Texas Wisdom Blog

July 8, 2013

Bad Teeth Out- New Teeth In: Permanent, Fixed Teeth In One Day

Dr. Chilcoat @ 9:17 am

Do you think you are stuck with damaged, decayed and painful teeth? Dental implants may be one of the most well-known and sought after treatments for permanent tooth replacement, but the preconceptions that go along with implants often prevent perfect candidates from cashing in on this life-improving treatment.

Some misconceptions and pre-conceptions about dental implants cause people to continue to suffer with painful, damaged teeth, ill-fitting dentures and a lifetime of soft, easy to chew foods. Here are some dental implant myths and why you should look further into finding out if replacing your teeth in a day is right for you.

Dental implants take too long to completion

For most patients who have the goal of replacing a mouth full of painful, decayed teeth, the treatment time is faster than you think. Did you know that using the All On Four dental implants technique allows you to have your damaged teeth removed, dental implants placed and new teeth fixed to the implants in just one day? It’s true. While some patients may need more complex treatment such as bone grafting before implants can be placed, for most people the treatment can be completed in just one day.

2. Dental Implants Are Too Expensive

Dental implants are comparable in price to crowns and bridges when it comes to full mouth replacement. In fact, most patients agree that over time, tooth replacement with dental implants is more cost-effective than other treatment options. This is because once placed in the jaw, a dental implant will remain stable and solid for the rest of your life 97% of the time. The failure rate for implants is low, and the lifespan for them is long. Another way to gauge the cost effectiveness of dental implants is to consider the impact on your quality of life. Is it worth a financial investment to you to regain confidence in your smile? How about having the ability to enjoy the foods you love? Dentures are less expensive than dental implants, but they require replacement about every 6 years. This is due, in part, to the fact that wearing dentures quickens the loss of bone structure in the jaws, which leads to loss of vertical dimension (also known as pucker-face).

3. Dental implants are painful

Like any surgical procedure, dental implant surgery does involve some degree of discomfort. Patients sleep through the procedure, eliminating the discomfort of having dental work performed, and wake up pain free because of the local anesthetic used during surgery. When the numbness wears off, patients will experience post -operative soreness and mild to moderate pain, which is usually controlled with prescription medication. Most patients report that the discomfort associated with having a dental implant placed is much less than that of having a tooth extracted, and even less than a toothache. In the majority of dental implant patients, discomfort is easily controlled with an over the counter analgesic such as Advil or Tylenol after the first couple of days.

Are Same Day Dental Implants Right For you?

There is only one way to find out. Schedule a consultation with an oral surgeon, like Dr. Robert A. Weinstein, today. You can download a coupon for a free consultation and x-ray here. If you find that you are a good candidate for full mouth replacement with All On Four dental implants, our team will work with you to help alleviate your apprehensions about time, cost and recovery. We can assist you with payment plans and even travel assistance if you are traveling to Dallas for your dental implant treatment.

You can regain the quality of life you thought you left behind. Eat, laugh, talk and smile again with confidence. The first step is yours, we will walk you through the rest.

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July 1, 2013

Have You Heard of Full Mouth Implants In a Day?

Dr. Chilcoat @ 8:43 am

Dental patients across Texas are searching for the best way to replace missing teeth without dentures. For many, the All On Four implant technique is the answer to struggling with painful or ill-fitting dentures.

How Does All On Four Work?

Full mouth replacement with only 4 dental implants

When all the teeth are missing, an entire dental arch (upper or lower set of teeth) can be replaced using just four precisely positioned dental implants. Four implants are surgically placed in the jaw. A provisional prosthesis (hybrid denture) is fitted and installed on the dental implants allowing for the patient to achieve immediate dental restoration. This means that a patient can walk into the office with no teeth or a mouth full of damaged teeth, and leave with a brand new beautiful set of permanent teeth.

Treatment with the All On Four technique is highly specialized and requires a team approach which consists of an experienced surgeon, a restorative dentist and a dental lab technician. The team works together, each providing expertise in their own area of specialization to achieve same day dental implant results.

