This quote above has become our daily motto.  It’s something we strive for each and every day.  In order to accomplish this kind of service, we have to get additional training.  As most of you know, all of us at Dr. Pyle’s office are often “sent away” to continuing education.  Well, this time, Dr. Pyle let the education come to us!

 Mary Lynn Wheaton, the consultant team leader at the Pride Institute, came all the way from San Francisco, CA for an in-house 2 day educational course.  The Pride Institute is the nation’s leading practice management company that was started over 30 years ago by the late Dr. Jim Pride.  Dr. Pyle worked closely with Dr. Pride and his staff, especially Mary Lynn, in developing his practice into the unique dental practice that many of you have witnessed firsthand!

 As you know, dentistry is not only about exceptional technical skills.  It’s also about working with people.  Our patients are not just patients here at Dr. Pyle’s office; we feel our patients are part of our family!  We are constantly looking for better ways to serve all of you, ways to make your appointments timelier, less stressful, and in these challenging economic times, more affordable.

 So, we spent 2 full days looking for ways to help you, our patient!  Mary Lynn did a wonderful job in customizing her visit for our office.  We learned better verbal skills, better examination skills, as well as throwing in a little fun along the way.

 Here are a few quotes from some of the staff:

 “Everyone left the Pride meeting on Friday feeling fired up and ready to start implementing the new things we learned and start doing things we might have forgotten.”   Angie

 “There were several new employees who had never worked with a consultant before.  To say the least, it was an eye opener, realizing the detail that goes in to making each patient’s visit a true “experience”.”  Liz

 “We made an “action list” to be sure we followed through on all the items we talked about for the 2 days.  That way we’ll be sure the practice runs more smoothly and efficient, ultimately benefitting our patients.”  Monica

 “Normally our office would go to a course with several other offices.  With the in-house visit, we were able to fully customize all of our ideas to our practice.”   Barb

 So, there you have it!  Just another example of the lengths all of us will go to make your visit outstanding!  Please ask us about our course the next time you’re in the office.  We’d love to tell you about it!

Liz, Expanded Duty Dental Assistant

Halitosis, (bad breath) can be a result of poor oral hygiene or may be a sign of other health problems. Other dental causes of bad breath can be from smoking or chewing tobacco, poor fitting dental appliances such as partial and full dentures, infections in the mouth, and dental caries (cavities).

As Muncie dentist Dr. Pyle explains to his patients “if you don’t brush and floss your teeth daily, the food particles left in your mouth promote bacteria growth between your teeth, around the tongue and along the gums”

If you eat foods with strong odors (like garlic or onions) , then brushing, flossing, and even mouthwash merely cover up the odor, but it may not go away completely until these foods have passed through your body.

A Warning Sign of Gum Disease

Persistent bad breath or a bad taste may be a warning of gum disease. Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque on teeth. The bacteria causes toxins to form in the mouth that irritate the gums. If periodontal disease (gum disease) is left untreated it will damage the gums and jawbone and you can lose teeth.

Xerostomia (dry mouth) is a medical condition that can cause bad breath. Saliva is necessary to moisten and cleanse the mouth. Your saliva neutralizes acids produced by plaque and it washes away dead cells that accumulate on your cheeks, tongue, and gums. Dry mouth can be a side effect of medications, salivary gland problems, or something as simple as continuous breathing through the mouth.

Other diseases and illnesses can cause bad breath also. Some to be aware of are:

• Respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia
• Chronic sinus infections
• Diabetes
• Acid reflux
• Liver or kidney problems

Bad breath can be reduced or prevented if you:

• Practice good oral hygiene-Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste. Don’t forget to brush your tongue too! Floss daily. Replace your toothbrush about every 3 months. Dentures and partials should be removed and cleaned daily
• See your dentist, Dr. Pyle, regularly-at least twice a year.
• Stop all tobacco based products- Ask Dr. Pyle for tips on kicking the habit
• Drink lots of water-This will keep your mouth moist. Sugarless gum or mints will also help stimulate saliva flow

Many over the counter mouthwashes claim to eliminate bad breath. However, keep in mind that these usually only provide a temporary way to mask mouth odor. There are some antiseptic mouth rinses available that will kill the germs that cause bad breath. Ask expert cosmetic dentist Dr. Pyle or anyone of his helpful team which is best for you.

To Our New Patients,

We would like to personally welcome you to our practice. You will find your dental experience at the office of Dr. Greg Pyle to be quite unique!

