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Free Day of Dentistry for Veterans and Active Duty Military

Jun 1, 2023 |

𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹
𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀 & 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗗𝘂𝘁𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆!

  • 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Friday, August 11th from 9:00 am-3:00 pm
  • 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: Northstar Family Dental at our Lewis Center location only: 7740 Graphics Way Lewis Center, OH 43035
  • 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝟲𝟭𝟰-𝟯𝟵𝟮-𝟴𝟴𝟳𝟵 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲 your appointment.

This event is open to Veterans & Active Duty Military. Appointments are good for Cleanings, Fillings, and/or Extractions. Must present some form of military ID OR discharge papers. Appointments must be scheduled!

Become a Gold Star Member

May 26, 2023 |

As a Gold Star Member, your annual subscription provides you access to
huge savings with members-only VIP pricing & other benefits!

$250 annual fee provides these fantastic benefits:

  • $10 per unit Botox
  • $50 off a syringe of Filler
  • 20% off Zoom Whitening
    (platinum & gold packages only)
  • Plus, an extra $2 off Botox for your entire birthday month!

1-year commitment | Visits must be 90 days apart | No limits on units Gold Star Member savings are non-transferable

 

Ask one of our awesome team members about becoming a GOLD STAR MEMBER at your next visit or call 614-891-4242 to sign up today.

Hello Summer!

May 23, 2023 |

Hello Summer!!!

Refer the most NEW patients between April -June and WIN the summer prize pack!

Featuring a YETI Tundra 35 cooler, Kan Jam Disc Toss game, and Ladder Toss game!
The TWO winners will be announced on Monday, July 3rd.

Employee Spotlight – May 2023 – Megan

May 17, 2023 |

Employee Spotlight: Megan C.

 

1. How long have you been with Northstar?
Three years in June
2. What is your job title?
Dental Assistant
3. What is your favorite part about working at Northstar?
How encouraging and kind everyone is
4. What is the last book you read?
The glass castle by Jeannette Walls
5. Who is someone that you look up to?
My older sister Emily
6. What is your favorite hobby?
Walking my dogs and going to the gym
7. Where would you go if you could travel anywhere in the world?
Iceland
8. Are you a dog or cat person?
Dog person
9. What is your favorite color?
Purple
10. Place these in the order of how you complete them: Brush, Floss, Mouthwash.
Mouthwash, floss, brush

Thank you for being a part of the #bestteamintown Megan!
Your work ethic speaks for itself, and the pride you take in your work is truly inspiring.

Sleep Apnea

Jan 30, 2023 |

Don’t Snooze on Sleep Apnea Warning Signs

Do you ever feel like no matter how long you sleep, it’s not enough? Does your bed partner complain about your snoring? Are you dozing off in the afternoon or feel you always need to nap? If so, you might be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.

Untreated sleep apnea has been associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and obesity. Individuals with sleep apnea are also more likely to be involved in motor vehicle accidents.

Don’t lose sleep over sleep apnea. With our help, you can improve your sleep and your health!

Click HERE to read more about Sleep Apnea and how Dr. Weber can help.

Bundle and Save in 2023!

Dec 20, 2022 |

The new year is a fantastic time for a fresh start, especially regarding oral health and self-care.
Let’s celebrate 2023 with 23% off!

  • Offer: Bundle two or more cosmetic treatments and enjoy 23% off.
    This includes Zoom! Whitening Gold or Platinum Package, Botox, Filler, Veneers, and Cosmetic Bonding.
  • Valid: 1/1/2023 – 3/31/2023

Cosmetic treatments focus on improving the appearance and aesthetics of your beautiful smile.

  • Zoom! whitening is one of the simplest and least expensive ways to improve your smile.
  • Botox: improve a gummy smile, fixing upper and lower lip lines, changing a down-turned smile
  • Filler: creates fuller and more youthful lips.
  • Veneers: Dental veneers are wafer-thin, custom-made shells covering the teeth’ front surface.
  • Cosmetic Bonding: a dental procedure that involves applying a custom-tinted composite resin to your teeth. This can help with gaps between teeth, irregularly shaped or chipped teeth, and fractured or cracked teeth.

Call us to schedule! 614-891-4242

Celebrating Botox Day!

Nov 16, 2022 |

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘀 𝗕𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗫 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗗𝗮𝘆!

NOVEMBER 16, 9 AM PT / 12 PM ET
BUY ONE, GET ONE $50 GIFT CARD
Limited-time offer. While supplies last.

This offer is exclusive for Allē Members, so be sure to log in or join Allē, the official loyalty program of BOTOX® Cosmetic, ahead of this once-a-year celebration.

 

DOUBLE POINTS starts NOW!
Let’s celebrate!!!
😍
Earn DOUBLE POINTS in Alle when you get treated with BOTOX from November 16-November 30.
Call 614-891-4242 to schedule.
We can’t wait to see you and smooth those wrinkles away!

Can you benefit from dental Botox?

Jul 28, 2022 |

Due to its minimally invasive nature, the use of Botox in dentistry is expanding to treat dental conditions like high lip lines, Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, Bruxism, and more.

  • High Lip Line:
    Patients with a high lip line can use Botox to help relax lip muscles and achieve a lower, more aesthetically-pleasing smile line. This is a popular option because the entire process isn’t very invasive, and we can provide treatment on the same day.
  • TMJ:
    Patients dealing with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder can also benefit from Botox injections. TMJ disorders can cause severe pain from hyperactivity of the muscles, and treatment options have been limited in the past. Now, Botox can simply relax these muscles for quick and efficient pain relief.
  • Bruxism (grinding of teeth):
    Bruxism can also be minimized with Botox treatments by reducing the force of the muscular contractions involved. These injections can make a useful adjunct therapy to night guard appliances.

Schedule a consultation today to see if you can benefit from Dental Botox! Call us 614-891-4242

 

 

Welcome Dr. Romine

Jun 2, 2022 |

We are delighted to Introduce Dr. Romine! 

Dr. Romine is a Buckeye at heart and was born and raised in small town Ohio. She moved to Columbus to attend The Ohio State University, where she first graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Biology, and later graduated cum laude with her Doctorate of Dental Surgery. 

Dr. Romine’s passion for dentistry started at the young age of 13, when she got her first set of braces. She progressed her love for dentistry from patient, to shadowing dentists, to dental assisting, and finally to becoming a dentist. She loves that through dentistry she has the ability to give confidence, change lives, and improve the overall health of her patients. 

In her free time, Dr. Romine enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Matt, and their two dogs. She enjoys staying active by boxing and swimming but also loves relaxing and watching Netflix- make sure to tell her your binge-worthy series! 

Dr. Romine will be seeing patients at our Westerville office.

Botox and Bubbles Happy Hour

May 1, 2022 |

Botox, Charcuterie & Champagne?!
YES, PLEASE!!!!
🥂🤍🍾

We are celebrating Mother’s Day with a Botox & Bubbles Happy Hour!!
Join us Friday, May 13th from 3:30-6:30 at our Lewis Center location.

Enjoy our SPECIAL Mother’s Day Happy Hour Pricing:

  • Forehead: $125
  • 11’s: $275
  • Crow’s Feet: $250
  • Jawline Slimming: $300
  • Lip Flip: $50

🥂🤍🍾
Call 614-682-6216 to RSVP and Pre-Pay to secure your reservation.
Feel free to invite your friends – the more the merrier!

Q2 Referral Contest

Apr 28, 2022 |

Our 2nd Quarter Referral Contest has started!!!

Now is the time to refer all your friends, family, neighbors & co-workers to Northstar Family Dental. The patient with the MOST referrals at the end of this quarter will win a 20-minute helicopter flight around downtown Columbus and a $100 gift card to Lincoln Social Rooftop.

WOW!!!

2022 Northstar Coloring Contest

Mar 4, 2022 |

The 2022 Northstar Coloring Contest is here!

All ages are welcome to participate!!! Did you know there are MANY benefits to coloring?!

  • Relaxes Your Brain and Improves Brain Function.
  • Induces Meditative State.
  • Improves Motor Skills.
  • Improves Sleep.
  • Improves Focus.
  • Reduces Anxiety.
  • Relieves Stress.

Enter to WIN a box of Crayola crayons and a $25 gift card to Target!
Two winners will be announced on April 1st. 

HOW TO START:
Pick up a coloring sheet at our Westerville or Lewis Center location OR download the color sheet here:  ColoringSheet_March2022 

HOW TO ENTER:
Drop off the completed coloring sheet at either of our convenient locations or scan and email it to stephanie@northstarfd.com by March 31st!

HAVE FUN!!!

Lip Flip with Dr. Pheifer

Jan 25, 2022 |

🤩 Hey! We know her!!! 🤩
Check out Dr. Pheifer on Live Happy Live Well on NBC4!
Most men and women notice their lips begin to thin sometime in their early 30s and 40s. This causes your smile to appear more “gummy”. If this sounds like your lips – we can help!
The Lip Flip involves injecting Botox into the top lip. Botox encourages the muscle to relax and the top lip to “flip” outwards, giving the subtle illusion of a fuller lip.
Don’t let thin lips keep you from being your most confident and radiant self. 😁
614-891-4242 call us today to schedule!

Here is another before and after Lip Flip!

 

Coat Drive

Jan 11, 2022 |

 

We are collecting gently used and new coats until the end of February. 

Donating gently used coats is an ideal way to help keep people warm this winter!

Both of our convenient locations have donation boxes right by the main entrance. You are welcome to drop your gently used or new coats during our business hours. Monday – Thursday 8am-7pm and Friday 8am-3pm.

All collected coats will be donated to Joseph’s Coat of Central Ohio.

Food Drive for Mid Ohio Food Bank with our new friends at Grove City Family Dentistry

Oct 25, 2021 |

Wow!!!!
Thank you to all of our AWESOME patients that have donated food to our FOOD DRIVE!!