Where Can You Get All On 4?

While the technique has been practiced for more than 10 years, and has become well known as the premiere dental treatment for tooth replacement, expertise in the All On 4 technique is not as widespread as with single tooth dental implants. Patients in Texas must travel to a major city in order to receive the treatment. Traveling to Dallas can be a smart decision when pursuing full mouth dental implants. The All On Four technique provides some considerable advantages

Fixed teeth (attached to the implants) are delivered on the day of surgery
Fewer implants means more cost-effective treatment
A team approach, providing expertise in a multi-specialty setting
Dental implants are the best available treatment for missing teeth

Interested In Finding Out If All On 4 Is Right For You?

The best way to find out if the all on four dental implant technique is the best option for your full mouth replacement is to schedule a consultation appointment. At your consultation you will have the opportunity to have a personal one on one conversation with your doctor to establish your dental goals and discuss options for treatment. If the All On 4 technique is the best option for you, our doctors and team will work with you to plan for the treatment, assist with budgeting for costs and create a timeline for treatment. If you are traveling to Dallas for the procedure, our team will be happy to assist you with everything from booking travel to arranging for a hotel stay. We can even have your prescriptions delivered to your hotel.

Want More Information About All On Four?

Give us a call today and speak with our dental implant treatment coordinator. You can reach us by phone at 972-960-111, via email at care@texaswisdom.com or via live chat right on our website.

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June 23, 2013

How To Save Money On Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Texas

Dr. Chilcoat @ 5:51 pm

Your dentist has recommended that you have your wisdom teeth removed, and you are likely nervous about having oral surgery. You are not alone! Most people have some very valid concerns about having wisdom teeth surgery, and at the top of the list is often the cost of oral surgery.

Don’t Panic About Oral Surgery

Save Money on Wisdom Teeth in TX The cost of any surgery is a reason for concern. The first thing to do when planning your procedure is a little research. Online research is probably what has led you to this article, so good for you! Information on surgery prices can be a little hard to find online. At the Dallas oral surgery offices of Texas Wisdom Teeth and Dental Implants, we post the fees for some of our most popular procedures right on our website in order to make it easy for you to plan for the cost of surgery. To compare prices on wisdom teeth extraction in Texas, you can conduct a search using this tool:

www.healthcarebluebook.com

Cost estimates vary widely, but the average cost Nationwide is about $1650-$2300. At Texas Wisdom Teeth and Dental Implants, patients can receive a package fee of $1185, which includes exam, xrays, surgical removal of up to 4 wisdom teeth and IV General Anesthesia. This special price is available all summer long and is available to patients who are not utilizing insurance benefits.

Maximize Your Dental Coverage To Save On Oral Surgery

If you have dental coverage, make sure you understand your plan and utilize the benefits to maximize your coverage. Use an “In-Network” provider to receive special discounts on fees. Make sure you have not depleted your annual benefit before having surgery. Most dental plans will cap the amount they will pay on your behalf in a calendar year. If you are not sure about how your plan works, talk to your HR representative before moving forward with surgery. To learn more about how to maximize dental insurance for wisdom teeth removal, read this special report.

Consider Your Financing Options For Wisdom Teeth Surgery

Many dental offices and oral surgeons offer special financing options for patients in order to help spread the cost of oral surgery out over time. Many financing plans offer low or no-interest plans. At Texas Wisdom Teeth and Dental Implants, we offer no interest payment plans for 6 months on wisdom teeth removal. For more information on payment plans for oral surgery, click here.

Consider Traveling To A Lower Cost Area To Save On Wisdom Teeth Removal

Fees for services such as wisdom teeth extraction vary depending on geographical areas. If you live in an area where healthcare costs are high, consider traveling to a surgeon in a lower cost area. Patients across Texas travel to Dallas to save money on wisdom teeth removal. We see patients from Waco, Sherman, Midland and even as far away as Austin. You might find that the cost of driving to Dallas and spending a night in a hotel is worthwhile if your savings is several hundred dollars or more. If you are traveling to Dallas for wisdom teeth removal, our helpful team can assist you in finding accommodations near our office. As an added bonus, patients who have their oral surgery at Texas Wisdom Teeth and Dental Implants can claim a voucher for FREE Companion Airfare anywhere in the contiguous United States while our supplies last! Talk about savings! Not only can you save on the cost of surgery, but you can save on a future vacation as well.