Our vision is to address the wants and needs of each patient by not only meeting, but exceeding their expectations. You will find that both Dr. Pyle and our wonderful staff show a genuine concern for each patient’s comfort and will work closely with you to establish a long-term relationship that will ultimately lead to the dental health you deserve! We look forward to getting to know you.

We at Dr. Greg Pyle’s office in Muncie, Indiana are proud to be part of a team whose primary mission is to deliver the finest and most comprehensive oral care available today. In addition, we are also dedicated to making top-quality care as cost-effective as possible.

To assist you with your oral health care investment, we provide the following payment policy and or options:

Payment is due at time of service but as a courtesy we will file with your insurance company. We do request your co-pay portion be paid the day of your appointment. Balance in full is due once we have received the final payment from your insurance company. We at Dr. Pyle’s office accept cash, check and Visa/MasterCard as forms of payment. If balance in full cannot be paid within 30 days and you do not have a credit card, you are responsible for calling to set up a payment agreement. We will set up a 3 month payment agreement in our office. If you need a longer time to pay we will refer you to CareCredit which will allow you to extend payments for a longer period of time than we are able to offer in office. CareCredit is a credit service of GE Captial Consumer Card Co. and offer plans that also include no interest payment plans.

As another year comes to a close, and another year begins, I always take time to step back, review and assess the previous year, as well as plan for the upcoming year.

Fresh Technology and Atmosphere

The past year of 2008 brought a lot of change to our office. As the year began, we made plans for new computer hardware, intra-oral cameras, and upgrades to our digital x-ray system – including a new digital panoramic x-ray machine. We also planned some upgrades to our facility, which included painting the building and adding an awning. As these projects got underway, new projects became required, including the replacement of some of the wood and walls.

As the year progressed, other challenges presented themselves that resulted in new flooring and carpeting! We’re confident that these improvements to our office enhance our practice atmosphere for our visitors. More importantly, our patients can feel safe in this healthy environment, when it comes to their care. 

 
Team Growth

On the flip side, 2008 also brought reason for celebration. We added a new member to our team that many of you have met. Jane Ann, our financial coordinator, is doing a wonderful job with financial arrangements, making it possible for patients to follow through with the care they need.

Our team as a whole also attended the Indiana Dental Association annual meeting in May. At that meeting, each team member attended a course to enhance their specific area of expertise in the office. We also attended a meeting in Louisville in the fall. Sponsored by the Hornbrook Group, one of the nation’s leading dental educators, we learned ways to make your experience at our office even more memorable. Our hygiene team, Jill and Barb attended a course that discussed new instrumentation in hygiene.  These new instruments will allow the hygienists to better access certain areas of your teeth, and make your appointments more comfortable as well!

 
Lastly, I attended a meeting in Milwaukee that centered on TMJ treatment and Headache management. I also attended another meeting in the fall focused on the same subject. Both of these courses were held by Dr. Barry Glassman, one of dentistry’s leaders in Chronic Pain Management and Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ). I found Dr. Glassman’s courses, as well as his style really matches up to my treatment processes.

 We ended the year on a high note, having our annual holiday party hosted at our home. We had a wonderful dinner, (catered by some of our patients at Buffin Catering), followed by a fun evening of board games and great conversation. I feel very fortunate to have surrounded myself with such a wonderful team!

 
On to 2009

We have a lot in store for the New Year! First of all, we are very much ‘in tune’ to the struggling economy. Therefore, we are committed to keeping our fees for continuing care the same as they were in 2008. These include hygiene appointments, periodical exams, and x-rays, as we mentioned in the letter sent to our patients. We are also looking for many ways to make financial arrangements a bit more flexible, therefore allowing patients more options so they don’t have to postpone needed and wanted dental care!

I’m also looking forward to taking another course by Dr. Glassman, which will concentrate on treating sleep apnea and snoring. As research shows, lack of quality sleep effects every facet of people’s lives – from serious health problems to productivity and safety. Expanding our services will allow us to give you better care in one setting.

So, all in all, 2009 promises to be another exciting and fulfilling year. As we’ve done in the past, we will continue to improve ourselves in ways that benefit your experience here at our office, voted by you as 2008’s “Muncie’s Finest”!

Today’s issues in health care revolve around the control of the spread of infectious diseases such as AIDS, herpes, hepatitis, influenza, tuberculosis, and even the common cold.  We share your concerns about this important issue.

