April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

April is Oral Cancer Awareness month, giving us an opportunity to share information on the important role that your dentist plays in the early detection of oral cancer.

You probably know that your dentist likes to see you every six months. That way, he or she can routinely watch for cavities and gum problems. But your dentist also is your first line of defense against something more serious: oral cancer.

Oral and oropharyngeal cancer (cancer of the mouth and upper throat), together, kill nearly one person every hour of every day of the year. Of the people newly diagnosed with these cancers, 40 percent will not survive longer than five years. Many who do survive suffer long-term problems, such as severe facial disfigurement or difficulties with eating and speaking.

This death rate remains particularly high because the cancers are routinely discovered late in their development. When oral and oropharyngeal cancers are detected and treated early, mortality is greatly reduced.

Dental Visits Are Important
The American Dental Association recommends twice-a-year dental checkups so you can have your teeth cleaned professionally and get a check for early signs of tooth decay and gum issues. Many dentists also use these routine visits to check for signs of cancer.

"When you come in for your routine cleaning and exam - usually every six months - we will conduct a thorough examination that includes an exam of the lips, cheeks, tongue, palate, floor of mouth, throat and gum tissues,” says Raleigh dentist Dr. Jeff Morrison, of Jeff M. Morrison & Associates, DDS.

“We’re looking for any lumps, sores or irregular tissue changes, including discoloration. If I find anything suspicious, such as a lesion, I’ll recommend a biopsy or refer you to another health care provider for follow-up”.

Risk factors for Older and Younger Patients
In the past, those people at an especially high risk of developing oral cancer have been heavy drinkers and smokers older than age 50. 

While smoking and tobacco use are still major risk factors, the fastest growing segment of oral cancer patients are young, healthy, non-smoking individuals - typically in the 20-40 year old range.   The sexually transmitted human papillomavirus 16 (HPV) is related to the increasing number of cases in younger people.  

Be mindful of symptoms
Be aware of the signs and symptom of oral cancer, and see your dentist or doctor if you notice any changes that do not go away in a short period of time (2-3 weeks). Here are some of examples:

• Unexplained numbness or pain/tenderness in any area of the face, mouth or neck
• Lumps, thickening tissues, rough spots, red or white patches, or crusty areas
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving your jaw or tongue
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth
• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
• Chronic sore throat, hoarseness or voice changes, or feeling something is caught in your throat

When it comes to symptoms, keep in mind, there is no need to wait. Visit your your health professional if you have ANY concerns about changes in your mouth or throat.

At Jeff M. Morrison & Associates, DDS, we want all our patients – young and old – to be aware of the symptoms and risk factors of oral and oropharyngeal cancer. We conduct oral cancer screenings at every exam and have identified and referred many patients with concerning symptoms for further care. Early detection and treatment may well be the key to a complete recovery. For more information or to schedule an exam, call our friendly staff at at (919) 755-3450.

Looking for a New Dentist? Five Reasons You Should Choose a Local – Not Corporate – Dental Practice

There are many factors to consider when choosing a dentist. Their experience, reputation, the insurance plans they accept, and location are all important. Here’s another consideration – do you want to see a dentist in a private, locally owned dental practice, or a dentist in a corporate practice?

You might be surprised at the differences. As a small, locally owned dental practice in Raleigh, North Carolina, we want to share some reasons why choosing a private dental practice, like Jeff M. Morrison & Associates, DDS, is to your advantage.

1. Connection with the Community

A dentist who operates a private dental practice usually has deep roots in the community. Like Dr.Morrison, who grew up in Raleigh, they’re the people you see at church, or the grocery store, or whose kids go to your kids’ school. They’re your neighbors, and like great neighbors, they’re friendly, look out for you, and help you out in time of need. When you crash your bike and break off your front teeth on a Sunday afternoon, you can be sure that Dr. Morrison will be there for you. Does your corporate dentist promise that?

2. Patients are Here for the Relationships – Not “Special” or “Discounts”

With a corporate dental office, the emphasis is on volume, and appointments are filled through advertising campaigns and discounted specials, such as “teeth whitening for life” or “$99 new patient exams.”

Local dentists, like Dr. Morrison, don’t answer to a large corporation with a team of accountants wielding strict budgets and pushing quotas for him to reach daily. There are no shareholders looking to maximize profits at the patient’s expense. Building great relationships with patients, assuring the best dental outcomes, and the best patient experience, is what drives the practice of a local dentist, like Dr. Morrison.