With a little research and planning, you can save money on the cost of wisdom teeth extraction. The team at Texas Wisdom Teeth Associates in Dallas can help. Give us a call today to schedule your consultation appointment.

BONUS:

Free consultation and panoramic x-ray coupon

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June 10, 2013

Why Did My Orthodontist Recommend Wisdom Tooth Extraction This Summer?

Dr. Chilcoat @ 7:59 am

Summer Wisdom Teeth Special

Your teen has been in braces for three years, and it has truly been a labor of love to make sure they got to all their appointments on schedule. Your bank account likely reflects that the cost of raising a child is estimated at over $200,000 over a lifetime. Kids are expensive, and so is orthodontic treatment. Now, your child’s orthodontist has recommended that his wisdom teeth be removed this summer. Your teen’s wisdom teeth are not hurting him, so why the big rush to do surgery? This article is not meant to scare you or sensationalize the risks of avoiding wisdom teeth extraction.

Should some wisdom teeth be left alone? Absolutely! Should you ignore a recommendation for wisdom teeth surgery? Absolutely not! Here is why you should definitely have a consultation with an oral surgeon if your child’s orthodontist has recommended wisdom teeth removal.

Your Orthodontist Is Not Crazy, He’s Protecting Your Investment

Impacted wisdom teeth

I know, that title sounds like a pitch, but the fact is, there are numerous reasons that wisdom teeth might be recommended for extraction, even when there are no painful symptoms associated with them. Let’s take a minute to discuss some of the proactive indications for removal of wisdom teeth.

Your orthodontist has a greater chance of success and ease of treatment moving the molar teeth when the wisdom teeth are not obstructing the path. When the wisdom teeth are impacted or partially erupted, they are often positioned right behind or under the second molars. These second molars cannot be moved easily or effectively with the wisdom teeth causing an obstruction.
Once the braces are removed, the teeth are free to shift back into malposition. Removing the wisdom teeth helps prevent orthodontic relapse and dental crowding once the braces are removed. Incidentally, diligent use of the retainer all the way past age 25 is recommended for prevention of orthodontic relapse.
Malpositioned wisdom teeth can cause damage to the adjacent teeth. Some of the damage that can be caused by malpositioned wisdom teeth includes tooth decay, gum disease and loss of bone around the second molars.
Wisdom teeth can develop destructive pathology. Cysts, tumors and other pathology sometimes forms around an impacted wisdom tooth. Pathology such as this may be completely asymptomatic for a very long time. Once symptoms, pain, swelling develop, a cyst or tumor has usually already done damage to the jaw bone and/or teeth.
Even erupted wisdom teeth are very hard to keep clean. Inadequate dental hygiene due to difficulty of access to the wisdom teeth can cause tooth decay and gum disease, putting other teeth at risk for damage and tooth loss.

What Happens If I Just Wait Until The Wisdom Teeth Cause Pain?

Your orthodontist is trained to identify the potential for future problems with the teeth as well as

Impacted tooth on lower has caused decay in adjacent tooth

diagnose and treat current problems. When your orthodontist recommends wisdom tooth extraction, it is typically for one of the reasons listed above. The only thing in it for the orthodontist is the satisfaction of a job well, done. He doesn’t earn any compensation for sending your child off to have their wisdom teeth removed, he honestly just wants to give you the best advice possible, and protect your investment of money, time and energy, which are all spent in straightening a teenager’s teeth. If you received a recommendation for wisdom teeth extraction, and decide to wait until symptoms develop, here are the risks you are taking:

