Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Dental Clinic
Choosing a dentist is something that needs to be done with care. A lot of things matter when finding the right clinic or practice and here are a few factors to consider when looking for the best Springfield dental clinic.
Training and experience
The first and foremost on the list is the training. Your dentist should be well qualified for the job and certifications to back up the same. What matters also is the clinical experience that he/she has had. Typically, longer the dentists have been in practice, the more well-equipped he/she is to treat you. However, this doesn’t mean newbies can’t help. They could also be well equipped in the latest technologies and medical approaches to treatment. So, look for a balance between the two.
Membership and credentials
Always choose a clinic with board-certified practitioners. This helps to ensure that the doctor has is certified to provide treatment and care in his chosen field. Also, do research online to see if the clinic has a history of malpractice or disciplinary action against them. You will want to avoid being treated by such dentists at all costs. Besides certification, see if the dentist is a member of a dental association of the city or state. This adds to the credibility and trustworthiness.
Reputation
Having a good name among the dental and patient community in Springfield is yet another feature of a professional dental clinic. To see how the practice fares on this aspect, check the clinic’s website for testimonials from past patients or case studies on the various kinds of treatments provided. For more honest feedback, search for patient reviews online. Google business listings and those on other directory pages can give you a clear picture of what the patients feel about the dentist and the practice. You could also find out more in this regard from healthcare aggregator apps and the like. Remember to go through positive and negative reviews to learn about the doctor’s proficiency, the attitude, shortcomings, etc., so that you have a clear idea about the kind of person(s) who will be treating you. Look also for the feedback on the clinic settings, hygiene, staff attitude, and waiting time as all of these have a direct impact on how comfortable or uncomfortable you feel at the dentists.
Treatments offered
Dentistry is a vast practice that includes many specializations such as endodontics, periodontics, orthodontics, prosthodontics, dental surgery and so on. When choosing a clinic, look for one that offers treatment across multiple disciplines that just in general dentistry. It helps to have a doctor who can perform multiple specialized procedures. However, since most dentists have one core focus areas, you could opt for a clinic with a team of specialists who can treat you when the need arises. This helps save on the time and effort otherwise needed with referrals.
Emergency care
Dental emergencies may occur rarely, but in such cases, it helps to have a clinic that addresses them promptly. Such emergencies may be from a chipped or broken tooth, a serious infection, bleeding and excessive pain, complications arising from orthodontic treatment, an allergic reaction to medicines, and so on. Look for a practice in Springfield that offers emergency care so that you won’t have to go through the trouble of being referred to a hospital room and being treated by someone you barely know.
Cost and insurance
Dental treatments are expensive, and it becomes important that any clinic you choose be willing to accept insurance or be listed on a network or panel of clinics of insurers. Also make sure that they accept multiple payment options such as cash, credit cards, checks. Ask for typical costs of different kinds of treatment to see how they compare against other clinics in the city. Some treatments may not be covered under insurance and in such cases, you would incur an out of the pocket expense. In such cases, see if the clinic is willing to accept payment plans or those from networks. This helps ease the burden that comes with expensive treatments. Review your prospective dental clinic in Springfield against each of these aspects of the practice to see how well it fits your needs.
Missing Teeth? Three Common Dental Solutions
Teeth loss can occur due to many reasons. Some of these include tooth decay, gum disease, accidents, congenital conditions, wear and tear from aging, and so on. Having one or more teeth missing from the mouth can be embarrassing, to say the least. Not only does it affect your smile and confidence but also interferes with biting, chewing, and speaking abilities. This is because when a tooth falls out, the jawbone underneath starts shrinking and turning brittle, owing to lack of stimulation from healthy tooth. Simultaneously, adjacent teeth move and tilt towards this space, leading to a change in bite and overall alignment of teeth. With time, these result in changes in appearance, making your face seem collapsed from lack of support. These changes affect your eating habits and smile, while also making you unhappy and self-conscious. Thankfully, there exist different fixes that help fix missing teeth. For people in Springfield, here is a look at three common Springfield dental solutions.
