No Dental Insurance? Five Reasons Why Patients LOVE Our Dental Savings Plan

Much has been said about the millions of American without health insurance. But often overlooked in these discussions is another vital medical statistic: the hundreds of millions of Americans without dental insurance.

For those without dental insurance, a toothache that turns into an expensive procedure like a crown or root canal will be more than a thousand dollars in out-of-pocket charges. Routine check-ups and cleanings will set you back hundreds each year. No wonder 35% of Americans have not visited the dentist in the past year.

That's why we created the St. Mary's Street Dental Savings Plan. It covers the cost for annual preventive care, at a discounted priced, and offers a significant savings off all other treatment throughout the year. Here are five reasons why patients love our Dental Savings Plan:

1. It's Not Insurance

The St. Mary's Dental Savings Plan is straightforward: there are no third parties, no yearly maximums, no deductions, no claim forms to file, no waiting periods, no age restrictions and no pre-authorization forms. Pretty simple.

2. Exclusive Savings Can Pay for the Cost of the Plan

You get a year's worth of preventive care for an up-front annual fee, as well as 15% discount off of all other care throughout the year. Need a crown? Night guard? A full smile makeover? Enjoy exclusive savings on all other care. If, for example, you need (or want) $5000 worth of dental care, you would save $750 - which will easily pay for the cost of the annual plan, providing you with all your preventive care for the year.

3. Say YES to Restorative and Cosmetic Care

Don't wait to have the care you need or want! Unlike insurance companies that have waiting periods or exclude certain procedures, you can receive all your dental care today. Have you been putting off having that crown or smile makeover? Sign up today and start saving! 

4. No Surprises

We offer a "no surprises" guarantee with our Dental Savings Plan. We'll let you know the exact cost of the procedure (minus the 15% discount) upfront, complete your treatment for the specified price, and we're done. When you have dental insurance, we bill the insurance company after we provide your treatment and you're never sure how much they will cover, sometimes leaving you with unexpected out-of-pocket costs. 

5. Better Dental Health

It's easy to put off your cleaning and check-up if you don't think you have any problems. The problem is that many dental problems don't cause concern until they are much more serious. Left unchecked, a small cavity that would cost about $100 to fill can turn into a $1200 root canal or crown. Skip those cleanings each year and you can be looking at $2000 in gum disease treatment. Finally, during the dental exam, we look for more serious problems, such as oral cancer. Early detection is critical to successful treatment. With the Dental Savings Plan, your preventive care is covered and your treatment is discounted.

Annual Membership Cost

Annual membership in the Plan is $375 per person. This covers twice yearly exams, cleanings, and x-rays and, for children up to age 14, fluoride treatments. Plan members also receive a 15% discount off all other dental care including crowns, fillings, bite guards, dentures, and cosmetic procedures. Flexible payment options are available, including CareCredit. 

A Thoughtful Gift Idea

Is there someone in your life without dental insurance who could use help maintaining their oral health? Maybe an employee? An older child no longer on your dental insurance? At Jeff M. Morrison & Assoc., DDS, we offer gift certificates for the St. Mary's Dental Savings Plan. The recipient will receive all the benefits of the plan, and you will be assured that the person you care about is getting great dental care, when they need it. Give the gift of dental health - contact our staff today for more information.

Ready for a Healthy Smile? 

Learn more about the St. Mary's Street Dental Savings Plan on our website or call our friendly staff with questions at 919.755.3450. Enroll at your next appointment and start saving.

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Bleeding Gums Are NOT Normal!

Even if you think you do a great job taking care of your teeth, chances are you've seen an occasional drop or two of blood on your gums after flossing, or in the sink. Not problem - right? Not so fast!

Bleeding gums are not NEVER normal and the cause needs to be determined. To put it another way - imagine if your scalp started bleeding after you brushed your hair - would you be concerned?  If your gums are bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth, you may have a problem and need to schedule a dental appointment to find out.

Here are some of the reasons that gums may start to bleed:  

Gum Disease

Chances are, your bleeding gums are caused by gum or periodontal disease. Gum disease is common. Really common. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, up to 80% of the adult population has some level of periodontal disease, while only about 10% are aware of it. Half of Americans aged 30 or older have periodontitis, the more advanced form of periodontal disease. This equals approximately 64.7 million Americans!

Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. Plaque on your teeth and at the gumline that is not removed by brushing and flossing can infect the gums and lead to the gingivitis. When gingivitis occurs, your gums may become swollen, tender and bleed during brushing. This early stage of gum disease responds well to good brushing and flossing habits and regular dental care. If not treated, gingivitis may progress to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis. The infection & inflammation associated with moderate and severe gum disease can result in tooth loss, and is also linked with other serious health issues and concerns such as stroke, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease and diabetes.

Medications

Medications may also cause your gums to bleed.  The American Dental Association lists blood thinning medications, such as warfarin, aspirin, and heparin as one of the possible causes of bleeding gums. These medications decrease the blood's ability to clot, which can lead to easier bleeding.

Changes in Your Oral Hygiene Routine

Changing your flossing routine can also lead to bleeding gums. For example, if you haven't remembered to floss for a few days, or if you have begun to floss more frequently, then you may notice some temporary bleeding. Or, you've switched from a soft-bristled toothbrush to a firm brush may also result in gums that bleed. Again, this should be temporary.

Pregnancy Gingivitis

Some pregnant women experience swollen gums and bleeding during brushing. This is known as pregnancy gingivitis. Hormonal changes during pregnancy alter the body's response to the bacteria that causes gum disease. According to the American Pregnancy Association, symptoms should clear up after pregnancy. A dental checkup and regular brushing and flossing can help to prevent gum problems from becoming worse.

Poorly Fitting Dentures or Oral Appliances

People who wear dentures may also may experience bleeding of the gums from time to time. This is more likely when the dentures are too small or fit too tightly. People who wear retainers or other oral appliances may also experience bleeding from improper fit. Consult your dentist or orthodontist if dentures or other oral appliances are uncomfortable.  You may need to take new impressions to create a better-fitting mouthpiece. 

Medical Conditions

Frequent episodes of gum bleeding, however, can indicate more serious conditions, such as: leukemia (cancer of the blood) or hemophilia (lack of clotting cells).   Deficiencies of vitamins C and K can also cause gums to bleed easily. However, vitamin deficiencies aren’t often seen in people who live in developed countries, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. This is because healthy children and adults living in developed areas of the world have access to vitamins C and K through food and supplements.

Your best bet? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Morrison at Jeff M. Morrison & Associates, DDS to discuss your concerns and determine why you are seeing red when you brush and floss.  We can be reached at 919.755.3450 or you can schedule online. 

Stroke and Gum Disease: What's the Connection?

May is Stroke Awareness Month and we want to take this opportunity to share with you the connection between stroke and periodontal (gum) disease. 

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease  is a progressive, inflammatory disease that affects the hard and soft tissues supporting the teeth.  It starts as gingivitis, which is the mildest form of periodontal disease.  Gingivitis causes gums to turn red, swell, and bleed.  Dental plaque is the primary cause of gingivitis.  Plaque is a sticky, colorless film, composed mostly of bacteria and food particles, that develops on your teeth at and below the gum line. Bacteria found in plaque produce toxins that irritate the gums.  If left untreated, gingivitis will worsen to periodontitis.  At this stage, deep pockets form between the gums and the teeth. When the bacteria make its way below the gum line, it creates inflammation that can destroy tissue and bone in the mouth, leading to tooth loss. 

The Connection Between Stroke and Periodontal Disease

Strokes and periodontal disease may seem like strange bedfellows, but they have a lot in common, more than most people think.  Both diseases have serious implications for patients.  Both are prevalent in the U.S.; 80% of Americans will have with periodontal disease by age 45, and on average, every four minutes one American dies from a stroke. With both stroke and periodontal disease, patients may be unaware of their risk.   

Researchers have little doubt that the presence of periodontal disease can increase the risk of stroke.  Although the connection is not clear, here are two key factors:

• Inflammation – Periodontal disease causes severe inflammation in the gum tissue which elevates the white blood cell count and also the high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels. Studies have shown that elevated levels of C-reactive proteins have been linked to stroke.
• Oral bacteria affect the blood vessels – There are many different strains of periodontal bacteria.  Some of these strains enter the bloodstream and attach to heart blood vessels (coronary arteries) that have been weakened by age and high blood pressure.  This attachment then contributes to clot formation, which can lead to a stroke, or causes arterial ruptures in the brain leading to hemorrhages.

What You Can Do To Reduce Your Risk

If you have risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, heart disease, or a family history of stroke, it is especially important to prevent periodontal disease through regular dental cleanings and exams (which include periodontal evaluations), and proper brushing and flossing.  

