Signature Smiles - May 2022

Signature Smiles - May 2022

4,617 Lives Changed Through Sedation 1,688 5-Star Reviews, and Counting 86 Years of Combined Experience

The Home of Anxiety-Free Dentistry

Teaching the Tricks of the Trade RECAPPING OUR IMPLANT TRAINING EVENT!

MAY 2022

Implant placement is no easy task. It’s not something all dentists can do, and the process requires a lot of additional courses and training. Both Dr. Issa and I have gone through extensive implant education, and we decided to use our knowledge and abilities to help train other dentists to do the same work. Signature Smiles has partnered with the Misch Implant Institute, the leading teaching association in the United States for dentists who want to learn how to place implants. On March 4, we volunteered our facilities and services for a national training event. More than 20 dentists came to Cleveland from New York, Chicago, Texas, Canada, etc. We were impressed with the turnout and dedication as our day started at 4 a.m. to prepare for the day’s surgeries. We always want every patient at Signature Smiles to have an anxiety- free experience, and that’s true even when we’re training other dentists. Every patient went through sedation, and we ensured they felt relaxed, comfortable, and confident during surgery. Dr. Issa and I walked the dentists through the process step-by-step and saw them each successfully place their first implant. We performed 26 major surgeries, and the dentists we hosted left happy and confident in their new skill set.

It was a unique and rewarding experience. Knowing how to do something and teaching someone else to do it are two very different things. Dr. Issa and I both enjoyed watching these dentists grow before our eyes. We’re also excited that they’ve learned how to place implants the correct way and will eventually be able to use that knowledge to benefit their patients back home. It’s always gratifying to see a patient light up with confidence while marveling at their new smile. In this experience, we also got to see the dentists who performed the implants react in the same way. Implants change lives. The cosmetic difference alone can be astounding, but implants also keep surrounding teeth stable, reduce gum disease, and improve speech patterns. Best of all, implants prevent bone loss in the jaw; bone loss can cause significant medical problems down the line.

–Dr. Omar Salameh

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The Art of Quieting Your Mind Before Bed

TRY A LIGHT SNACK. When you can’t sleep, the last thing that you want to do is eat something heavy. In fact, when you eat a large meal right before bed, your digestive system can become overwhelmed. But, studies have shown that eating a light carbohydrate snack such as crackers or popcorn when you can’t sleep may be helpful.

All day long, thoughts run through your mind, and by the end of the day, your head is probably ready to explode. After all, it’s estimated that in 24 hours you can have between 60,000–80,000 thoughts. At some point, your brain needs a break, and that’s especially true before you try to go to bed. Here are some ways to quiet your mind, so you can get a full night’s sleep! KEEP YOUR BED FOR SLEEPING. If you aren’t sleeping, get out of bed! Getting in the habit of scrolling through your phone, watching TV, reading, working, or even eating in bed teaches your brain that your bed is for things other than

sleeping! If you find yourself tossing and turning, get out of bed and try a relaxing activity such as reading, journaling, listening to music, or meditating. When you get tired, try getting back in bed. BREATHE DEEPLY. Breathing exercises can not only help calm your mind and spirit, but they can lower your heart rate, which is especially beneficial in relieving stress or anxiety when things are upsetting you. WRITE IT DOWN. Instead of letting thoughts fill your mind right before bed (such as the next day’s tasks or any worries you have), set aside time before bed to write it out. Whether you are a fan of journaling, writing letters, or simply just listing out your problems, goals, and thoughts, grab a pen and paper and make it a nightly routine. This way, your thoughts will be freed before your head hits the pillow.

TURN YOUR ROOM INTO A SLEEP HAVEN.

Keeping your bedroom neat, relaxing, and calm can help improve your sleep! Keep all televisions, computers, and screens out of the bedroom and furnish it with soft colors and textures that are tranquil and soothing to you. Pumping the brakes on worrisome thoughts racing through your mind can be tough, but trying these tips and tricks may earn you some relief and much needed sleep.

KEEP TOOTH DECAY AT BAY

Tooth decay is the second-most common disease after the common cold. Cavities, also called dental caries, are damaged layers in the outer tooth layer: the enamel. Cavities form due to a mix of bacteria, frequent snacking, sipping on sugary or acidic drinks, and poor brushing habits. Decay is directly related to dental plaque. This sticky, colorless film that covers the teeth is made of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. As plaque builds up over a period of 24 hours, it begins to harden, forming tartar or calculus. The bacteria in plaque converts sugars found

Early erosion can be stopped or reversed with proper brushing, flossing, and fluoride use. Fluoride helps strengthen enamel, making it more resilient to plaque. If a white spot is allowed to progress, it becomes a cavity. It will then need to be cleaned and filled. Cavities can progress through the enamel to the second layer of the tooth, called dentin. This type of decay can lead to tooth sensitivity, specifically to hot and cold food or drinks. Dentin decay may require a crown or cap over the tooth to repair. If the decay progresses even further to the innermost layer of the tooth, the pulp, the result can be significant pain. A root canal and crown are often required at this stage in

deep within the tooth. Abscess symptoms can include fever, swelling, and radiating pain. This usually requires a root canal and in more extreme cases, a tooth extraction. Here are a few simple ways to keep tooth decay at bay: • Keep up with regular dental visits to detect decay in its earliest stage. • Brush and floss at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste (couple this with in-office fluoride varnish). • Limit sweets — sugar interferes with saliva as it works to keep the mouth clean. • Chew sugar-free gum made with xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in some plants and activates

in foods into acids. If left unchecked, the acids erode enamel and cause

damage. This erosion starts out as white spots on the teeth. These white spots appear as the enamel begins to break down causing demineralization. On X-rays, we call these “watch” areas.

order to remove decayed material and restore health to the tooth.