Wisdom teeth pain can be very uncomfortable. Your teen will probably develop the most severe symptoms in the middle of the night on a Saturday, if we buy into the whole “Murphy’s Law” philosophy. If this happens, you will either find yourself in the ER or frantically trying to get a last minute appointment first thing Monday morning.
Dental crowding cannot be reversed by removing the wisdom teeth. If you wait for dental crowding or orthodontic relapse to occur, plan on starting the whole orthodontic treatment all over again- the teeth won’t shift back into position without braces.
Tooth decay does not usually cause pain until the decay reaches the pulp of the tooth. Once this happens, repair of the tooth is usually extensive and costly, assuming the decay can be repaired in the first place. Second molars are important teeth- you definitely want your teen to keep them for a lifetime!
Chronic infection is annoying, painful and can actually progress into a serious health concern. The same bacteria which cause gum disease cause chronic infection of the wisdom teeth. Some of these bacteria have been identified as a possible catalyst to systemic health conditions such as heart problems. At the least, chronic infection damages the gum tissue and results in loss of bone (which, by the way, holds the teeth in the jaw). In rare cases, chronic infection can settle in the bone itself, a condition called osteomyelitis, which can be very serious and require hospitalization.
Cysts and tumors destroy precious jaw bone structure. If left untreated, benign cysts and tumors associated with impacted wisdom teeth will continue to grow and destroy any bone in its path. When there is extensive damage to the jaw bone, the jaw is at increased risk for pathological fracture. Teeth are often damaged and lost when a cyst or tumor is left untreated. Sometimes, pathology such as this becomes infected, further complicating the treatment required to resolve it.

This summer, if you received a referral from the orthodontist to have your teenager’s wisdom teeth extracted, don’t procrastinate. Find out how urgent the issue really is before you make a decision. Sometimes waiting is just fine- sometimes it is not. Go for a consultation with an oral surgeon, get facts and answers. Educate yourself on the pros and cons of wisdom teeth extraction, and make your decision based on what you learn. If this information is helpful to you, share it with a friend!

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May 14, 2013

Say Goodbye to Dentures With “Teeth In A Day”- Yes, You Can Afford It

Dr. Chilcoat @ 2:59 pm

dentures in a glass Does this sound like you? You decided several years ago that a prosthetic denture was your solution for missing and damaged teeth. In the beginning, it all seemed to work pretty well. Sure, the denture needed some adjusting from time to time. Before you knew it, the denture was always loose, causing friction and sores on your gums. It hurt. You began using denture adhesives, but in time, you started taking the dentures out to eat. (What!?) These days, you only wear your denture when you are going out in public. Slowly, over the years, your diet became poor, you can’t enjoy a steak for dinner, in fact you avoid eating out in public due to your inability to chew food without embarrassment. You don’t laugh or smile as much as you used to, (what if the denture slips or falls out?!).

One thing has become very, very clear- A prosthetic denture does not work for you.

You Searched Google For “Dental Implants” And It Sounds Really Complicated

(And Really Expensive)

You’ve heard of dental implants for stable, permanent tooth replacement, and here you are, searching the internet for some way to make dental implants a reality for you. There are only 3 problems with just picking up the phone and scheduling an appointment with an implant dentist:

1. Dental Implant Cost

2. The time investment to completion

3. Your need for reliable information- NOT a sales pitch

What if I told you that a permanent solution to your loose dentures was possible, and that the 3 biggest roadblocks standing in your way are actually a lot smaller than you think?

Teeth In A Day- The All On Four Concept Made More Affordable

Full mouth replacement with only 4 dental implants

The idea is simple. Build a stable, fixed dental prosthesis on as few dental implants as possible. Make it function properly and look natural. With just four implants on top, and four implants on the bottom, you can replace a complete set of teeth and YES, you can do it in just one day.

Teeth in a day requires a personalized plan, a team approach and expertise in dental implantology. I will admit, it also takes a willing patient and a certain amount of money, but the money is far less than you expect, especially if you have received a free consultation and treatment plan at another prominent Dallas dental implant center.

Your All On Four dental implant team consists of dental specialists including Dr. Robert A. Weinstein (oral surgeon), a prosthodontist or restorative dentist of your choice, an experienced lab technician and YOU.

