/news en kelly@creativesoapbox.com Copyright 2010 2010-10-14T20:48:19+00:00 http://www.cottonwoodcreek-dental.com/blog/view/eagle-chamber-of-commerce-open-house/ http://www.cottonwoodcreek-dental.com/blog/view/eagle-chamber-of-commerce-open-house/#When:20:48:19Z Please join us in conjunction with the Eagle Chamber of Commerce and Peak Physical Therapy for an Open House Celebration November 11th from 5-7pm. ZOOM into Fall! One lucky person will be able to experience LIVE at the event the Zoom Professional Teeth Whitening System! Enjoy complimentary food and drinks catered by Seasons! Meet our amazing team and tour our office. Special Open House pricing on Zoom Professional Teeth Whitening only $159! Announcements, General 2010-10-14T20:48:19+00:00 http://www.cottonwoodcreek-dental.com/blog/view/smokers-should-whiten-up-after-kicking-the-habit/ http://www.cottonwoodcreek-dental.com/blog/view/smokers-should-whiten-up-after-kicking-the-habit/#When:17:42:25Z With the Great American Smoke Out quickly approaching, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) is joining the efforts in encouraging smokers to kick the habit and reward themselves with a teeth whitening treatment from an AACD member cosmetic dentist. “Tobacco users place themselves at an increased risk of oral, lung and throat cancer,” said AACD member cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Dolby of Eagle, Idaho “In addition to the well-documented health benefits associated with quitting smoking, those who give up tobacco products can dramatically improve their smile by undergoing teeth whitening procedures. Plus, a bright smile is always more appealing when it is accompanied with fresh breath.” According to the American Cancer Society Cigarette Calculator, a tobacco user that smokes an average of two packs of cigarettes per week will spend over $400 a year on tobacco – quite a bit to put towards a teeth whitening treatment instead! Dentist-supervised teeth whitening products remain the best method to help patients erase the nasty stains of tobacco products. AACD recommends all patients consult with their local AACD member cosmetic dentist to review their options for brightening their smile through teeth whitening procedures. The three most common teeth whitening options include:
 At-home Dentist-Supervised Treatments - Patients wear a custom-fitted mouth tray containing whitening gel for a few hours each day or night. Trays can be adjusted to lighten individual teeth. The average patient wears the tray for one to two weeks. Severe tobacco stains can often be removed with extended use of a home whitening system prescribed by an AACD member cosmetic dentist. In-Office Power Whitening - A whitening gel containing a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide is applied to the teeth. Desired results can often be achieved in just one visit to an AACD member cosmetic dentist. Often, at-home treatments, as described above, may be recommended to enhance the effects.
 Over-the-Counter Kits - While numerous over-the-counter (OTC) kits are now available, dentist-supervised treatments remain the safest way to remove tobacco stains. OTC trays often fit improperly and can release whitening gel that results in irritated gums and less effective results. A key point to note: dentists can monitor each patient's sensitivity in supervised treatments, but not with OTC kits. About the AACD
 Comprised of over 8,000 cosmetic dental professional in 70 countries around the globe, the AACD is the world’s largest non-profit membership organization dedicated to advancing excellence in cosmetic dentistry (comprehensive oral care that combines art and science to optimally improve dental health, aesthetics and function). The AACD fulfills its mission by offers superior educational opportunities; promoting and supporting a respected Accreditation credential; serving as a user-friendly and inviting forum for the creative exchange of knowledge and ideas; and providing accurate and useful information to the public and the profession. General 2010-10-01T17:42:25+00:00 http://www.cottonwoodcreek-dental.com/blog/view/go-back-to-school-with-a-new-smile-from-an-aacd-member-cosmetic-dentist/ http://www.cottonwoodcreek-dental.com/blog/view/go-back-to-school-with-a-new-smile-from-an-aacd-member-cosmetic-dentist/#When:17:34:49Z While people of all ages return to classrooms this fall, data gathered from an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) survey reflects just how important a smile is in a person’s path towards a successful career. A national consumer survey revealed that 74% of adult Americans feel an unattractive smile can damage a person’s chances for career success. Even more startling, according to the survey, only 50% of U.S. adults are satisfied with the appearance of their smile. “People of all ages can benefit from cosmetic dentistry,” said local AACD member cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Dolby. “If a person’s teeth are discolored or chipped, having your smile enhanced by cosmetic dentistry can help you overcome insecurities which leads to increased self-esteem and self-confidence.” That’s where an AACD member dentist can help. In many cases, newly found confidence that results from a new smile leads to a person improving themselves, their career and overall quality of life. AACD Recommendations When Seeking a Cosmetic Dentist
In order to make sure your dentist is skilled in cosmetic dentistry, the AACD recommends that you ask for the following items before undergoing treatment. As is the case when undergoing any dental treatment, please consult with your dentist to find out which procedure is right for you.

