functions and hinders muscle contractions on a cellular level. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently investigating the safety of this chemical.

What we'd like to get across to our patients is the importance of checking the ingredients on the dental products you use. Many of the popular products on the market these days are using ingredients and chemicals that might be harmful to overall health. These chemicals are then being absorbed quickly into the body "sub-lingually" (under the tongue) and directly into the blood stream.

I once heard from Dr. Marshall that you don't want to put anything on your skin or in your mouth that you wouldn't eat because it can be absorbed into the skin very easily. And that has become part of my philosophy here; don't put things in your body that cause problems. In my practice I like to use and recommend products that are natural and that have no harmful chemicals in them. One of the mouthwashes and toothpastes that I carry is from a company called "Dental Herb Company" and their products contain medicinal grade herbs and essential oils. The tonic and toothpaste contain no artificial chemicals, flavorings, preservatives, sweeteners or fractionated ingredients.

I hope that you are all experiencing good health!
Richard Stickney DDS

I take...

"I take Asprin for the headache caused by the Zyrtec I take for the hayfever I got from Relenza for the uneasy stomach from the Ritalin I take for the short attention span caused by the Scopederm Ts I take for the motion sickness I got from the Lomotil I take for the diarrhea caused by the Zenikal for the uncontrolled weight gain from the Paxil I take for the anxiety from Zocor I take for my high cholesterol because excersise, a good diet and regular chiropractic care are just too much trouble."

(Source: http://chirocentre.co.uk/chiropractic-t-shirt-medication-side-effect/)

This is a picture of a real T-shirt. My son, Pearce, sent this to me, and although I knew you'd all enjoy the humor in it, I also believe our patients can see the seriousness as well. What we put in our bodies sometimes have side effects, and to cover those side effects, many people take other medications. What a cycle!

The problem is.. many doctors do not take the time to search for the CAUSE of the problem, but instead just cover over the symptom. In our practice, we enjoy taking the time to listen to the needs of the patient, and try to discover the underlying problems associate with their symptoms. From there we are able to help relieve the patient's immediate symptom or pain while at the same time addressing the cause of the problem.


To hoping you are all happy and healthy (and enjoying this beautiful summer)!
Richard Stickney DDS PS

Undriving: A Patient's True Story

Today we thought it would be really nice to share a story about one of our patients. This story is about a program called "Undriving" and her experience with making the effort to reduce the amount of time she spends driving her car. Here is her experience:

Anne Phyfe Palmer is from New Orleans, LA, and  currently lives in Madison Valley up near Capitol Hill in Seattle with her husband and children. She teaches yoga as her occupation and has two young daughters. Anne Phyfe has been bicycling since she was in high school, but stopped when she started having children a few years ago. She stated that it was a lot of work and time to carry another body from "point A to point B", but when her family had to move out of their home for a short period of time to do some remodeling, she started riding her bicycle again because of an easier biking commute.

When she noticed her body becoming stronger, she began attempting to bike the hill to her home, and now she says she is almost a 100% cyclist. Anne Phyfe got her Undriver's License and her endorsements on the card are to walk, bike, telecommute and "skip the trip". She has committed to doing no less than 50%, but is happy to share that she is been doing about 100%!

When she talks about her experience with Undriver's she shares that what she likes about this program is that it is realistic. She does her best not to get in the car but when she needs it, she uses it. She recognizes that you don't have to take the car out completely. Another thing that she likes is that her family can do it together. They have purchased a Burley bike trailer, which is able to hold their things while they bicycle, such as purses, groceries, shopping bags, beach towels, and picnic lunches. They also have a "tag-a-long" for her youngest daughter Coco, that attaches to Anne Phyfe's bike. Coco says she really enjoys helping her mom bike up their hill!


Anne Phyfe commented that, during the summer, it felt so good to cycle and that feeling kept her going through the winter, even though it was more challenging. Along with cycling, she practices and even teaches yoga. Killing two birds with one stone she says about her cardiovascular exercise that "I get it done during my commute!" To her and her family, cycling has become a "part of the flow, part of our lives".


The BP oil spill back in 2010 really shook Anne Phyfe up. She says she was heartbroken over it and felt compelled to do something. For her, that meant continuing to use her bike as her main form of transportation, and trying to find ways to use her car less and less. She believes that as a society, we have created the demand for gas, oil and petroleum products. It is clear, she is determined to do her part to help our environment.


