Advanced + Family Dentistry - June 2019

REPORT THE WELLNESS

June 2019

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www.DaculaDentist.com

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CLINICAL UPDATE Growth Factors and Tissue Engineering

If you’ve had the pleasure (or, perhaps, misfortune) of needing surgery in our office in the past month, you may have heard us discuss drawing some blood to harvest the growth factors within it. Even the 1–2 small vials of blood drawn for these procedures contain millions and millions of cells, including erythrocytes (red blood cells that carry oxygen), leukocytes (white blood cells that create our immune system), and platelets (cell fragments that aid to stop bleeding). While it may sound a little like science fiction, we are now able to harvest these growth factors contained within our white cells and platelets. In particular, we are able to harvest platelet alpha granules, platelet derived growth factors (PGDF), transforming growth factors (TGF β ), and vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF). These growth factors have been proven to dramatically aid in wound healing — especially the postoperative recovery of dental implant surgery, extractions, bone grafting, and many other surgical procedures. We collect growth factors through obtaining a biologic product called platelet rich fibrin, or PRF for short. To create PRF in the dental office, we first draw about 40 milliliters of blood (the volume of roughly half a cup of coffee). This can be done through the IV line if we are doing sedation on a patient, or it

Due to PRF being obtained from your own blood and cells, it is completely safe from the transmission of diseases or risk of rejection by the body. Once blood has been drawn into a specially designed vial, it is then spun in a centrifuge at 3,000 revolutions per minute. This centrifugal force separates the different cells from our blood and isolates only the cells most helpful for wound healing. After being spun, the helpful cells clump together to form a “ball” that can be shaped or molded to the surgical site. As the surgical site heals, these concentrated growth factors serve to not only increase healing times, but also minimize discomfort, swelling, and other side effects. While the idea of adding growth factors and “engineered” tissue to areas of the mouth undergoing surgery may sound like something from the future, this is actually just another example of all the constant advancements in medicine benefiting our patients today! If you have an upcoming surgery or are just curious, ask us about PRF at your next appointment!

can be obtained from the arm in the same way blood samples are drawn as part of routine physicals and bloodwork.

–Dr. Parth Patel

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IS YOUR PILLOW AFFECTING YOUR HEALTH? WHAT BAD PILLOWS DO TO YOU

Acne Breakouts are no fun, and they happen to everyone. Pillowcases tend to collect oil and dirt through constant contact with your skin, hair, and the environment. This buildup can irritate your skin and result in acne. By washing your pillowcase once a week, you can significantly reduce unpleasant breakouts. Allergies Along with collecting dirt and oil, pillows can accumulate dust mites and dead skin cells, which are key triggers for allergies. If you suffer from severe allergies, it’s a good idea to invest in a dustproof, zipper-locked pillowcase to keep irritants away. There’s one excellent way to see if you need a new pillow or not: Try bending it in half. If it returns to its original shape, your pillow is fine, but if it doesn’t, it’s time to invest in a new one.

If you’re feeling stiff and tired during the day or constantly waking up at night, it could be because of your pillow. Many people don’t think about their pillows when it comes to health, but your pillow plays a significant role in your overall well-being. Rest Everyone knows that getting eight hours of sleep per night is ideal for a healthy body and mind, and your pillow can make all the difference in how you sleep. A lousy pillow causes discomfort and makes it difficult to relax, which can prevent you from getting the quality of sleep that is best for your health. Stiffness The way you sleep is connected to the type of pillow you use at night. For instance, a side sleeper needs a thicker pillow to support their neck, while a back sleeper needs a thinner one. Your pillow should allow your neck to rest comfortably without straining your muscles. If you’re sleeping with the wrong kind, it can cause stiffness and pain in the neck, which can lead to dizziness, anxiety, nausea, and headaches.

WHAT OUR PATIENTS ARE SAYING

“Dr. Patel and his staff are very professional, knowledgeable, and caring. They went out of their way to work with my schedule and see me quickly. They made me feel very comfortable on my first visit.” –LIBBY H.

“I love this place! When I walked in, Victoria greeted me with the biggest smile and even offered to make me a cup of coffee while I filled out my paperwork. I was seen on time, they were thorough, and they explained everything to me each step of the way. I was a little nervous checking out a new dental office, but I am so glad I made the switch!” –JENNY P.

