One of the most natural ways to restore your smile if you have missing teeth is through dental implants. Unlike crowns and conventional bridges, implants are “surgically placed below the gums over a series of appointments,” where they “fuse to the jawbone and serve as a base for individual replacement teeth, bridges or a denture” (American Dental Association).
One of the biggest advantages of such implants is the stability they offer. Because they fuse to the jaw, implants feel secure in the mouth and much more natural.
Since they require extensive surgery, implants may be a good choice for you if you are in good health, have healthy gums, have enough bone to support the implant, and are prepared to take excellent care of your teeth afterward.
The procedure also requires patience: According to the ADA, surgery can take several hours, and many patients must wait up to six months for the bone to grow enough to hold the implant anchor in place. Fittings for the artificial teeth may then take another one to two months. If you are interested in learning more about implants and how they can help restore your smile, talk to your True Dental Discounts plan dentist.
He or she can evaluate your oral health and let you know if you would be a good candidate for implants. If you are, the two of you can work together to determine a plan of approach that fits your budget and that maximizes the benefits you receive through True Dental Discounts.
Friday, October 17, 2014
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Prescriptions that treat ADHD
In the last decade, awareness of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has increased significantly. Approximately one in 10 children meet the criteria for the disorder, and more parents than ever before are seeking medicinal treatment for these kids. The most commonly prescribed treatments for ADHD are psychostimulant medications such as methylphenidate, amphetamine, and atomoxetine.
Name brands like Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall, and Strattera have all been thoroughly researched and found to be both safe and effective for treating ADHD. Such medications have been shown to help children with ADHD follow social conventions and strengthen their relationships with friends and family. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “medication works best when treatment is regularly monitored by the prescribing doctor and the dose is adjusted based on the child's needs.”
Experts emphasize that treatments for ADHD are not “one size fits all”; parents must work with their child’s doctor to find a plan that works for them. Stimulant medications like the ones listed above can be administered in several different forms, including pills, skin patches, and liquids. Most are approved for children who are at least 6 years old, although there are some that can be prescribed for children over age 3.
To learn more about prescriptions that can help treat ADHD, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can explain the various treatment plans and find one that works for you and your child. By using your True Dental Discounts membership, you can save on all kinds of prescriptions – including ones that treat ADHD.
Name brands like Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall, and Strattera have all been thoroughly researched and found to be both safe and effective for treating ADHD. Such medications have been shown to help children with ADHD follow social conventions and strengthen their relationships with friends and family. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “medication works best when treatment is regularly monitored by the prescribing doctor and the dose is adjusted based on the child's needs.”
Experts emphasize that treatments for ADHD are not “one size fits all”; parents must work with their child’s doctor to find a plan that works for them. Stimulant medications like the ones listed above can be administered in several different forms, including pills, skin patches, and liquids. Most are approved for children who are at least 6 years old, although there are some that can be prescribed for children over age 3.
To learn more about prescriptions that can help treat ADHD, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can explain the various treatment plans and find one that works for you and your child. By using your True Dental Discounts membership, you can save on all kinds of prescriptions – including ones that treat ADHD.
Monday, October 13, 2014
What should I know about sedation at the dentist?
Although most dental visits are for preventative purposes and require no anesthesia, in some cases, you may need to undergo a more complex procedure. In such an instance, your dentist may recommend using anesthesia. Depending on the procedure, you may need just a simple sedative to help you relax.
These include anti-anxiety agents and can be applied along with a local sedative, according to the American Dental Association. Once provided, a patient will become moderately sedated but will still be responsive to touch or verbal instructions. For more complex procedures – such as tooth extractions – your dentist may recommend drugs to induce a deep sedation.
Under this type of sedation, a patient loses feeling in the intended area and reaches a reduced state of consciousness. Some patients also elect to undergo general anesthesia, which causes the patient to lose complete consciousness for the duration of the procedure.
This is often used during wisdom tooth extraction, but the ADA suggests it can also be used for children who have extreme anxiety at the dentist or for people with disabilities that make it difficult to control movement. In order to make safety the highest priority during procedures with anesthesia, you as the patient should be sure to communicate the following information to your True Dental Discounts dentist ahead of time:
These include anti-anxiety agents and can be applied along with a local sedative, according to the American Dental Association. Once provided, a patient will become moderately sedated but will still be responsive to touch or verbal instructions. For more complex procedures – such as tooth extractions – your dentist may recommend drugs to induce a deep sedation.