We drove down to see our friends at Grove City Family Dentistry and dropped off the food items we collected thus far.  This Friday, Grove City Family Dentistry will deliver all the non-perishable food items collected and give them all to the Mid-Ohio Food Bank.

Northstar Family Dental and Grove City Family Dentistry made it to the TOP 5 Dental Practices in Columbus!  While we waited to see who made it to the #1 spot, we thought it would be fun to join forces, give back to the community, and have a friendly “north vs. south” rivalry.  The competition was to see which Dental Practice could donate more food to the Mid-Ohio Food Bank.  We both agreed after today that the Mid-Ohio Food Bank and all of our amazing patients that donated food are the real winners!

The title for Best Dental Practice in Columbus will be announced later this year, so stay tuned!  We are honored to be nominated and so appreciative of the new friendship we formed with our buddies down south.

Invisalign vs. other clear aligners

Oct 5, 2021 |

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between
Invisalign and other clear aligners:

 

Tried & Trusted 
Out of all the other brands, Invisalign is a tried and trusted product. Besides being a trusted product, it can provide a predictable and accurate result because of the 3D ClinCheck Software.

With this software, all treatments can be accurately planned out beforehand, which means that the best possible solutions for your circumstance will be mapped out. Therefore, guesswork is eliminated, and you can see your teeth move from where they are to where they will be at the end of the treatment.

SmartTrack patented thin material
Invisalign aligners are created from a patented thin material that enables the aligners to stay rigid longer than the other clear aligners.

SmartTrack® is the name of the patented material that makes Invisalign unique in its design. With this material, your treatment becomes better since it enhances predictability because they retain the design while moving your teeth.

Also, the plastic is BPS and BPA-free and also does not contain latex or gluten. With SmartTrack, you can get safe and comfortable fitting aligners as compared to the other aligner materials.

Other aligners use thinner materials that may seem more invisible, but they are less sturdy than Invisalign aligners. The other aligners tend to break easily, and this means that your treatment will be interrupted. Other aligners are created from the plastic that Invisalign used to use years ago.

Unique Traits
Also, Invisalign aligners have unique traits that other aligners miss. One of the notable things they don’t have is the active component, such as attachments that are used to control the results.

They are tiny tooth-colored attachments placed on your teeth to give the aligners something to push on. These attachments make complex movements possible.

Even though other clear aligners can be used in the same way as Invisalign, they are not identical.
This is why we only use Invisalign at Northstar Family Dental.

The Marvin Fisk Humanitarian Award

Oct 1, 2021 |

Wishing a very special congratulations to Dr. K, who is being awarded
The Marvin Fisk Humanitarian Award by the Ohio Dental Association. 

 


The Marvin Fisk Humanitarian Award is presented to an ODA member who works to improve the oral health of people in need, of all ages, and from all walks of life.
Once a year, the Ohio Dental Association recognizes and honors distinguished achievements in the dental profession through the ODA Awards of Excellence.

To view the article and learn more about The Marvin Fisk Humanitarian Award, please click HERE

Flossing!

Jul 21, 2021 |

Do you floss every day?

Did you know if you skip flossing and only brush you’re missing up to 40 percent of each tooth!
Many of the cavities that we see in the office are in these areas because patients aren’t flossing regularly. Flossing also helps keep your gums healthy.

There are many types of dental floss and there is no one “right” floss for everyone. In fact, there’s no reason why you can’t have several types of floss and flossing products on hand. A small container of nylon dental floss or dental tape is great for a purse, pocket or carry-on travel bag. A mint-flavored floss can be a great choice to use when you’re traveling so you don’t have to carry a bottle of mouthwash. And when you’re at home, you can treat yourself to your electric flosser.

As with any other product, finding the right dental floss for your oral care needs might take some trial and error. There are so many types of floss and flossing products to choose from that the choices can seem overwhelming. No matter what product you choose, the most important thing is to floss daily.

Watch our latest YouTube video from Dr. P and Dr. O.  They explain why you should floss every day, they test out luxury dental floss [https://cocofloss.com/], and they show off some dance moves.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH

 

Stars, Stripes & Smiles

May 26, 2021 |

𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗦, 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗣𝗘𝗦 & 𝗦𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗦!

We are excited to announce our FREE Dentistry for Veterans & Active Duty Military Event!
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Friday, July 2nd from 9 am-3 pm
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: Our Lewis Center location
Northstar Family Dental
7740 Graphics Way
Lewis Center, OH 43035
𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝟲𝟭𝟰-𝟯𝟵𝟮-𝟴𝟴𝟳𝟵 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲.

This event is open to Veterans & Active duty military. Must present some form of military ID OR discharge papers.
Appointments are good for Cleanings, Fillings, and/or Extractions.
Appointments must be scheduled.

Starting at 11 am, we will be grilling out! Please feel free to stay and hang out after your appointment.

Veteran Companion Animal Services
We are excited to welcome Veteran Companion Animal Services to our Stars, Stripes & Smiles event. Their mission is to
enrich the lives of veterans, military families, and dogs through the many benefits of the human-animal bond.

 

 

Thank you to all the local businesses that have donated:
– N2 Publishing
– Manning & Napier Advisors
– Follow The Eyes
– Rising Moon Apparel
– Young Wild Balloon Co. 
– Roosters
– Salaita Orthodontics
– Marianne’s Chocolates
– Schrick Orthodontics  
– The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints   
– Elevate Nutrition Lewis Center  
– Fleet Feet of Lewis Center

 

April is Stress Awareness Month

April is Stress Awareness Month

Apr 19, 2021 |

April is stress awareness month.

Teeth grinding and jaw clenching are often signs of stress.  Dr. P and Dr. O talk about signs of stress, occlusal guards, and how we can help you if you suffer from teeth grinding and jaw clenching.

Take up to $150 OFF custom-made occlusal guards the entire month of April. 

Call 614-891-4242 for questions about Occlusal Guards or to make an appointment.

Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Apr 13, 2021 | ,

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

 

While some think this is a rare cancer, mouth cancers will be newly diagnosed in about 145 new individuals each day in the US alone, and a person dies from oral cancer every hour of every day.

Who is at Risk of Oral Cancer?

While historically the majority of people were over the age of 40 at the time of discovery, it is now occurring more frequently in those under this age. Exact causes for those affected at a younger age are now becoming clearer in research, revealing a viral cause; the human papillomavirus number 16 (HPV16).

The fastest-growing population of the oral cancer population is those who have been diagnosed with HPV16 and young Non-Smokers. This means, do NOT wait until you are in your 40s to be screened! Remember, early detection can save your life! (see more about screening and early detection below)

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer?

  • A sore, lump or ulcer on the lip or in the mouth that does not heal
  • A lump on the lip or in the mouth A lump in the neck
  • A white or red patch on the gums, tongue or lining of the mouth
  • Unusual bleeding, pain or numbness in the mouth
  • Oral pain that does not go away or a feeling that something is caught in the throat
  • Difficulty or pain with chewing or swallowing
  • Difficulty with jaw openingSwelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable
  • Tooth loosening
  • Bad breath
  • Sensory loss of the face
  • Abnormal taste in the mouth
  • Swallowing difficulty

How Can You Check for Oral Cancer?

You can and SHOULD have an Oral Cancer screening performed by your dentists or hygienist.

At Northstar Family Dental, we use an innovative tool that utilizes light technology to enhance visualization of mucosal abnormalities such as oral cancer or premalignant dysplasia that may not be apparent to the naked eye. And unlike other fluorescence technologies and dye systems, our tool is Multi-Spectral with three distinct color wavelengths, making it easier to distinguish lesion morphology and vasculature aiding the dental professional in determining next steps.

In other words, we can complete a painless, non-invasive screening in a matter of minutes that can provide you with peace of mind. Or more importantly, can allow for early detection of suspicious tissue, in which case the proper next steps can be taken to ensure the most positive outcome.

Please consider completing an Oral Cancer screening during your next dental visit. And encourage your loved ones to do so as well. Currently, 40% of those diagnosed with oral cancer will die within five years because the majority of these cases will be discovered as a late-stage malignancy. Help us make a positive shift in the percentages.

 

Charcoal Toothpaste. Yes or No?

Mar 11, 2021 |

Dr. Barnes and Dr. Coughlin try charcoal toothpaste and give us their thoughts in this video: https://youtu.be/kAa90CLRVn4

More information on charcoal toothpaste:

Studies have called into question whether charcoal is actually doing more harm than good when it comes to your teeth.  A review in the British Dental Journal from 2019 found that charcoal provides little protection against tooth decay, and there is limited scientific evidence to support the other health claims. There are also concerns about the abrasiveness of charcoal, which could damage enamel if used regularly. Because charcoal toothpaste is abrasive, it will remove surface stains on teeth but it will never equal what an in-office whitening treatment, like ZOOM! Whitening can do.

Northstar Family Dental does not recommend using charcoal toothpaste on a regular basis and here are the main reasons why:
  • It’s abrasive and may wear down tooth enamel and make teeth appear yellow.
  • It doesn’t remove stains below the enamel.
  • Everyday use could cause tooth sensitivity.
  • Most brands don’t contain fluoride, which helps prevent cavities and tooth decay.

If you have questions about charcoal toothpaste, tooth decay, or if you would like to make an appointment to whiten your teeth contact our offices at 614-891-4242.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

Feb 1, 2021 |

We are extremely passionate about kids’ dental health and creating a trusting relationship between children and their dental care providers from the very FIRST experience.

Here is a shocking statistic for you; despite the fact that it’s almost entirely preventable, tooth decay is among the most common chronic disease in children.

But we’re on a mission to change that!

There are so many safe and effective preventive measures that can protect your child’s precious teeth. Simple, but effective, oral hygiene practices such as thorough brushing with fluoride toothpaste can help keep children from getting cavities.

*Bonus info! It has been a common myth that children do NOT need fluoride treatments. Actually, fluoride is very beneficial in keeping teeth strong and preventing cavities during the critical age when children are still learning their way around proper brushing.

