Gum Disease a significant health concern

Gum Disease more prevalent than first thought.

While some estimates of the prevalence of gum disease in adults are as high as 80% , some studies by the Centers for Disease Control CDC) apparently had indicated a much lower rate. These earlier studies are now being called into question. The rate may be as much as 50% higher than reported earlier according to the CDC and the Journal of Dental Research JDR and the American Association of Periodontists (AAP)

See attached article from Science Daily.

Periodontal disease is one of the most common communicable diseases known to man. It has medical implications beyond simply the gum tissue as the inflammatory process associated with this disease is implicated in several other potentially life threatening conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes low birth weight in children and rheumatoid arthritis.

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums associated with inflammation, bone loss and is mediated by hygiene, heredity, anatomy, bacterial type, stress on the periodontal ligament (biting forces), and restorations present. It is usually chronic and can greatly drag down the body's immune system.

Detection usually requires a dental and medical health history probing, x-rays, and observation by a dentist and /or hygienist.

To learn the signs and symptoms' of periodontal disease, click here.

Periodontal disease can easily go undetected until late stages when teeth loosen and fall out or begin moving. Early detection and regular dental follow up are key in controlling this devastating disease. Treatments can vary depending upon the location, severity of the disease.

With the advent of Laser treatments, periodontal disease now has a great new tool to help control the process.

We at Crystal Lake Dental Associates take great pride in being the only office in McHenry County to offer the Periolase© Laser gum treatment called LANAP.

To learn more about periodontal disease click here.

To learn more about laser gum treatment, click here.

I welcome your comments.

Sincerely,

Phillip C Neal DDS

Crystal Lake Dental Associates

20 B Memorial court

Crystal Lake, IL 60014

815 4596 2202

www.DrNeal.com

Looking for a Dentist in Crystal Lake?

If you are looking for a dentist in the Crystal Lake area, I have some suggestions.
Often the first question a potential new patient asks is do you take my insurance, or are you in my network?
While this is important to know, it does not have any bearing on the quality of the experience you will have.
If looking for a dentist in Crystal Lake here are a few of questions you should be asking.
1. Is the dentist using state of the art equipment?
2. Does the dentist take continuing education classes?
3. If so what classes has the dentist taken in the past 5 years?
4. Does the dentist require the staff to take continuing education classes?
5. Does the dentist do follow up phone calls to check on patients?
6. Does the dentist have digital ”super low dose” x-rays?
7. Does the dentist do a comprehensive dental examination and take complete records?
8. Does the dentist submit insurance electronically?
9. Does the dentist offer payment plans?
10. Does the dentist offer cash and senior discounts?
11. Does the dentist take children and at what age?
12. Does the dentist have special methods for anxious patients?
13. Are there any special amenities to make patients comfortable during their visit?
14. People hate getting numb, so does the dentist do anything special to make the numbing process more comfortable?
15. When was the last time the office staff was trained in CPR?
16. Does the dentist offer a free consultation?
17. Has the dentist had advanced training in cosmetic dentistry?
18. Does the dentist provide CAESY patient education materials?
19. Does the dentist extract teeth, do root canals, place implants, use precision attachments, use lasers, screen for and treat sleep apnea, do periodontal probing, treat TMJ, do minor orthodontics including Invisalign, offer ZOOM in office whitening?
20. Can the dentist make a crown in one visit “CEREC”?
21. Does the dentist offer laser gum treatments?
22. Does the dentist confirm appointments via phone/email/text?
Look through the list of sample questions and pick out the ones that fit your situation. We at Crystal Lake Dental Associates provide all of these services and much more. You will find that Crystal lake Dental Associates is the only dentist that provides these services in the entire McHenry County area.
I hope this helps you choose the perfect dentist for yourself and your family in the Crystal Lake area!

Respectfully,

Phillip C. Neal DDS
Crystal Lake Dental Associates

Core values "It's what you stand for"

We have spent the past 9 months reviewing the values we hold dearest to us in our lives.

We will continue to hone them over the next year as well as list minor core values our mission, vision, and purpose.The top 5 are listed below.

#1 Integrity

We are our word. We will be trustworthy in all circumstances..Will be honest at all times, keep our commitments, and do everything possible to do what is right under any circumstance. We will be fair is our dealings with each other, our affiliates, referring doctors, and our patients. If for some reason we cannot help a someone, we will go out of our way to guide them to the help they need.

#2 Courage

We will do the right thing because it is the right thing to do even when it is hard or costly. We will cross the river of fear and speak truthfully in a kind and loving way to correct a wrong when necessary.We are open to criticism as we can learn of blind spots. We will try new ideas, embrace change, and personal growth. We will support team member growth through trials and failures. We recognize that failure is a great teacher.

#3 Excellence

We will constantly strive to provide the highest possible quality and service. We will attempt to WOW our patients every day by doing the unexpected and going beyond. Achieving excellence requires constant training and feedback, and we will seek both. We are committed to continuing education of ourselves, and our patients. We want team members, partners, and patients to reach their highest potential. We will be a positive force for good in every life we touch.

#4 Respect

Relationships are very important to us and we will make every effort to have great ones with everyone. Gossip and slander have no place in our practice and will not be tolerated. A Patient's private information is to be protected at all times. We will communicate respectfully to each other and to our patients, business partners, referring doctors, labs, and vendors. We will believe the best about everyone. We will be great communicators and even better listeners. We will seek to understand before we seek to be understood.

#5 Teamwork

Teamwork is vital in everything we do. We will have fun at work and try to brighten every person's day. No one person is more important than another. We will help and support each other when needed. We are team members with our patients as we plan a strategy for their oral healthcare goals. We are team members with other referring doctors, vendors, labs, and other business affiliates. We will seek to be the best team member possible and will be humble servants.

Respectfully

Phillip C. Neal DDS