The most important member of the team is YOU.

Every patient is unique and there is no “one treatment fits all” approach when it comes to permanent tooth replacement. You will receive a personal consultation, taking your unique situation under consideration. If the All On Four solution is the best, most cost effective and functional solution for your individual case, it will be recommended to you along with a detailed plan for treatment including costs, important information and insurance or HSA contribution estimations. If the All On Four technique is not the best option for you, we will provide you with information about your best options.

How Does All On Four Dental Implant Treatment Work?

Complete upper restoration, courtesy Nobel Biocare

Your damaged natural teeth are removed and the dental implants are surgically placed in the jaw using a specialized technique that increases efficiency and strength. The next step is to take impressions and fabricate a provisional fixed prosthesis which upon completion is installed upon the implants. All of this takes place in the office, during one appointment, and you get to sleep peacefully through the whole thing. By the end of the appointment, you get to leave with a brand new smile.

The All On Four Concept was brought to market by Nobel Biocare, a leading dental implant manufacturer. Most dental implant systems have now made the technique available for use, and while we do use Nobel dental implants, we are also able to use the technique on a number of other high quality dental implant systems. This flexibility provides more options for you and for the members of your All On Four Team. Since only four dental implants are required per dental arch, there is less surgery and less cost involved than in a case of full dental replacement with 8 or more implants. In addition, having the advantage of installing a prosthetic restoration at the time of surgery enables more efficient use of your time.

What About The Cost of All On Four Dental Implants?

If you receive consultations and treatment plans from three different dental implant centers, you will no doubt be quoted three vastly different fees for the All On Four treatment. If you visit Dr. Robert A. Weinstein for one of those consultations, you will be pleased to learn that our fees for dental implants and the cost of the All On Four treatment is competitively lower.

Does a lower fee mean that there is something below standard about the quality of care, the implants themselves or the surgeon’s experience level? Absolutely not! The simple fact is, we believe in making dental implants more affordable to our patients. Compare your treatment plan from Dr. Weinstein with that of another Dallas implant center, and you will see a significant savings. Patients have the ability to choose the best option for treatment when their needed treatment is made

-affordable

-efficient

-effective

Dental Implant Experience Counts

With over 30 years’ experience in implant dentistry, Dr. Robert A. Weinstein has been involved in everything from dental implant research to evaluation of new dental implant systems for use in the United States. Dr. Weinstein has been personally trained by some of implant dentistry’s most prominent leaders. He continues his education frequently in order to remain current on the latest advances and trends in implant dentistry.

No One Size Fits All Dental Implant Treatment

You are a unique individual with a dental health situation which is different from anybody else. You deserve to be treated as the unique individual that you are. When you decide the time is right for you to receive a personal consultation and individual treatment plan based on your unique dental needs, give us a call. We are here when you are ready.

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April 29, 2013

Impacted Wisdom Teeth- A Visual Guide

Dr. Chilcoat @ 9:30 am

A Visual Guide To Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted, Erupted, Partially Impacted- What does all that even mean? Your dentist has it in for your wisdom teeth, but at the moment they are not hurting you. Before you decide to wait to act upon your dentist’s advice to remove your wisdom teeth, make sure you know all the facts about impacted third molars.

Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?

When it comes to dental surgery, most people are of the attitude “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. This is a really great rule of thumb as long as you recognize that pain is not the only indicator of wisdom teeth problems. In fact, there are many instances in which the third molars can be seriously dysfunctional and even destructive without experiencing pain. Like most dental conditions, such as tooth decay and gum disease, pain does not usually enter the picture until the disease or condition has become quite advanced. Your wisdom teeth are no different. It’s a good idea to have your dentist examine your third molars for signs of pathology, disease, decay or other problems. If he makes a recommendation to have the wisdom teeth removed, ask for an explanation about “why”, so you can understand if there are underlying problems that exist, but perhaps are not painful at the moment.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

An impacted tooth is one which has not ‘erupted’ into the dental arch, in alignment with the other teeth. It is positioned within the jaw bone, covered completely or partially with bone and gum tissue. Just because a tooth is impacted does not mean it must be removed. Some wisdom teeth are positioned in such a way that removal can cause more risk for complications than leaving the tooth alone. Only an oral surgeon is best qualified to assess impacted wisdom teeth and make this determination.