Two of the most common questions we hear from parents are, “do I need to brush my child’s gums before they have teeth?” and “at what age should I take my child to the dentist for the first time?”

Both are excellent questions!

Yes, you should start cleaning your baby’s gums and mouth even before the first tooth erupts. Use a warm, soft cloth to gently clean your baby’s mouth after feeding.

Your little one’s first visit should be around one year of age. Often, at this age, a full cleaning or exam isn’t completed during that first visit and that is okay! Really, the purpose of this initial visit is to help both the parent and the child start to feel comfortable. A good hygienist will spend his/her time making the little patient feel safe and secure, maybe by playing games, counting teeth, answering questions, or letting the little one explore the cleaning instruments/tools.

Here are a few more of our favorite tips for parents as they introduce proper brushing, visits to the dentist, and overall good oral health care habits to sometimes reluctant kiddos:

  1. Let them take ownership. Empower your child by letting them be involved in choosing their fun character toothbrushes and/or their favorite flavor of age-appropriate toothpaste.
  2. Make it fun. Our friends at Oral-B have teamed up with Disney to create a super fun, effective, and FREE Toothbrush Timer App.
    Download yours here: https://oralb.com/en-us/products/compare/disney-magic-timer-app  
  3. Incentivize and Celebrate. Use a toothbrush tracking chart, like the one below, and create a reward system. This is another opportunity to allow them to take ownership. Involve them in deciding what their reward for good brushing behavior will be.
  4. Watch snacks! Even the “healthy” all-natural, organic juices and gummy snacks can lead to cavities in your little ones. Our favorite options are always fruits, veggies, low-sugar yogurts, water, etc. And if they do have a sticky treat or juice, try to wash it down with water which will prevent the sugar from settling into the groves of the teeth until the next brushing.
  5. Our TOP Tip. One of the most important things you can do for your child is to make sure you find a dentist that both you and your child are comfortable with. Believe it or not, your child’s first experience with a dental office can shape their feelings about dentistry for a lifetime. With the number one reason cited for not seeing a dentist regularly being “a bad previous experience,” a good first impression is critical. Remember, they need to feel safe and allowed to proceed at their own pace.
Galentine Botox Special

Galentine Botox Special

Jan 28, 2021 |

We are so excited about our Galentine Botox Special!
But if you are asking yourself, what is a Galentine?!   Let us explain…

What is Galentine’s Day? 
Galentine’s Day is a day ( Feb. 13) dedicated to showering your girlfriends with love | Ladies celebrating ladies | Girl Power

Where did it come from?
It was created by a fictional character: Leslie Knope of the television show Parks and Recreation over 10 years ago.

Why are we celebrating?
We are all about #girlpower and Ladies Celebrating Ladies, so we decided to celebrate Galentine’s Day the entire month of February!

Treat yourself to $12 per unit BOTOX the entire month of February.  

BONUS: You’ll also receive a swag bag from your favorite ladies at Northstar! Including delicious chocolates (YUM – they are to die for!),
a $50 OFF Filler coupon (come back to get that #perfectpout), and other Northstar goodies.

What is Botox?
Botox offers natural-looking wrinkle reduction to refresh and renew your skin. Designed to remove and reduce wrinkles caused by muscle movement, Botox treatments block nerve signals to your facial muscles. The quick and painless procedure reduces facial muscle activity and temporarily prevents the contraction of muscles that cause laugh lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet.

What else can it do?
Botox has a long history of medically therapeutic uses, all involving muscular conditions. Botox can bring relief to migraine sufferers and is an FDA-approved treatment for chronic migraine headaches. BOTOX can also be used as a treatment for TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders and associated jaw tension and pain. When injected into facial

muscles afflicted with soreness and discomfort, BOTOX relieves TMJ and jaw tension for many patients.

What to expect?
Treatments generally take 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the area of the skin. The procedure consists of a few tiny injections, with very localized effects that will not impact your ability to smile, laugh, or show expression. With minimal discomfort and no downtime, Botox fits into your lifestyle and schedule.

Minimally invasive and very effective, you can expect to see visible results in 10 days to 2 weeks. Botox treatments typically last for 3 to 6 months.

Take advantage of our Galentine Botox Special
Our $12 per unit Botox special only lasts the month of February, so be sure to call to schedule your appointment today at 614-682-6216!
*Minimum of 20 units*

If you have any additional questions about Botox or Fillers, call our office for a complimentary consultation with one of our amazing doctors
614-682-6216

REWARD YOURSELF!
Discover Allē: A loyalty program uniquely designed for you!
With an Allē Membership, you can earn points when you receive Botox, Juvederm, and other cosmetic treatments to use toward future treatments or products. Learn more here.

Please note: If you were a Brilliant Distinctions Member, you can still use your points – you will need to sign up with Allē using your existing Brilliant Distinctions® information.

Did you know that oral health and overall health are connected?

Dec 14, 2020 |

Did you know that oral health and overall health are connected?

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the CDC recommends practicing good general hygiene, such as washing your hands regularly, social distancing, and not touching your face. In addition to this, it is also crucial to practice good oral hygiene to help prevent you and your family from getting sick. Below outlines a few helpful hygiene tips to stay healthy.

Replace Your Toothbrush or Toothbrush Head Often
The best practice is to replace their electric toothbrush head or disposable toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. During the coronavirus pandemic, we recommend replacing them more often than this. Or, at the very least, every 3 months.

Properly Store Your Toothbrush
Allow your toothbrush to dry after each use by keeping it in an upright position. This helps prevent the spread and growth of bacteria.

Don’t Share Your Toothbrush
The particular mix of bacteria in your mouth is unique to you. When you use someone else’s toothbrush, you expose your teeth and gums to new bacteria which may not react well with your existing bacteria. This foreign bacteria can increase your risk of catching a cold, the flu, or other germs lurking on your partner’s toothbrush, even if they practice good hygiene.

Practice Good Health Routines
Maintaining good oral hygiene at home is always necessary to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other conditions. It’s more important than ever to practice good oral and overall health routines.
• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time.
• Floss once a day.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Exercise.
• Wash your hands often

Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings
Normally the body’s natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, keep bacteria under control. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Professional cleanings are the only way to remove calculus (tartar), which traps plaque bacteria along the gum line.

Botox Flash Sale

Oct 28, 2020 |

We are excited to announce our
Botox FLASH SALE!

Monday, November 16- Friday, November 20, 2020
$12 per unit (normally $14 per unit)

What does Botox do?
Botox blocks communication between motor nerves and the muscle, so that the muscles are unable to contract. When the treated muscle is unable to contract, the movement that causes the skin to wrinkle will stop. Over a course of up to 10 days after treatment, the skin above the treated area smooths out. The effects of treatment last about 3 to 4 months, after which repeated treatment will be needed.

What is Botox used for?
Botox is most often used to smooth out wrinkles in the forehead, the area between the eyes, around the outside corners of the eyes, the area around the lips, and the area between the lips and nose.  But did you know that Botox can also effectively help dental patients that suffer from high lip lines, TMJ, migraines, and teeth grinding?

Watch our video, as Dr. P explains how Botox works and what to expect during your treatment.

Take advantage of our Botox FLASH SALE and schedule your treatment for the week of Monday, November 16- Friday, November 20.
Call 614-682-6216 to schedule.
Minimum of 20 units. Limited appointments are available.

Coloring Contest

Aug 27, 2020 |

Northstar Family Dentist Coloring Contest

National Coloring Day is Friday, September 14th.
Color the Northstar Family Dental Tooth to be entered to WIN a $50 gift card to Target!

HOW TO ENTER:

  • Click the link below to download the Northstar Family Dental Tooth
  • Print and color the Northstar Family Dental Tooth
  • Email a photo of your finished artwork to Stephanie@northstarfd.com
    OR
    Post on Facebook and tag us @northstarfamilydental
    OR
    Drop off at our Westerville or Lewis Center office locations
  • Be sure to include the first name and contact information of the person entering the contest
  • All entries must be submitted by Friday, September 11th

The winner will be announced on Monday, September 14th.
* This contest is for adults and kids of all ages. Have FUN and Good Luck! *

Click HERE to download and print the coloring page

Safety Update from Dr. Kulesa

Aug 21, 2020 |

Hello Northstar Family Dental Families,
We hope everyone is staying safe and healthy. Dr. Kulesa would like to check-in and update you on our continued safety efforts at Northstar Family Dental.
As always, your safety is our TOP priority!
Please watch this video below.

What type of toothbrush should I be using?

Aug 13, 2020 |

ASK THE DOCTOR!

What type of toothbrush should I be using?

Dr. Pheifer gives you two great options for toothbrushes, an electric toothbrush, and a standard soft bristle toothbrush.  Be sure to listen to Dr. P explain why we always recommend the ADA approved electric toothbrush first and foremost.

Click here to purchase the electric Oral B toothbrush that Dr. P recommended 

OR

Click here to purchase the Colgate slim soft toothbrush Dr. P recommended.

Be sure to follow us on social media for more tips on keeping your teeth happy and clean! 
Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Pinterest | Linkedin | Instagram 

Cold Sores

Aug 19, 2019 |

CO2 Laser for Quick, Effective Cold Sore Treatment

Cold sores — also called fever blisters — are a common viral infection. Cold sores spread from person to person by close contact, such as kissing.Cold sores are contagious even if you don’t see the sore.

Symptoms

A cold sore usually passes through several stages:

  • Tingling and itching. Many people feel an itching, burning or tingling sensation around their lips for a day or so before a small, hard, painful spot appears and blisters erupt.
  • Blisters.Small fluid-filled blisters typically break out along the border where the outside edge of the lips meets the skin of the face. Cold sores can also occur around the nose or on the cheeks.
  • Oozing and crusting.The small blisters may merge and then burst, leaving shallow open sores which will ooze fluid and then crust over.

Unfortunately, the blisters can be painful, cause patients to feel self-conscious and can last several days, with the blisters taking two to four weeks to heal completely.

