January 2008 Newsletter

To our wonderful family of patients, welcome to a New Year. I wanted to give you an outline of what we anticipate for 2008 regarding our study and the latest in dental trends.

In the United Kingdom research is associating breast cancer with a protein in one’s saliva. They are working on a test to detect this cancer and other forms, during your visit to the dental office. If you are interested in this, here is the link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7181596.stm I imagine this will cause many people even more concern about their upcoming dental visit! Not to worry for now, as the test is not yet available and may not be for some time.

There has been enormous focus in the news media regarding periodontal or gum disease. It has been associated with so many general health ailments and again this year the research has been released confirming the need to maintain excellent gum health. Many people feel that once they are pregnant they should not go to the dentist. In actual fact they should avoid all x-rays at this time, but it is a very important time to maintain the health of your gums; particularly with the relationship of gum disease to low birth weight babies.  Your gum tissues can become very inflammed during pregnancy, with your changing hormone levels, so keep an eye out and schedule regular care during this time.

Many of you have seen the latest oral cancer test being used in our office.  It is recommended for patients over the age of 40 with lifestyle risk factors such as smokers, former smokers, chewing tobacco users and drinkers of alcohol, also patients with a history of cancer.  Oral cancer is very invasive and early detection is the key to more conservative treatments. If you are interested in further details this is one of the many links for information: http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/facts/index.htm

The statistic still remains; that in America 50% of people will not go to the dentist in 2008. The number one reason keeping them away is fear. The IV and Oral Sedation provided in my office has been a wonderful way for our fearful patients to receive their care, without pain and with little or no memory of the procedures. A patient who is comfortable with sedation does not want to be sent elsewhere for treatment; as a result I have maintained an expertise in all the various areas of dentistry. I have a significant study schedule and again this year will be traveling for many courses, including pharmacology, the latest in implants and bone grafting techniques and a slew of other cosmetic and general dentistry programs.

In February, I will be lecturing on sedation dentistry to a group of interested doctors. I will also be traveling to Bonaire during the Valentine’s week, for some scuba diving.

In the fall this year I will be taking my team to provide charitable dental care to children on the island of Ambergris, off the coast of Belize. We will be part of the Belize Mission Project and we are all looking forward to this opportunity to share our skills.

Edward T. Doughery