Some signs of trouble with impacted teeth include:

Malpositioned tooth which has the potential to cause harm to the adjacent teeth
Improper tooth positioning which causes misalignment and crowding of the other teeth, especially after previous orthodontic therapy.
A wisdom tooth which has erupted only partially creates a prime environment for bacteria, resulting in chronic infection, gum disease, decay and pain.
Formation of destructive cysts around the wisdom tooth which can destroy jaw bone and cause loss of the adjacent teeth, infection or even pathologic jaw fracture

While the problems outlined in this graphic are not the only problems we see associated with impacted wisdom teeth, they are the most common. Some of these problems do not cause physical pain until they have become advanced. As with all dental problems, it’s usually less expensive, less traumatic and easier on you to take care of problems while they are still in their early stages. Ask your dentist about the health of your wisdom teeth, or visit our Dallas oral surgery practice to find out whether your wisdom teeth are healthy enough to keep.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth- A Visual Guide – An infographic by the team at Impacted Wisdom Teeth- A Visual Guide

Embed Impacted Wisdom Teeth- A Visual Guide on Your Site: Copy and Paste the Code Below

<img src="https://www.texaswisdom.com/blog/2013/04/impacted-wisdom-teeth-a-visual-guide/" width="540"> Impacted Wisdom Teeth- A Visual Guide – An infographic by the team at <a href="https://www.texaswisdom.com/blog/2013/04/impacted-wisdom-teeth-a-visual-guide/">Impacted Wisdom Teeth- A Visual Guide</a>

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April 22, 2013

Affordable Dental Implants- Affordable Enough For You!

Dr. Chilcoat @ 1:42 pm

You Can Afford Dental Implants When thinking about replacing missing teeth with dental implants, you might throw the idea away because you are afraid of the cost. While it is true that dental implants are the most effective, reliable and natural feeling option for tooth replacement, the preconception that there is no such thing as affordable dental implants couldn’t be farther from the truth!

You Can Afford Dental Implants

There are some important facts to consider about replacing teeth, whether you need a single tooth replacement, multiple tooth replacement of full mouth dental implants.

Dental Implants Are:

· 97% Successful over more than 50 years of research

· The most reliable and natural looking/feeling treatment option

· Stronger than even natural teeth; eat what you want!

· A mainstream treatment option which has recently become more affordable than ever for patients

Save On the Cost of Dental Implants Without Compromising Quality of Care

As Dallas’ fair price leader, your Dallas dental implant dentist, Dr. Robert A. Weinstein, believes that implant dentistry should be affordable for everybody. Since they are usually the ideal treatment option for missing teeth, dental implants should not be reserved for only those of exceptional means.

When you have your dental implants procedure done by one of our trained oral surgery specialists, you will receive:

Fees up to 50% less than our competitors

Proven, highest quality dental implants backed by over 50 years of research and experienced surgeons with over 30 years experience in implant dentistry

Personal treatment planning attuned to your specific needs and desires

An easy, comfortable experience each step of the way

Easy financing and payment plan options

FREE Companion airfare voucher to send you on a vacation to celebrate your new smile!

(Limited time; while supplies last)

To Schedule Your Personal Consultation and Receive Your Affordable Dental Implants Treatment Plan,

CALL US TODAY! Check out our Specials Page for more information on how we make

We Make Dental Implants Affordable For Everybody

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April 3, 2013

Oral Surgery And Your Personal Safety

Dr. Chilcoat @ 9:27 am

Patient safety in the oral surgeon’s office is at the top of people’s minds this week due to recent developments in the news regarding infection control. While the world will always have a few people in it who behave irresponsibly and without regard for others, the good news is that the overwhelming majority of healthcare providers take patient safety very seriously. In fact, at the oral surgery office of Dr. Robert A. Weinstein, we make patient safety our number one goal in everything that we do. In order to give our patients an inside look at the measures we take to ensure patient safety and infection control in our practice, we offer the following information.