When Anne Phyfe talks about why she stopped cycling a few years back, she said she realized one of the reasons was time and making the time to get places. One of the other reasons was having her children, and having to move another body from one place to another. And that hill! But one way they got through those challenges was by planning ahead. They had to purchase the right equipment, put their bike locker in a place where it is accessible, make the time, and by changing the way they live their lives.


For more information and to hear and read about other's stories in their participation of the "Undriver" program, please visit their website. And to see Anne Phyfe's full story, you can see the video here. Also, Anne Phyfe let us know that in the July/August issue of Momentum Magazine, she will be featured in an article called "Bike Smart". Although the article has yet to be published, we eagerly look forward to reading it. You can check out Momentum's website here and search under "Bike Smart" to find her story when it comes out!


We are happy that our patients are able to do what they can to keep our environment healthy and their bodies healthy. Reducing the amount of time we spend in our cars and finding alternative ways to travel is a great way to help the environment, it's good on your pocketbook, and it's great for the body! Whether it's bicycling, walking, jogging, or even carpooling to work, every little bit helps.

To your health,
Richard Stickney

Perio Supplements

Hello!

I hope everyone is doing well! Today we wanted to share some exciting information about a few new supplements we will be carrying in the office. They come from a company called Pharmaden and they have created 3 dental supplements focused on periodontal health. These three products are called PerioTherapy, OsteoTherapy, and PerioCare. Here is how they work:

 
PerioTherapy: This supplement is designed to help support the immune system to promote normal gum health. The ingredients selected to formulate this supplement are balanced to achieve the ultimate bio-availability (which is the body's ability to absorb nutrients). It is a diligent homecare program, that along with personalized care from your dentist and hygienist are key components to good oral health. Some of the ingredients include: Vitamin C, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, Echinacea Angustifolia Root, Grape Seed Extract, and CoQ-10. This is used as a 60 day regiment to kick start getting the mouth healthy again.


OsteoTherapy: This is a remineralization supplement. Bone loss support and mineral support is essential but sometimes overlooked in gum disease. This supplement is designed to provide mineral support to assist the body is maintaining bone density. The ingredients include: Calcium Citrate, Magnesium, Vitamin D, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6 and B12, Folic Acid and Grape Seed Extract. Again this is used for 60 days.

 
PerioCare: This is designed to be the perfect compliment following PerioTherapy and helps maintain the results of the dentist's treatment. It is developed to enhance the body's host resistance. Some of the ingredients include: Vitamin C, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, Grape Seed Extract, and CoQ-10. This supplement is used after the 60 days of using PerioTherapy and OsteoTherapy to continue good oral health.

We are very excited to be carrying these new products and will be incorporating them into our normal hygiene program depending on the patient's needs and wants. So next time you are in, make sure to pick up and brochure and ask our staff about how these products can work for you! You can find more information on their website as well.

Take care,
Richard Stickney DDS

TA-65

Hello!

Today's blog post is about a supplement called TA-65, taken from an email we received from TA Sciences. Now for those of you who don't know what TA-65 is, it is a cell rejuvenation supplement that activates our telomerase. So what is a telomere? It is strings of DNA located at the ends of chromosomes. They maintain the structure of the chromosome and protect the genes. These telomeres shorten as our cells divide and once one becomes too short the cell will either stop working properly or it dies. These telomeres shorten as we grow older and certain things, such as environmental, physical and emotional stress can accentuate that.

Leading a healthy lifestyle will help slow down the shortening of our telomeres but what can we do to LENGTHEN them? Activating our telomerase! So what is telomerase? It's an enzyme that maintains the telomeres at the end of chromosomes in order to prevent cell death. And how do we activate it? TA-65!

TA-65 is those only proven way to activate telomerase. It also lengthens shortened telomeres, restores an aging immune system and increases bone density. Many people who have taken this supplement have noticed an increase in energy, vision improvements, better skin elasticity and improved endurance. So now the question is...What is it? What makes it different than anything else? Well, TA-65 is a purified molecule taken from the Astragalus plant. Astragalus is a well known Chinese medicinal plant that has been used for over 2,000 years. This is the only known supplement to be using this kind of technology.

So knowing all this, again, we wanted to share with you an email we received from the makers of TA-65 about Suzanne Somer's new book called "Bombshell".