HOWEVER, with the advanced technology used by our expertly trained and board-certified oral surgeon, patients can now experience significantly faster and less painful healing.

Using Dr. Julie Park’s CO2 Laser, if treated at the first sign of symptoms, the patient could see the cold sore heal completely in as little as one to two days!

The CO2 laser treats the cold sore with no anesthesia and is completely painless!

For more information on this, or other laser technology oral health capabilities, please call our office at 614-891-4242.

Sports & Protecting Your Teeth

Aug 5, 2019 | ,

According to a recent issue in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA), more than 5 million teeth are avulsed each year; many during sports activities, resulting in nearly $500 million spent on replacing these teeth each year.

Each year at Northstar Family Dental we see a handful of patients with mild to severe dental trauma due to sports related injuries. The most common being soft tissue injuries (lacerations, etc.). The majority of the dental trauma cases we treat are tooth (crown) fracture, tooth avulsion (loss of tooth from its socket), or tooth subluxation (a tooth that has increased mobility but has not been lost).

As you may have already guessed, football, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, baseball, softball and wrestling are all frequently to blame for sports-related mouth injuries. But did you know, recent studies by the JADA have shown that basketball had the highest injury rate with both male and female students due to hand or elbow contact or by collision with other players. The close contact of basketball players, as well as the speed of the game increases the potential for possible orofacial trauma.

When it comes to choosing a mouthguard to protect your child’s oral safety, you will find three choices:

“Off-the-Shelf” Mouthguards:

Off-the-shelf guards may be purchased from a sporting goods store, pharmacy, or a department store. They are made of rubber, polyvinyl chloride or a polyvinyl acetate copolymer. The advantage is that this mouthguard is relatively inexpensive, however the disadvantages far outweigh the advantages. They are available only in limited sizes, do not fit very well, inhibit speech and breathing, and require the jaws to be closed to hold the mouthguard in place. These concerning limitations led the Academy of Sports Dentistry (ASD) to state that they do not feel that off-the-shelf mouthguards allow for adequate protection of the teeth and that the stock mouthguard is unacceptable as an orofacial protective device.

“Boil and Bite” Mouthguards:

This thermoplastic material is immersed in boiling water for 10-45 seconds, transferred to cold water and then adapted to the teeth (also known as “boil-and-bite” guard). While always better than nothing, the main issues we see with the homemade boil-and-bite guards are that they still don’t always fit properly, which decreases comfort and reduces compliance. (That’s right mom, you may not even know it but your kiddo may be popping that uncomfortable thing out of their mouth as soon as a parent or coach is not looking!)

Custom Fitted Mouthguards:

This is the superior of the three types. Dental professionals believe custom fitted mouthguards to be well worth the cost to protect an athlete’s teeth from injury. Most parents will spend quite a bit of money on athletic clothing and shoes, but might not think about taking the most cautious approach to protecting their child’s teeth. Made in a dental office, these mouthguards are specially created for each individual and fabricated using a vacuum method to form the material specifically to fit that patient’s mouth The advantages include fit, ease of speech and breathing, comfort and retention. By wearing a protective mouthguard, the incidence of a concussion by a blow to the jaw is significantly reduced because the condyle is separated from the base of the skull by placing the mandible in a forward position.

Lack of proper protection can lead to loss of a tooth and increased risk of fractured tooth or jaw. Not only do mouthguards help prevent orofacial trauma, they reduce the cost of these injuries in the long run significantly.

FYI! Reach out to your insurance provider as they may cover some or all of the cost of a custom-fitted mouthguard!

At Northstar Family Dental, we offer custom fitted mouthguards for athletes by appointment. The fitting only takes about 30 minutes in our office and because we have the appropriate technology to make the entire mouthguard in-house, versus sending it out to a lab, we can have the mouthguard ready for you in about two weeks.

If you call our office at 614-891-4242 and mention you’re a Columbus Mom’s Blog reader you can receive $10 off your child’s- custom fitted mouthguard!

In the event that your child DOES suffer from a dental related injury, don’t panic! Contact your dentist immediately. The tooth will be evaluated and treated properly. If the tooth is completely removed from the gums, place it in the child’s cheek or in milk to help preserve the tooth while you contact your dentist for further instruction.

Below, you’ll find a photo of a young man who broke his two front teeth. We helped him get back to as good as new in one visit, utilizing dental bonding, with NO numbing and NO drilling!

Anita’s Teeth Whitening Story

Jul 8, 2019 | ,

Anita has been a loyal Northstar Family Dental patient for as long as we can remember. And for as long as we can remember, our whole team looks forward to seeing her when she is in the office. She has such a joyful and kind personality and has the ability to light up our office.

So when Anita expressed interest in getting her teeth professionally whitened, we were so excited for her, knowing that the treatment would elevate her smile to match her bright personality.

One might ask why Anita chose an in office ZOOM teeth whitening treatment over a drug store DIY option? There are a number of advantages to choosing a professional teeth whitening treatment over the numerous at-home options available.

  1. Professional treatments offer more thorough whitening. When it comes to dull, stained teeth, there are often two kinds of problems: extrinsic and intrinsic staining. Extrinsic staining occurs in the enamel of teeth while intrinsic staining occurs within. Over-the-counter products are meant to remove extrinsic staining, while professional treatment can remove both extrinsic and intrinsic staining.
  2. In-office treatment is more comfortable. When you opt for professional teeth whitening, personalized trays are created for your treatment, allowing them to fit your mouth perfectly, resulting in little-to-no irritation or discomfort. Over-the-counter options come with a one-size-fits all tray or slippery, hard to manage strips that often don’t offer full coverage. As an added bonus, at Northstar Family Dental, we provide flat screen TVs, neck pillows, blankets, noise cancelling headphones – everything you will need to completely relax during your one hour treatment.
  3. Instant Gratification. Although over-the-counter teeth whitening products have been proven to show results, it can often take weeks and even months to actually see anything. With our ZOOM whitening professional treatment you can often experience 4-8 shades of brightening in just ONE appointment. You can literally walk away the same day ready to show off a brand new smile.
  4. Professionally monitored treatments result in little-to-no sensitivity. Another common complaint of over-the-counter teeth bleaching products is that they often result in the teeth and gums feeling sensitive and painful afterward. In the most dramatic instances, improperly monitored whitening products can result in hydrogen peroxide burns on the gums. Our team is highly trained to ensure effective and SAFE results. In the event of some post-treatment sensitivity, we also provide a take-home sensitivity relief gel.

Take a sneak peek at Anita’s ZOOM teeth whitening results:

Before ZOOM Whitening Treatment

After ZOOM Whitening Treatment

  • BEFORE
  • AFTER

For more information about Northstar Family Dental ZOOM teeth whitening services or to schedule your appointment, please call our office at 614-682-6213.

Get the Scoop on Dermal Fillers!

Get the Scoop on Dermal Fillers!

Jun 21, 2019 | , , , ,

Congratulations to Dr. Pheifer on earning her advanced certification through the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, as a qualified provider of dermal fillers!

So we sat down to ask Dr. P. to give us the details on exactly what dermal fillers are, what benefits they offer, what risks we should be aware of and what results we should be expecting…

A soft tissue dermal filler safely adds volume to the skin through tiny injections of Hyaluronic acid, which is already naturally produced by your body. The treatment smooths facial folds and wrinkles in areas around the mouth and eyes. It’s used to restore facial contours and improve signs of aging.

Fillers are great for plumper lips, frown lines or “marionette lines,” nasolabial folds and downturned smiles. And the results are long-lasting, at up to 6-12 months!

Dr. P. explains that the treatment is VERY safe and effective as long as your provider is credentialed and using safe products. She warns, “Dermal fillers are very trendy these days, and you could find yourself in a bad cosmetic or even a bad medical situation by receiving treatment from individuals who have not been properly trained and/or who use ‘discounted’ black market products.”

This is just one of many reasons why opting to receive your treatment from your dentist in a medical-grade facility is an excellent idea, with optimal results. 

And here is the great news, right now, new Brilliant Distinction Members who register through the following link will receive a rebate for $75 off and Juvederm collection product! https://savings.brilliantdistinctionsprogram.com/juvederm-it-75/

We’d love to talk to you about how this small change can equate to BIG boosts in confidence and beautiful, discreet results! Call our office at 740-739-4240 to schedule your consultation.

We’re On a Mission!

We’re On a Mission!

Mar 29, 2019 | , , , ,

In late 2018, our team announced our goal of taking a mission trip to La Romana, Dominican Republic to provide free oral health care to low access to care patients in desperately impoverished villages.

This was our first mission trip as an office and we knew there would be extensive logistical planning involved in order to get our team and the necessary supplies to the DR and to coordinate with the local dental clinic.

Additionally, each of our travel team members committed to funding their own travel and lodging expenses for the entire week.

But we had our minds set on completing this mission trip, so we put fundraising plans into action, applied for passports when needed and worked extensively with our friends at #WorldMissionPartners to map out the logistics of the trip.

With the help and support of Dr. Kulesa, our Northstar Family Dental team members, patients, community partners, friends and family, within a few short months we were able to make this #MissionTrip dream a reality!

In La Romana…

Once in La Romana, all of our hard work and effort was quickly paid off ten-fold by the joy and fulfillment we found in serving a community that is desperately in need. Throughout the week of March 2-9, we had the pleasure of treating men, women and so many adorable children.

We spent the first part of the week operating out of Good Samaritan Hospital’s single chair clinic.


We spent the remainder of the week serving patients out of mobile dental clinic located in an R.V.

This mobile clinic provides treatment to the rural areas surrounding the town of La Romana. We took the R.V. into the rural areas called “bateyes” to treat patients in their community. The bateyes are where the sugar cane workers and their families live. The average salary for a sugar cane worker is $8 a day.

Most of these bateyes have no access to public transportation, limited electricity, minimal access to water and no proper sanitation.

We were given an emotionally warm welcome and it was so evident that our services were needed and greatly appreciated!

During the course of the week, we provided over 130 treatments, including cleanings, extractions and fluoride treatments.