It Starts With Sterilization

instrument sterilization in the oral surgery office In a surgical setting, the number one thing we do to prevent transmission of disease is to sterilize our instruments. Every surgical instrument from retractors to forceps and even dental handpieces (drills) are steam and pressure sterilized utilizing a hospital grade autoclave. First, the instruments are cleaned of any visible soil. After that, they are inspected to make sure they are functioning properly and intact before being placed in an individual wrapper. Once wrapped, the instruments are sterilized in the autoclave, destroying any living microorganisms including bacteria and viruses. The autoclave itself is tested on a regular basis to ensure that it meets the prescribed conditions for sterilization.

Disposable Instruments

Whenever possible, disposable instruments are utilized in order to further ensure sterility, patient safety and prevention of contamination. Disposable instruments include dental needles, suture needles, scalpel blades, drill burs, suction tips, irrigation tips and other instrumentation. These disposable instruments are for single patient use only, and come packaged in sterile wrappings.

Prevention of Cross-Contamination

Sterile instruments are not enough to ensure safety of the patients in our practice. We take precautions to prevent cross-contamination (contamination of a sterile instrument by coming in contact with a non- sterile surface). In order to prevent cross contamination, the clinical team is well-trained in aseptic technique when handling contaminated items and while providing surgical care to a patient. The use of aseptic techniques when handling soiled instruments, working in the mouth and other activities helps ensure that blood and fluids are contained and not spread to surfaces or patients.

Disinfection and Barrier Usage

All hard surfaces in the operatories and clinical areas of the office are kept clean and disinfected utilizing an antimicrobial and antiviral disinfectant products antiviral/antimicrobial surface disinfectant after each patient. All surfaces which are likely to be handled during patient care, such as the dental chair, light handles and other instruments are covered with a protective barrier or fitted with a disposable instrument to prevent exposure from patient to patient. In addition, all employees utilize disposable protective equipment such as gloves, masks and gowns to reduce the risk of cross contamination. Personal hygiene including proper handwashing techniques and other methods of personal hygiene help reduce the risk of exposure as well.

Careful Compliance With State And Federal Protocols

State and Federal agencies such as OSHA, The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners and the Centers for Disease Control require careful compliance by healthcare providers. The protocols and preventive measures described by each of these agencies are detailed and meticulous. Dr. Weinstein insists upon compliance with the guidelines and regulations in place. In addition to the annual infection control/safety training required by law, Dr. Weinstein provides quarterly safety and infection control training to his clinical team. Dr. Weinstein also insists that in addition to the basic life support certification requirements, his clinical team is certified to provide Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) in order to be well prepared for any patient safety situation. He has received a certificate of compliance from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Office Anesthesia Evaluation Program. Dr. Weinstein invited the State of Texas to perform a voluntary OSHA inspection in order to ensure that the measures taken in the office were in complete compliance with all safety guidelines and requirements. He received a letter of OSHA compliance and recognition for his proactive commitment to patient safety.

For more information about State and Federal infection control protocols and patient safety requirements, you can visit

www.osha.gov

http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/index.htm

TSBDE Infection Control Policy

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March 19, 2013

Cost of Dental Implants

Dr. Chilcoat @ 12:42 pm

You Can Afford Dental Implants

We just made this symbol smaller!

Restoring your oral health and function can make a huge difference in your quality of life. Planning for it can be overwhelming, but we can help. Think of the end result compared to the way life is now. For example, you may have difficulty chewing and enjoying foods you love. You might be self conscious about your teeth and avoid smiling, laughing and talking. Making the decision to restore your dental health and function with dental implants can mean all the difference for you. Imagine not having to worry about people seeing missing teeth when you laugh, think about eating a nice steak, in public, without having to worry about your denture falling out!

This all sounds great, and dental implants are obviously the treatment of choice for many, many people. The fact remains, that something is standing in the way for you. Something important is keeping you from enjoying everything life has to offer when you don’t have to think about your teeth. The cost of dental implants.