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Suzanne Somers is a fan of TA-65®MD - here's what she had to say about our product in her new book, Bombshell:

"Telomeres and telomerase - these are two words that will change the way you age! So it's only fitting that they are the next Bombshell I'll introduce you to. There is a new supplement that may turn the medical world on its ear. It works by lengthening your telomeres, which appear to be the key to the fountain of youth. And best of all, the supplement that does this work is all natural."

"TA-65 is the only telomerase activator available right now."

"TA-65 can rejuvenate and strengthen an aging immune system. Seems it's worth it if only for that."

"I see this supplement as a step toward health and away from the present aging paradigm."

"It's like rolling the clock back."

Please click the link below to download the segment of Suzanne Somers discussing TA-65®MD on Fox & Friends:

Suzanne Somers on Fox & Friends  

Bombshell is available now!  You can get a copy of the book on Amazon:

Suzanne Somers new book, Bombshell

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I have personally been using this supplement now for about 1 year and I can say with confidence that I have noticed a difference in how I feel. It has definitely made me feel better and more energized. I am a registered distributor of this product and am happy to explain in more detail what TA-65 can do for you! Feel free to pick up a brochure or ask about this supplement next time you're in for a check-up.

To your health,
Richard Stickney DDS

Protecting You and Our Environment

Protecting You and Our Environment

Fifteen years ago I became one of the first dental practices to install digital x-ray system in our office. I am still excited because every x-ray we take has 80-90 per cent less radiation than traditional dental x-rays. Using the digital system also eliminates the dental developing and fixing chemicals. By eliminating them none of us are exposed to these toxic chemicals and do not have to breath them in. It also eliminates disposing of them into our environment. We also have filters that remove mercury and other chemicals from the air while we work. We have specific air filters to remove mercury and a filter on the waste line that also traps the old amalgam that is removed from the tooth. We place any mercury amalgam scrap into a sealed container for disposal by a hazardous waste company. Our lead apron recently wore out and we wanted to replace it. We also wanted to dispose of it safely as lead is another big concern in the environment. My assistants, Xia and Katlyn spent hours searching for a safe place to take it for disposal.

We have also reduced the use of chemicals in our office by using melaluca which is natural and also an approved disinfectant. We even filter our office water supply with reverse osmosis and carbon block filters to provide pure water for drinking and for use in the dental water we use for procedures and for the laser.  

I came across the following information about mercury and the environment from Dr Mercola. Dr Mercola is a ostheopathic physician and a health advocate and he has many interesting articles on his web site. He sends out a free daily health newsletter. This is from his newsletter:

(You can read more here)

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Coal Plants and Dentists May be Accelerating Wildlife Extinctions 

Coal generates 54 percent of the electricity in the United States and is the single largest cause of air pollution. Coal fired power plants are also the number one source of environmental mercury pollution. Mercury is extremely tenacious once in the air, water and soil, and levels gradually increase over time, as it accumulates.

Each coal plant discharges an average of 170 pounds of mercury into the air each year, along with other pollutants. There are about 600 coal plants in the United Statesⁱ. So, if you do the math, you will discover that coal plants in the U.S. are releasing about 51 TONS of mercury into the environment each year. Just one gram of mercury can make the fish in a 20-acre lake unfit for consumption for a year.

A study by Island Restoration Network found dangerous mercury levels in 68 percent of swordfish, high enough to cause harm to wildlife. Recent evidence indicates mercury is now present in all fish. Other studies have demonstrated high levels of mercury in sensitive and endangered species across marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems, indicating that mercury pollution may be a significant factor in species population reduction.

The second largest mercury polluters in this country are dental practices. As a result of their continued use of mercury amalgam fillings, another 29.7 tons of mercury is discharged into the air, water and soil each year from installation and removal of amalgams.

Don't let the "cheap" price of these fillings fool you. When environmental cleanup costs are included, dental amalgams are actually the most expensive type of dental fillings on the market. Besides its toxic effects to wildlife, mercury is terribly harmful to humans as well.

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Another source of mercury in the environment is cremation. When a body is cremated, any amalgam fillings in the person's mouth are vaporized into the air and then is put forth into our environment.

We try to be very conscience of our environment and how we can best serve our patients. We make efforts in any way that we can to eliminate harmful chemicals from our office, as well as safe handling and disposal of metal's that are harmful to our environment.

Stay well!

Richard Stickney

Dental Air Vac

Hello everyone!