 Before and After Photos - Examine the dentist's treatment results on other patients to make sure their work fits your dental needs.

References - Get a sense from other patients as to what type of quality care the dentist provides.

Continuing Education - Be certain that your dentist is an active AACD member cosmetic dentist and has taken continuing education courses to keep up-to-date with the latest techniques in clinical cosmetic dentistry.

 View our before and after gallery » About the AACD 
Comprised of over 8,000 cosmetic dental professional in 70 countries around the globe, the AACD is the world’s largest non-profit membership organization dedicated to advancing excellence in cosmetic dentistry (comprehensive oral care that combines art and science to optimally improve dental health, aesthetics and function). The AACD fulfills its mission by offers superior educational opportunities; promoting and supporting a respected Accreditation credential; serving as a user-friendly and inviting forum for the creative exchange of knowledge and ideas; and providing accurate and useful information to the public and the profession. To learn more about cosmetic dentistry visit http://www.drdolby.com or call us (208) 323-8545 Cosmetic Dentistry 2010-08-01T17:34:49+00:00 http://www.cottonwoodcreek-dental.com/blog/view/the-cavitron-ultrasonic-cleaner/ http://www.cottonwoodcreek-dental.com/blog/view/the-cavitron-ultrasonic-cleaner/#When:15:15:13Z The Cavitron ultrasonic cleaner is a state-of-the-art instrument for removing tartar from both above and below the gum line. Instead of cleaning your teeth with the bulky and sharp metal hand tools, the Cavitron ultrasonic cleaner has a blunt tip and uses oscillating sound waves to gently vibrate the tartar away from your teeth. The Cavitron unit is so gentle that it can even be used to administer deep cleaning and gum therapy, many times without the need for anesthetic. And because it vibrates at the speed of sound, you will hardly feel the procedure at all. We are dedicated to providing our patients with state of the art high tech equipment. Fillings, General 2010-07-28T15:15:13+00:00 http://www.cottonwoodcreek-dental.com/blog/view/oral-cancer/ http://www.cottonwoodcreek-dental.com/blog/view/oral-cancer/#When:15:06:49Z Rates of occurrence in the United States Close to 36,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year. It will cause over 8,000 deaths, killing roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day. Of those 36,000 newly diagnosed individuals, only slightly more than half will be alive in 5 years. This is a number which has not significantly improved in decades. The death rate for oral cancer is higher than that of cancers which we hear about routinely such as cervical cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma, laryngeal cancer, cancer of the testes, and endocrine system cancers such as thyroid, or skin cancer (malignant melanoma). If you expand the definition of oral cancers to include cancer of the larynx, for which the risk factors are the same, the numbers of diagnosed cases grow to approximately 50,000 individuals, and 13,500 deaths per year in the US alone. Worldwide the problem is much greater, with over 640,000 new cases being found each year. The death rate associated with this cancer is particularly high not because it is hard to discover or diagnose, but due to the cancer being routinely discovered late in its development. Often it is only discovered when the cancer has metastasized to another location, most likely the lymph nodes of the neck. Prognosis at this stage of discovery is significantly worse than when it is caught in a localized intra oral area. Besides the metastasis, at these later stages, the primary tumor has had time to invade deep into local structures. Oral cancer is particularly dangerous because in its early stages it may not be noticed by the patient, as it can frequently prosper without producing pain or symptoms they might readily recognize, and because it has a high risk of producing second, primary tumors. This means that patients who survive a first encounter with the disease, have up to a 20 times higher risk of developing a second cancer. This heightened risk factor can last for 5 to 10 years after the first occurrence. There are several types of oral cancers, but around 90% are squamous cell carcinomas. It is estimated that approximately $3.2 billion