Calapooia Dental - March 2019

Calapooia Dental - March 2019

Different Paths HOW I FOUND MY WAY TO DENTISTRY In high school, my best friend, David White, and I were both considering a career in dentistry. David was sure that’s what he wanted, but as I learned more, I fell in love with biology and research. I went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology and eventually obtained a doctorate in developmental biology as a researcher at Stanford University. Meanwhile, David stuck with his ambitions and graduated from dental school. Then, I hit a crossroad. The professor life wasn’t appealing for me, and the track I was on ended there. Dr. White suggested I consider dentistry again, and trusting the advice of a friend I had known since middle school, I began observing under Dr. James Cox, a dentist in Palo Alto, California. Dr. Cox became a great mentor for me, and I decided to take a dive into dental school. It had been a long road to dentistry, but after graduating with a dental degree from Oregon Health & Science University, I wanted to learn more. I made the 437-mile trek from Eugene, Oregon — the place I called home for most of my life — to a residency program in Meridian, Idaho. During this program, I learned more about extracting wisdom teeth, IV sedation, complex treatment plans, and dental implants. By the time I left that program, I knew I wanted to take the vast knowledge I had gleaned and return home to western Oregon. I sent out about 100 letters to various dentists in the area, hoping one would give me a chance. But only one dentist responded to that letter. Dr. Patrick Hagerty, who many of Calapooia Family Dental’s patients will remember, let me know that even though he didn’t have a job for me, he was still interested. We kept in touch, and I eventually came to work for Dr. Hagerty, who quickly became another knowledgeable source for me. Eventually, Dr. Hagerty sold his practice to me, and I ran with the same focus he had built over his tenure in Albany.

Patients who have been dedicated members of this practice know that Dr. Hagerty is known for his quality care as well as his passion for helping those who struggle in a traditional dental setting because of their physical or mental needs. I tried to fill his big shoes by continuing his special needs dental work in the hospital, and it’s since become a passion of mine. Once a week, I continue Dr. Hagerty’s legacy and see patients with special needs, such as autism or Down Syndrome, at Albany General Hospital. Since it can be difficult for these patients to sit through a whole dental appointment, they undergo general anesthesia. I cannot communicate directly with the patient during the appointment, so once I enter that operating room, I have to rely on my training, quick thinking, and background knowledge of the patient to make decisions that will help them lead healthy, pain-free lives.

Brian R. Summers DMD, PHD

Calapooia Courier March 2019

Proper dental care is important to overall health for everyone, but for those with special needs, dental hygiene can be challenging and complex. These patients’ teeth may cause behavioral outbursts because they don’t have a way to communicate the pain they may be experiencing. As the son of a woodworker, I love that dentistry — both general and special needs — allows me to work with my hands. It’s rewarding to find a problem, solve it quickly, and send someone home with a now-healthy and painless smile on their face. I’m humbled by all the patients at Calapooia Family Dental who have trusted us to help them find solutions to their dental problems over the years, and I can’t wait to continue to grow in this community. In fact, we have an exciting announcement about that growth coming in next month’s newsletter! Until then, know that we couldn’t have done this without all of you. -Dr. Brian Summers

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Staying Local

2 WAYS TO FIGHT BACTERIA Go Natural with Your Antibiotics

SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY THIS SPRING

Our world is becoming increasingly antibacterial with practically every office, medical facility, and school being equipped with dozens of containers of hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes. While these products claim to be 99.9 percent effective at killing bacteria, the harsh chemicals dry out our skin,

This March, Dr. Brian Summers and his daughter, Norah, will tackle the track for Albany Public Schools. The duo is putting their running talents to the test for local students at the 16th annual iRun for Kids. Wish them luck and join them in supporting our community with the following spring events! Farmers Market

