Before “Back to School” Wisdom

Summer is in full swing! Between all those trips to the pool, BBQs with friends, and family vacations don’t forget to get your kids in to see their dentist before they head back to school next month!

Before “Back to School” 

Do you suspect that your teen needs to have their wisdom teeth removed, or have you been told by your dentist that removing them would be the best option, but have put it off? Summer is a great time to get some of those bigger procedures done without working around missed tests and schoolwork. While most normal activity may resume after the first day, it is best to take it easy for a good 3-5 days and it is smart to have the procedure done when your teen isn’t pushed to return to normal school year activities too soon.

Does your child need their wisdom teeth removed?

Some joke that wisdom teeth make a person wiser and therefore should be kept, but truth be told, most of the time it’s better to take wisdom teeth out! Generally, wisdom teeth start to appear between the ages of 17 and 25. Whether they erupt or not, is another story. Sometimes wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to come in properly and lie horizontally instead of being positioned as they should be.  If this happens, they can cause further dental problems.

• Wisdom teeth usually cause crowding and can even be extremely painful if an impacted wisdom tooth pushes against the roots of a second molar.
• Crowded wisdom teeth that come in at an angle because of the lack of space in the mouth can rub and wear down adjacent teeth.
• A partially erupted or impacted wisdom tooth often collects plaque and bacteria because they hard to clean with a toothbrush. This can lead to gum disease.

When is the best time to get them removed?

In most cases, the younger a person is, the easier it is to take wisdom teeth out because roots may not have developed all the way and gums tend to heal more quickly at a younger age. In order for us to properly advise you on the right course of action for your teen, panoramic (or full mouth) x-rays are taken to view the position of the wisdom teeth and determine if they are growing properly. This may need to be monitored over the course of a few years.

What is the procedure like and how can I help with the recovery process?

If your teen does need to have their wisdom teeth removed, we will do our best to make the process smooth and as comfortable as possible. We offer general or local anesthesia to help with the procedure. Encourage your teen to take it easy for the first five days. We don’t want to do anything that could dislodge the blood clot from the extraction site because that blood clot helps it to heal properly. It is normal to experience some pain and swelling, so a painkiller and an ice pack are usually recommended.  Also, rinse your mouth with salt water to keep it clean and eat soft foods for a couple of days. Shakes and smoothies are great, not only for the blazing hot days of summer but for letting your teen’s mouth heal. They’ll be back to the summer fun in no time!

To get your teen scheduled, call our office today at (208) 402-1040!

Summer Sports – Protect Your Teeth!

The weather is warming up and is perfect for playing outside. Athletics in school help make sure your child is protected, but what about during the summer months? Help keep your child’s teeth protected by having them wear a mouthguard!

A lost or damaged tooth can be expensive to replace or repair and may have been prevented with a simple mouthguard. There are three types of mouthguards:

1. Pre-formed mouthguards are found in the athletic department of most department stores. They are a “one size fits all” variety and are not recommended by most dentists.
2. Boil to Fit mouthguards are also found in most department stores. They are placed in boiling water and then formed to the individual’s mouth by biting into the softened material.  Often they are bulky and can hinder breathing but can be effective.
3. Custom fit mouthguards are made by your dentist. Impressions of your teeth are taken and then sent to a lab to have a custom mouthguard made.  They tend to be less bulky, do not hinder breathing and fit just your mouth. Custom Fit mouthguards offer the best protection for your teeth, tongue, and jaw.  Since young athletes are still growing, a new mouthguard may be needed every year.

A mouth guard is suggested for anyone who is active, no matter the sport. Rock climbing, mountain biking, skateboarding, BMX biking, boxing, volleyball and many other sports have the potential for injury to the tongue, jaw or teeth.

If you are active and wonder if a mouthguard is right for you or your child, call our office today and we can help you decided what would fit you and your lifestyle.
(208) 402-1040

National Smile Month

The Oral Health Foundation uses National Smile Month to connect with dental professionals, schools, businesses, and others to deliver oral health education to those in need. Founded nearly 40 years ago, National Smile Month brings people together in a social setting with games, competitions, and other events around the nation in the spirit of spreading oral health education to local communities.

There is a psychology to your smile.

Scientifically speaking, smiling is a reaction to the emotions we are feeling – generally the feeling of happiness. However, did you know that this can happen in reverse? If you smile though you aren’t happy, your brain will interpret it as happiness, and your mood will change!

Smiling is easy and contagious.