Bridges
Bridges are the most basic and long-standing solution to missing teeth. They are used to fill in gaps created by one or more missing teeth, given that the number of teeth present in the mouth is greater than those missing. Bridges can be made from metal, ceramic, or a combination of the two. The solution is employed when there are teeth present on either side of the missing tooth/teeth. This fixed device consists of one or more artificial teeth suspended on crowns attached to adjacent teeth. Bridges are fixed devices that can restore the bite and normal function of the missing teeth. Since they file down and replace healthy adjacent teeth with crowns, ill-fitted bridges can result in cavities or decay. They also cannot be used if the supporting teeth are not healthy or cannot be fitted with crowns. Bridges lats long with proper maintenance and upkeep but may not work well on the lower jaw, which flexes much. However, the upside is that they are less expensive than implants and do not require surgery to be performed.
Dentures
Dentures can be used to replace a single missing tooth or many of them, including all teeth in the mouth. They are of two kinds – partial and full. A partial denture is used only when some of the teeth are missing. It consists of replacement teeth (look-alikes) attached to a plastic plate or base in the same color as your gums. Partial dentures often come with metal framework and clasps that attach to the remaining teeth in the mouth for stability and proper positioning. The advantage with these devices is that there is no need to file down any teeth for use. Plus, they are economical. The downside is that the metal may be visible when speaking or eating. A full denture is used when all teeth are missing or have been removed, as typically seen with old age. The device, like the partial denture, consists of teeth look-alikes attached to a gum-colored base plate. However, the plate rests on the bony ridge of the jaws. Partial and full dentures are typically removable. Springfield doctors recommend wearing them during the day and keeping them dipped in water or cleaning solutions during the night. Newer dentures are designed to sit on implants to give them more stability and functionality.
Dental implants Dental implants are the newest and currently one of the most sought after solutions to replace missing tooth/teeth. Their biggest advantage is that implants look and feel like real teeth when biting, chewing, brushing, or smiling. In this solution, the implant replaces the root of the missing tooth, healing in the bone for many months. After this, an abutment is placed over it, which is then cemented with a crown. Implants are beneficial because they do not disturb or alter the adjacent teeth when fixed. They are strong and help stop bone loss from lack of function. They also preserve healthy teeth and help to restore a natural-looking smile. Dental implants are a commonly used solution Springfield to replace a single missing tooth, but they can also be employed to cover up for many missing teeth, including the entire mouth. They can also be used in along with regenerative techniques like bone grafting for better, long-lasting results.
Microblading – Things to Know
Women can spend valuable time every day trying to shape their eyebrows perfectly. Even then the results may not be to their liking. But now it is easy to get the desired eyebrows with the help of a cosmetic treatment known as microblading.
About Microblading
Microblading is a treatment where the pigment is used to draw in the new eyebrow shape over the sparse or unsatisfactory original brows. The treatment is done using a handheld tool with a number of micro-needles at the end. These micro-needles help in depositing pigment and creating strokes akin to eyebrow hair.
But unlike tattoos, this treatment is semi-permanent. Microblading can last for 12-18 months depending on a person’s skin. The expertise of your provider can also be a factor in determining the fading time of the microblading treatment. So, it is important to take the time to find the right provider. For instance, if you need to find an expert for best microblading in NJ, consider conducting thorough research to find the ideal provider in your area.
The Procedure
The procedure begins with the provider cleaning the brow area and removing any extra hairs from the eyebrows. Then the provider will apply a numbing agent on the eyebrows to minimize any pain that can occur due to the use of the microblading tool. The pain is minimal, to begin with, and the numbing cream takes care of any discomfort you might feel during the treatment.
Your provider may then figure out the best shape and the pigment color for you. Some providers may perform this step during the initial consultation. Using a special microblading tool, your provider will arrive at the best shape suited for your face and/or as per your preference. Then the provider will add the pigment as needed.
The time for the procedure can be anywhere between 60-80 minutes (even more) depending on the expertise of the provider. A follow-up session is needed after 6-8 weeks to fill in any gaps left from the initial session or deepen the pigment if required. The full effect of the treatment is visible only after a month’s time or so.