Many people who come into our office for treatment ask, "What is THAT thing? It looks like an elephant!" Well, we thought we'd take this blog post to explain what THAT thing is!

This is our Dental Air Vac. You may be wondering what it is used for. Well, we use our Air Vac for many things, but primarily it's use is for safe amalgam removal. This vacuum has 3 filters in it to safely remove amalgam vapors from the air. First, it has a pleated pre-filter that is able to capture particulate down to about 7 microns. The second, and most important filter is the HEPA filter that is able to capture and contain particulate down to 0.3 micron. Finally, the last filter is a blended carbon filter and is specifically designed to capture and adsorb particulate finer than 0.3 micron as well as sub-micron odors and vapors. These filters are safely replaced every 3-6 months or 6-12 months, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations.

So what we do is we turn this filter on and bring the end of the "trunk" down close to the patient's nose and mouth. When we remove old amalgams, we use what is called a "rubber dam" and that prevents amalgam particles from being swallowed, while at the same time the Dental Air Vac is removing the harmful mercury vapors from the air. This is important because the mercury vapor coming off the tooth as it is being drilled is virtually undetectable to the naked eye, but it is the most harmful form of mercury, so having the vacuum filter close to the patient's face is extremely important, not only to you, but to us as well! We use masks, glasses and gloves, but we like to take the extra measure of protection to help our patients and staff.

This filter is also used in our office when we have patients who are chemically sensitive. We like to make sure all of our patients are well taken care of and are having their particular needs met. When someone comes to us with a chemical sensitivity, we can use this vacuum to clean the air before, during and after their appointment. Although we do not use harmful chemicals in our office, some of the the dental products we use have a scent to them, so this helps to pull away that scent before it reaches the patient's nose.

So next time you come in for treatment or for an exam, be sure to check out our Dental Air Vac! We are always happy to explain it's use to anyone who asks.

I hope you are all doing well!

Richard Stickney

Laser Treatment in Our Hygiene Room Pt. 3

Hello all! Hope you are all having a great week! Here's the final part of our 3 part blog about how we are using our dental laser in our hygiene room! Feel free to let us know what you think in a comment, or on our Facebook or Twitter! Enjoy.

We have begun a new treatment protocol for periodontal disease. In addition to analyzing bacterial samples with our microscope, we now are able to send saliva samples to a lab and see exactly which periodontal pathogens are present and in what concentration, and test for genetic susceptibility for periodontal disease. The sample collection in simple and non-invasive, it involves a 30 second swish with a small amount of saline solution. After analysis, the lab includes a specific antibiotic recommendation for treatment of those who have concentrations of harmful bacteria above threshold. As you know, Dr. Stickney is not in the habit of prescribing antibiotics, so this has been a new leaf for both of us to turn over. One great benefit is that since we know the exact bacteria causing the infection, we are able to target the bacteria with the most effective type of antibiotic available, instead of simply using a broad spectrum antibiotic and hoping it works. Knowing whether or not someone is more genetically prone to periodontal disease, it helps us gauge how proactively we need to address signs of disease. Once we have this information, we are able to plan out our course of action. For those who have results with bacterial concentrations above threshold, typically the treatment includes scaling and root planning, or "deep cleaning", performed in the middle of the eight-day antibiotic regimen. The purpose of this is to attack the bacteria systemically (with the antibiotic) and locally (with the scaling and root planing). The results that we have achieved with the combined antibiotic therapy and scaling and root planing have been amazing. It used to be that we didn't see this kind of healing and recovery unless periodontal surgery was performed. Being a minimally invasive practice, we are happy to have this option for those who show the need for it and are comfortable taking the eight-day course of antibiotics. For those who have results that are positive for harmful, disease causing bacteria but are below threshold, typically antibiotics are not recommended. In these cases the body's own immune system, along with proper professional dental treatment, should be able to overcome the infection. The laser can also be used in conjunction with this treatment protocol for those who would like an option other than antibiotics. You are welcome to have a look at the lab's website, they have great educational resources: www.oraldna.com


Again, we'd love to hear what you think!
Hoping you are all well,
Richard Stickney

Laser Treatment in Our Hygiene Room Pt. 2

As we brought out in our last post, there would be 3 parts to this topic of using the laser in our hygiene room. This is Part 2. Enjoy.


