Latest News

From Dr. Keith A. Hoover

COVID-19 AND DENTISTRY

April 2, 2020Uncategorized

To our readers and patients…

As you are all aware, the Covid-19 (Corona Virus) pandemic is affecting us all. As it has always been, the safety and security of our patients and team members remains our highest priority. We have been following the CDC guidelines and instructions with respect to infection control including those newly added as they became announced. On March 16, the Ohio State Dental Board and the Ohio Dental Association issued the following new recommendations regarding the treatment of dental patients:

Rescheduling all elective procedures, including routine hygiene appointments.
Delaying cosmetic procedures.
Delaying treatment that is not causing pain or infection or is due to trauma.

Your dental health is very important to us. We do not know how long these recommendations will need to be in effect, but for now we will be contacting our patients to reschedule appointments for the months of March and April. We assure you that we will be available for treating any of your dental emergencies. We will check our messages daily for any emergencies you may have. If you are able to take a photograph of any issue you are having, please do so and then please call our office at 330-650-0360 or 330-656-0433. We will contact you in order to advise you of how we may proceed.

Please stay safe and healthy. God bless us all.

Dr. Keith Hoover and Dr. April Yanda

If you, your family or friends need dental care, we would be honored to provide you with state-of-the-art dental care in our modern dental practice. Refer someone you love to someone you trust!

Presented as a service to the community by Doctors Hoover and Yanda,

39 Milford Drive, Hudson, Ohio 44236. 330-650-0360.

www.drshooverandyanda.com

DRY MOUTH—PART III

March 23, 2020Health

How often should I visit my dentist if I have dry mouth?

You have a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease with dry mouth, and these can get worse more quickly than usual. So it is important to visit your dental team regularly. Your dental team will tell you how often you should visit.

What can I do to help relieve the symptoms of dry mouth?

There are different ways of relieving the symptoms of dry mouth. Some people find that sipping water, or sucking sugar-free sweets, helps in the short term. It is very important to use sugar-free products, as dry mouth can make you more susceptible to tooth decay. Chewing sugar-free gum can also help as it encourages your mouth to make saliva. Your dental team might recommend products such as rinses, gels, pastes and lozenges which you can get from the pharmacist.

What toothpaste should I use?

It is important to use an ADA endorsed fluoride toothpaste. There are stronger fluoridated toothpastes that a dentist can prescribe for you too. Fluoride helps prevent decay of tooth enamel. If you have receded gums, then the roots of your teeth are exposed. Roots of teeth don’t have enamel, so those people benefit more from a product that has calcium phosphate. Ask your dentist which products would be best for you.

What can my dental team do to help prevent the problems caused by dry mouth?

Your dental team won’t be able to help with the cause of dry mouth. But by helping you keep your mouth clean and by using fluoride they can, in many cases, help to delay the start of tooth decay. Your dental team will be able to give you advice about your diet and tell you how to care for your teeth and gums properly.

If you, your family or friends need dental care, we would be honored to provide you with state-of-the-art dental care in our modern dental practice. Refer someone you love to someone you trust!

Presented as a service to the community by Doctors Hoover and Yanda,

39 Milford Drive, Hudson, Ohio 44236. 330-650-0360. www.drshooverandyanda.com

DRY MOUTH—PART II

March 16, 2020Prevention

Can I prevent dry mouth?

Unfortunately there seems to be no way of actually preventing the problem, although there are products to ease the symptoms.

What problems can it cause?

Saliva helps to cancel out the acid that attacks your teeth, and is a very important part of your dental health. Saliva helps to break down food while you are chewing, allowing you to swallow more easily. Some people find that they have problems with swallowing when their saliva flow is affected.

Saliva is also very important in fighting tooth decay. It helps to fight the bacteria that form dental plaque and cause tooth decay and gum disease. Plaque is the thin, sticky film that keeps forming on your teeth.

Having less saliva can also affect the taste of food and makes it harder to eat drier foods. Sometimes it can affect your speech and it makes people more likely to have bad breath.

What products are there to help with dry mouth?

There are a number of gels or sprays designed to help your mouth stay moist and comfortable. Some have extra ingredients that may help prevent tooth and gum problems. There are also special products to help with your day-to-day oral hygiene (for example toothpastes and mouth rinses).

If you, your family or friends need dental care, we would be honored to provide you with state-of-the-art dental care in our modern dental practice. Refer someone you love to someone you trust!

Presented as a service to the community by Doctors Hoover and Yanda,

39 Milford Drive, Hudson, Ohio 44236. 330-650-0360. www.drshooverandyanda.com

WHAT IS DRY MOUTH?

March 9, 2020Health

Your mouth needs saliva to work properly. Saliva keeps your mouth moist, and it helps to break down your food and helps you to swallow. It also acts as a cleanser. It is constantly washing around your mouth and teeth, fighting tooth decay and helping to keep your teeth clean. Dry mouth or ‘xerostomia’ is a condition which affects the flow of saliva, causing your mouth to feel dry.

