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2018 Fall Newsletter

 

 

 

Kelowna Dental Office Perio Program

Periodontal Program

Periodontal (“gum”) disease affects many adults. The main risk factors for periodontal disease are smoking, diabetes, and genetics. While we cannot do much about our risk factors from a hereditary standpoint, quitting smoking and controlling diabetic signs and symptoms are very important in preventing progression of disease.

Managing mild to moderate periodontal disease effectively is something that many general dental offices struggle with. While there are many situations that require referral to a periodontist (gum specialist), there are many less severe cases that can be managed more efficiently in the dental office. To do this successfully, there needs to be a commitment from our patients that properly manages the inflammatory components that contribute to gum and bone loss over time.

In addition to the effects on your teeth, periodontal disease can affect many other areas of your body; particularly increasing your heart, stroke, dementia, osteoporosis, and diabetes risk.

We have recently made some changes to our hygiene program to include more comprehensive care for periodontal patients. This includes all the care we have been providing for you previously, with an additional level of attention for those who require more extensive cleaning, qualifying for the new “periodontal program.” By making a more focused periodontal diagnosis, it allows us to request additional coverage from your insurance policy if necessary based on your treatment plan. Many insurance plans allow for additional hygiene care for those who need it. There is also a follow up appointment to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment, along with any recommendations for further attention to areas that are not responding favourably.

If you have ever been told that you have “pockets” under the gums, notice bleeding on brushing or flossing, or have a family history of periodontal disease, you may be a candidate for the new periodontal program. Please ask us about it at your next appointment!

 

Introducing Jeanine

We are thrilled to introduce Jeanine to our team of amazing Certified Dental Assistants. Jeanine brings years of experience to Okanagan Dentistry, with a well-rounded experience in several dental offices in the Kootenays, Vancouver Island, and Kelowna.  She is looking forward to introducing herself next time you are in the office!

 Jeanine Certified Dental Assistant

 Kelowna Dentists Group Photo

Welcoming Dr. Iain Hart!

After much anticipation, Okanagan Dentistry is pleased to welcome Dr. Iain Hart to our growing family practice! Iain brings his unique skill set and enthusiasm for dentistry to our office to allow us to provide even more comprehensive, patient-centred care with increased availability.

Many ties to Kelowna through family and friends brought Dr. Hart back to the Okanagan. Iain is excited about the opportunity to reconnect with his community and build long lasting relationships with his patients.

 Coming from a family of physicians and dentists has provided him with a strong interest in health care.  Therefore, it is no surprise that he graduated from dentistry at McGill University at the top of his class and furthered his training with a General Practice Residency at University of Washington in Seattle. Additional residency training allowed Dr. Hart to expand his knowledge further in the areas of sedation, medically complex patients, and children's dentistry, along with expanding his scope in other areas of dental practice, including oral surgery, prosthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, and cosmetic procedures.

Dr. Hart also plans to pursue his training at the Kois Center in Seattle, continuing the legacy started by Dr. Leitch many years ago.

 Ian, Evan, and Natashia look forward to introducing Iain to all of you in the coming months! Iain is accepting new patients of all ages.

 

Gold Crown Recycling Funds Donated

Many of you know that at Okanagan Dentistry we recycle any old gold and other metals that may be removed from your mouth during your treatment.

One old crown is not worth much, but over time as we collect a lot of them we can get enough that it is worth recycling. We send all the scrap metal to an accredited metal recycling company and the funds are then donated to charity.

This year’s recycled gold funds so far were donated to the Cool Arts Society and the Central Okanagan Hospice Association.

So, on behalf of all of us at Okanagan Dentistry we send out a great big “THANK YOU” to all our patients who have so generously donated to this charity metal recycling program at our office. Every little donation has gone a long way for these charities!

 Central Okanagan Hospice SocietyKelowna Cool Arts Society