3. We Know Your Mouth

Seeing someone every six months, year after year, means your local dental team understands the factors that influence your dental health. Dr. Morrison knows if you struggle with smoking, have diabetes, or are at risk for periodontal disease. Our scheduling staff know which patients need a reminder call to schedule their six-month check-up. Our Dental Hygienists know if you gag easily, or are anxious in the dental chair. Unlike a corporate practice, which may schedule you with different dentists and hygienists at each visit, our staff will get to know your dental habits and work with you to keep your mouth healthy.

4. Experience Counts

Dentists in corporate dental chains are often hired right out of dental school, bringing with them no real-world experience. These young dentists lack the insights and experience that comes with a dentist who has many years’ experience working on complex dental issue, like Dr. Morrison, and may not have colleagues who can mentor them in addressing their patients’ needs effectively.

5. Continuity of Care

In large-scale corporate dental firms, you are unlikely to see the same dentist year after year. They tend to employ dentists right out of school, who spend a few years in a corporate setting gaining experience and skills, before moving to a private practice. Or, the pressure to meet productivity quotas means that if they do not focus on profit, chances are strong they will not last with the company.

In contrast, a local dentist such as Dr. Morrison who owns his own practice, understands the value of hiring great staff and keeping them. He knows patients like to see the same face when they come in for their appointment, and that this continuity of care leads to better dental outcomes.

Is a Small Private Dental Practice Right for You?

We understand the allure of corporate dentistry – the special offers, discounts and promotions, the extended hours, and freebies. They can do this because they operate on model that emphasizes high volume, low cost dentistry. Is that really what you (or your teeth) need?

If you live in the Raleigh area and are looking for a dentist, we invite you to join the dental practice of Jeff M. Morrison & Associates, DDS.   Considered by many to be the best Raleigh dentist, Dr. Morrison offers exceptional care and creative solutions to your dental concerns.  Great patient care, not profit, is our goal. Get in touch and schedule today!

Use It or Lose It! Five Reasons to Use Your Dental Insurance Benefits Before the End of the Year

When it comes to dental benefit plans, millions of people each year are leaving money on the table. Are you one of them?

According to the National Association of Dental Plans, only 2.8% of PPO dental plan participants reached or exceeded their plans annual maximum. Your current plan will most likely run out on December 31, which means it’s a great time of year to take advantage of everything your dental insurance provides.

Here are five reasons why the friendly staff at Raleigh dentist Jeff M. Morrison & Associates want you to make a dental appointment today:

Yearly Maximum Does Not Roll Over

The yearly maximum is the most money that the dental insurance plan will pay for your dental work within one full year. This amount varies by insurance company, but the average tends to be around $1,000 per year, per person. The yearly maximum usually renews every year (on January 1 if your plan is on a calendar year). If you have unused benefits, these will not rollover, so you should utilize all of the benefits while they are still active.

Deductibles Starts Again With New Year

The deductible is the amount of money you must pay to your dentist out-of-pocket before your insurance company will pay for any services. Your deductible starts again when your plan rolls over with the new year.  This means it's best to take care of all your dental work in the current year before you have to pay the deductible for the new year.

If you need more extensive dental treatments involving multiple visits, the end of the year is the perfect time to get started. Once your deductible is paid, your out-of-pocket expenses can decrease dramatically, making it an ideal situation for larger dental treatments.

Premiums Are Paid Each Month – Use Them!

Even if you don’t need any dental treatment, your coverage probably includes a dental cleaning and exam every six months to help prevent and detect cavities, gum disease or other problems. If you haven’t had a cleaning in the last six months, now is an excellent time to schedule an appointment with Raleigh dentist Jeff M. Morrison & Associates, DDS.

Fee Increases with the New Year

Some dentists raise their rates at the beginning of the year due to the increased cost of living, materials, and equipment. A fee increase may make your copay higher. Thus, if you need to see the dentist for any reason, you should do it while your current rates and copay remain, as they could potentially go up in the following year.

Dental Problems Usually Worsen

By delaying dental treatment, you're risking more extensive and expensive treatment down the road. Most dental problems don’t get better on their own. What may be a simple cavity now, could turn into a root canal later. If you have any potential problems, call your dentist and schedule an appointment before the year is over before your minor dental problem becomes a major one.

We’ll Help You Minimize Costs

If you’re getting close to your annual maximum, we can help create a plan to maximize your benefits by splitting your treatment between this year and next, allowing you to use the benefits you have remaining this year while at the same time taking advantage of your renewed dental benefits available in 2019.