If you are diagnosed with periodontal disease, your dentist will discuss a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include deep cleaning treatments such as scaling and root planing to remove hardened calculus (tartar) deposits from the gum pockets, antibiotic treatment  to ensure that the bacteria is completely destroyed and the periodontal infection does not spread, or refer you to a periodontist for specialized treatment.   

Periodontal disease and stroke risk is one more area where your dental and medical health converge.  If you have questions or concerns about periodontal disease please speak with Dr. Morrison at your next visit.  As gum disease is a risk factor for diseases of the blood vessels and arteries, be sure to let your physician know if you have been given this diagnosis by your dentist.  

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Five Benefits of a Nightguard

If you suffer from nightly jaw clenching, tooth grinding, a condition called bruxism,  or tempomandibular disorder, called TMD, you know how uncomfortable the side effects can be.  You may regularly wake up  with headaches, jaw or facial pain, notice your teeth are wearing down, or experience disrupted sleep patterns.   Fortunately there is a simple solution that can dramatically change your life - being fitted for a nightguard.  Whatever your reason for wearing a night guard, consistent use of it offers five key advantages.

It Protects your Teeth from Wear 

Although not all wear and tear on the teeth happens at night, a lot of it can.  The nightly habit of unconsciously grinding and clenching your jaw can lead to chipped teeth, damaged fillings and excessive wear on the teeth.  Having the protection of a thin piece of plastic covering the occlusal surfaces of your teeth is kinder to them and when plastic meets tooth, it is the plastic that tends to wear - not the tooth surface. 

Alleviate Pain & Headaches

Unfortunately, there are a host of discomforts that accompany bruxism and TMD.  Patients often complain of a sore or tender jaw, morning headaches, ear aches, neck pain, sensitive teeth, muscle fatigue, facial pain and spasms.  A properly designed night guard will have a well adjusted, aligned and balanced bite which can "shutdown" the muscles in your jaw and allows them a night time rest. Many patients report their facial and jaw muscles are more relaxed when they wake up and that they no longer have headaches, jaw pain or other symptoms. 

Keep Your Teeth in Place 

Although teeth appear stationary, they are not.   The nightguard functions like an orthodontic retainer and wearing it nightly will keep your teeth in place and will not allow them to "drift".  This can be especially important for older patients.  The night guard acts like a splint and keeps teeth that have experienced bone loss from developing excessive mobility, which can help prevent tooth loss.

Improve Your Sleep Patterns  

Nightguards provide maximum comfort while minimizing your symptoms, which ends up drastically improving your sleep patterns. The nightguard positions your jaw in such a way that facilitates muscle relaxation, and by keeping these muscles relaxed, you can avoid the stress-filled, interrupted sleep that often accompanies bruxism and TMD.  Interrupted or impaired sleep can wreak havoc with your mood and energy levels, and can also increase your risk of heart disease, prevent you from losing weight, and raise your blood pressure.  

Money Saving in the Long-Term

The tooth damage caused by the unconscious nightly grinding and clenching of your teeth and jaw tends to be quite costly. Perhaps the greatest downside of teeth clenching is that it slowly but surely destroys your teeth over the years. When this happens, the restorative dental treatments required for both aesthetic and functional purposes are an expensive investment.   Just as important, nightguards may help you have the uninterrupted, restorative sleep we need to function at our best, and maintain the best possible health.

Nightguards are comfortable, practical, and affordable - and the benefits can be immediate.  Many patients report a restful night of sleep, and that their pain has disappeared, after wearing their nightguard for just one night.  At Jeff M. Morrison & Associates, getting your own nightguard is a simple process and typically is done with just two visits, one to create a custom mold of your teeth, and another to test the fitting. The advantages of wearing a nightguard are too great to ignore. If you think a nightguard might be right for you, contact Jeff M. Morrison & Associates and start protecting your teeth today.

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Affordable Dental Care For Your Children: The St. Mary's Street Dental Savings Plan:

A report in The Journalof the American Dental Association (JADA) shows that dental benefits play a significant role in meeting the dental needs of children.

The authors examined data from more than 65,000 participants and found U.S. children enrolled in dental care plans were less likely to experience delayed care, had fewer dental problems, less severe problems, and lower treatment costs than those without coverage.  

