September 02, 2010 @ 11:37 AM — by Kathy, Patient Coordinator
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The best compliment that Prehn Dental receives is when our patients refer their friends, colleages, and family members to us. Most people think that dentists don't take new patients, but that is far from the truth. We love seeing new faces and building up new friendships. Referrals or word-of mouth testimonials has been our number one source for new patients and is the biggest praise that all of us can receive here at Prehn Dental. It lets us know that we are servicing the needs of our patients and having the cofidence of our patients. Thanks for sending your friends, family and colleagues to the Prehn Dental Office where we will continue to give you the confidence in our services!
August 26, 2010 @ 10:48 AM — by Frederick Prehn, D.D.S.
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It is sad when I see a patient like I just saw this morning who came in with his front four teeth loose. He was playing basketball and wasn’t wearing his sport’s mouth guard. If you participate in any contact sport (football, basketball, or any sport where you risk getting an elbow to the mouth), please protect your oral cavity and have a sports mouth guard made. There are many different kinds available and you “get what you pay for”. The more expensive ones do a much better job but anything is better than nothing. If you play sports, take care of your teeth!
August 19, 2010 @ 10:26 AM — by Frederick Prehn, D.D.S.
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In the past 26 years, smokeless tobacco has actually decreased..thank goodness! I tell my smokeless tobacco users to obviously quit but if not, please “move it around” because long-term placement in the same place in the oral cavity can cause a condition called leukoplakia; which can lead to pre-cancer and then to squamous cell carcinoma. The topical application of the nicotine and the carcinogens in tobacco is extremely hard on the gums and soft tissue. It absorbs into your body and can not only cause long-term systemic effects on your body but also cause topical effects such as oral cancer. Consider switching to sugarless chewing gum or something else but tobacco is NOT in the best interest of your over-all health.
August 10, 2010 @ 08:44 PM — by Frederick Prehn, D.D.S.
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The long-term effects of smoking and tobacco use have long been documented but its effect on periodontal health is extreme. Very few smokers in my practice have strong, healthy teeth by the time they hit mid-age or beyond. There are a few exceptions and these patients probably brush and floss two or three times per day. However, for the most part, smoking is detrimental to the long-term health of your oral cavity. Most smokers, with poor oral hygiene, will end up losing their teeth during their lifetime. For your body’s sake, quit smoking and also quit for your oral health!
July 29, 2010 @ 12:49 PM — by Frederick Prehn, D.D.S.
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A patient was seen today for a salivary gland problem. It was a stone, similar to a kidney stone, located on the floor of her mouth. It was a large bump that formed and it hurt after eating. This is because saliva is trying to flow out the gland and the stone stops it from progressing. Sometimes these self-resolve but many times it needs to be surgically removed. If you have any type or bump or lump in your mouth, that wasn’t previously there, you need to see your Dentist as soon as possible.
July 22, 2010 @ 01:46 PM — by Frederick Prehn, D.D.S.
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I had hoped the popularity of tongue piercing had decreased, but in our practice it appears it is still increasing; which is unfortunate when it comes to oral health. Professionally, it is sad for me to see young people put a hole through their tongue causing at times infection and laceration of the tongue artery—not to mention the long-term periodontal problems from the jewelry hitting the back of the front teeth stripping the tissue. I tell my patients there are many other areas on your body that you can pierce to show your personal interests but not the nasal cavity, with the bacteria, and for sure the oral cavity is not one that is neither recommended nor endorsed! If you are considering piercing, or you already have one, please discontinue for the long-term sake of your teeth and gums.
July 15, 2010 @ 11:09 AM — by Frederick Prehn, D.D.S.
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Many times a patient will traumatically bite their lip for multiple reasons. This can eventually form a mucoseal (or a fluid filled sack); which many times needs to be removed.
June 24, 2010 @ 11:22 AM — by Frederick Prehn, D.D.S.
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Some of my senior patients ask this question and the answer is “No”. However, if there are many existing fillings placed throughout your lifetime, you can get fractures of the enamel. Enamel has different strengths—some being brittle and some being soft. In life, “you get what you get” when you are born and you have to deal with what happens as you get older.
June 10, 2010 @ 04:14 PM — by Frederick Prehn, D.D.S.
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I am sitting in my office this morning and working on some of the treatment plans for my patients. I looked up at my two computer screens-with the digital x-rays clearly visible. We placed these in 2000 (almost nine years ago) and still today it amazes me how clear and vibrant the x-rays are---not to mention the decreased amount of radiation patients have when x-rays are taken. Gone are the films, chemicals and the lack of understanding for the patient when viewing x-rays. Today I am able to bring x-rays up on the screen while the patient is in the chair and circle problem areas and bring my patient into the decision process and explain how and why treatment is necessary. It gives my patients the ability to make a more informed decision; which directly benefits them. Technology is amazing in all aspects of our lives but when it comes to x-rays, it is clearly a large step in the care patients receive.
June 03, 2010 @ 02:55 PM — by Vicki, Registered Dental Hygienist
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Many of my patients come in for their cleaning and have xerostomia. This is an increased dryness due to lower saliva production. There are many reasons for this condition; including numerous medications, radiation treatment or saliva duct problems. Many of my elderly patients notice this problem. Generally, most people take care of it when it is mild simply by increasing water intake. We also have products available in our office that give patients significant relief. We have special mints that are medicated to increase saliva production. There are also several over-the-counter products. Having a dry mouth over a long period of time can actually increase your risk of new cavities because the bacteria, food debris and plaque stick to the tooth so much easier. Please ask for these products if this is a concern for you.
Vicki Dahlke, RDH