Because your total health is our first priority, our office takes infection control seriously.  That is why we have adopted the very latest in prevention techniques, including:

1. Barrier techniques-we wear disposable masks and gloves that are always changed between patients.
2. Disinfectant wipe down-we clean all operatory surfaces with disinfectant prior to each and every patient.
3. Instrument sterilization- we use an ultrasonic sterilizer and a steam autoclave to assure the sterility of all our instruments.

Our staff understands the importance of taking a comprehensive and professional approach to infection control.  When your appointment begins, you may notice a package wrapped in blue paper near the dental chair.  This contains our dental instruments which have been carefully  prepared for your visit.  You can be assured that these instruments have been processed in a manner which safeguards your health.

Feel free to ask any staff member here at our office about our infection control system.  We feel it’s just another reason  we were voted Muncie’s finest Dental office!

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The mission of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is to save lives, prevent injuries, and protect the health of America’s workers.  OSHA establishes  guidelines and standards to promote worker safety and health that apply to every workplace in the United States, including dental offices.  If you have any questions about the standards, they are available on the OSHA website at www.osha.gov or by calling toll free at (800) 321- OSHA.  Most OSHA materials are available at no charge.  You can search for a specific subject by using the alphabetic index near the top of the home page or by clicking on Laws and Regulations under Compliance Assistance, then clicking on OSHA Regulations.  If you call the toll free number, operators will direct the caller to the appropriate federal or state office.

Our Continuing Care vision is to inspire our patients to take a personal interest and responsibility in their oral health.  Our dental hygienists take pride in updating our patients concerning their oral heath at every continuing care visit, providing home care instruction, new product information, and recommendations for a successful outcome.

At every continuing care visit, our dental hygienists measure your gum health for periodontal disease.  Periodontal disease includes gingivitis, which, if left untreated, may result in bone loss, tooth loss, or possibly other systemic health problems.  Periodontal disease has been linked to heart attacks, kidney disease, diabetes, premature low-birth weight babies, and prostate cancer.

Dr. Pyle will also perform an oral cancer exam at each continuing care visit.  Oral cancer can be very dangerous, as they are highly metastatic (rapidly spreading) in nature.

Our hygienists have been employed in our office for over 6 years.  They value good patient relationships.  They will take the time necessary to properly clean your teeth and still create a friendly atmosphere for patient care.  Call us today to become part of our dental “family”.  We look forward to meeting you!

If you have any questions about dental hygiene care please use the comment portion of our blog to write them. We will be happy to answer your questions.

New Product Information

• Everyone loves that “just from the dentist clean feeling” after having their teeth professionally cleaned by a dental hygienist.  However, not everyone loves the process to achieve that feeling!  Our office has introduced a new product called Oraqix to increase patient comfort.  Oraqix is a non-injectable local anesthetic gel that consists of lidocaine and prilocaine.  The gel is placed around your gum tissue and will anesthetize the area for approximately 30 minutes.  This allows the dental hygienist to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar build up from under the gum line while the patient remains comfortable!
• Do you dislike the gritty toothpaste used to polish your teeth after scaling?  Another new product in our office is the Butler Paste Free prophy angle.  Stains are polished off your teeth and left to feel smooth and clean without using the paste.

We know it can be frustrating and sometimes complicated to understand, what is and is not covered under your particular insurance plan. If you do not understand the reimbursement levels on your bill you’re not alone. We are providing the following information to answer some of our patients questions about their insurance coverage.

What is dental insurance?

A dental benefit plan helps you pay for the cost of your dental care. It is a contract between your employer, or plan sponsor and a third party (insurance company) These contracts vary widely. You need to know how your dental plan is designed and it’s limitations. It may not cover the total cost of your bill. Most plans cover between 50 to 80 percent of dental services.

What is a UCR program?

“Usual, Customary and Reasonable” (UCR) programs usually allow patients to go to the dentist of their choice. These plans pay a set percentage of the dentist’s fee or the plan administrator’s “reasonable” or “customary” fee limit, whichever is less. Although these limits are called “customary,” they may or may not accurately reflect the fees that area dentists charge.

There is no regulation as to how insurance companies determine reimbursement levels, resulting in wide fluctuation. So, on your bill the fee that your dentist has charged you may be higher than the reimbursement levels of your UCR plan. This does not mean your dentist is overcharging you.