Unfortunately, not all families can afford dental insurance for their children. That's why Raleigh dentist Jeff M. Morrison created the St.Mary's Street Dental Savings Plan (Plan).  The Plan is $375 per year and includes:

• Two examinations,
• Two cleanings,
• X-rays, and
• Two fluoride treatments for children under age 14. 

Families with children enrolled in the plan save $101 per child off out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, Plan members receive a 15% discount on all other procedures such as fillings, sealants, wisdom teeth removal and emergency exams. 

If you’re thinking about purchasing dental insurance, consider the St. Mary's Street Dental Savings Plan - the affordable alternative to dental insurance. The Plan is simple and straightforward - there are NO yearly maximums, deductibles, waiting periods, forms to fill out, exclusions,  age restrictions, or enrollment periods (join anytime!) - just GREAT dental care at a cost you can afford. 

At Jeff M. Morrison & Assoc., DDS we LOVE our younger patients.  From first tooth visits, to teens getting their wisdom teeth removed - we handle it all.  We understand the importance of your child having a good relationship with their dentist, and a positive experience at their dental visits. These are key to establishing good oral hygiene habits early on, and can impact a child’s dental health for their whole lives. Dr. Morrison and his team take pride in their gentle approach, making sure that children are comfortable and relaxed during their visit. Our dental hygienists are trained to teach oral hygiene skills to children of all ages. We often hear from parents that their children like coming to the dentist!

Looking for a thoughtful gift for a child in your life?  You can purchase a subscription to the Plan and make sure that your niece, nephew, grandchild or any other child in your life has all the benefit of great dental care. 

"No parent wants to cut corners with their children's oral health.  With the St. Mary's Street Dental Savings Plan, our families can access the care they need for their children at a cost they can afford" says Dr. Morrison.  

Anyone can enroll in the Plan - not just children.  Find out more about the Plan or contact our friendly staff to enroll your children - or your entire family - today.

Article: Associations among dental insurance, dental visits, and unmet needs of US children, Zhou J. Yu, BSc, Maryam Elyasi, DDS, Maryam Amin, DMD, MSc, PhD, The Journal of the American Dental Association, doi: 10.1016/j.adaj.2016.11.013, published February 2017.

How Menopause Affects Your Oral Health and What You Can Do About It

Women experience many changes during menopause, some of which can show up in the mouth. This makes menopause a particularly important time for a woman to focus on dental health and hygiene. 

The connection between menopause and oral health is complex. Teeth, gums and bones are extremely susceptible to the hormonal changes taking place during this time of life. Some of these changes are subtle, so your dentist may be the first to notice.  Here are some potential changes both you and Dr. Morrison should keep an eye on:

Loss of bone in the oral cavity

Many women experience a loss of bone tissue in the oral cavity.  The reason is unclear, but a decrease in hormones is the suspected culprit. A past history with gingivitis and periodontal disease is another reason often considered relevant. In order to avoid losing teeth as you age, you'll want to maintain regular visits with your dentist so that you catch these problems early.

Burning mouth syndrome

First the good news: only about 1% of people experience a burning sensation in the mouth, known as “burning mouth syndrome”. The bad news is that the prevalence of burning mouth syndrome is significantly higher in menopausal and postmenopausal women (43%) than in premenopausal women (6%). The symptoms may vary from minor discomfort to intense pain. Treatment can include nutritional supplements, medication, the adjustment of dentures and other oral appliances, and nerve stimulation if the cause is believed to be nerve-related. But the answer to the cause and proper treatment remain elusive.

Dry Mouth

Dryness of the mouth, or xerostomia, is a common symptom for menopausal women. Salivary flow rates are influenced by estrogen levels and women in menopause have lower flow rates of saliva than menstruating women.  Saliva helps your body's ability to fight off minor infections, maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the oral environment and prevent cavities.  When saliva flow is reduced, women are more susceptible to problems such plaque formation, caries, and periodontal disease.  

Gingivitis and periodontitis

Postmenopausal women present with periodontal or gum disease more frequently and in more severe form than other women. The primary cause is bacterial plaque, which can increase with reduced saliva flow.  Regular dental care to remove bacterial plaque under the gum-line is especially important.  Women taking estrogen supplements during and after menopause are at risk for gingivitis or periodontitis, than women not pursuing hormone therapy.  So, taking care of your mouth, visiting the dentist, and being aware of a dry mouth are keys to keeping you gum-disease free. 

Can HRT Improve Oral Health for Women in Menopause? 