is spent in the United States each year on treatment of head and neck cancers. CANCER can occur in any part of the mouth, tongue, lips, throat, salivary glands, pharynx, larynx, sinus, and other sites located in the head and neck area. Most oral cancers begin in the tongue and in the floor of the mouth. Anyone can get oral cancer, but the risk is higher if you are male, over age 40, use tobacco or alcohol or have a history of head or neck cancer. Frequent sun exposure is also a risk for lip cancer. Symptoms of oral cancer include White or red patches in your mouth A mouth sore that won't heal Bleeding in your mouth Loose teeth Problems or pain with swallowing A lump in your neck These "Mouth Cancers" have a higher proportion of deaths per number of cases than breast cancer, cervical cancer or skin melanoma. General 2010-07-28T15:06:49+00:00 http://www.cottonwoodcreek-dental.com/blog/view/intraoral-camera/ http://www.cottonwoodcreek-dental.com/blog/view/intraoral-camera/#When:14:57:58Z The intraoral camera, used by many cosmetic dentists like ourselves, is an excellent instrument for examining cases of dental disease and cracks in teeth. This device is light years ahead of previous dental instrument that were used to examine these conditions and it offers a much higher level of diagnostic accuracy. In addition, the intraoral camera also offers greater benefits to patients. There is something to the cliché that seeing is believing. Many people hesitate to undergo dental treatment unless they have seen evidence that it is absolutely necessary. With the intraoral camera, the patient is able to see clearly exactly what the dentist sees. Dr Dolby can take a picture with the camera anywhere along the outside or the inside of the teeth. The image is then viewed on a large, high-resolution color monitor that displays close up images of the patient’s teeth and gums. Fractures in teeth can be examined in thorough this high tech piece of equipment along with fillings that have new cavities around them. Periodontal disease can also be seen clearly and the patient can better understand their oral condition. Patient’s can now examine clear evidence and extent of their condition via the intraoral camera and options can then be discussed before any treatment is started One final benefit of the intraoral camera is that printouts can be made and sent home with the patient so they can discuss both the recommended treatment and the cost with a spouse or other family members prior to starting treatment. General 2010-07-28T14:57:58+00:00 http://www.cottonwoodcreek-dental.com/blog/view/high-tech-lasers-for-treating-periodontal-disease/ http://www.cottonwoodcreek-dental.com/blog/view/high-tech-lasers-for-treating-periodontal-disease/#When:14:46:25Z Research suggests that the use of high tech lasers as an adjunct to scaling and root planning (SRP) may improve the effectiveness of curing Periodontal Disease. In addition, when the lasers are used properly during periodontal therapy there can be less bleeding, swelling and discomfort to the patient during surgery. A study in the Journal of Periodontology confirms findings that people with periodontal disease are at a greater risk of systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease. Researchers found diseased gums released significantly higher levels of bacterial pro-inflammatory components, such as endotoxins, into the bloodstream in patients with severe periodontal disease compared to healthy patients. As a result, these harmful bacterial components in the blood could travel to other organs in the body, such as the heart, and cause harm. The study is in line with recent findings by the University of Buffalo where researchers suggest periodontal disease may cause oral bacterial components to enter the bloodstream and trigger the liver to make C-reactive proteins, which are a predictor for increased risk for cardiovascular disease. "We found the mouth can be a major source of chronic or permanent release of toxic bacterial components in the bloodstream during normal oral functions," said Dr. E.H. Rompen, director of the study. "This could be the missing link explaining the abnormally high blood levels of some inflammatory markers or endotoxemia observed in patients with periodontal disease." Researchers studied 67 patients of whom 42 were diagnosed with moderate to severe periodontitis and the remaining 25 patients were healthy