DemandForce Patient Services
Doctors Doug and Alyson Emery are excited to introduce DemandForce to their practice, a computer information and interaction service for our patients.
Through this service we will be able to improve our communications with our patients. With DemandForce we will be giving you reminders for appointments and you can contact us anytime via e-mail. There is also a patient satisfaction survey that we would appreciate you completing. Please understand it is directly linked to our dental office only. Your information remains private and secure.
Patient Referal Credit
Attention patients! Your referrals are much appreciated. A $25 referral certificate (towards your account) is our gift to you for any new patient referred to our office.
Digital X-Rays
We know our patients are concerned about x-ray exposure in our dental office. Your x-rays are taken only as necessary and as recommended by the American Dental Association. However, we have obtained the latest technology for the health and safety of our patients. Our new Digital X-rays reduce the radiation exposure by 90% compared to conventional film X-rays. they are faster and more comfortable than previously possible. Also, since the digital image appears instantly, no developing is required so no chemicals are used that could potentially get released into the environment.
Digital X-rays are a dental technology breakthrough which allows us to utilize an electronic sensor instead of film. These sensors have comfortable rounded edges that produce an image on the computer screen that is as accurate as a conventional dental film and are more diagnostic and so much more comfortable in the mouth. The digital picture can be magnified 300 times its normal size to enhance diagnosis, manipulated to correct contrast, and color adjusted to reveal hidden problems.
Updating Your Health Histories
We may ask that you update your health history on your next visit to our office. This information allows us to treat you effectively and safely. Your particular medical history may change overnight. Many health issues and medications will effect either what needs to be done or how we need to do a procedure. We realize our heath history form is long and detailed, but it is for your safety and our ability to give you the very best treatment. Please be patient with us when we ask for updated information, including e-mail addresses.
Insurance Benefits
Most insurance benefits end with the end of the year and new benefits begin on January 1st. We try to maximize your benefits with your treatment needs and often we can perform treatment this year and overlap with new benefits next year to utilize your insurance for your benefit! Please call our office and Sue or Carolyn will be happy to estimate your insurance benefits.
Children's Dental Care
It is very important to begin proper dental care for your children as soon as they get their permanent teeth. Parents should begin brushing their teeth as soon as they erupt. By about age 2 or 3 children are usually ready to learn how to brush their own teeth; however, they will still need assistance for several years.
Dr. Alyson loves her "young" patients and recommends that children see a dentist at approximately 3 years of age unless any abnormalities or staining of the teeth are noticed prior to this. This first visit can be a very fun experience for a child ...having their teeth counted, getting a new toothbrush, and of course receiving a gift from our toy box!
If you have any questions regarding your children's dental care please feel free to ask us!
Are drugs for bones a threat to jaws?
Many of our patients have asked us questions regarding the link between bone-building drugs and a rare side effect that causes parts of the jawbone to deteriorate and die, so we wanted to address your concerns. Bone-building medications such as Fosamax, Actonel and Boniva, also called bisphosphonates, build bone by interfering with the normal turnover of bone cells. There is speculation that osteonecrosis occurs when the drugs are so effective they will actually suppress bone regeneration. This primarily happens in cancer patients on intravenous bisphosphates. For healthy people taking the drugs to increase bone density jaw death is very rare.
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Before starting bisphosphonates, have a comprehensive dental exam and treat any tooth or gum problems.
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While on bisphosphonates, make sure to b rush and floss daily, and get regular dental care. If you need an invasive dental procedure, discuss the risks with your doctor. Seek the most conservative possible treatment. Avoid elective procedures that would require bone to heal.
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If dental surgery is necessary, consider taking antibiotics and use daily oral rinses, Doctors Alyson and Doug are always ready to discuss any concerns you may have.