You may experience a bit of flaking or patchiness on the brows after the treatment and before the follow-up session. But this is quite normal.
Before and After the Treatment
There are care instructions associated with every type of cosmetic treatment and microblading is no different. Your provider will help you understand the precautions you need to take before the treatment during your consultation. Your provider will also tell you about all the care instructions you need to follow post your treatment.
Before your microblading session, you will need to refrain from any cosmetic treatment on the eyebrow area such a waxing, tweezing, coloring, etc. It is also best to avoid facials or other corrective treatments for a minimum two weeks before the microblading session. You will also need to avoid the intake of alcohol and refrain from smoking for a few days before and after the treatment. To minimize the risks of bruising from any cosmetic treatment, you will need to stop taking pain medicines, blood-thinners, and herbal supplements for a few days before and after the treatment.
Avoiding sun exposure, strenuous exercises, and steamy showers is also important for the best outcome of the treatment. You may also need to use a special cleanser over the eyebrows for a few days to heal the area. You may need to follow after-care instructions for at least 7-10 days or as needed.
These are standard safety precautions undertaken for all types of cosmetic treatments.
Treatment Considerations
Microblading is a safe treatment without any side effects if carried out by an expert. It is also important that the treatment seekers follow all the safety guidelines as instructed by their provider. Some people are allergic to pigments. So, your provider may want to do a patch test before starting your treatment. Find out if such a test is available at a provider’s before scheduling your microblading treatment. If you suffer from any skin condition, you may need to wait for it to heal before undergoing your microblading treatment.
Things You Should Look for in a Dentist
Whether you have moved to McLean from another place or are unhappy with your current dentist, choosing a new dentist is something that has to be done with care. Assessing the practitioner for the right fit to your needs and care ideologies can help build a fruitful, healthy, and lasting relationship. In this regard, here are a few important things to look for when evaluating the McLean dentist.
The experience and license
The experience a dentist has in his/her practice is one of the most important things to consider. A proven track record in their field of specialization can help the practitioner support your family’s oral health needs over a long period of time. It helps to have a dentist who offers multiple specialties like preventive care, periodontics, and cosmetic dentistry like orthodontics. This enables you to fix all oral issues at one place rather than having to hope dental offices or clinics around the town. Also, opting for a licensed practitioner ensures that you do not end up in the wrong hands.
The reputation
While experience and license form one part, the other is the dentist’s reputation. There are several ways to do this. One way is to ask for a referral. This could be from your current dentist if you’re moving from one place to another. A referral could also come from a family member or a friend who has been availing treatment from the dentist that you plan to visit. The internet is also a good place to check for positive and negative reviews about dentists in McLean. Search engines, social media pages, and blogs typically list down reviews and give ratings for dentists based on the feedback from their patients.
Emergency care
Dental emergency, though rare, can occur any time. When this occurs during hours that fall after clinic timings, finding the right doctor can be a tedious task. Having the best dentist who can handle emergency needs is a great plus, but not all practitioners offer emergency dental treatments. However, most of them can refer you to other clinics or hospitals that offer such services, so that you can be in safe hands even in critical situations. For this reason, it is important to know about emergency care provided and the alternatives for the same, in case such services are absent.
Appointment scheduling
Another consideration when choosing a new dentist is the way the clinic accepts appointments. Some of them let you book appointments over a phone call while others insist that you use the scheduling system online. Check with the clinic or what their policies are. Ask whether they accept walk-ins should a need arise. Also, make a not of how they handle after-hour needs and communication – is the doctor available on call, email, or message? See if the dentist can visit children during after-school hours or provide you treatment outside your working schedule. Such services are of great help and assessing them enables to you find a doctor who fits your needs.