How can I tell I have dry mouth?

The most obvious symptom is, of course, a dry mouth. Some people feel that their saliva has become thick and sticky, making it difficult to speak or swallow. Some people also have a ‘prickly’ or burning sensation in their mouth and become sensitive to certain foods. The mouth can become sore and there is a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease. In some cases, the mouth can also become red and shiny.

What can cause dry mouth?

Dry mouth can be a symptom of many different problems and can occur as you get older. Quite often it is a side effect of medication—especially heart, blood pressure and depression tablets. Your doctor, pharmacist or dental team should be able to tell you whether your medication can cause problems. Dry mouth can also be caused by medical treatments such as radiotherapy, or surgery to the head or neck. In some cases, dry mouth can be a direct result of a medical condition (for example diabetes, lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome and blocked salivary glands).

Are women more likely to get dry mouth?

Women who are going through menopause may suffer from dry mouth. Women who have had their menopause and are taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may also find they suffer from dry mouth. If you are taking medication and have any of the symptoms of dry mouth, talk to your physician and dentist to formulate a treatment plan.

If you, your family or friends need dental care, we would be honored to provide you with state-of-the-art dental care in our modern dental practice. Refer someone you love to someone you trust!

Presented as a service to the community by Doctors Hoover and Yanda,

39 Milford Drive, Hudson, Ohio 44236. 330-650-0360. www.drshooverandyanda.com

ELITE ATHLETES EXHIBIT POOR ORAL HEALTH DESPITE BRUSHING TWICE DAILY

March 2, 2020Health

Elite athletes often have high rates of oral disease despite brushing their teeth more frequently than most people, finds a new study published in the British Dental Journal.

A research team surveyed 352 Olympic and professional athletes across 11 sports, including cycling, swimming, rugby, football, rowing, and hockey. The dental check-ups revealed substantial amounts of oral disease, finding that nearly half had untreated tooth decay, the large majority showed early signs of gum inflammation, and almost a third reported that their oral health had a negative impact on their training and performance. These elite athletes had poor oral health despite their efforts to care for their teeth. The researchers found that a majority of the athletes in the survey already had good oral-health habits in as much as they brush their teeth twice a day, floss, visit the dentist regularly, don’t smoke and have a healthy general diet, except for one important thing:

The researchers found that the athletes also regularly use sports drinks (87%), energy bars (59%) and energy gels (70%), which are known to damage teeth. The sugar in the sports drinks, energy gels and bars they frequently use during training and competition increases the risk of tooth decay, and their acidity increases the risk of erosion. This could well be contributing to the high levels of tooth decay and acid erosion seen during the dental check-ups.

If you, your family or friends need dental care, we would be honored to provide you with state-of-the-art dental care in our modern dental practice. Refer someone you love to someone you trust!

Presented as a service to the community by Doctors Hoover and Yanda,

39 Milford Drive, Hudson, Ohio 44236. 330-650-0360. www.drshooverandyanda.com

BRUSH YOUR TEETH—POSTPONE ALZHEIMER’S

February 24, 2020Prevention

You don’t only avoid holes in your teeth by practicing good oral hygiene. Researchers have discovered a connection between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease. They discovered DNA-based proof that the bacteria causing gingivitis can move from the mouth to the brain.

The bacteria produce a protein that destroys nerve cells in the brain, which in turn leads to loss of memory, and ultimately, Alzheimer’s. The bacteria alone do not cause Alzheimer’s, but the presence of these bacteria raises the risk substantially for developing the disease and is also implicated in a more rapid progression of the disease. However, the good news is that this study shows that there are some things you can do yourself to slow down Alzheimer’s: brush your teeth and use floss. It is important, if you have established gingivitis and have Alzheimer’s in your family, to go to your dentist regularly and clean your teeth properly.

If you, your family or friends need dental care, we would be honored to provide you with state-of-the-art dental care in our modern dental practice. Refer someone you love to someone you trust!

Presented as a service to the community by Doctors Hoover and Yanda,
39 Milford Drive, Hudson, Ohio 44236. 330-650-0360. www.drshooverandyanda.com

DENTAL OFFICE CONCIERGE PLANS

February 17, 2020Services

While we certainly have many patients who have traditional dental insurance plans, there is a new method of paying for dental services that is becoming a very popular. A Concierge Plan is an in-office plan that helps patients afford their needed dentistry. It is not traditional dental insurance, but rather a “membership plan”, similar to plans like Costco, Amazon Prime, Sam’s Club, etc. For one very affordable annual fee, a patient in our office receives a comprehensive exam for new patients, two professional cleanings and two periodic exams per year, an emergency exam if needed, a full-mouth series of x-rays every five years, one set of bitewing x-rays per year, two fluoride treatments per year if needed and 15% off of any other dental treatment they have done within that year. There is no limit on how much dentistry can be received. We have other plans too for families and for periodontal patients who need more frequent cleanings.