While they are rather expensive, the cost of dental implants is actually much more conservative over time than other treatment methods such as dentures and bridges. Non-permanent treatments need to be replaced and remade after a while. A dental implant does not. If you wear dentures or have a dental bridge, you still have to think about them whenever you eat, and over time they can break, become loose, stop fitting properly and cause a myriad of problems. While dental implants are not perfect, they do have advantages in that they are more cost effective over time, they do not decay, and once they are in, healed and sound, you have a 97% chance that they will last you over 50 years.

Dental Implants Cost Less Than You Think

At the Dallas oral surgery practice of Dr. Robert A. Weinstein, dental implants are what we do. For this reason, we offer unique, affordable fees for your tooth replacement. For details on dental implants cost, check out or seasonal specials. For most patients having uncomplicated dental implant treatment, the cost per implant is $1665. This fee includes a standard abutment (the attachment the white porcelain tooth crown is built on). Most dental implant centers will charge a separate fee for the abutment. Patients who do not require a custom made abutment attachment enjoy having this fee all-inclusive in the cost of their implant. In some cases, other treatments such as bone grafting may be needed, and we know that you will find that our fees for these additional treatments are very reasonable.

New Dental Implant Patients Receive a FREE Companion Airfare Voucher

Free Companion Airfare for Dental Implants Patients

Share This Dental Implant News

Because we appreciate our patients, and enjoy having the opportunity to provide clinical expertise, personal care and compassion to our dental implant patients, we are excited to offer each new patient a FREE Companion Airfare Voucher when they come in for their treatment. For a limited time, and only while our supplies last, our patients can take a trip, once their dental health is restored, to show off their smile! If you’ve been thinking about dental implants and have been hesitant because of the cost, now is the time to schedule a consultation with Dr. Weinstein. You can plan your treatment side by side with your doctor, take advantage of our low fees on implants, and even work with our business office specialists to plan an easy budget friendly plan for your treatment. To top it off, you’ll receive a free companion fare when you come in for your treatment.

We know you want to eat, laugh talk and smile with Confidence! Give us a call today at 972-960-1111 and schedule your initial consultation. Take advantage of all that dental implants have to offer!

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March 12, 2013

Spring Has Sprung! It’s Wisdom Teeth Season.

Dr. Chilcoat @ 1:11 pm

We're Ready For Wisdom Teeth Season

The changing of seasons means something different to everybody. Springtime in Dallas means baseball season, flowers in bloom at the Arboretum, and the opening of Six Flags. To an oral surgeon, springtime signals the beginning of Wisdom Teeth Season.

We Call Them Wisdom Teeth

If you didn’t know that wisdom teeth have their own season, you are not alone. Very few people actually spend much time thinking about the pesky little buggers that your dentist keeps warning you about. Call them wisdom teeth, third molars, or anything you like, they are the topic at the front of mind for dentists and oral surgeons across Dallas at this time of the year!

As Predictable As Final Exams

How does a tooth get its own season, you ask? It’s very simple, actually. Wisdom teeth usually become a problem and are recommended for removal by your dentist when you are in your teens and early twenties. This period in your life just- so happens to coincide with your high school and college years. For most students, school breaks and summertime are the most convenient times to see an oral surgeon for wisdom teeth surgery. Naturally, wisdom teeth removal patients tend to flock to oral surgeons, like Dr. Robert A. Weinstein, between March and August so treatment doesn’t interfere with studies and activities.

Oral Surgery is Not So Bad, And You Get Ice Cream!

The good news for you, if you are a student facing wisdom teeth removal, is that having your wisdom teeth surgery rarely requires more than a couple of days for recovery. Surgery is easy and comfortable, and Dr. Weinstein’s patients sleep peacefully through the whole thing. Surgery takes about 45 minutes, and you can bring someone with you to keep you company and offer moral support. When you’re all done, you’ll get an ice cream!

If it’s Wisdom Teeth Season for you, give us a call. We are ready to take excellent care of you!

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