“It’s the best thing I ever did!”
These days, it’s not unusual for Darlene to be complimented on her smile, even by strangers. “I smile all the time now!” she states, which is something she rarely did before finding Dr. Ban Barbat.
Like many baby boomers, Darlene remembers dental visits in her youth being much different from today’s care. “When I was young and had a toothache, they just pulled the tooth,” she explains.
With soft enamel, keeping healthy teeth was a particular challenge. Having little confidence in her dentist of 20 years, she also admits that dental check-ups were not as regular as they should have been. Because he “did an okay job”, Darlene remained in his care while never feeling good about her smile.
After raising children and caring for her mother during an illness, Darlene decided it was her turn. “My husband hs nice teeth,” she says, “and I always felt people were looking at my teeth because they were yellow and had so many gaps.”
She initially researched options to whiten her teeth, checking with several dental offices. From another dentist’s recommendation and being familiar with Dr. Barbat through the newspaper, Darlene decided to make an appointment.
Upon meeting Dr. Barbat, Darlene immediately felt positive about this new environment for dental care. After a thorough examination, they discussed whitening as well as other options to restore Darlene’s smile to good health. After learning she could recreate her smile and restore her mouth to optimal health, she became enthusiastic about proceeding.
Darlene added oral sedation to have more done at fewer visits. In two appointments, her entire mouth was treated without leaving her feeling fatigued.
For a highly natural look, Dr. Barbat used porcelain restorations (crowns), which provide excepational durability and help protect the natural tooth. Dr. Barbat also used porcelain bridges to repalce missing back teeth for restored stability and function.
When her treatment was complete, Darlene looked in the mirror. “I started crying and then Dr. Barbat started crying, too!” shares Darlene. “I was in awe that smile was so beautiful!”
Darlene feels everyone made her feel so welcome and pampered. “There, you don’t really feel like you’re in the dental office.” She also describes Dr. arbat’s care versus dental experiences of her past. “She wants to make sure you’ve gotten the best results and are happy I’m so glad I did it.”
With a flattering smile, Darlene especially enjoys wearing lipstick “I never wore lipstick before and now I wear it all the time!” And, she has a renewed dedication to her oral health. Before, she didn’t realize crowned teeth need diligent care and was surprised when her gums bleed. With Dr. Barbat’s commitment to helping patients maintain good oral health and avoid repair, she admits, “I’ll never miss another appointment!”
Dr. Barbat states, “Hygiene visits help patients kkep their teeth and gums healthy. When a person has achieved appearance goals for their smile, it’s important to be proactive when it comes to oral health. This is why Darlene’s preventive appointments are more freiquent than every six months. This helps her enjoy a beautiful smile and healthy mouth at the same time.”
Darlene agrees, “It’s the best thing I ever did! My smile is gorgeous!” To discuss smile enhancement or tooth replacement with Dr. Barbat, call to arrange a consultation or ask at your next visit.
QUESTION
“I’ve heard that gum disease can cause other health problems but don’t know how much to believe. What is a dpendable source on this?”
Answered by Dr. Barbat:
“I believe one of the most thorough, sources on gum disease as well as all oral health issues is a report published through the Department of Health & Human Services in 2000, ‘Oral Health In American’. This contains fairly recent findings on virtually any topic related to oral health in the United States. The report can be downloaded online at: www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/oralhealth
“A remarkable point, in my opinion, is its revelation of how tissues and fluids in the mouth are gaining serious consideration in signaling the presence of disease, disease progression, and risk factors of one’s general health (and not just oral health). the association between oral diseases (such as gum disease) and heart disease, stroke, and diabetes are backed by years of research and covered, in depth, in this report.
“Anohter area addressed is how oral health can relate to one’s quality of life. The consequences of poor oral health are shown to impact appearance, speech, and diet as well as self-esteem, social interaction, career achievement and emotiional state. Sleep deprivation and depression can arise from oral-facial pain as a symptom of dental problems, also contributing to a diminished quality of life.
“Tooth loss is often seen as a symptom of aging: however, this, too, is addressed in great detail. Keeping in mind that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, adults often do not have significant symptoms until they are in their 30’s even though the problem typically orignates in adolescence.
The report shows that nearly 75% in the 35-44 age group have some form of periodontal disease while nearly 90% of adults between 55 and 64 are infected. Males out number females 2-to-1 in nearly every age group, leveling out some-what in the 75+ age bracket. By age 50, American adults have lost an average of 12.1 teeth and one third of those 65 and older are totally without teeth.
“This doesn’t have to be. As a dentist, I’ve seen a growing awareness in America regarding the value of good oral health. We still have a long way to go. I hope you will begin an even greater commitment to your oral health and share your knowledge with those you love, especially children. It will be a gift you give to yourself and others that has lifelong benefits!”