When: Saturdays this March from 9 a.m. to noon Where: The Warehouse 315 SE Lyon St., Albany

and over time, bacteria become more and more resistant to these agents. Doctors, too, are blamed for overprescribing antibiotics. As a result, we’re hearing more and more about “superbugs” — strains of harmful bacteria that cause severe illness and are not easily remedied by antibiotics. But you can still protect yourself and your family against illness- causing bacteria without resorting to harsh chemicals and medications. The answer is to go all-natural! Here are two options that are completely natural yet totally effective against the microorganisms that make us sick. Raw Honey Most honey you find at the store has been pasteurized and filtered, rendering it far less effective when it comes to its antibacterial properties. On the other hand, raw, unfiltered honey is an incredible antiseptic. Even better than your average raw honey is manuka honey, which comes from New Zealand. Its antibacterial properties are potent enough that hospitals around the world keep it on hand to treat certain kinds of infections and burns. If you get a cut, applying raw honey to the wound can keep out harmful, infection-causing bacteria while killing any existing bacteria. Not only does the honey help prevent infection but it can also help reduce healing time. Raw honey can also help alleviate internal infections, such as peptic ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori . Manuka honey is particularly great for this — just add some to hot tea or water and drink! Oregano A study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences took a look at the effectiveness of oregano against bacteria. It turns out certain compounds in oregano — carvacrol and thymol — make it a strong antibacterial and antifungal agent. The study found that As an antibacterial, oregano is most useful as an essential oil. In this form, it’s highly potent, meaning you only need a drop or two in a glass of water for it to have an effect. You can drink it, or you can infuse a couple of drops into some coconut oil and apply to your skin. However, be warned that because it is potent, it should not be used on a regular, ongoing basis. Use only when needed and only for a few days at a time — and never use it undiluted! oregano was effective against salmonella as well as other harmful microorganisms and fungi that make people sick.

As winter makes its final push, indulge in some fresh, local ingredients! Purchase and enjoy locally sourced produce, meat, grains, and artisan breads and preserves while you sip a warm cup of coffee or tea. Better yet, take a break and enjoy a homemade pastry! Summer won’t feel so far away when you visit the farmers market this March. For more information, call 541-704-0076.

Starting a Vegetable Garden When: March 31 from 11 a.m. to noon Where: Shonnard’s Nursery, Corvallis

After you enjoy fresh, local produce, learn how you and your family can grow some of your own at Shonnard’s Nursery! Expert Darren Morgan will show attendees how they can plan, select, prepare, and plant their own backyard garden. Topics will include harvest expectations, creating a layout for your vegetables, preparing the soil for planting, caring for your garden, and more. Learn how you can spend the summer caring for your garden and enjoy the fruits of your labor come autumn. Get started and register for this event online at Shonnards.com. iCelebrate Kids Benefit Gala When: April 13 from 5–9 p.m. Where: Boys and Girls Club of Albany Cost: $50 per person or $400 for a table of 8 If running is not your forte, this gala night is for you! Support Albany Public Schools with Dr. Summers and Norah and spend an evening enjoying a catered dinner, silent and live auctions, a dessert dash, and a wine pull. Dance to music and soak up artwork by some of the Greater Albany Public School District’s talented students too. Your admission will include dinner and one drink. Learn more about this event by calling 541-979-8773, and learn about more ways to support local students by visiting AlbanyPSF.org.

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Dental Jitters

CALMING YOUR NERVES ABOUT THE DENTIST

Your Favorite Things You can be comfortable at the dentist, and it starts

If you’re avoiding the dentist because the thought makes your palms sticky, heart race, and sweat glands overreact, you may be one of the nearly 40 million Americans who fear the dentist. At Calapooia Family Dental, we understand how the fear of the unknown and the fear of pain can elicit anxiety in our patients, but our goal is to help you and your family reach optimal oral health comfortably. Below are a few suggestions and options we provide to help ease your worries. Talk It Out One of the easiest things you can do for your anxiety is to talk it out. Communicate your fears to your dentist, and they can come up with solutions that will be less anxiety-inducing for you. They will also be willing to answer questions and guide you through your appointment. Don’t be afraid to look outside the dental office for solutions like bringing a friend to your appointments or seeking guidance from a therapist. Just Relax At Calapooia Family Dental, we want you to relax as you settle into the dental chair, and that may include medicinal relaxation methods. Our in-house IV sedation offers patients a safe, precise anesthesia option that is less invasive and nauseating than regular anesthesia. A patient can breathe on their own with IV sedation, and their wake-up time is quicker. Additionally, our experts are trained in dentistry in a hospital setting, so they can offer more sedation options for patients.