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Shame-Free Dentistry WHY THE BEST DENTAL PROFESSIONALS WILL NEVER MAKE YOU FEEL INADEQUATE

It’s normal to feel the jitters before you head to the dentist. This nervousness is nearly universal, especially for new patients. But if there’s one feeling we don’t want you to ever worry about before making your way into our office, it’s shame. All too often, patients put off going to the dentist because they feel guilty about the condition of their teeth. Maybe they’re worried about being subjected to another lecture on proper flossing or have forgotten to brush for so many days that they feel embarrassed having somebody examine their gums. For someone who is so self-conscious about their smile that they hide it day in and day out, it can be terrifying to imagine a trained professional taking a long, hard look at their teeth. But make no mistake: Dentists are there to help, not humiliate. Any dental professional worth their salt will never, ever make you feel ashamed about your smile. After all, it’s in the best interest of doctor and patient to keep you as comfortable and happy as possible during your visit. Dentists know that the surest way to keep patients from coming through their doors is to make them feel guilty and inadequate. That’s

why those long- winded lectures from down high are largely a thing of the past in the dental field and have been replaced by cooperation and compassion.

And if you think your teeth are somehow the worst the dentist will have ever seen, think again. Dentists see hundreds of patients, each with their own struggles and concerns, and many of their conditions are more serious than you can imagine. They’re not about to wag their fingers and judge you. Instead, they’ll do everything they can to restore your confidence and guide you down a proper treatment path to long-term dental health. Shame is far too common among dental patients, but it doesn’t have to be. Come visit our office and experience what positive, guilt-free dentistry can do for you!

SMILE-FRIENDLY RECIPES

SUDOKU

ZUCCHINI SALAD WITH TOASTED HAZELNUTS With raw zucchini, toasted hazelnuts, and a robust Parmigiano-Reggiano, this early summer salad is a delight of different textures and flavors that will make a great side at your next cookout.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup toasted hazelnuts, coarsely chopped • Mint leaves, for garnish • Parmesan cheese, preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano, for garnish

• 3 small zucchini (3/4 lb.) • 1/2 tsp lemon zest, grated • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Using a mandolin or very sharp knife, slice zucchini lengthwise into extremely thin, wide ribbons. 2. Arrange zucchini ribbons on a plate, sprinkle with lemon zest, and drizzle with juice. 3. Drizzle oil over zucchini, season with salt and pepper, and toss. 4. Scatter hazelnuts over the top, garnish with mint and cheese, and serve.

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

Tissue Engineering PAGE 1 Pillow Talk What Our Patients Are Saying PAGE 2 Guilt, Shame, and Embarrassment At the Dentist Zucchini Salad With Toasted Hazelnuts PAGE 3 Exploring the River of No Return PAGE 4

Wilderness has plenty of other ways to enjoy the wild mountain country. There are several lodges that were grandfathered in to the wilderness area, most of which are only accessible by jet boat, light aircraft, or good old-fashioned hiking. Some, like the Middle Fork Lodge, offer five-star accommodations, located conveniently close to one of the area’s many natural hot springs. Those with the right permits will find the rivers and lakes full of fishing opportunities, and the surrounding pine forests are teeming with game. LODGES? I JUST WANT TO GET AWAY FROM IT ALL. For those looking for a truly unplugged experience, backpacking to the many campsites scattered throughout the region can be an incredible journey. If you spend a night beside the crystal-clear waters of Langer Lake, hundreds of miles away from any light pollution, you’ll find peace, quiet, and a sky bursting with stars. If you’ve ever wanted to experience a truly untamed part of the United States, Idaho is the hidden gem you’ve been looking for. The Unspoiled Beauty of Central Idaho JOURNEY DOWN A RIVER OF NO RETURN

There’s more to Idaho than potatoes. Sitting square in the center of the Gem State is one of the largest contiguous areas of protected wilderness in the U.S. While the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area may not roll off the tongue as easy as Yellowstone or Yosemite, this 2 million-acre swath of mountains, gorges, and alpine lakes offers something for outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes. RIVER OF NO WHAT, NOW? The name of the wilderness may sound a little ominous at first — who wants to travel down a river of no return? — but in truth, it’s a title from times gone by when canoes and small watercraft could travel down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River swiftly but couldn’t fight the current going back up. Today, those same rapids make the Middle Fork a wildly popular whitewater rafting destination, with plenty of local and out-of-state enthusiasts making a return journey every summer.

RAFTING ISN’T FOR ME. WHAT ELSE YOU GOT? If crashing down 300 Class III rapids isn’t your speed, the Frank Church

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