It only takes 17 muscles to smile while it takes 43 to frown. It’s physically easier to smile. Plus, even if you aren’t feeling happy, seeing a smile can turn someone else’s mood around. So, put on a smile and change your mood and the mood of those around you. It’s a win-win.

Smiling is universal.

Whether you speak a different language or live on opposite sides of the world, every culture recognizes the meaning and feelings behind a smile.

Fun Facts

Smiling….

• can reduce blood pressure
• makes you sound more friendly
• makes you more attractive
• can help you get a promotion!

Bridging the Gap

What Is A Dental Bridge?

Just like a walking bridge that closes the gap between one point and another, a dental bridge does the same in the mouth. When one or more teeth are missing from your smile, a dental bridge can be placed to fill in the space – or bridge the gap. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, 178 million people in the United States are missing at least one tooth.

What Happens When Teeth Are Missing?

Though getting a tooth removed can seem to be the answer to the problem of relieving tooth pain, did you know that leaving a space where the tooth used to be can lead to more serious issues down the road?

Leaving a gap can:

• Cause the surrounding teeth to shift to try to fill the space
• Put more pressure on your remaining teeth
• Create areas that are hard to clean causing plaque buildup and cavities
• Cause an embarrassing “black hole” in your smile

Why Replace Teeth With a Dental Bridge?

While there are several options to replace missing teeth (like implants or a partial denture), when working in the “SMILE ZONE,” a bridge may be your best cosmetic and long-lasting solution for a natural, beautiful smile. Something called an “ovate pontic” can be used to go slightly under the level of the gum tissue giving the appearance that the fake tooth bridging the gap is actually a real tooth! Talk to your dentist to find the very best solution for your missing teeth.

Here is how it looks in the mouth!

 

 

 

 

 

As you can see, the bridge is well made that you can’t even tell where the missing teeth are. If you think you may benefit from a dental bridge, the first step is to schedule a consultation.

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If you think you may benefit from a dental bridge, the first step is to schedule a free cosmetic consultation at Victory Dental in Boise, Idaho. (208) 402-1040

About Our Dentists

March 6th is National Dentist’s Day. We thought it would be fun to brag about the great dentists we have here at Victory Dental! We are lucky to have each and every one of them!

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Dr. David Ripplinger

Dr. Dave grew up in a farming community just south of Preston, Idaho. He graduated from Marquette School of Dentistry in 2004, completing his clinical work nearly a year ahead of schedule. He was often the end of the line while practicing in the small town of Cortez, Colorado and gained great experience in a wide field of challenging dental procedures. He currently owns a practice in Boise, Idaho as well Cascade Dental. He takes pride in providing dental care to those in need. His long-term goal is to support the Cascade community by providing great patient care to local patients amongst other things. When Dr. Dave isn’t practicing Dentistry, he can be found planting at his orchard and working at the family farm with his 6 kids and wife, Katie.

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Dr. Eric Barney

Dr. Barney was born and raised in rural Eastern Idaho. He attended dental school in Omaha Nebraska at Creighton University, where he graduated in the top ten of his class.  Dr. Barney owns a dental office in Boise, Idaho and has been practicing dentistry for 20 years. He is an active member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentists. Licensed in IV Sedation, Dr. Barney offers sedation dentistry to our Cascade Dental patients. He enjoys spending time with his wife, their children, and grandchildren. They love the outdoors and whitewater rafting is one of their favorite activities.

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Dr. Chris Holdaway

is from Spanish Fork, UT. Knowing he wanted to be in healthcare from a young age, he graduated from BYU with a BSN and obtained his RN license. His nursing education made him realize two things. First, how much medicine was run by business and second, that he really did not like hospitals! He continued on to earn his Masters in Business Administration at Arizona State University and then attended the North Carolina School of Dentistry for his DDS degree. Having spent the last 15 years in North Carolina, Dr. Holdaway is happy to be back in the west, specifically Boise, where his extended family has been residing for the past 27 years.

Dr. Holdaway and his wife, Tiffany, have 4 children (only 3 remaining at home). He enjoys movies, books, camping, hiking, and sports.  He can often be found playing basketball and soccer or watching his favorite teams.

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Dr. Jeff Kesling

Dr. Jeff Kesling graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in 1998, after completing his bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho. Dr. Kesling is a veteran of the armed forces, serving as a dental officer in Iraq in 2005. He considers his patients his friends and will always provide dentistry to the best of his ability. Dr. Kesling is an Idaho native and spends his free time enjoying the abundance of recreational activities Idaho has to offer. When the opportunity arises, Dr. Kesling can be found on the river fly fishing. Dr. Kesling resides in the north end of Boise with his beautiful daughter, Isabel, and Guinness his Pudelpointer.