Decay can get so bad that bacteria can enter the interior of the tooth. If this happens, an abscess can form. This is an infection

salivary glands to help inhibit the growth of bad bacteria.

–Corliss Robinson, RDH

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Our VIP Dental Assistant Stacey Has a Chicken Coop!

I began keeping chickens as part of a plan to grow and raise at least 10% of our diet. The goal was to save some money, help the environment, buy locally, and eat better all while teaching Dylan, my 6-year-old, about self-sufficiency and where food comes from. We got six chickens; some stores require this as a minimum purchase so people won’t buy them to be pets for Easter. Ours were clearance chickens, only $0.25 a piece, and just a few days old! In addition to this, we bought chicks that were guaranteed female so we wouldn’t end up with any roosters. We picked two breeds that are best known for their easy-going temperament: the barred Plymouth Rock and buff Orpington. They produce about 290 eggs a year per chicken, and ours started laying at 6 months in the dead of winter. The first dozen eggs were frozen until we wised up and started going out right after they laid. Our chickens are a little spoiled because

they get plenty of treats and are let out to free range during the day when we’re home. We have an electronic door that opens when the sun is up and closes 10 minutes after the sun goes down. We have a light in their coop that goes on when the sun goes down, which is their signal to go into the coop. They have a huge gated run with fresh water and food they have access to when we are not home. The second we pull in, they go running to the side of the fence and make it known that they want you to come down to pet and feed them. They ended up being a really fun addition to our family, and they’re a pet that feeds you and can even pay for themselves if you decide to sell the eggs. Our chickens lay large to jumbo brown eggs and are often double yolks (or twin eggs as my 6-year-old calls them). So, if you’re looking for a family pet that can also supply you with food and entertainment, chickens are definitely the way to go.

–Stacey

Summer Strawberry Spinach Salad Inspired by AmbitiousKitchen.com

OUR PATIENTS SAY IT BEST

INGREDIENTS • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar • 1/4 cup olive oil • 1 garlic clove, grated or finely minced • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard • 1/2 tbsp strawberry jam • Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/3 cup raw, sliced almonds • 5 oz organic spinach • 2 cups strawberries, halved • 1 large avocado, sliced • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced • 1/2 cup feta crumbles • 1/4 cup roasted pistachios, chopped

DIRECTIONS 1. In a small bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, chopped garlic, Dijon mustard, and strawberry jam. Mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste. 2. In a pan, toast the almonds over medium heat until they are golden brown. 3. In a large bowl, add spinach. Then layer on strawberries, avocado, red onion, feta, toasted almonds, and chopped pistachios. 4. Toss dressing in salad or serve on the side.

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

9519 State Route 14 Streetsboro, OH 44241 330-423-6779

Also Serving Elyria! Elyria, OH 44035 440-281-8031

SignatureSmilesOH.com

The Home of Anxiety-Free Dentistry

Inside

Free 24-hour recorded message reveals the “9 Questions You Need Answered Before Committing to Dental implants.” Call Now: 800-723-2012

Passing Along Our Implant Expertise

1

5 Solutions for Quality Sleep

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Keep Tooth Decay at Bay

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Stacey’s Chicken Coop

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Summer Strawberry Spinach Salad

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Turn Your Home Into the Ultimate Playhouse

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Turn Your Rainy Day Around — With a Fort! 3 TRANSFORMATIVE BLANKET FORT TIPS

3. PICK A THEME — AND A NAME. Is your fort in the jungle? On a beach? In the woods? Pick a theme and decorate accordingly! You can bring in beach towels and toys or cut leaves and trees out of construction paper. Don’t forget to name your fort, too. The more creative you get, the better.

April showers are supposed to bring May flowers, but when the rain keeps pouring, there’s only one thing for a family to do: Build a blanket fort! Blanket forts have been a low-cost, low-tech form of entertainment for centuries, and over that time, generations of enthusiasts have perfected them. Use these tips to transform your next rainy day into a family adventure: 1. BUILD HEAVIEST TO LIGHTEST. Once you’ve gathered your materials — including blankets, sheets, pillows, binder clips, and movable furniture — it’s time to build. Start “heavy” with the largest piece of furniture, like a couch or table. That will be the anchor of your fort. From there, arrange the other furniture in a circle around the anchor and drape it with blankets. Use heavier blankets for the walls and the lightest sheets for your roof to avoid a collapse. Use the binder clips to hold the sheets and blankets together! 2. LIGHT IT UP. Light is crucial for you to do activities in your fort! Dig out your holiday string lights if you have them or bring a lamp or two into the space. You can also use flashlights and even glow sticks to make things especially fun!

So, now you have your fort — what should you do in it? We’re glad you asked! The answers are almost unlimited, but here are a few favorites:

• Drink hot chocolate • Tell ghost stories • Read (out loud or separately!) • Do a puzzle • Play a board game/ card game • Pretend you’re on an adventure in another country

• Make a craft project • Have a family jam session (if you’re all musical) • Eat your favorite snack • Snuggle

• “Camp” overnight • Perform a shadow puppet show

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