Watch members of our travel team talk about their experience, including their trip highlights and candid stories about the patients they met: https://www.facebook.com/WestervilleDigitalMediaClub/videos/2235287046540117/

We feel that the positive impact that our mission trip had on those special patients in La Romana was as mutually beneficial to us as it was to them. We are already looking forward to planning our NEXT mission trip!

We have to give a big thanks to those who helped us make this trip possible. Thank you to our partners at World Mission Partners and #TheSchedulingInstitute. A HUGE thank you to our Northstar Family Dental team who worked extra hard in our #Westerville and #LewisCenter offices, allowing us to be out of the office for a week. And of course, thank you to our friends, family, patients and community partners; Westerville Endodontics, Dr. Salaita and 3C Technology Soulutions for your generous donations!

Exploring our Lewis Center Location

Exploring our Lewis Center Location

Mar 14, 2019 | , , , , , ,

As you may already know, we opened our SECOND office location in Lewis Center in December of 2018. As of March 2019, we’re up and running in full swing and would love to share with you some of the cool features that were thoughtfully included when designing our newest office.

As with our Westerville location, Dr. Kulesa played a pivotal role in designing how our Lewis Center office would look, function and provide comfort to our patients and team.

Here are some of our favorite features!

 

Upon entry, you’ll be greeted by one of our friendly Patient Concierge team members. Help yourself to a drink and snack from our snack bar and have a seat in our comfortable waiting lounge. (Although, don’t get too comfortable, because you likely won’t be there long.)

During your short wait, the kiddos will be more than entertained by toys, games and books in their own special Kid’s Corner.

 

 

 

 

      

As a busy mom herself, Dr. Kulesa understands the frustration that can be felt when you’re in public and realize you forgot to restock the diaper bag or are in need of a personal item for yourself.

With that in mind, she designed a fully stocked restroom anticipating anything you may need while visiting our office…

 

 

 

 

As in our Westerville office, our pristine operatories are equipped with flat-screen TVs and you’ll be offered a full list of complimentary services from our comfort menu, including noise canceling headphones, a warm blanket, essential oil infused warm towels, paraffin hand dips and much more, to keep you occupied, comfortable and maybe even forget you’re in the dental chair.

      

Our Oral Surgery Suite is second to none. In the event that you should need treatment of this nature, Dr. Park will be able to provide you the highest quality care in a relaxing surgical room, complete with a dedicated, private recovery room.

      

 

For more information or to schedule an appointment at our Lewis Center location, please contact our team at 740-739-4240. We look forward to exceeding your expectations and providing exceptional care to you and your family.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month!

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month!

Feb 5, 2019 | ,

Perhaps it is because we’re an office full of moms…?

Whatever the reason, we are extremely passionate about kids’ dental health and creating trusting relationship between children and their dental care providers from the very FIRST experience.

We proudly join The American Dental Association in celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month every February.

Here is a shocking statistic for you; despite the fact that it’s almost entirely preventable, tooth decay is among the most common chronic disease in children.

But we’re on a mission to change that. And here comes all of the good news…

There are so many safe and effective preventive measures that can protect your child’s precious teeth. Simple, but effective, oral hygiene practices such as thorough brushing with fluoride toothpaste can help keep children from getting cavities.

*Bonus info! It has been a common myth that children do NOT need fluoride treatments. On the contrary, fluoride is very beneficial in keeping teeth strong and preventing cavities during the critical age when children are still learning their way around proper brushing.

Two of the most common questions we hear from parents are, “do I need to brush my child’s gums before they have teeth?” and “at what age should I take my child to the dentist for the first time?”

Both are excellent questions!

Yes, you should start cleaning your baby’s gums and mouth even before the first tooth erupts. Use a warm, soft cloth to gently clean your baby’s mouth after feeding.

Your little one’s first visit should be around one year of age. Often, at this age, a full cleaning or exam isn’t completed during that first visit and that is okay! Really, the purpose of this initial visit is to help both the parent and the child start to feel comfortable. A good hygienist will spend his/her time making the little patient feel safe and secure, maybe by playing games, counting teeth, answering questions or letting the little one explore the cleaning instruments/tools.

Here are a few more of our favorite tips for parents as they introduce proper brushing, visits to the dentist and overall good oral health care habits to sometimes reluctant kiddos:

  1. Let them take ownership. Empower your child by letting them be involved in choosing their fun character toothbrushes and/or their favorite flavor of age-appropriate toothpaste.
  2. Make it fun. Our friends at Oral-B have teamed up with Disney to create a super fun, effective and FREE Toothbrush Timer App. Download yours here: https://oralb.com/en-us/products/compare/disney-magic-timer-app
  3. Incentivize and Celebrate. Use a toothbrush tracking chart, like the one below and create a reward system. This is another opportunity to allow them to take ownership. Involve them in deciding what their reward for good brushing behavior will be.
  4. Watch snacks! Even the “healthy” all-natural, organic juices and gummy snacks can lead to cavities in your little ones. Our favorite options are always fruits, veggies, low-sugar yogurts, water, etc. And if they do have a sticky treat or juice, try to wash it down with water which will prevent the sugar from settling into the groves of the teeth until the next brushing.
  5. Our TOP Tip. One of the most important things you can do for your child is to make sure you find a dentist that both you and your child are comfortable with. Believe it or not, your child’s first experience with a dental office can shape their feelings about dentistry for a lifetime. With the number one reason cited for not seeing a dentist regularly being “a bad previous experience,” a good first impression is critical. Remember, they need to feel safe and allowed to proceed at their own pace.

For more awesome tips and to watch Dr. Kulesa serve up some parental dental Q&A, watch her here on Good Day Columbus with our friends Shawn Ireland and Camron Fontana.

thtps://myfox28columbus.com/good-day-columbus/what-you-need-to-know-about-taking-care-of-your-kids-teeth

And finally! We are celebrating our little patients even a little extra during their appointment this month. Every little patient gets to pick his or her own Silly Squishy when in the office – and that is of course on t0p of their trip to the prize box if they’re part of the Northstar Family Dental “No Cavity Club.”

Call our Westerville office at 614-682-6213 or our Lewis Center office at 740-739-4240 to get your little one on our schedule this month!

A Wonderful Year In Review

Dec 31, 2018 |

Seasons greetings to the best patients in town! We are taking the opportunity to reflect on what has ended up being one of our BIGGEST years yet. As we look back on 2018, we realize there are so many accomplishments and milestones that we are proud of and excited about.

We thought we would share a few highlights with you!

In April, we hosted our first VIP exclusive event at Juniper Roof Top Lounge and Dr. Kulesa was awarded the prestigious Dr. Jeffery M. Gibbs Memorial Excellence in Dentistry Award by the Dental Network Group, for exemplifying the highest standards of excellence in the practice of dentistry.

 

June was a particularly fun month for our team, who participated in the Westerville Chamber of Commerce Uptown Shuffle event. This month also brought the exciting news that Dr. Kulesa was recognized by Smart Business Magazine as one of the 50 Smart Business Owners in the greater Columbus area.

 

Dr. Kulesa made several appearances on GoodDay Columbus in 2018 to offer her dental expertise on everything from the best teeth whitening treatments to how to keep your kids’ teeth and mouth healthy.

 

In September, our team hosted our second Dentistry from the Heart event – opening our doors to the public to provide an entire day of completely FREE dental care!

 

In October, Dr. Pheifer welcomed baby number two – Miss Ada Jean!

 

In November, we committed to taking our first mission trip in the spring of 2019! Our team will travel to the rural, impoverished areas of the Dominican Republic to provide the residents with desperately needed oral care. Each member of our travel team has committed to covering their own travel and related expenses. To help manage the cost burden, we have created a t-shirt fundraiser. Check out the shirts at the link below and please consider supporting our team and this cause!

https://stores.inksoft.com/northstarfamilydental/shop/home

 

Finally, in December, we opened our SECOND location in Lewis Center and launched a new, improved website, all in the effort to better serve you!

 

We’ve enjoyed looking back on such an exciting year. And we couldn’t imagine it without the support and loyalty of the greatest patients in the world. We are looking forward to sharing many more great experiences with you in 2019!

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Apr 16, 2018 |

What is Oral Cancer?

Cancer is defined as the uncontrollable growth of cells that invade and cause damage to surrounding tissue. In the simplest terms, oral cancer is any cancer of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses and pharynx.

  • According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, nearly 49,750 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year.
  • Worldwide, the problem is much greater, with new cases exceeding 650,000 annually.
  • One person will die every hour of every day 24/7/365 from oral cancer in the US.

Who is at Risk of Oral Cancer?

While historically the majority of people were over the age of 40 at the time of discovery, it is now occurring more frequently in those under this age. Exact causes for those affected at a younger age are now becoming clearer in research, revealing a viral cause; the human papilloma virus number 16 (HPV16).

  • The fastest growing population of the oral cancer population are those who have been diagnosed with HPV16 and young Non-Smokers.

Which means, do NOT wait until you are in your 40s to be screened! Remember, early detection can save your life! (see more about screening and early detection below)

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer?

  • A sore, lump or ulcer on the lip or in the mouth that does not heal
  • A lump on the lip or in the mouth A lump in the neck
  • A white or red patch on the gums, tongue or lining of the mouth
  • Unusual bleeding, pain or numbness in the mouth
  • Oral pain that does not go away or a feeling that something is caught in the throat
  • Difficulty or pain with chewing or swallowing
  • Difficulty with jaw opening
  • Swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable
  • Tooth loosening
  • Bad breath
  • Sensory loss of the face
  • Abnormal taste in the mouth
  • Swallowing difficulty

 

How Can You Check for Oral Cancer?

You can and SHOULD have an Oral Cancer screening performed by your dentists or hygienist.