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If you are looking for a great dental office, look no further! Call us today to schedule an appointment in Boise, Idaho. (208) 402-1040

Kissable Smile for Valentine’s Day

Just when you thought you had made it out of the holiday season, Valentine’s Day has snuck up on us again! Everyone wants to look and feel great on the holiday all about love. At Victory Dental, we can help you get your smile healthy, beautiful, and well… kissable! Did you know?

• Studies have shown that people of all ages prefer to look at more attractive faces.
• A research study by Beall Research found that having a beautiful smile can make you appear more attractive, kind, and even more intelligent to others.
• 97% of adults would say that having a nice smile makes them more sociable. On the other hand, 74% of people feel that a bad smile can negatively affect your career.

Even a Match.com questionnaire found that men and women’s number one standard for judging their potential dating partner is by their smile! The Oral Care Love Affair survey by the Opinion Research Corporation of 1,008 Americans found that people who have bad breath or yellow teeth were the leading major “first date turn-off.”

Whether you want to look great for yourself or for a significant other, your smile is a great place to start to boost your confidence. So, don’t put it off any longer, call today to schedule your appointment. We will help you get your smile up to par this Valentine’s Day.

Call us today for your free cosmetic consultation
with Dr. Dave in Boise, Idaho. (208) 402-1040

 

Healthy Diet, Unhealthy Teeth

It’s January again; that means everyone is trying to work on bettering themselves. Many new year’s resolutions include “eat better.” With so many new ideas and sources to follow, how do you know what is truly good for your overall health? Of course, eating more fruits and veggies will always be better for your diet, but many may not consider the effects that changing our diets can have on other parts of your health, like your teeth!

Some common foods that are all the rage may have negative effects on your teeth. Here are some things to think about before eating some of these “superfoods”:

• Cracking a tooth: Popcorn is a great low-cal snack and a newfound superfood. Though the popped pieces are soft and melt away in your mouth, it’s the unpopped kernels and kernel slivers that cause issues. Accidentally chomping down on a kernel can crack a tooth in a second, not to mention those pesky pieces of the kernel that get lodged down into your gums. If not flossed out quickly, those pieces can cause inflamed, red gums and an infection.
• Acidic foods that erode enamel: Green Smoothies are trending and proving to be a great source of your daily fruit and veggie intake. Leafy greens aren’t too tasty on their own, so the addition of fruits is usually a must. This addition of fruits, though, adds fruit acids and fructose (fruit sugar). Both are normally okay in small dosages, but the high concentration in smoothies and being in a liquid form can cause tooth erosion and decay. The key is to keep the fruit content down and try drinking through a straw to avoid the juice sticking to the tooth surface.
• Staining your teeth: Beetroot is high in fiber and a great source of vitamins A and B. Unfortunately, this vegetable is one of the worst foods to stain your teeth! Instead of juicing this veggie in a full glass all by itself, try mixing it with other fruits and veggies or just eating it as a whole. When considering other things that can stain your teeth, imagine a white t-shirt. Would that item stain a white T? If you answered yes, then it will probably stain your teeth too!

Before you join that next diet plan or add some new foods to your diet, be sure to do your research! If you have questions about the health of your teeth or concerns about your oral health, be sure to give our office a call today in Boise, Idaho. (208) 402-1040

Tips to Combat Dental Anxiety

This time of year is wonderful with all the family and guests in town. Let’s be honest, planning parties and cooking for large groups can be stressful at times! Having to worry about everyday tasks is overwhelming enough. If you struggle with dental anxiety, trying to get in before the end of the year might be more than you can handle. Here’s the catch, we can help! Don’t let your dental anxiety keep you from your routine dental visits.

Here are a few quick tips to think about before you get into the dental chair next time!

1. Speak Up: First and foremost, if you feel anxiety, tell your dental professional! Don’t silently suffer in their chair. Some people want to know exactly what is going on and that brings them comfort, and others want to put in earphones and shut everything out. But, dental professionals aren’t mind readers. Tell your dental office what kind of treatment you prefer.
2. Nitrous Oxide: Ask about receiving Nitrous Oxide, or “laughing gas,” for dental treatment. This is a gas that you inhale through your nose and acts quickly to help you to relax. With this, you don’t need a driver. As soon as the gas is turned off, you go back to normal and are free to head back to school, work, etc.
3. Oral Medication: Prescribed oral medication can help relax and calm an anxious patient. With this type of medication, you are a notch above being knocked out. This type of medication is prescribed for an extremely anxious patient. A driver will be necessary, and you would need the rest of the day off to sleep and regain full awareness. You are still conscious, but don’t necessarily remember specifics of the dental procedure performed.
4. Anything For Comfort: Ask to get a blanket or a towel (based in your office). Bring your own iPod, iPad, cellphone, to help block out noises and keep your mind in another place. Most offices don’t mind at all.
5. Raise Your Hand: Finally, just raise your hand if you feel you need a break. Everyone needs a break, and most dental professionals understand that. You are in control. If you are ready for a break, just let you dental team know.