individuals who had never received periodontal treatment. Blood samples were taken before and after patient’s lightly chewed chewing gum 50 times on each side of their jaw. Researchers found the number of patients with endotoxemia rose from six percent before chewing to 24 percent after chewing. Additionally, those with severe periodontal disease had approximately four times more harmful bacterial products in their blood than those with moderate or no periodontal disease. "While this clinical study supports earlier findings, there is still much research to be done to understand the link between periodontal disease and systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular, and difficult-to-control diabetes," "This data clearly stresses the importance of regular dental checkups to ensure a healthy, diseased-free mouth." Heart Disease Several theories exist to explain the link between periodontal disease and heart disease. One theory is that oral bacteria can affect the heart when they enter the blood stream, attaching to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) and contributing to clot formation. Coronary artery disease is characterized by a thickening of the walls of the coronary arteries due to the buildup of fatty proteins. Blood clots can obstruct normal blood flow, restricting the amount of nutrients and oxygen required for the heart to function properly. This may lead to heart attacks. Another possibility is that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease increases plaque build up, which may contribute to swelling of the arteries. Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions. Patients at risk for infective endocarditis may require antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Your periodontist and cardiologist will be able to determine if your heart condition requires use of antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Stroke Additional studies have pointed to a relationship between periodontal disease and stroke. In one study that looked at the causal relationship of oral infection as a risk factor for stroke, people diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia were found more likely to have an oral infection when compared to those in the control group. For additional information, please call Dr. Dolby at 208-323-8545 2010-07-28T14:46:25+00:00 http://www.cottonwoodcreek-dental.com/blog/view/high-tech-digital-x-rays-produce-less-radiation/ http://www.cottonwoodcreek-dental.com/blog/view/high-tech-digital-x-rays-produce-less-radiation/#When:14:27:47Z To continue providing our patients with the highest level of dental care possible, we’ve equipped our practice with Computer Digital Dental Radiography, the latest advancement in dental x-ray technology. The system is a digital replacement of the conventional x-ray system that was previously used in the diagnosis of dental problems. Developed by Schick Technologies, Inc., our new system is a computerized imaging system that utilizes an electronic sensor instead of x-ray film. The sensors produce high-resolution electronic images that appear instantaneously on a chairside computer monitor. Images can be magnified up to 300x for a better and more accurate diagnosis of dental conditions than ever before. And with the immediate on-screen results, our patients are better able to understand their treatment needs and are more informed about their options for care. The Schick system exposes patients to about 90% less radiation than conventional x-rays. And, because it requires no film to process, it not only cuts down on the time spent away from the patient and is environmentally friendly as well. Without the requirement of harsh chemicals to aid in the x-ray film developing process, there is no hazardous waste to dispose. How Digital Dental X-Rays Work A small sensor is placed in your mouth next to the tooth that needs to be x-rayed. The sensor is connected to a computer by a thin wire. Next, an X-ray beam is sent through your teeth and into the sensor, which records the image of your teeth and sends it to the computer. When the image is captured in the computer, the software allows us to see that x-ray in ways never seen before. General 2010-07-28T14:27:47+00:00 http://www.cottonwoodcreek-dental.com/blog/view/diagnodent/ http://www.cottonwoodcreek-dental.com/blog/view/diagnodent/#When:22:03:34Z If you cannot detect the disease, how can you treat it? 