Factors that influence your reimbursement levels

• Annual maximums-Your plan purchaser makes the final decision on “maximum levels” of reimbursement through the contract with the insurance company. Even though the cost of dental care has significantly increased over the years, the maximum levels of insurance reimbursements have remained the same since the late 1960’s. Many plans offer higher maximums that are comparable to rising dental care costs. Check with your purchaser.

• Preferred providers-Your plan may want you to choose your dentist from a list of their preferred providers. Whether or not you choose your dental care from this defined group can affect your levels of reimbursement.

• Least expensive alternative treatments-Your dental plan may only allow benefits for the least expensive treatment for a condition. For example, your dentist may recommend a crown, but your insurance may only offer reimbursement for a large filling. As with other choices in life -such as purchasing medical or automobile insurance, or buying a home-the least expensive alternative is not always the best option.

• Preexisting conditions-Just like your medical insurance, your dental plan may not cover conditions that existed before you enrolled in the plan. Even though your plan may not cover conditions, treatment may still be necessary.

• Treatment exclusions-Your dental plan may not cover certain procedures or preventative treatments, such as sealants, that can save you money later. This does not mean these treatments are unnecessary. Your dentist  can help you decide what type of treatment is best for you.

If you have further questions about dental insurance or any other aspects of cosmetic dentistry please write them in the comments portion of this blog. We will be using this forum to answer our patient’s questions and keep our clients up-to-date on cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Our goal is to provide our clients with  quality and caring cosmetic dentistry services. We look forward to collaborating with you for your dental health.

WE all know how important a beautiful smile is in giving a great first impression. But did you know that the differences in the lengths of your teeth convey certain meanings to others? And that their impression of you is influenced by these psychological factors?

When making any changes to your smile you should consider carefully what kind of psychological messages different smile designs convey. In cosmetic dentistry there are basically 3 smile designs:

• Sexy-features variations in the length of the teeth. In this design the central incisors are longer than the lateral ones and draw the eye to the center of the face. We mentally associate longer, prominent, unworn incisors with youth so this design conveys sexiness, boldness and warmth.

• Sophisticated-in this design the teeth make a straight horizontal line and emphasize the width of the lower face. Because of tooth wear our teeth become more uniform in length as we age so this design mentally conveys maturity and intelligence.

• Sporty-this design is in-between sexy and sophisticated. The central incisors are only a little longer than the lateral ones so it’s not quite as serious looking as the sophisticated smile but a little more mature than the sexy smile. It conveys casualness, informality and warmth.

Within these 3 basic designs are many variations, so you can see that it is very important that you work closely with your cosmetic dentist to plan the right design for you and for the impression you wish to convey. Some factors to consider in your smile design are:

• Facial shape-your teeth can either balance or emphasize certain features

• Your desires-what impression do you want to make on others

• Age-how young or mature would you like to appear

A cosmetic dentist is different than your usual family dentist in that he understands the psychological aspects of smile design along with the technical ability to realize that design. He can help you to make the right choices in designing your new smile.

If you are considering a smile makeover please call our office for a consultation. Together, we can design the smile of your dreams.

Did you know that if you are a woman you are twice as likely to suffer from the pain caused by TMD? You might know it as TMJ syndrome. Temporomandibular joint disease is a painful condition affecting the jaw and soft tissues that allow you to use your mouth to speak, bite and chew. The pain can range from a mild ache to being chronically debilitating.

Other symptoms are:

• Headaches-Migraines especially can be associated with TMD

• Jaw, neck, or ear pain

• Clicking or popping noises when you chew

• Sensitive teeth or vague tooth soreness

• Jaw locking opened or closed

Our team is focused on giving you the best care possible. To accomplish this we regularly attend continuing education courses that help us add to our skills and knowledge. Our most recent course dealt with TMD diagnosis and treatment. Diagnosis involves three steps:

1. Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA) uses headphones to discern what is going on in the jaw bone as it functions. This diagnostic tool is much more affordable and definitely less time consuming than an MRI which was usually used in the past.

2. Jaw tracker (JT) helps discern the point of dysfunction in the jaw in a non- invasive way.

3. Tech scan-to measure occlusion (bite) has the patient bite down on a special sensor which can make an instant diagnosis of occlusion problems.

These evaluations provide enough information to locate the pain or jaw problem, make a diagnosis and to start treatment. Simple, conservative treatment is usually all that is needed.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above please call our office for a consultation. Working together we can find the right solution for your problem.