before your appointment. Studies have shown that caffeine makes relaxing more difficult, so stick to noncaffeinated teas or warm

lemon water. Additional studies note the benefits of covering up with heavy blankets, which has even helped those with insomnia fall and stay asleep. Music or your favorite podcast can make your dental appointment much easier as well, and some children may relax with the comfort of a stuffed animal. Whatever your tactic is, we can support you. At Calapooia Family Dental, we want to keep you and your loved ones as comfortable as possible during each appointment. Learn how our experts can help you and schedule your next appointment by calling 541-926-3689.

SUDOKU

Because they are traditionally made with buckwheat, many brands of soba noodles are gluten-free. Combining them with the SOBA NOODLES WITH GARLIC AND ZUCCHINI increasingly-popular “zoodles” results in a healthy, light meal that you can eat for lunch the next day.

INGREDIENTS • 4 ounces soba noodles • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 2–3 cloves garlic, grated • 1 tablespoon ginger, peeled and grated • 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons water • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced • 1 small zucchini, julienned into noodle strands

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add soba noodles and cook until tender, about 4–5 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water, then set aside. 2. In a large skillet or wok over medium-low heat, warm olive oil until barely shimmering. Add grated garlic and ginger, and cook for 1 minute. Pour in soy sauce and water, and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 2 minutes. 3. Add onions, simmering for 3 minutes. Stir in zucchini and cook for an additional 90 seconds. 4. Add soba noodles and toss to fully coat. Serve immediately, or cool and serve as a cold dish.

Inspired by NaturallyElla.com

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

Brian R. Summers DMD, PHD

1070 24th Ave SW Albany, OR 97321 541-926-3689 CalapooiaFamilyDental.com

Inside this Issue

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Becoming a Dentist 2 Effective Natural Antibiotics Stay Local This Spring Getting Over Your Dental Fear Soba Noodles With Garlic and Zucchini Llamas, Pigs, and Horses … Oh, My!

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LLAMAS, PIGS, AND HORSES … OH, MY! 3 Unique Therapy Animals

Everyone has heard of therapy dogs and cats, but did you know virtually any critter can be a therapy or support animal? Therapy animals help humans cope with PTSD, anxiety, depression, injury, high blood pressure, and chronic pain, as well as a wide range of other conditions and difficulties. Therapy animals range from guinea pigs that can fit in a purse to dolphins that swim with amputees. Here are three unique companions who make a difference in the lives of people who need them. Rojo the Llama Mountain Peaks Therapy Llamas and Alpacas in Portland, Oregon, has conducted over 1,500 visits during the last decade and helps over 10,000 people each year. Their star llama, Rojo, is one of just 14 llamas registered as a therapy animal in the United States. Rojo’s exceptionally gentle temperament is calming to everyone who meets him. He’s so well-loved and has become such a big deal that he has his own Facebook page and two children’s books! Buttercup the Pot-Bellied Pig Lois Brady, a speech pathologist who works with special needs students in San Francisco, has a secret weapon in her arsenal: Buttercup, her black, 70-pound Vietnamese pot-bellied pig. His docile nature makes

him the perfect companion for autistic children, who are often easily startled. Because Buttercup is

an unusual sight in classrooms, children find him fascinating. In 2017, an autistic student who had never spoken to his classmates before felt compelled to crawl out from beneath his desk to pet Buttercup. Afterward, the child spoke to the class for the first time. “It was a remarkable breakthrough,” says Brady. Rocky the Miniature Horse At just 32 inches high and 325 pounds, Rocky packs a lot of cuteness into one small package. He’s not a pony but rather a breed of miniature horse historically used in coal mines in the 17th century. His specialty is working with retired veterans at the VA Community Living Center in Phoenix, Arizona, where the residents know him and look forward to his visits. For some, Rocky’s visits are bittersweet. “I wish I could have had more time to spend with horses,” says one veteran as he scratches Rocky’s ears. “There’s something calming about them.”

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