As some of you may have seen, we have a microscope in our hygiene room. We have been analyzing plaque samples that we collect from periodontal pockets, pockets that show signs of gum disease and inflammation. Signs of disease include pocketing of 4 millimeters or greater, inflammation, and bleeding. It is amazing to see how much bacteria is in even the tiniest of plaque samples. I haven't been this excited since my Microbiology and Histology courses in college! Some results have been surprising. For example one sample was from a moderately healthy pocket, three millimeters deep with only a little evidence of inflammation, but upon analysis of the plaque, there were harmful spirochetes evident on the slide. The spirochete family is a nasty one. This is actually the same type of oral bacteria involved in Alzheimer's disease, and here is a link that has research on this: Alzheimer's and oral bacteria
This bacteria is tissue invasive in cooperation with other bacteria, which means that it cannot only live on the surface of your gum tissue, but actually invade and live within gum tissue. It's DNA is found in artherosclerotic lesions of the aorta and is associated with pre-term low birth weight. Those are the systemic effects of this particular oral bacteria. Connections like these reinforce how important diligent daily flossing, proper brushing and regular professional dental care is when caring for our overall health. Those little bugs go non-stop. When I analyzed my own plaque sample and was thankful to see my white blood cells working hard to combat the bacterial onslaught. I felt such affection for the hard working little guys! It is amazing to see what goes on in our bodies without our being aware and how our own beautiful immune system is waging war on harmful microbes. It motivates me to do my part in supporting my immune system and my industrious little white blood cells.

Hope you enjoyed reading part 2 of this blog post! Stay tuned next Monday for the last part of this interesting subject!
Richard Stickney

Introducing: Laser Treatment in Our Hygiene Room

We are happy to be able to offer laser services in our hygiene room as well as Dr Stickney's treatment room. Our hygienist, Annika, received additional training in using our laser for the treatment of periodontal disease. She would like to share what she learned and how we are integrating this into our treatment.
This is Part 1 of 3 blog's we will do on this subject:

The course started with the physics of lasers and laser safety, and it always good to have those reminders. We went on to learn about all the applications of lasers in gum tissue treatment, from surgeries to biostimulation. We reviewed which types of procedures I am licensed to provide in the state of Washington, which include treatment of apthous ulcers (canker sores), herpetic lesions (cold sores/fever blisters), laser bacterial reduction, which reduces the amount of live bacteria in the mouth prior to cleaning. This helps to reduce the bacterial cascade that enters the bloodstream upon the manipulation of gum tissue during cleanings. Some types of oral bacteria are linked to upper respiratory tract infections, so it is a great tool to reduce the risk of spreading harmful bacteria to the rest of the body. We also learned the specific steps associated with laser assisted periodontal therapy, which is augmenting our periodontal disease treatment. Biostimulation means activation and regeneration of damaged cells. These non-active cells are stimulated and new cells are regenerated to get proper cell metabolism. This supports the function of the immune system and thus promotes the healing functions.
We are already implementing new treatment protocols in the office I am very excited to be able to provide these services. Our experience is that diseased gum tissue heals much faster and more completely after treatment with the laser. A simple topical anesthetic gel is all that is needed to prepare the tissue and treatment is typically very easy. In certain cases, we are adding laser treatment to our scaling and root planing (also called deep cleaning) procedures. The laser is not needed on every visit but it is wonderful to have such a practical tool at our disposal.


Stay tuned for the rest of this information in the coming week!
Hope you are all doing well,
Richard Stickney

Laser Dentistry

Hello!
We wanted to talk today about our laser and our continued success with using it. At this point, most of our patients prefer it to having anesthetic on procedures where we can use it. We use the laser for many different procedures including: decay removal, extractions, disinfection, root planning and scaling, gingivalplasty, gingivectomy, and biostimulation. We enjoy being able to use this helpful tool for periodontal and other surgical procedures. One of the advantages to using the MD Waterlase is that the recovery time for invasive procedures is less, and most of our patients report little to no pain after soft tissue procedures.

Here are some interesting comments that some patients have made about the Waterlase, taken from Biolase's official website. (http://www.laserdentistry.com/testimonials.html)

97% of patients who experience Waterlase treatment
would recommend it to their family and friends.

