August 2004

It is with regret that Paul announces the death of his surgery PC. As a result I have lost my right arm! We are now partially restored with an opportunity to modernize and upgrade the system to remove the PC etc. from the work surface and merely run a second screen there. The new PC is running and the record system database transferred successfully. I have also had to invest in a new digital intra-oral camera as the old would not run a the latest PCs. The hardware is on but we have some tuning to do yet with both hardware and software and I have to import all my old photos one by one! into a new photo programme and database. Nearly there but I then need the tuition on using the new system and practicing so that I can get back into the normal routine. 

June 2006 and the new PC crashes completely. A replacement has been purchased and the picture database transferred. However the old record card system cannot be transferred. A new revolutionary system called DentalPlus developed from scratch by a local company and in which we have had some input is to be installed in early  2007, so much work ahead transferring data and learning how to use to exploit all its features. I  am sure all will be good in the end, just a lot of work!!!

ALL PORCELAIN CROWNS FOR ANY TOOTH

New high tech all porcelain crowns are available here through our normal expert laboratory in Leyland. Tooth preparation and impressions as usual to fabricate models in the lab. However, the model is then scanned by laser to produce a digital 3-D image that is sent to Sweden so the CAD-CAM machine can mill the core base of the crown from an ingot of  very hard tooth coloured material. This is returned the following day to the lab where the final outer porcelain layer is added, then delivered to us for fitting. The advantage of this is an extremely strong crown with amazing aesthetics and superb fit. Much warmer colour and no dark shadowing at the join to the tooth which is especially important for top front teeth.

And the latest advance in this technology is in the provision of all porcelain BRIDGES to fill spaces left by missing teeth. Zirconium Oxide is used rather than Aluminium Oxide to gain the extra strength required. Great results and reliability.

FRESH BREATH SERVICE 

We can offer advice on fresh breath which is often an awkward topic to discuss. There is much that can be done, and we offer specific products to combat the problem effectively.

Ask for a consultation or discuss any anxieties with your dentist.

TOOTH JEWELLERY

CAUTION!!

The dental profession is well aware that many beauty salons are offering the placement of tooth jewellery. But there are several health issues that are not recognised by the public and ignored by the salons.

In the salon environment the training often only consists of reading a sheet of paper on how to use the kit they have purchased which has been marketed as a HIGH PROFIT with low cost opportunity. Clients often wish to see different designs against the tooth to judge the appearance before choosing and little or NO sterilisation is done till the same procedure is repeated with the next client. The glues used may be toxic, no assessment made about oral hygiene and how to maintain good oral hygiene around the fixture, and the possibility that the client may wish the jewel to cover a mark that may be early dental caries ( decay ). Professional advice cannot be given as they are neither trained hygienists nor dentists, and this type of "treatment" would be illegal because of lack of training and therefore no registration with the General Dental Council.

We can provide such items professionally bonded to the tooth after assessment of all conditions likely to affect oral health.

New Hygienist Appointed:  Update November 2005

As you know  Lorraine,  has been in post for over two and a half now. She came to us with a wealth of experience and we are glad that she has settled in so well and is firmly established in the team. I know that all our patients  warmed to her and appreciated her excellent skills, but as always, nothing is forever. Lorraine has grasped the opportunity to emigrate to Australia and although she will be sorely missed, we all wish her a happy and exciting time "down under".  Rebecca has replaced her and is settling in well. We look to many happy years with her as a team member. Rebecca's work load has increased and she has now agreed to work 4 days per week. we still have a back-log to clear but it will get better.

HOMEOPATHY in DENTISTRY

TWO NEW PRODUCTS to help fight gum disease!

There was an article in the Daily Mail recently under the heading "get your smile back" which went on to propose that a new product called GENGIGEL could significantly reduce gum disease. The active ingredient is hyaluronic acid which is found in connective tissue in the body. The theory goes that if you provide more of this in an area that is in need of repair, the tissue will heal quicker. Although there has been much work done in the field of skin repair following trauma (burns) there is to date. I have seen ONE research paper from Sweden claiming some success, but more is needed to support the claims of between 20% and 35% improvement in gum health in SOME cases. We have a few patients interested in trialing Gengigel  here, so we will let you know how we get on later.

UPDATE   Looks like it is working well with the  patients I have treated so far. Latest research results using double blind and a placebo techniques look to prove that the product works well.

Some enquiries too via the web site for information and supply. Although best supplied after a clinical assessment and in conjunction with conventional gum treatment, we can supply at a cost of £5.50 per tube. ( plus p&p if supplied by post )

The second product marketed through the food supplement company, Pharma Nord, involves a toothpaste containing Q10. This is a co-enzyme which like Vitamin C will help neutralize free radials which are implicated in cancer initiation in the body. Q10 as a food supplement has been around for a long time with many people boasting health improvement through regular use. However, there is no creditable clinical research to support the claims that by attempting to increase the levels of Q10 in a periodontal pocket via a toothpaste will reduce gum disease. 

Fear of the Dentist minimal!

New research amongst Denplan patients has revealed that fear of the dental visit is virtually eliminated amongst patients. This is one of the major benefits of the scheme where time is made available to build confidence and allay apprehension. Other measures like better, informal decorations, the use of modern equipment to reduce noise levels, background music and aromatherapy essences to eliminate the "dentist smell" also contribute.

DENPLAN EXCEL PRACTICE REVIEW  August 2005

We recently had our 2+ hour Denplan Excel Practice Assessment which looks at ALL aspects of the practice regarding both clinical and administration, to ensure that we are abiding by the numerous accreditation pre-requisites. It is always a great relief when the independent assessor complements us on all the hard work that has been put in by ALL the team members of your practice. 

Sometime later on the independent market research company will be mailing a randomly selected sample of patients to provide us with your anonymous view of your practice. Last time this was done we scored excellent or very good for 98% of all questions, and this was repeated this time. Thanks to all who filled in their forms and returned them to the market research company.

2005 update: AGAIN WE HAVE MAINTAINED THE VERY HIGH STANDARDS SET IN PREVIOUS YEARS, with 95% or more rating excellent or very good to all questions in the independent market research questionnaire circulated recently. Again thanks to all who responded as it these comments that help us improve your practice.

We remain the ONLY Denplan Excel Accredited practice in Chorley. 

ORAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS

We sell a range of oral hygiene products that have been carefully selected to provide reliable service and good value. We are usually considerably CHEAPER than high street stores, and also provide products not available in the commercial stores.   

We also sell Braun electric toothbrushes. Although these are an excellent aid to improved oral hygiene, like all tools advise is required to ensure that they are used correctly to maximize benefits. Your dentist or Lorraine the practice hygienist will advise you.                               

Ask for further details.

DENPLAN EXCEL

The Denplan Excel Accreditation Programme is being advertised with increasing enthusiasm in the press, radio and  on the TV. Accepted as the leader in the field of assured, highest quality dental care, all dental health care professionals are very impressed with this forward thinking approach to present and future Oral Heath care provision, where teamwork involving the patient in informed decisions regarding treatment options is a key factor. The government has also taken a keen interest as has the Consumers Association as the Oral Health Score provides a way of allaying most of the criticisms about lack of consistency in examinations and communication between dentist and patient.

 See the Denplan Excel page for a more in depth review.

We remain the ONLY Excel Accredited practice in the area