Under this type of sedation, a patient loses feeling in the intended area and reaches a reduced state of consciousness. Some patients also elect to undergo general anesthesia, which causes the patient to lose complete consciousness for the duration of the procedure.
This is often used during wisdom tooth extraction, but the ADA suggests it can also be used for children who have extreme anxiety at the dentist or for people with disabilities that make it difficult to control movement. In order to make safety the highest priority during procedures with anesthesia, you as the patient should be sure to communicate the following information to your True Dental Discounts dentist ahead of time:
- Any current or past illnesses or health conditions;
- Any medications taken, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements;
- Any allergies to medications.
Thursday, October 9, 2014
What is a generic medication?
Generic medications are generally created after the patent of a name-brand medication has expired. At this time, pharmaceutical companies can get the approval of the FDA to sell an equivalent product under a new name. The Generic Pharmaceutical Association explains that in order for a pharmaceutical manufacturer to be approved to market a generic drug, the drug must contain the same active ingredient; be identical in strength and dosage; and be equal in strength, purity and quality.
It also must be manufactured under the same strict regulations as the brand-name drug. Generic drugs can be found by asking your doctor or pharmacist about their availability. In general, most prescriptions can be substituted with a generic alternative, but it's always a good idea to check ahead of time. Because of the FDA's strict guidelines about the making of generic drugs, consumers should be assured that their generic drugs will be of the same quality and effectiveness as the brand name product.
The Generic Pharmaceutical Association cautions people to not be thrown off by a difference in color or presentation; often, this is just to respect the patent of the original drug. Cosmetic differences will not impact the functionality of any prescription. For more information about purchasing generic medicines, talk to your pharmacist or doctor about the options available to you. Generic drugs are a great way to maximize your savings, especially when you combine them with your True Dental Discounts - discount card.
It also must be manufactured under the same strict regulations as the brand-name drug. Generic drugs can be found by asking your doctor or pharmacist about their availability. In general, most prescriptions can be substituted with a generic alternative, but it's always a good idea to check ahead of time. Because of the FDA's strict guidelines about the making of generic drugs, consumers should be assured that their generic drugs will be of the same quality and effectiveness as the brand name product.
The Generic Pharmaceutical Association cautions people to not be thrown off by a difference in color or presentation; often, this is just to respect the patent of the original drug. Cosmetic differences will not impact the functionality of any prescription. For more information about purchasing generic medicines, talk to your pharmacist or doctor about the options available to you. Generic drugs are a great way to maximize your savings, especially when you combine them with your True Dental Discounts - discount card.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
The importance of fluoride for children
You may have heard your dentist talk about the need for fluoride, but have you ever paused to consider exactly what it does? Fluoride is an element that is used to prevent tooth decay by strengthening a person’s teeth. By hardening molars and other teeth, fluoride helps to prevent cavities in adults and children alike.
However, it is especially important for children to get enough fluoride because their teeth are still growing and are prone to decay. Fluoride is found naturally in water and some foods, but most people get supplements from products like toothpaste and mouth wash. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that most children up to age 16 may need some time of fluoride supplement.
It’s important to talk to your dentist about your child’s dietary and oral hygiene habits in order to determine a need for extra fluoride. Children who consume large amounts of sugar or have a history of decay are especially at risk. If it is decided that a fluoride supplement is needed, a dentist will use one of several options. He may use water fluoridation or also suggest a topical treatment in the form of a gel or foam.
These treatments are applied at the office and are considered to be both safe and effective. Only a small amount of fluoride is needed to make a difference, but the earlier a child’s teeth can be treated, the better. Keep this in mind as you consider asking your dentist about your children’s fluoride needs. A little treatment now could save them many cavities down the road.
However, it is especially important for children to get enough fluoride because their teeth are still growing and are prone to decay. Fluoride is found naturally in water and some foods, but most people get supplements from products like toothpaste and mouth wash. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that most children up to age 16 may need some time of fluoride supplement.
It’s important to talk to your dentist about your child’s dietary and oral hygiene habits in order to determine a need for extra fluoride. Children who consume large amounts of sugar or have a history of decay are especially at risk. If it is decided that a fluoride supplement is needed, a dentist will use one of several options. He may use water fluoridation or also suggest a topical treatment in the form of a gel or foam.
These treatments are applied at the office and are considered to be both safe and effective. Only a small amount of fluoride is needed to make a difference, but the earlier a child’s teeth can be treated, the better. Keep this in mind as you consider asking your dentist about your children’s fluoride needs. A little treatment now could save them many cavities down the road.
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