Richter 7 Survey
"I would definitely recommend it.
It was much easier than I thought it would be."
- S. Pruitt, California
"After having this procedure done with a Waterlase MD, I would never want to have another procedure done with your conventional drills, and knives, and sutures, and everything – there’s no need for it."
- M. Roybal, California
"Before, they would get me numb, they’d leave the room, and I’d be sitting there, waiting for myself to get numb, and then they’d come back. This, they started right up."
- T. Flagler Oregon
"I saw a Waterlase® dentist just this morning, after a seven-year absence from the dentist. I belong to an online community and happened to mention how much I despise the dentist. One woman had heard about the Waterlase® and suggested I look into it. I made an appointment and then paid the price for my procrastination--four cavities and one crown (for a horrendous root canal done previously--I've been walking around with a temporary crown for seven years!) Today I went in to have two of the cavities filled and the crown prepped. The dentist used the Waterlase® on both cavities and it was the procedure I've been waiting my whole life for!"
- S. Hogan, California
"You can just have your treatment done, no anticipation. So I do think it’s going to change how people feel about coming to the dentist."
- N. Seyler, Oregon
"I just wanted to comment on the Waterlase®. I lost a crown (pin and all) and figured that the tooth couldn't be saved and I'd have a painful procedure to look forward to. My dentist recently purchased a Waterlase®, I noticed it as soon as I sat in the chair. He asked me if I was willing to have him use the Waterlase to cut back the soft gum tissue so he could reattach the crown. I have to say, even though he said he's only been using it for about 3 days, I had no pain beyond that I get from flossing. It was a wonderful experience and I should know, I've had extensive dental work performed over the last 10 years. I still can't believe I came out of today's visit without any pain or numbness. Thank you Biolase!"
- C. Stevens, Colorado


I hope you are all doing well!
Take care,
Richard Stickney

About Us

Recently we had to write a letter for one of our patients that talked about our practice, our philosophy, and what made us different from other dentists. We thought it would be nice to share, in part, what it said with our patients and friends.

"I am a general dentist who practices whole person dentistry. I look at the teeth as being part of the whole body. I like to treat my patients with the most natural approach possible. We use biocompatible dental materials. We do not use any toxic chemicals in our office. We take only digital x-rays which have 90 % less radiation then traditional film x-rays. This also allows us to eliminate the harsh chemicals used to develop traditional x-rays.

We have many patients who travel great distances to get special care in our office. Many or our patients have autoimmune diseases that cause them to be chemically sensitive. We do our best to accommodate their sensitivities."

In my practice, I am committed to giving our patients individualized care and really take to heart their concerns and sensitivities. We take pride in giving our patients the best care possible. Whether you are new to the practice or are a long time patient, we thought you'd appreciate knowing how we are different.

Hoping you are all well,
Richard Stickney

Night Guards & Teeth Grinding

Why I almost always recommend lower night guards for patients that clench and grind their teeth.

I have been a tooth clencher and grinder for probably my entire life. At the University I attended we were taught to make night guard on the upper jaw. The ones that were made for me were always uncomfortable and this went beyond just having the appliance in my mouth. They always felt tight and constricting. I attended the Pankey Institute in Miami Florida and they had a different view point. The night guards were recommended for the lower jaw. I made one for myself and found it to be far more comfortable than the ones I had been trained to make in dental school. It didn't occur to me why this was so until I took training in cranial sacral therapy with a local Osteopathic physician. (By the way I highly recommend this type of gentle manipulation of the bones of the skull and back. It is a gentle and highly effective therapy.) So in dental school we were taught that the skull ossified so the bones don't move. But when I trained with the Osteopath, she taught that she has to feel the subtle movements of the bones but also that if bones didn't move correctly it could cause problems with your wellness and vitality. There are 29 bones in the head. The lower jaw is the only bone not hooked to others by sutures. The lower jaw is suspended from the skull by ligaments, tendons and muscles. I think of it like this: placing an upper night guard has the benefit of protecting the teeth from clenching and grinding. But it has the side effect of binding the bones in place. This could affect the normal cranial sacral rhythm which could effect a patients comfort and vitality. Making the night guard on the lower arch still protects the teeth from clenching and grinding but actually stimulates cranial sacral movement. To me it is a simple issue. Build it on the lower unless it would compromise the health of the upper teeth. That could happen if the upper teeth are loose or have lost bone.

Here is an example where the tooth is worn down to the nerve canal and the enamel is 60 % gone. This tooth is half of it's normal size.

If you clench and grind your teeth, a night guard can really help. Night guards can also help people that suffer from headaches, TMJ, face, neck and shoulder pain and tension. This is some evidence they can even improve athletic performance.