At Northstar Family Dental, we use an innovative tool that utilizes light technology to enhance visualization of mucosal abnormalities such as oral cancer or premalignant dysplasia that may not be apparent to the naked eye. And unlike other fluorescence technologies and dye systems, our tool is Multi-Spectral with three distinct color wavelengths, making it easier to distinguish lesion morphology and vasculature aiding the dental professional in determining next steps.

In other words, we can complete a painless, non-invasive screening in a matter of minutes that can provide you with peace of mind. Or more importantly, can allow for early detection of suspicious tissue, in which case the proper next steps can be taken to ensure the most positive outcome.

Please consider completing an Oral Cancer screening during your next dental visit. And encourage your loved ones to do so as well. Currently, 40% of those diagnosed with oral cancer will die within five years because the majority of these cases will be discovered as a late stage malignancy. Help us make a positive shift in the percentages.

#EARLYDETECTIONSAVESLIVES #OralCancerAwarenessMonth

 

Two is good. Four is Better.

Two is good. Four is Better.

Jan 28, 2018 |

At Northstar Family Dental, our philosophy is preventative care. It is much easier to prevent gum disease and other common oral health issues than it is to treat them.

Plaque and bacteria, which are a leading cause of gum disease and tooth loss, can rebuild in as little as 90 days! Which is long before the traditional six-month cleaning appointment. Two is good. Four is better.

As gum disease advances, plaque moves further down the tooth where it can destroy the supporting bone in your jaw, causing teeth to loosen and fall out. Luckily, the chance of this happening can be greatly reduced through frequent dental cleanings combined with good oral hygiene habits. Two is good. Four is better.

The health benefits span far beyond your mouth. Studies have shown a connection between oral and overall health. Regular dental cleanings may help lower your risk for some diseases, like heart disease and stroke. Many medical conditions, some of them life-threatening, can be detected in their early stages by your dentist or hygienist during a routine oral exam. Two is good. Four is better.

In addition to the obvious health benefits of frequent cleanings, there are cosmetic advantages. Drinking coffee, tea and wine or using tobacco products can stain your teeth at a rapid rate. Dental cleanings can remove built-up stains which dull the luster of your teeth. A professional clean and polish results in a beautiful, bright smile like only a visit to the dentist can achieve. Two is good. Four is better.

And finally, there are social benefits. While good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent bad breath, if you notice persistently un fresh breath, more frequent cleanings may be the best way to keep your mouth healthy and odor free, resulting in a boost in confidence in social environments. Two is good. Four is better.

 

Because we believe strongly in this preventative oral care philosophy, we are committed to offering this very important option to you and your family at an affordable cost. call our dental office in Westerville at 614-682-6213 or our Lewis Center office at 740-739-4240, to speak with a scheduling coordinator about possible insurance coverage and out of pocket costs.

The Facts on Fluoride

The Facts on Fluoride

Nov 30, 2017 |

If you’re a Northstar Family Dental patient, you have probably been offered a fluoride treatment during one of your routine visits. We’re often asked about the benefits, restrictions after treatment and the myths about negative effects of fluoride. So we thought we would answer the questions that we hear the most all right here!

Fact 1: Fluoride is a mineral from the crust of the earth that occurs naturally in all water sources. Research has shown that fluoride not only reduces cavities in children and adults, but it also helps repair the early stages of tooth decay, even before the decay is visible. When it reaches your teeth, fluoride is absorbed into the enamel. It helps to repair the enamel by replenishing the lost calcium and phosphorous to keep your teeth hard. In other words, fluoride is GOOD!

Fact 2: Although fluoride is found in natural sources such as drinking water, it is often not in a high enough quantity to prevent dental decay. Which is why the ADA and our team suggest supplementing.

Fact 3: Topical versus Systemic Fluorides. Topical fluorides are applied directly to the tooth enamel. Some examples include fluoride toothpastes and mouthrinses, as well as fluoride treatment that we perform in our office. However, the fluoride treatment that we use in the office is a much stronger concentration than that in toothpastes or fluoride mouthrinses that may be available in a store or at a pharmacy. Systemic fluorides are those that are swallowed. Examples include fluoridated water and dietary fluoride supplements. The maximum reduction in cavities is achieved when fluoride is available both topically and systemically.

Fact 4: Your fluoride treatments will take only a matter of minutes, can be completed during your routine cleaning appointment and is painless. After the treatment, we ask that you not eat or drink anything hot or cold for 30 minutes or brush/floss for six hours. Other than that, there is no downtime or side effects.

Fact 5: Depending on your oral health status, we may recommend treatments every three, six or 12 months. If you are at moderate or high risk of developing cavities, we may discuss additional preventative care solutions.

The next time you’re in our office, we urge you to consider a fluoride treatment to further protect you and your loved one’s overall oral health. The best part…most months, we donate $2 for every fluoride treatment administered to a non-profit charitable organization.

http://www.northstarfamilydental.com/community-involvement/

Ask your hygienist for details!

Ms. Liza Green, Dental Hygienist of Northstar Family Dental Westernville OH

Liza Green, RDH, Contributing Editor

 

 

Posted by tiffanyf on Nov 30th, 2017 11:40 am

Halloween Doesn’t Have to be a Nightmare for Your Kids’ Teeth

Halloween Doesn’t Have to be a Nightmare for Your Kids’ Teeth

Oct 24, 2017 |

It’s that time of year again and we’re here to reassure you that Halloween treats – in moderation – are nothing to worry about.

In fact this fun holiday can even present an opportunity to teach your children about good oral health habits.

Our top tips for a successful Halloween season:

  • Moderation. Once your child arrives home from trick-or-treating or Halloween parties with their collected goodies, help them go through their treats and have them pick an allotted amount of their favorites. The rest should be out of sight, out of mind. We’ve had great success donating left over candy to local food banks, the fire station or police department as a gesture to our community service men and women.
  • Choosing the right TYPE of treat. If possible, try to steer kids away from the super sticky treats that have a tendency to really stick down in the grooves of teeth. Think: taffy, gummies and caramels. The length of time that sugary food is in your mouth plays a role in tooth decay…which leads us to our next tip…
  • Brush as soon as possible. We know you won’t always have access to brush immediately after enjoying candy. To help in the meantime, encourage your kiddos to drink water during or right after eating their can dy, which will help wash away some of the excess sugar. And then of course, brush with extra care as soon as the opportunity is available.
  • Parents helping other parents. You can be an active part in helping keep little mouths healthy this Halloween. Be selective when choosing the treats that YOU will pass out during trick-or-treat or parties. Your best bet is to choose chocolate over sticky, gummy, hard or sour options. Dark chocolate in particular has less sugar than milk chocolate. And this is good news since chocolate is usually a crowd favorite!

From all of us at Northstar Family Dental, we wish you a happy, safe, and fun Halloween season! Don’t forget to schedule your little ghosts and goblins’ checkup before the end of the year – not only is it smart to get checked out during the holiday season with its excess in sugary consumption – but your 2017 benefits will be expiring soon! Now that’s scary!

Posted by tiffany on Oct 14th, 2017 10:59 am

Why Your Child’s First Dental Visit is So Important

Why Your Child’s First Dental Visit is So Important

Jul 26, 2017 |

“Amazing experience with my anxious 7 year old son. Friendly and accommodating staff and a superbly clean office. Awesome list of “comfort” items helped ease my sons fears (he thinks watching TV while getting dental work done is the best thing ever!) This is the third dentist we have been to with him, and as the saying goes, third time’s the charm.” – Kelly H. (GOOGLE)

Believe it or not, your child’s first experience with a dental office can shape their feelings about dental visits for a lifetime. With the number one reason cited for not seeing a dentist regularly being “a bad previous experience,” a good first impression is critical.

Even the most advanced techniques and skilled dental professionals will have a hard time erasing a bad memory, which is why it is so important to start with a positive experience.

At Northstar Family Dental, our team recognizes the implications of a child’s first few visits. Which is why we take a thoughtful and purposeful approach to ensure your little one associates the dentist office with a safe, happy and friendly environment. 

Each child is greeted by one of our friendly team members and shown around the office – giving them time to relax and ask questions. Their tour includes a visit to the prize box which they will be able to return to pick a prize after they’ve completed their checkup.

Once in the room, they get their choice of kid-favorite television channel to watch during their checkup and cleaning. Our hygienists have perfected the art of the kid-friendly cleaning through the use of vivid communication that children can understand and relate to. We use “magical paint” (toothpaste), of their flavor choice, to get rid of the “sugar bugs.” The kids are also encouraged to help count their teeth and check to make sure they are healthy and clean.

Keeping the kids involved and letting them help make decisions, prevents them from feeling out of control of the situation leading to nervousness and anxiety, while also keeping them distracted from the fact that they’re getting a checkup!

And good oral health care habits are not to go unrewarded. In addition to picking from the prize box – when a child is cavity free, they join our No Cavity Club – which enters them into a drawing for exciting prizes like Columbus Clippers tickets, Columbus Zoo memberships, Toys R Us gift cards and more!

 

However, even more important than all the fun offered during a Northstar Family Dental visit; if a child is still feeling unsure and resists the checkup – we will never force any treatment. Pressuring a child could leave them feeling even more anxious and stimulate negative feelings toward future appointments. If the only thing we do during an initial visit is a quick visual exam and pep talk about at-home care – that is okay! Even a nervous child will warm up to the idea of an exam as long as they are treated in a manner that builds trust.

 

 

Tips on Caring for Your Child’s Teeth at Home

Nutrition:

  1. Be mindful of snack choices. Try to avoid foods that are going to stick to your child’s teeth. (Think gummy snacks, candy, jelly and jams)
  2.  Make sure the kiddos are drinking plenty of water. When possible, try to avoid juices, soda and sports drinks which are high in sugar and acidity.
  3. Get your greens! It’s probably no surprise to see foods like broccoli and leafy greens included on a list of what your child should be consuming. They’re full of vitamins and minerals while being low in calories. They are also high in calcium, which helps in building your child’s enamel.
  4. Try crunchy, high fiber foods like apples, celery and carrots. While many fruits get a bad wrap because of their sugar content, apples are relatively low in sugar, but high in fiber and help scrub away plaque.