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has helped women manage an array of menopause-related issues, including reducing hot flashes and improving heart health. Can we add improving oral health to that list?  It's very likely.  HRT is proven to be effective in preventing bone loss - which is linked to tooth loss.   And because the mouth contains estrogen receptors, HRT has been shown in some studies to prevent the likelihood or worsening of oral health issues such as  burning mouth syndrome, dry mouth, dental caries and periodontal disease.  In studies comparing women on HRT with those who are not, women on HRT had better dental outcomes including lower rates of periodontal disease, accelerated healing of periodontal disease, fewer teeth lost, fewer oral symptoms such as dry or painful mouth, and lower dental costs than those who did not use HRT.

What You Can Do

All women, but especially women in menopause, should make good dental care a part of their healthy lifestyles.  Let our staff know of any changes in your health - including symptoms of menopause, whether you are receiving HRT and  if you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis.  Also, alert us to any new symptoms you may have such as dry or painful mouth, or bleeding gums. 

Because menopausal and postmenopausal women present with periodontal disease more frequently and in more severe form, it is also very important for you to stay on track with your dental exams and cleanings to identify and begin to treat gum disease at its earliest possible stage. 

The dips in progesterone and estrogen that accompany menopause affect every woman differently. And for those who pursue hormone therapy, perhaps less still. Staying on top of symptoms and keeping your communication lines open with your doctor and dentist will help keep you ahead of the curve when it comes to your oral  health.   

If you have questions don't hesitate to talk with Dr. Morrison or your Dental Hygienist.  Is it time for your dental cleaning and exam?  Contact us so we can get you scheduled!  

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Five Reasons Why Your Child (or You) Should Have A Custom-Fitted Mouth Guard

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends the use of mouth guards in 27 sports/exercise activities. If your kids (or you) are involved in any sort of sports or exercise activity where contact with another player, a ball, or the ground is possible, ask us about having a custom-fitted mouth guard made for them. Here are some reasons why this is so important:

Reduce Injury to Teeth, Mouth and Gums

The American Dental Association (ADA) estimates that athletes who don’t wear mouth guards are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injury than those who do and that “a full third of all dental injuries are sports related.” Properly fitted mouth guards protect the soft tissues of the cheeks, gums and tongue by covering the sharp surfaces of the teeth that can cause lacerations on impact. They also reduce the potential for tooth injury, jaw damage or jaw joint fracture and displacement by cushioning against impact, absorbing and distributing the forces that can cause serious injury.

Reduce Risk of Concussion

The risk of playing sports without a mouth guard aren’t just limited to injuries to the teeth, mouth or gums. According to a study in the peer-reviewed journal, General Dentistry, you may be able to significantly reduce their risk of a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), better known as a concussion with a custom-fitted mouth guard.

Not All Mouth Guards Created Equally

There are three basic categories of mouth guards. Stock mouth guards come in limited sizes; they’re relatively inexpensive, but they provide the least level of protection. “Boil and bite” mouth guards can be customized after purchase to the wearer’s bite, but they don’t always provide complete coverage of back teeth.

Custom mouth guards are designed by Dr. Morrison and made from a unique impression of your child's teeth. They’re more expensive, but provide the highest level of protection from injuries. Our mouth guards are made from the highest quality dental-grade material and provide a comfortable and flawless fit. Because they hug the teeth, they won't fly out when your child falls or is tackled. They are also durable and will offer consistent thickness for shock absorption. 

Custom Mouth Guards More Likely to be Worn

Custom-made mouth guards allow athletes to breathe easy, communicate clearly, and even hydrate with it in place - making it more likely they are worn. Custom-fitted mouth guards are also advised for a child with braces because they won’t interfere with orthodontic treatment.

Cost of Injury vs. Cost of Mouth Guard

A mouth guard properly fitted in our office costs little in comparison to the cost of treatment after a dental injury, or other injury such as a concussion or broken jaw.

As you get your child ready for Summer and Fall sports, consider coming in to have a custom-made and properly fitted mouth guard made for your child to lower the injury risk to their mouth and brain. Find out if your dental insurance will cover the cost of the mouth guard. If you are uninsured, consider our in-office dental savings plan, which provides 15% off the cost of the mouth guard.

If you have questions about mouth guards, or would like to schedule an appointment with us to have an expertly-fitted mouth guard made for your child, contact our office today at 919 755 3450.

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