The comfort
Last but not least, your visit to the dentist has to be a hassle-free and comfortable one. For this, evaluate how you feel when visiting the clinic, especially when interacting with the staff – are they helpful, do they answer your questions patiently? Also, make a note of the typical wait time – is there a long queue always? Is the doctor able to meet patients on time or without much delay? Do you feel comfortable discussing your concerns with the dentist? Is he/she willing to respond to your questions or fears patiently and positively? All such attributes help in establishing a comfortable bond with your care provider, which is very essential in the long run. These aspects matter not just to you but also all of your family members. Therefore, a dental practitioner that you choose has to be someone who suits not just your needs but also that of your family.
The next time you need to visit a new dentist in McLean, keep in mind the tips mentioned above to find the right care provider quickly and easily.
Medical Acupuncture – Does it Work?
Many people are visiting the acupuncturist for medical acupuncture in Houston, TX to get relief from various diseases, but still many have doubt in their mind about the effectiveness of treatment. Therefore, in this post, we will learn about what exactly medical acupuncture is, is it safe treatment and does it work?
What is Medical acupuncture and is it a safe treatment?
Acupuncture is a practice used in traditional Chinese medicine. Medical acupuncture is similar to traditional acupuncture. The main difference between traditional acupuncture and medical acupuncture is that medical acupuncture is performed by a medical practitioner who is licensed and trained both in Western medicine and acupuncture as a specialty practice. This makes the medical acupuncture far safer than the traditional acupuncture.
In this treatment, medical acupuncturist first fully diagnoses the body and then starts the treatment based on the evidence. The acupuncturist uses single-use sterilized needles for the treatment. After the full diagnosis of a body, a practitioner inserts the needles at the specific acupoints in the body to improve the flow of Qi (life energy) and achieve the harmony and balance between the complementary forces of life energy, Yin and Yang.
According to the National Institute of Health and World Health Organization, acupuncture is a safe practice when performed by a qualified, certified and licensed practitioner. So when you are planning to go for medical acupuncture in Houston, TX, make sure you are visiting a qualified and licensed medical acupuncturist.
Does medical acupuncture work?
Many studies have proved the worth of acupuncture. There is no doubt on the effectiveness of the treatment when performed by a qualified practitioner. It can treat a vast range of diseases including headaches, chronic back pain, neck pain, pain due to arthritis, female infertility, stress, and muscle spasms.
Have a look at the medical conditions acupuncture can safely offer relief.
Treat chronic pain
Majority of the people visit an acupuncturist to get relief from chronic pain. Acupuncture helps to alleviate chronic knee pain, neck pain, back pain and pain due to arthritis. Medical acupuncture can also treat muscle spasm and pain due to injury. Medical acupuncturists who are specialist in treating pain use medical acupuncture in Houston, TX along with Western medicine to treat the pain due to injuries. Acupuncture improves the blood flow and energy flow to the injured area and alleviates the pain.
Boost female fertility
This benefit has made medical acupuncture quite popular in America. A study published in the Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine has shown that acupuncture can treat female infertility and balance hormones. Medical acupuncture increases the chance of conception and assists in a natural pregnancy, IVF or IUI. Medical acupuncture improves the ovarian blood flow and reduces the effect of anxiety and depression on the menstruation cycle and increases the chances of getting pregnant.
Reduce mental stress and improve sleep
Acupuncture is based on the concept of achieving balance and harmony between the complementary life forces of Qi because any disease is a result of the imbalance of these forces. Studies have shown that acupuncture can improve the quality of sleep and reduce stress, anxiety, and depressions. Medical acupuncture also has a positive impact on cognitive health and can be used to treat patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease.
Improve cancer recovery
According to the National Cancer Institute, acupuncture can help boost immunity and speed up recovery following cancer treatments. Several studies have shown that medical acupuncture improves the recovery process of chemotherapy patients following cancer treatments. Acupuncture can boost the immunity of the body and help in decreasing the negative side effects of chemotherapy.
So these are the key areas where medical acupuncture has proved to be worthy.
Final Thoughts Medical acupuncture is a natural and holistic approach. More importantly, it is a safe practice that can be used along with mainstream Western medicine. So if your current medicinal approach is insufficient to get you relief from your disease, you can use medical acupuncture in Houston, TX for the treatment of your disease.
