This is the month to say Happy Ramadan, Easter, and Passover! We hope that the incoming Spring weather makes, or made, your celebrations that much more celebratory. April is Autism Acceptance Month which helps to bring support and recognition to the Autism community and helps empower those with Autism to live fully. April is also Earth month with Earth Day falling on April 22nd. This celebration brings awareness to the dire need to protect our natural resources. We also can’t forget to remind you that April is Oral Cancer Awareness month!
In this newsletter, we will provide some important practice updates and also continue to share with you new patient education articles and delicious recipes!
In This Issue:
- Waiting Room Update
- Invisalign Go Announcement
- Autism Acceptance Month
- Earth Day
- Oral Cancer Awareness Month
- Patient Education: Dental Fillings
- Our YouTube: Stages of Tooth Decay Series
- Honoring our Team Members
- Spring Cleaning Checklist
- DEA National RX Take Back Day
- Recipe of the Month: Roasted Asparagus and Ricotta Tart
- Please Leave us a Review!
Waiting Room Update
In May we hope to reopen our waiting room and reinstate our pre-pandemic office flow. We’re working on the final step – enabling our patients and front desk coordinators to easily communicate through the Plexiglas, while continuing to maintain HIPAA compliance. We will notify patients via an email blast when our protocol changes, and also with appointment reminder calls. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this change, please contact our front desk coordinators to discuss.
Invisalign Go
We’re excited to announce that we are offering Invisalign GO at our practice! Invisalign Go is a type of clear aligner orthodontic treatment that is designed to straighten teeth in a shorter amount of time than traditional braces or other types of aligners. Invisalign Go is specifically designed for minor to moderate dental misalignments, such as slightly crooked or crowded teeth, or minor spacing issues.
The treatment involves using a series of clear, custom-made aligners that gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. The aligners are made from a clear, BPA-free plastic material that is virtually invisible when worn, making them a popular choice for people who want to straighten their teeth without the appearance of traditional braces.
Invisalign Go treatment typically involves a series of appointments during which new aligners are provided and progress is monitored. Treatment times may vary depending on the severity of your misalignment, but Invisalign Go typically takes between 6-12 months to complete.
Overall, Invisalign Go can be a great option for people who want to straighten their teeth without the appearance of traditional braces, and who have minor to moderate dental misalignments. Contact our office to determine whether Invisalign Go is the right treatment option for you.
Autism Acceptance Month
This April, the Autism Society of America is proud to continue its fifth annual #CelebrateDifferences campaign in honor of Autism Acceptance Month. Everyday, they work to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community to live fully. They believe that acceptance is creating a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it. And by everyone, they mean every unique individual: the implacable, inimitable, and irreplaceable you.
To learn more about how you can get involved or get the resources you need, please visit https://autismsociety.org/
Earth Month and Earth Day – April 22, 2023
This year, the Earth Day theme is “Invest In Our Planet”, which highlights the importance of dedicating our time, resources, and energy to solving climate change and other environmental issues. An article written by CNN for World Water Day (March 22), highlighted an increasing concern regarding the world’s population’s access to clean water. This is only one of the many concerns that Earth Month and Day strive to bring attention to and work towards solutions.
Investing in our planet is necessary to protect it and the best way to pave a path towards a prosperous future. When we Invest In Our Planet together, we are supporting healthy, happy, and wealthy communities worldwide.
Visit EARTHDAY.ORG to learn more and sign up for updates.
Oral Cancer Awareness Month
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, an annual observation that underscores the fact that early detection of oral cancer can decrease morbidity and increase long-term survival. For more information, please review the article we shared about Oral Cancer in our 2022 April Newsletter available on our website here. We provide oral cancer screening checks as part of every 6 month check-up, but if you’re not able to get in to see us regularly please perform a 2-minute self-examination every month.
This 3-minute video, made by the Mouth Cancer Foundation,Self Examination For Mouth Cancer (Full) #MC7 teaches you how to examine your neck, lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6QkKhEjS5M) and points out what to pay attention to.
Dental Fillings
Draft assisted by ChatGPT and reviewed for accuracy by the Dentists of Dr. Harvey Levy & Associates
Why do I need a filling?
You may need a dental filling if you have a cavity or a small area of decay in a tooth. Cavities occur when the enamel, which is the hard outer layer of the tooth, becomes weakened or damaged due to bacteria, acid, or other factors. If left untreated, cavities can grow larger and deeper, eventually reaching the softer, inner layers of the tooth and causing pain, infection, or even tooth loss.
A dental filling is used to fill the cavity after the decay is removed and restore the tooth’s shape, function, and strength. Without a filling, the cavity can worsen and may require more extensive and costly dental procedures, such as a root canal, crown, or tooth extraction.
In addition to cavities, dental fillings may also be used to repair chipped or broken teeth, to replace old or damaged fillings, or to protect exposed tooth roots due to gum recession or tooth wear. Your dentist can examine your teeth and recommend a dental filling if needed, as well as discuss the best type of filling material for your specific case. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can help detect cavities early and prevent the need for extensive dental treatment.
What is a dental filling?
Dental fillings are a type of dental restoration used to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay or trauma. The procedure involves removing the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth and filling the resulting cavity with a material to restore the tooth’s function and structure.