Helping you manage your dental anxiety is our free gift to you! Dental health is our #1 priority. At Victory Dental in Boise, Idaho, we want to help you achieve your oral health goals. Call our office today! (208) 402-1040 

Making the Most of Your Dental Benefits

As the end of the year draws near, your calendars quickly begin to fill up with “to-do” lists and events.  Whether it’s planning the perfect Thanksgiving meal or Christmas shopping – we know this is a busy time. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holidays, a visit to the dental office might fall pretty low on your priority list. However, now is actually a very smart time to make an appointment with your dentist, because for most people, unused dental insurance benefits and Flexible Spending Accounts reset at the end of the year.

An FSA account allows you to set aside a specified amount from your salary each month to go towards medical and dental expenses throughout the year. These funds are pre-tax dollars. Basically, this means that the amount you contribute is deducted from your gross income before taxes, resulting in a lower amount of income taxes that are required to be paid. The good news: this can result in significant payroll tax savings!  The stipulations: the money in this account must be used for eligible expenses and the entirety of the funds needs to be spent annually, usually by the last day of the calendar year, or the money in the account is lost. Most people refer to this as the “use it or lose it” policy.*

While having less-than-expected medical bills is a positive thing, it is certainly frustrating to see your over-estimated funds wasted. If December is looming and you are frantically searching for a way to use your hard-earned dollars, look no further than your dentist and orthodontist. Most dental services, including those listed below, are considered “eligible expenses” for your Flex account.

 

• Crowns/Bridges
• Dental Implants
• Dental X-rays
• Dentures
• Exams/Teeth Cleaning
• Extractions
• Fillings
• Gum Treatment
• Oral Surgery
• Orthodontia/Braces, and
• TMJ related expenses

It is also important to stay informed on whether or not you have reached the “annual maximum” your dental insurance provides. Most plans have a stipulated amount that they will pay towards treatment for each member of your policy annually. This varies by plan and provider but is usually around $1,000-$1,500. After this maximum is reached, if your treatment plan requires additional work, even if it is a covered procedure, it is your responsibility to pay in full. Working with your dentist to space treatment over certain time periods will allow you to make the most of your insurance benefits, especially if you know you have work to be completed.

For example, if your treatment plan suggests several fillings, a root canal, and two crowns, and you decide to undergo all of the work in February, you would be over your allotted annual benefit and individually responsible for a large portion of the cost. However, if you split the treatment into multiple visits that stretched over December and January, you would meet your maximum for one year and then, as your policy reset, have a new allotted maximum to apply towards the cost of treatment.

As the end of the year approaches, don’t forget to work a trip to the dentist into your busy schedule. You will not only sport a healthy smile for the holidays but also take full advantage of your dental benefits!

*Under the Affordable Health Care Act, in some cases, an employee can now carry over up to $500 without losing the funds into the next year.

Call today to schedule your next cleaning and check-up today before all the slots are full! Our doctors here at Victory Dental in Boise, ID would be happy to see you! (208) 402-1040

 

World Smile Day is October 6th!

What Is World Smile Day?

The smiley face is a universal symbol recognized worldwide. The very first smiley face was made by Harvey Ball who was an American commercial graphic designer. In 1963, Ball was hired to create a “happy face” to raise the morale of a company’s employees. Since then the symbol has become world renowned as representing happiness, kindness, and joy. In 1999 Ball got the idea to declare the first Friday in October as a day to share your smile.

Every year since 1999 the Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation celebrates World Smile Day in honor of Harvey Ball and his smiley face. Here are some ways you can celebrate with them:

 

 

 

• Kids sidewalk chalk activities drawing smiley faces
• Selfies with smiley masks
• Hospital events to get patients to smile
• Visiting nursing homes to bring smiles to the elderly
• Pass out smile certificates
• Volunteering at a homeless shelter with a smile on

Whatever you decide to do on World Smile Day don’t forget to post pictures to Facebook.com/worldsmileday with a tag #worldsmileday. Check out the Facebook page for other fun smile gear like shirts and hats!