Summer Newsletter

We are about halfway through the summer and we hope that you’ve enjoyed it as much as we have…despite that heat.
 
For the first time in the seven-plus years in owning the practice, Dr. Jones decided to close the office the first week of July.  During this week, she drove her fabulous-four to Chicago!  They visited the Shedd Aquarium, Willis (Sears) Tower, Navy Pier and enjoyed lots of wonderful food.

Trip Tip from Dr. Jones:  If you plan on visiting a larger city, purchase you and your family City Passes.  This gets you into all the touristy places for a little less money and without having to wait in the long lines!
 
Dental Travel Trips
 
It is not uncommon for us to receive a call from a patient letting us know that they are about to leave for vacation, but need to come in because their tooth started acting up.  Hopefully, it is something minor and a quick exam with Dr. Jones will determine that it is something that can wait until you come home.  Here are some tips from the American Dental Association to help you on your next vacation:

1. Check-ups:  Keep up on your routine dental checkups and cleanings.  Not only will you have a beautiful healthy smile for vacation pictures, but Dr. Jones will be able to find any areas that may cause problems. *If dental treatment is suggested, be sure to ask Dr. Jones if she thinks it can wait until after a trip.  It is better to get something repaired before a trip so it is off your mind and you can enjoy your adventure!
   
2. Emergencies (local):  Get out your cell phone right now.  Do you have our phone number in it?  If not, place us in your contacts now!  That number is 913-491-0077.  We leave Dr. Jones’ emergency contact number on the out-going message.  In most cases, she is able to resolve dental emergencies over the phone.  She can differentiate between a true emergency and something that can wait until you return.
3. Emergencies (overseas):  If you are out of the country and have a dental emergency, it is suggested to get in contact with the local consulate or U.S. Embassy.  It is okay to ask the hotel concierge.  However, the U.S. Embassy will give you an independent recommendation; not someone that is potentially driving a business because of a contract.
   
4. Forgotten toothbrush:  It is not unusual to leave your toiletry bag as the last thing to pack.  And because it is the last item, it is common to leave behind your toothbrush.  If you find yourself without a toothbrush, first try calling the Front Desk of the hotel.  If you still unable to get one, be sure to rinse vigorously with water to rinse away food debris and cavity causing bacteria.  You can put some toothpaste on a clean washcloth or a clean finger in a pinch.  Finally, be sure to get to the nearest drugstore to find an ADA approved toothbrush….or the softest one you can find.
   
5. Packing your dental gear:  Place your toothbrush in a resealable bag to keep it clean and out of contact with your other toiletry items.  It is more important to keep your toothbrush separate from other items than it is to keep it dry.
6. Crowns and fillings:  If you have a crown come off, be sure to keep it in a clean baggy and placed somewhere that it will not get lost.  Keep that area clean by continuing to brush gently.  The same applies for if a filling comes out.  Although you do not need to save the piece that comes out, brush gently and keep area clean until you can get it repaired.
7. Be sure to pack gum in your carry-on:  Chewing a piece of sugarless gum can help relieve ear pressure during a flight.  Research also shows that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after a meal can help prevent cavities.  Gum helps produce saliva which helps wash away the cavity-causing bacteria.
   
8. Brush with bottled water:  If you are somewhere where you are not sure of the water supply, use bottled water.  Use to brush, rinse your mouth and rinse toothbrush, too.
9. Get back to your normal routine!  If you let things slide on your vacation, be sure to get back into healthy habits of brushing and flossing.  Remember, we want you to brush at least two times a day for two minutes each time.  And don’t forget flossing….EVER DAY!

 
Do you use CareCredit?
 
For patients that use CareCredit, you have a new option on how you pay!  You are now able to pay your balance online though CareCredit.com!  Once you receive our Billing Statement, you can go to www.carecredit.com/pay, select your provider, enter statement information, choose a promotional option and verify and submit payment.  We ask that all patients using CareCredit to submit payment this way unless you are here in the office paying for treatment at the time of service.
 
We end this Newsletter with a big THANK YOU!  Thank you all for being a part of our practice.  Thank you for referring friends, family and co-workers and helping a locally owned small business grow!
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