 Dentists often experience anxiety when attempting to diagnose the phenomenon known as hidden caries. A suspicious-looking tooth presents a treatment dilemma for dentists. Should the tooth be opened up? What if no caries is found? Should the tooth just be watched, or does that give caries more time to destroy the tooth's surface?

 A changing cavity model: due to fluoridation, cavities have gone "underground". While helping to improve the oral health of many Americans, fluoridation has resulted in harder tooth enamel. Incipient caries lesions that once began on the tooth's surface have no migrated below the surface. 

Proven clinical results: Treatment decisions require a higher degree of certainty. The DIAGNOdent laser caries detection aid removes the doubt from treatment decisions regarding hidden caries ore questionable stained grooves. The device's ability to see into pits and fissures of a tooth enables dentists to treat sub-surface caries lesions with confidence. Benefits to our patients Permits use of minimally invasive treatments without unnecessary preparation - ideal adjunct to air abrasion and micro rotary instruments. For the first time, allows the quantification of caries activity over time with a precise and reliable measurement. Reproducible results permit checking, stabilization and documentation of caries. Ideal device for the hygienist to detect suspicious areas needing further examination. Is conservative by avoiding "exploratory" excavation of suspect teeth. Extremely accurate diagnostic aid. Proven to be over 90% accurate. Early detection of pathological changes that are undiagnosed by conventional examination methods (e.g. initial lesions, demineralization and changes in the enamel, fissure caries). No scratching probe: simple, fast and painless examination. Increases operator and patient confidence about treatment decisions due to accurate visual and acoustic representation of measured values. No x-ray exposure. Practice building, revenue enhancing. High level of patient acceptance and satisfaction. Over 90% accurate With conventional instruments, it is generally not possible to probe drop-shaped fissures. 
DIAGNOdent has the great advantage of detecting caries in the very early stage by measuring the laser fluroescence within the tooth structure.
 Precise results without x-ray exposure. General 2010-07-21T22:03:34+00:00 http://www.cottonwoodcreek-dental.com/blog/view/first-it-was-atkins-then-it-was-south-beach-now-its-the-white-smile-dietnum/ http://www.cottonwoodcreek-dental.com/blog/view/first-it-was-atkins-then-it-was-south-beach-now-its-the-white-smile-dietnum/#When:17:38:33Z Numbers from a recent American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) survey show that whitening treatments have increased more than 300% since 1996. With so many individuals brightening their smile, the AACD has a few easy maintenance tips for consumers to consider after whitening. “While daily home care and regular professional cleanings are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, certain foods can help remove stains from your teeth,” said local AACD member cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Dolby. “Foods such as apples, pears, celery, carrots, cauliflower and cucumbers produce saliva which combines with the foods’ natural fibers to naturally clean teeth and remove bacteria.” More White Smile Diet Foods and Tips: Strawberries will naturally whiten your teeth. Lemons will lighten and brighten too (just as they naturally “bleach” your hair, they can do the same for your teeth)! Avoid drinking coffee, dark syrup sodas, red wine and blueberries. All stain teeth quickly. Drink from a straw whenever possible this allows food dyes to bypass teeth altogether.
 Baking soda will help remove stains and build up. Brush it on your teeth twice a month, just as you would toothpaste, and rinse. 
 Raw veggies are not only healthy to eat, but they will clean your teeth and remove topical stains. The mechanical action of chewing sugarless gum can also stimulate saliva and clean teeth surfaces, though not recommended for patients with TMJ. About the AACD 
Comprised of over 8,000 cosmetic dental professional in 70 countries around the globe, the AACD is the world’s largest non-profit membership organization dedicated to advancing excellence in cosmetic dentistry (comprehensive oral care that combines art and science to optimally improve dental health, aesthetics and function). The AACD fulfills its mission by offers superior educational opportunities; promoting and supporting a respected Accreditation credential; serving as a user-friendly and inviting forum for the creative exchange of knowledge and ideas; and providing accurate and useful information to the public and the profession. Cosmetic Dentistry 2010-06-30T17:38:33+00:00