Brushing:

  1. Parents should be helping their kids brush until they are able to do it themselves well. Most parents are surprised to learn that it is not until age nine or 10 that a child knows how to properly and effectively brush by themselves! It is essential to check their brushing to ensure everything is getting cleaned to prevent decay.
  2. Get them excited about oral health! In addition to informative children’s books, there are several digital resources available to parents. One of our favorite websites is 2MIN2X, which features fun videos, brushing games, printable checklists, etc. Check it out at the link below!

http://2min2x.org/

We would love to see your little one in our office for their first visit. We promise to provide a memorable experience that will be sure to get them excited about oral health and future visits to the dentists!

For more information about Dental Fillings or to schedule a consultation with one of Northstar Family Dental’s Dentists,
call our dental office in Westerville at 614-682-6213 or our Lewis Center office at 740-739-4240.

Cassie Wise, RDH, Contributing Editor

Posted by tiffany on Jun 26th, 2017 1:18 pm

Is Botox, Juvederm or Radiesse right for you?

Is Botox, Juvederm or Radiesse right for you?

May 28, 2017 |

Are you unhappy with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles?

Consider BOTOX® Cosmetic, the only FDA approved treatment to temporarily improve both moderate to severe frown lines between the brows and fine lines around the eyes (commonly referred to as “crows feet”) in adults. This simple, yet effective, treatment typically takes only about 10 minutes to complete in the comfort and privacy of our office – and has been proven to last up to four months.

Do you suffer from chronic migraines or teeth grinding?

BOTOX® is the first and only FDA-approved preventive treatment for chronic migraines. Unlike acute treatments, which are used to treat a headache or migraine once it’s already begun, BOTOX® prevents headaches and migraines before they even start.

What is JUVÉDERM®?

JUVÉDERM®  is a non-surgical treatment to lift and contour the cheek area, smooth wrinkles and lines, and even enhance your lips. Over time, the cheeks flatten and lips lose fullness. This is caused by a natural loss of volume. JUVÉDERM® combats these signs of aging by adding subtle and smooth volume beneath the skin’s surface to lift and contour cheeks and lips.  Results are not only instantaneous – the outcome looks natural and is long lasting. In fact, JUVÉDERM® is the only filler proven to last up to two years in the cheek area.

Our newest product, JUVÉDERM® Volbella XC is the first and only FDA approved filler proven to increase lip fullness and soften the appearance of vertical lip lines for up to one year.

JUVÉDERM® also contains lidocaine to help reduce discomfort during the treatment. With the amazing benefits, it is no surprise that JUVÉDERM® is the #1 selling collection of filler in the U.S.

What is RADIESSE®?

RADIESSE® is a dermal filler that is used for smoothing moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds (the creases that extend from the corner of your nose to the corner of your mouth) and for correcting volume loss in the back of the hands.  The filler works immediately to add instant volume under the skin. Over time, the benefits of RADIESSE® continue by stimulating your body’s own natural collagen. Results have been shown to last a year or longer in many patients; making the treatment results both immediate and long lasting.

What will I look like with BOTOX®,  JUVÉDERM® or RADIESSE® treatment?

Still not convinced? Download the Treatment Visualizer to see how amazing the results could look on YOU! https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/juvederm-treatment-visualizer/id501612171?mt=8

We always offer complimentary consultations to ensure that you confidently choose the best treatment option for your individual needs. Let the experts at Northstar Family Dental help you discover the results that everyone will notice, but no one will know.

For more information about Dental Fillings or to schedule a consultation with one of Northstar Family Dental’s Dentists,
call our dental office in Westerville at 614-682-6213 or our Lewis Center office at 740-739-4240.

Jessica Bowersock, Certified Dental Assistant, Certified Advanced Esthetician

Contributing Editor

Posted by tiffany on May 28th, 2017 10:14 am

Why the need for Dental Implants?

May 8, 2017 |

Despite continuous advancements in dental technology and improvements in oral health, millions of Americans still struggle with tooth loss. This is typically the result of tooth decay, periodontal disease, or injury. For many years, bridges and dentures were the only treatment options for people suffering from tooth loss. Not anymore.

Today, oral surgeons can offer a different solution in the form of Dental Implants. Implants look, feel, and function like your natural teeth, allowing you to eat, smile and communicate as confidently as you would with your natural teeth.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth “roots” that are placed into the jaw to help hold the replacement teeth in place. The implants themselves are small titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The posts act as anchors and provide a strong foundation for the replacement teeth, which are made to match your natural teeth.

What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?

Improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. And because they are designed to fuse with bone, they become permanent.

Improved speech. Often, a patient with dentures will experience gradual movement and poor fit of the replacement teeth over time causing disrupted or difficulty with speech. Because Dental Implants are permanently placed, they allow you to speak without the worry that the teeth might slip.

Improved comfort and convenience. Because they become part of you, implants eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures which don’t always fit identically to your jawline. They eliminate the embarrassing inconvenience of removing dentures, as well as the need for messy adhesives to keep them in place.

Easier eating. Dental implants function like your own teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods with confidence and without pain.

Improved self-esteem. If you’ve struggled with tooth loss, you can imagine how having a full set of natural looking and feeling teeth can improve your quality of life. Dental Implants can restore your smile and renew your self-confidence in personal, work and social environments.

Improved oral health. Dental implants don’t require removal of tooth structure to adjacent teeth, as a tooth-supported bridge does. Because nearby teeth are not altered to support the implant, more of your own teeth are left intact, improving long-term oral health. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, making it easy to maintain optimal oral hygiene.

Durability. Implants are very durable and with regular dental hygiene maintenance, many implants last a lifetime with no needs to repair or replace.

Who is a Good Candidate for Implants?

In most cases, anyone healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery can be considered for a dental implant.

Northstar Family Dental’s Certified Oral Surgeon, Dr. Julie Park, will meet with you individually to understand your personal needs and confirm that implants are an ideal solution for you.

Dr. Park will work closely with you and your Northstar Family Dental general dentist to develop an individualized treatment plan. This team approach; partnering you with professionals who are specially trained and experienced in oral surgery and restorative dentistry will ensure a comfortable and streamlined experience, guaranteeing the best possible outcome.

Are Dental Implants Painful?

The majority of dental implant patients report that there is very little discomfort involved in the procedure. If necessary, oral and  IV sedation are available for added comfort and reduced anxiety. However, most patients describe the amount of pain experienced to be less than that of a tooth extraction.

What Type of Success Can Be Expected from a Dental Implant?

As with any surgical procedure results may vary from patient to patient. However, in general, dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%. With proper care, implants can last a lifetime.

If you are considering implants…

For more information about Dental Fillings or to schedule a consultation with one of Northstar Family Dental’s Dentists,
call our dental office in Westerville at 614-682-6213 or our Lewis Center office at 740-739-4240.

Dr. Julie Park, DMD

Contributing editor

Posted by mindyp on May 8th, 2017 8:20 am

Why is My Tooth Sensitive?

Why is My Tooth Sensitive?

Sep 24, 2015 |

Tooth sensitivity, tooth pain, biting pain, gum pain — they are all uncomfortable, annoying, and scary occurrences…  A sensation in your tooth can be cause by a multitude of things, ranging from gum recession and root exposure, to sinus pressure, to tooth decay and infection.

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity:

1. “Idiopathic Hypersensitivity”

A tooth may be sensitive for a short time with no cause, no treatment, and it will go away!  Good news!

2. Sinus Pressure

May cause teeth to feel uncomfortable and achy/painful.  The sensation may become more apparent when walking up stairs, running, or with exercise.  If this is the suspected cause, we may refer you to you Primary Care Physician for a confirmed diagnosis and treatment.

3. Gum Recession

Caused (usually) by brushing too hard or using a medium/hard bristled toothbrush, gum recession can also be intensified by tooth grinding and/or clenching.  Many treatments are available, depending on the severity of this condition.

4. Tooth Grinding (Bruxism), Tooth Clenching Habit

In addition to causing damage to the structure of your teeth, tooth grinding and clenching make teeth hypersensitive due to the forces and pressures exerted.  This habit can also cause loss of
enamel near the gumline of teeth.  Treatment usually includes an occlusal (night) guard, and possibly treatment to cover areas of enamel loss.

sens teeth cartoon5. Missing/Loose Fillings

The inner surface of your tooth is exposed and we must cover it!

6. Cavities

7. Cracked Teeth

Cracked teeth can lead to temperature sensitivity, or sensitivity when chewing.  However, recent research shows that 70% of cracked teeth cause no symptoms!  Cracked teeth need treated ASAP before the crack progresses.

8. Abscess/Infected Tooth

Usually causes spontaneous pain, sometimes swelling, and/or pain that comes and goes over time.  Come see us immediately!

9. Gum Disease

This can cause root exposure, but also active infection of your gums can make both your gums and teeth painful.

Whatever the cause of your sensitive teeth, we can help.  We are expertly trained in the diagnosis and management of tooth sensitivity (in addition to a lot of other things!), and we would love to alleviate your annoying tooth discomfort! 🙂

Dr. B

Posted by drbb on Sep 24th, 2015 10:38 am

Thinking About Having a Baby, or Recently Pregnant?

Thinking About Having a Baby, or Recently Pregnant?

Jun 9, 2015 |

When you’re planning a family, visiting the dentist may not be at the top of your priority list.  However, if you’re thinking about having a baby or are recently pregnant, a dental cleaning and check-up is best done sooner rather than later.

Good oral health is a component of good overall health, both for you and for your baby…

And the good news is, dental care is safe and essential during pregnancy.

Below are answers to common questions about dental treatment and pregnancy, as well as oral care tips for pregnant women.

Don’t forget to come see us during this crazy, chaotic time!