Another amazing thing about clenching and grinding is patients may not even be aware they do it. I have asked numerous patients if they know they were doing it and most say no. It is amazing how out of touch we can be from our bodies. Ideally when you are relaxed the teeth should be slightly apart. A little space is good. An affirmation can be used to relax the jaws. "lips together, teeth apart."

To your health and well being!

Zero Tolerance for Bleeding Gums!!

The blog post today is short and sweet. Its taken from: (http://www.Zt4bg.com/ForthePublic.html)
_____________

Imagine a raw wound the size of your palm on your arm. Now just rub the foulest dirt you can imagine into that wound. Do this twenty-four hours a day.

Think that'll be great for the rest of your body (let alone your arm!)??

Heck no, but that's what we do every day, day in and day out if we have bleeding gums ("gingivitis") or frank gum disease going down even deeper into the bone.

And big congratulations to The View that just discussed this newly emerging information.

_____(end)_________

Pretty powerful statements huh? Do you think your bleeding gums are no big deal? Many people have the thought that "If it doesnt hurt, I don't need to fix it!" Well when your gums bleed, your body is telling you something, and that something is very important not only for the health of your mouth, but also for your body as a whole! One of the simplest ways to prevent bleeding gums is to change the way you brush your teeth, and floss at least once a day. Think of your toothbrush also as a "gum" brush. Brushing your gums 2 times a day is going to help keep them very healthy, along with regular office visits every 3-6 months depending on individual situations.

To your health,

Richard Stickney

Why Dental Examinations and X-rays Are So Important

Why are dental examinations and x-rays so important?

Dental conditions can change rapidly. Unfortunately, tooth decay and gum disease and even abscessed teeth often don't hurt. This is especially true with gum disease but tooth decay as well. The reason I say unfortunately is that if it hurt you would do something about it. Often times clients mistake no pain in the teeth and no bleeding gums when they brush as everything is fine. Virtually every day that I see clients we find something significant that the client was unaware of. The earlier we find a problem the easier it is to correct. My focus is on prevention of disease, and minimally invasive bio-compatable dentistry. Often times a client can prevent problems by making a few changes, such as: changing the way they clean their teeth, a diet change or taking anti inflammatory foods and herbs. The key to doing that is early detection. Find it before the problem is not reversible. Once problem is not reversible, we want to find it before it is a big problem. In the early stages the problem is easier to correct and less expensive. Even if it is more advanced when we find it we can often prevent bigger problems such as root canals and/or surgery. Again, the key is early detection. Early detection depends on having a dental team that focuses on excellence in diagnosis. Yesterday a patient told our receptionist, Kendra, that it is too expensive to come in twice a year for an examination and preventive care. I completely understand that. The challenge is that I saw several clients last week that had not come in for one to three years. Some of these people needed significant dental treatment. Most of it was preventable. So much can change in a relatively short time in the mouth. The best dental insurance isn't Washington Dental Insurance. It is brushing your teeth and gums at least 2 times a day. Floss your teeth at least one time a day. Avoid refined sugars. Come to the dental office two times or more per year for examination and preventive care. It is not a guarantee you won't have problems but it absolutely minimizes them. If there are problems we can prioritize them to reduce the impact of said problems.

Yesterday I had a client who refused x-rays. I understand why. I am sensitive about x-ray myself. I do not let TSA x-ray me at the airport because a hand search is simple. I have taken precautions to make our dental x-rays as safe as possible. I got one of the first digital x rays systems in Seattle in 1996 because it reduced x-ray exposure 80-90%. By getting this system I was able to eliminate the toxic developing and fixing solutions from our office so we don't have to breathe them or dispose them into the environment. The state of Washington inspector visited us last fall and found our system to be working perfectly. He commented that our system put out about 40% less than even other digital systems.

We use a lead apron to cover potentially sensitive areas. We even have a green tea extract that has been reported to have protective effect when exposed to x-ray.

Here is an actual patient x-ray showing what can be found underneath. None of these things hurt but the abscess is dumping toxins into the body. The decay is almost to the nerve. It looks like three root canals would be necessary with build ups and crowns. The back tooth might need to be removed. So there is a real benefit to having x-rays at the recommended interval which I customize to each patient depending on their risk factors. If you ever have questions about the reason why we make a recommendation do not hesitate to ask.

Be well,

Richard Stickney