Dental fillings can be made of a variety of materials, including silver amalgam, composite resin, porcelain, and gold. The choice of material depends on factors such as the location and size of the filling, the patient’s preference, and the dentist’s recommendation.
The procedure for getting a dental filling typically involves numbing the affected area with a local anesthetic, removing the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth with a drill or laser, preparing the cavity to receive the filling material, placing the filling material, and shaping and polishing the filling to restore the tooth’s natural shape and function.
Dental fillings are a common dental procedure and can help prevent further decay and damage to teeth. With proper care, dental fillings can last for many years.
Different types of filling material
There are several different types of dental filling materials, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The choice of filling material depends on several factors, including the location and size of the cavity, the patient’s preference, and the dentist’s recommendation. Here are some common types of dental filling materials:
- Amalgam Fillings: Amalgam fillings are made of a combination of metals, including silver, copper, tin, and mercury. They are durable and long-lasting, and they are also the least expensive type of filling. However, some people are concerned about the potential health risks associated with the use of mercury in amalgam fillings.
- Composite Fillings: Composite fillings are made of a mixture of plastic and glass materials. They are tooth-colored and blend in with the surrounding teeth, making them a popular choice for filling cavities in visible areas of the mouth. They also require less removal of healthy tooth structure than amalgam fillings. However, they are less durable than amalgam fillings and may need to be replaced more frequently.
- Glass Ionomer Fillings: Glass ionomer fillings are made of a mixture of glass and acrylic materials. They are tooth-colored and can release fluoride, which can help prevent further decay. They are also less likely to cause sensitivity than other types of fillings. However, they are not as durable as other types of fillings and may need to be replaced more frequently.
Our Own YouTube Series: Stages of Tooth Decay
In these videos, dental hygienist Wendy describes how cavities develop, providing an overview of the stages of decay. The series will be published on our YouTube Channel under the 4 Stages of Tooth Decay
Warning: Only watch this video series if you want to avoid cavities, and keep your teeth.
Honoring our Team Members
To learn more about our team members, visit Our Team page on our website.
MVP – April
Every month we recognize a team member who has gone above and beyond, for our patients or other team members.
In April, we recognized Lauri, an experienced dental assistant who joined us less than three months ago! Lauri has been exceptional in reaching to all teams and offering a helping hand. She is eager and pleasant to work with, and offers support with a smile on her face. She is extremely caring and compassionate with our special needs population. In this short period of time she has already proven herself to be a great fit for both our work family and patients!
Invisible Worker Recognition
Every month at our All-Teams meetings we recognize a team member who makes our day-to-day operations run smoothly, despite their contribution not being obvious to many of us.
In April, we recognized Kari, our newest front desk coordinator, who tackled the assignment of calling dozens of our patients due to unexpected changes in our schedule. Her friendly demeanor on the phone made it easier for our patients to accept the inconvenience of having to reschedule their appointments.
Spring Cleaning Checklist
Breathe new life into your home after a long winter. The Taste of Home complete spring cleaning checklist guides you through a deep-cleaning that will leave your house shining from the inside out. Spring is as good a time as any to refresh your home.
Download the printable checklist here or visit the Taste of Home website.
DEA National RX Take Back Day
Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 10am – 2pm
The drug overdose epidemic in the United States is a clear and present public health, public safety, and national security threat. DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day reflects DEA’s commitment to Americans’ safety and health, encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting.
DEA is committed to making our communities safer and healthier, and we can do this by reducing overdoses and overdose deaths. While the community does its part to turn in unneeded medications and remove them from potential harm, we are doing our part to further reduce drug-related violence.
Please visit: https://www.dea.gov/takebackday#collection-locator to find a location near your home.
Roasted Asparagus and Ricotta Tart
This savory veggie tart is the ultimate side dish. If you want to top it with crispy pancetta or crumbled bacon to add a little meaty saltiness, we won’t stop you.
Source: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/a48174/roasted-asparagus-and-ricotta-tart-recipe/
Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (half of 17.3-ounce package), thawed.
- 1 large egg
- 1 c. ricotta cheese
- Kosher salt
- pepper
- 1 lemon
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 1/4 c. fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp. fresh tarragon, chopped
- 12 oz. asparagus, trimmed, halved
- 1/2 tbsp. olive oil
Instructions
- Heat oven to 425°F; place oven rack in lower third of oven. Unfold pastry onto piece of parchment paper and roll ½ in. bigger on all sides. Slide parchment and pastry onto baking sheet. In medium bowl, beat egg. Lightly brush 1/2-inch border of egg around pastry.
- Add ricotta and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper to bowl with remaining egg. Finely grate zest of lemon into bowl, then fold in scallions and herbs. Spread onto pastry, leaving border uncovered.
- Top filling with asparagus; drizzle with oil. Bake until crust is golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes.
Yields 8 servings.
Nutritional information (per serving): About 205 calories, 14 g fat (5 g saturated), 7 g protein, 250 mg sodium, 13 g carb, 1 g fiber
Adaptations
- Puff pastry: Can be gluten free (available in refrigerated cases at some supermarkets), as well as vegan if made with oil instead of butter
- Vegan ricotta made with tofu so no egg needed
- Switch up the veggie if asparagus isn’t your favorite. Zucchini, artichokes, or Brussel sprouts would also be great options