These are obvious benefits for patients who do not have dental insurance. But many people who have dental insurance have found that our in-office Concierge Plan works better for them…less out of pocket expense for many, no yearly cap, no insurance company dictating what treatment they will pay for or which doctor you’re allowed to see. There is no deductible. No Claim forms to submit. No pre-authorizations required. No restrictions for pre-existing conditions. Free consultations. No waiting period. No interference with the doctor-patient relationship. Quite a few advantages over traditional dental insurance…might be worth comparing with your dental insurance plan.

If you, your family or friends need dental care, we would be honored to provide you with state-of-the-art dental care in our modern dental practice. Refer someone you love to someone you trust!

Presented as a service to the community by Doctors Hoover and Yanda,

39 Milford Drive, Hudson, Ohio 44236. 330-650-0360. www.drshooverandyanda.com

COSMETIC DENTISTRY

February 10, 2020Cosmetic Dentistry

Q: What type of cosmetic dentistry options are there?

A: Your smile can be the most eye-catching feature of your face – either in a good way or a bad way! Stained, chipped or misshapen teeth can now be improved in a number of ways. Some of the choices are:

Tooth Bleaching brightens teeth that are discolored or stained. There are a number of methods used for bleaching. We use trays and professional-strength bleaching gel for effectiveness both for current usage and for touch-ups in the future.
Bonding can improve the appearance of chipped, cracked or stained teeth and can close spaces between teeth. Tooth –colored materials are applied or bonded to the tooth surface.
Veneers are thin custom-made shells designed to cover the front surfaces of teeth. As long as the back surfaces are not cracked, decayed or have worn-out fillings, veneers are a good option.
Crowns are tooth-colored restorations that restore the front, side and back surfaces of teeth. They can also provide protection for teeth that have become weakened due to large fillings, fractures and decay.

Ask, your dentist about which option would be best for you. You can have the smile you’ve always wanted!

If you, your family or friends need dental care, we would be honored to provide you with state-of-the-art dental care in our modern dental practice. Refer someone you love to someone you trust!

Presented as a service to the community by Doctors Hoover and Yanda,

39 Milford Drive, Hudson, Ohio 44236. 330-650-0360. www.drshooverandyanda.com

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A ROOT CANAL?–PART V

February 3, 2020Services

You will need a root canal if your tooth has damage to its dental pulp, the soft tissue that surrounds nerves in the center of the tooth.

The most common causes of pulp nerve damage are:

Infection. This is often caused by tooth decay (cavity) reaching the nerve or a cracked tooth. This can allow harmful bacteria to reach the nerve, resulting in infection and decay.
Injury. An injury to a tooth or the jaw can cause damage to sensitive nerve tissue in the tooth.

Without treatment, the infected dental pulp will spread to the bone around the tooth. This makes it unable to hold the tooth in place.

Alternatives to a Root Canal

The only alternative to a root canal procedure is having the tooth extracted and replaced with a bridge, implant, or removable partial denture to restore chewing function and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting. These alternatives not only are more expensive than a root canal procedure but require more treatment time and additional procedures to adjacent teeth and supporting tissues.

Root Canal Prevention

Since some of the reasons why the nerve of a tooth and its pulp become inflamed and infected are due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on a tooth and/or large fillings, following good oral hygiene practices (brushing twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and scheduling regular dental visits) may reduce the need for a root canal procedure. Trauma resulting from a sports-related injury can be reduced by wearing a mouth guard.

If you, your family or friends need dental care, we would be honored to provide you with state-of-the-art dental care in our modern dental practice. Refer someone you love to someone you trust!

Presented as a service to the community by Doctors Hoover and Yanda,

39 Milford Drive, Hudson, Ohio 44236. 330-650-0360. www.drshooverandyanda.com

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A ROOT CANAL?—PART IV

January 27, 2020Services

Complications of a Root Canal

Despite your dentist’s best efforts to clean and seal a tooth, new infections might emerge after a root canal. Some teeth that have had root canal therapy, need it again. Fortunately, retreatment of a root canal is often successful. Retreatment is usually performed by an endodontist, with the aid of an operating microscope.

Sometimes endodontic surgery must be performed in order to save a tooth. The most common endodontic surgical procedure is called an apicoectomy, or root-end resection. This procedure relieves the inflammation or infection in the bony area around the end of your tooth that continues after endodontic treatment. In this procedure, the gum tissue is opened, the infected tissue is removed, and the very end of the root is removed. A small filling is placed into the end of the root to seal the root canal.

The endodontist will also examine the interior of the root for fractures. Unfortunately, fractured roots are not repairable and extraction of the tooth would be necessary.

If you, your family or friends need dental care, we would be honored to provide you with state-of-the-art dental care in our modern dental practice. Refer someone you love to someone you trust!

Presented as a service to the community by Doctors Hoover and Yanda,

39 Milford Drive, Hudson, Ohio 44236. 330-650-0360. www.drshooverandyanda.com