Regular Visits to Monitor Pregnancy Gingivitis

Increase in hormones during pregnancy increases blood flow to the gums, which can cause swelling and tenderness.  It can also cause “pregnancy gingivitis,” Read the rest of this entry »

Posted by drbb on Jun 9th, 2015 12:23 pm

Our Philosophy

Our Philosophy

Mar 25, 2015 |

Our philosophy at Northstar Family Dental is simple:  We strive to provide high quality, comfortable, comprehensive care with a strong focus on prevention and education.  Overall, we treat each patient as an individual, keeping their own goals, concerns and personal philosophies in mind.  I want to break down each part of our philosophy, in order to describe in greater depth what we are all about.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted by drbb on Mar 25th, 2015 11:07 am

Is Sleep Apnea Affecting Your Quality of Life?

Jan 21, 2015 |

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) affects millions of adults in the U.S. — an estimated 1 in 5 Americans— yet studies show that up to 80% of these cases are undetected.

OSA is caused by obstruction of the airway that occurs when the jaw falls back during sleep, collapsing the airway.  As a reaction, the brain is triggered, causing one to come out of deep sleep to regain control of the jaw muscles to re-open the airway to allow for breathing to resume.  This can occur 5-70 times per hour — dramatically effecting quality of sleep.

Cleft Lip & Palate Facts

Cleft Lip & Palate Facts

Oct 6, 2014 |

What’s a Cleft Lip or Cleft Palate?
Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects — they happen when a baby is developing.
Cleft lip is a split in the upper lip — either one or two sides of the lip — creating a wider opening into the nose. Cleft Palate is a split in the roof of the mouth, leaving a hole between the nose and mouth.

How common are they?
Cleft lip and/or palate are very common and occur in about 1 or 2 of every 1,000 babies born in the United States each year.

When do they occur?
These defects occur between 6 and 12 weeks in utero. Because the lips and palate develop separately, it’s possible to have cleft lip alone, cleft palate alone, or both together.

What is the cause?
The cause is not always known. Sometimes it is hereditary or part of a syndrome (meaning there are birth defects in other body parts too), It may be related to what happened during a mother’s pregnancy (medications, lack of certain vitamins, exposure to cigarette smoke).

What other problems do these babies have?
Feeding problems… Because there is a hole between the nose and mouth milk can come out of the nose, can happen every time they drink.Ear/hearing problems… Can have hearing loss (may be caused by fluid building up inside the ear).Dental problems… Small teeth, missing teeth, extra teeth, crooked teeth, etc. Speech problems…Kids with cleft palate find their soft palate sometimes does not move well and lets too much air leak out the nose while speaking; makes them sound nasally.

What doctors treat babies with cleft lip and/or palate?
It takes a team of different types of specialists! (plastic surgeon, a speech-language pathologist, an orthodontist, an otolaryngologist (ENT), an oral surgeon, a dentist, a geneticist, a social worker, a psychologist, an audiologist)

What is the treatment for cleft lip and/or palate?
It takes several surgeries. Cleft lip is usually repaired between 3 to 6 months old; cleft palate is usually repaired at 9-12 months old. They then have a bone graft when they’re about 8 years old (usually from the kid’s hip, and uses it to fill in the gap in the upper gum area).

HOW CAN I HELP?
Help us Sponsor A Smile through the Free to Smile Foundation!! Free to Smile Foundation is a nonprofit, humanitarian organization with an all-volunteer staff who works together to help serve the impoverished cleft and palate population around the world.

We are raising money to “Sponsor A Smile.” It takes $275 to provide for one 60 minute surgery. Please stop in to make a donation, or call to donate over the phone. This is a great cause, and we are so thankful for your support!

3 Warning Signs of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

3 Warning Signs of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Sep 30, 2014 |

Wisdom teeth, the last teeth in the mouth to break through the gums and located furthest back in the mouth, usually begin to form in pre-teen years. By late teen years, the these teeth will begin to erupt into the oral cavity… if there is room.

More often than not, our mouths lack the adequate space for these teeth, leading to either full impaction (where the tooth never fully erupts into the mouth), or partial impaction (where the tooth only has room to partially break through the gums). This usually means that the teeth are painfully lodged in the jawbone.

When wisdom teeth are either partially or completely impacted, complications can arise, such as damage to adjacent teeth, gum disease, tooth disease, and cyst development. Sometimes, though, no symptoms are present.

3 Warning Signs of an Impacted Wisdom Tooth:
– Pain and tenderness in the back of the mouth
– Difficulty chewing
– Redness and/or swelling of the gums in the back of the mouth

Treatment
The treatment for impacted wisdom teeth is usually removal. Modern surgical and anesthesia techniques allow for comfortable and efficient removal of wisdom teeth. Recovery time is minimal – usually less than a few days – and most patients experience no more than some swelling after the surgery. We screen for impacted wisdom teeth beginning in the teenage years, as removal can be more difficult with increasing age.

Banish Bad Breath!

Banish Bad Breath!

Aug 8, 2014 |

What Causes Bad Breath

Bacteria. And bacteria’s food is your food. Therefore, to avoid bad breath, the most important habit to maintain is to keep your mouth clean — brush, floss, rinse, and even use a tongue scraper. If you clean away their food, the bacteria can’t proliferate and bad breath is tamed. Cavities and periodontal disease will cause bad breath!

Some foods and drinks.Garlic and onions contain smelly sulfur compounds that linger in your mouth, and then are exhaled after they enter the bloodstream. Coffee and alcohol create an environment that favors bacterial growth. They also dry out your mouth, which perpetuates bad breath.

Dry mouth is a major factor. Saliva is a natural antibacterial, and it washes away food. Remember to stay hydrated. This can help keep nighttime dry mouth at bay and will help to keep away morning breath, as well as daytime bad breath.

A low carb diet can also cause bad breath. Because your body is burning fat instead of sugar/carbs, your body is under a state of ketosis. You develop “ketone breath” because some ketones made by your body are released in your mouth, and they are stinky!

Certain foods can help to banish bad breath.

Green tea – Green tea has antibacterial components that can kill bad breath germs.

Herbs – Herbs (parsley, coriander, cilantro, tarragon, eucalyptus, rosemary, cardamom) contain chlorophyll, which is a natural breath deodorizer. It helps neutralize body odors. Parsley is tasty when added to water. These herbs can also be juiced, chewed on their own, or added to food.

Water – Water helps to decrease dry mouth to neutralize the pH of your saliva, both of which help to fight bad breath. Rinse with water after eating and drinking.

Foods high in Vitamin C – These foods (think oranges, melon, berries) Can stop bacteria from growing and help to neutralize odors from smelly foods.

Yogurt – Live active cultures can help to reduce bad breath. Probiotics in some yogurt varieties can overpower the bad-smelling bacteria.

Cinnamon flavored gum – While mint flavor masks bad breath, cinnamon may actually fight the bacteria causing bad breath. Always remember to buy a sugar-free variety!

If you suffer from bad breath, be sure to discuss it with your dentist. We can offer dietary advice, recommend products, and determine the cause of the problem so that it can be effectively treated. Keep in mind that bad breath can sometimes be an underlying symptom of other health problems, including liver problems, acid reflux, diabetes, and sinus infections.

Invisalign Experience

Invisalign Experience

Jul 11, 2014 |

Ever wondered what Invisalign is like from a patient’s perspective? Watch the video below to hear our patient’s first-hand account. Ashley details what she liked about the treatment, the difficulties she faced, and her overall experience with our team. Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/RznFnHnRC_0

Top 10 Dental Tips

Top 10 Dental Tips

Jun 4, 2014 |

1. Visit the dentist regularly.
Have your teeth cleaned at least 2 times per year. In their early stages, almost all oral diseases lack symptoms and are less expensive and easier to treat.

2. Brush correctly!
Use a soft bristled (or automatic) toothbrush for at least 2 minutes, at least twice per day. Don’t scrub! And don’t forget to brush your gums.

3. Flossing is just as important is brushing.
Each tooth has 5 surfaces and if you are not flossing, you are leaving 2 of these surfaces dirty! Bacteria will flourish, causing gum disease, bone loss, and cavities.

4. Finish every meal and snack (and drink!) with a glass of water.
It will help to bring your mouth back to a neutral pH, which will protect your teeth from acid erosion.

5. Don’t brush after drinking coffee, pop, or juice!
You will literally be scrubbing the acid onto your teeth. Drink some water, and wait as long as possible. Use some mouth rinse in the meantime!

6. If you have a fear of the dentist, let us know!
If it’s the sound of the drill that bothers you, we have noise-cancelling headphones. If you don’t like being numb, we have methods to help with that, too! And if you just want to sleep through your dental visit, sedation dentistry may be best for you.

7. Wear a mouth guard when playing sports to avoid dental trauma.
And if you tend to clench your teeth when lifting weights, a mouth guard will protect your teeth from extensive wear.

8. Clean your tongue using a tongue scraper.
This will help to prevent bad breath and to remove the loads of bacteria that accumulate there. Yuck!

9. Know how to handle dental trauma.
If, unfortunately, you or someone you are with knocks their tooth out, put it in milk (gatorade, or water if you don’t have milk on hand), and call your dentist ASAP! Keeping it stored in this manner will give it the best chance of survival.

10. Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco.
You know the risks! And tobacco + alcohol consumption is what we call an “oral cancer cocktail.” Quit for your health!

No dental insurance? No problem!

May 6, 2014 |

Dental treatment doesn’t have to cost a fortune, even if you don’t have dental insurance coverage. We don’t want you to avoid or delay treatment due to cost, which is why we offer a great in-house dental savings plan.

For a membership fee of $279 (single membership. Dual and family memberships also available for an additional fee), you receive 2 free “healthy mouth” cleanings per year, as well as 2 exams, and bitewing x-rays. Additional procedures are also discounted, from 20-50% off!

Check out this link for more on pricing and member discounts: Northstar Family Dental Dental Savings Plan

Bottom line is, we want you to get the dental care you deserve. If you have a budget, let us know! We will work with you and explore all options, whether it is our DSP, Lending Club, or in-office financing.

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