This approach can help minimize out-of-pocket expenses by using your coverage in an optimal way. If you need more assistance making the costs of dental care more manageable, we offer financing options like Care Credit that can give you the opportunity to spread out-of-pocket costs over a manageable time period, sometimes without any interest charges. Also – don’t forget to use your Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), which can help pay for dental and medical care with pre-tax dollars. Like dental benefits, if unused, your FSA is lost.

Don’t leave your hard-earned money on the table – and don’t go without the dental care you need! Go ahead and get that appointment scheduled. We'll help you maximize your dental insurance benefits and  end the year with a healthy, beautiful smile.

Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact our staff at (919) 755-3450 or schedule you appointment online at: www.jeffmorrisondds.com/contact.

 

How We Can Help You Save Money at Your Dental Visit

About 85 million Americans don’t receive the dental care they need either because they lack dental insurance or, if they have coverage, they struggle to pay for costly procedures like root canals. Yet, untreated, dental problems can lead to serious oral health issues, and they are linked to many diseases like dementia, heart disease, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

At Jeff M. Morrison & Associates, DDS, we work hard to make dental care affordable for you and your family. Here are some of the ways:

1) Prevention is ALWAYS cost effective, and at each visit, we discuss the importance of a good oral care routine and let you know how you’re doing. We’ll also pre-schedule your next visit and remind you when it’s time to come in so your smile stays healthy.

2) We’re in-network with Cigna, BCBS and Aetna and accept most major dental plans. Our Insurance Specialist will file your dental insurance and make sure you receive every dime of benefits you are entitled to, as well as provide cost estimates for recommended treatment so you can make informed decisions about your care.

3) No insurance? With our in-office St. Mary’s Dental Savings Plan our uninsured patients receive exceptional care, at a significant discount. An annual fee of $375 provides a comprehensive prevention package as well as 15% off ALL your dental treatment - from crowns and fillings, to veneers and whitening. Most patients find that the discounts alone more than covers the cost of the Plan.

4) We also work with you on treatment and payment options. If you need more dental work than you can afford, Dr. Morrison will explain which procedures need to be done right away and which can be put off for a little while. We’ll also put together a payment plan – including CareCredit – to cover any procedures that cannot wait.

5) Finally, you can be assured that at Jeff M. Morrison & Associates, DDS, your dental care will be done right the first time, or we will re-do it at no cost to you. Yep – we guarantee our work – so you won’t have to pay for that crown a second time.

 

Dental care is expensive, but NOT getting dental care will cost you more in the end – in dollars and your health. We invite you to join our dental practice, where you can be assured of excellent and affordable care. We are always welcoming new patients – give us a call at (919) 755-3450.

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Back to School Tips for Your Child's Smile

Summer is coming to a close - are you making your back back-to-school checklist?   Along with the new clothes and school supplies don’t forget to include these five tips to get your children’s smile ready for the new school year:

CHANGE TOOTHBRUSHES

If your child received their current toothbrush in their Christmas stocking or Easter basket, or you can’t remember when they got it, it’s time for a new one.  We recommend replacing their toothbrush (or electric toothbrush head) every 3-4 months.  Having a brand new, super-cool toothbrush may motivate your kids to brush.   Check out the fun selection of toothbrushes at amazon.com. 

MOUTH GUARDS

Fall sports are in full swing , which means it’s time to pull the mouth guards out. Even children who participate in non-contact sports — like baseball — or recreational activities such as skateboarding or mountain biking — can benefit from wearing a protective mouth guard.  The advantages are clear - mouth guards limit the risk of mouth-related injuries to your child’s lips, tongue and soft tissues of the mouth.  They may also reduce the severity of concussion.  Dr. Morrison makes custom-fitted athletic mouth guards that are comfortable and allow your child to talk easily - which means they will wear them. 

Review the Brushing and Flossing Schedule

With the whirlwind of summer camps, vacations, and trips to the pool, it’s easy to get off schedule with brushing and flossing.  To keep their mouths healthy, kids need to brush twice a day for two minutes at a time. They should also floss every day, preferably after dinner.  Now is the time to get back on track. 

Plan for healthy Lunches and Snacks

Your child’s diet plays an important role in their oral health.  With school just weeks away it’s a great time think about ways to swap out lunchbox no-no’s with healthy alternatives. Foods with fiber, think carrots and celery, have a detergent effect in your mouth, says the American Dental Association (ADA). They also get saliva flowing. Next to routine brushing and flossing, a healthy diet is the best natural defense against cavities and gum disease. 

Schedule A DENTAL Cleaning and Exam 

Help your child get off to a great new school year with a bright, healthy smile by scheduling their dental cleaning and exam.  Ask Dr. Morrison about sealants and fluoride treatments to prevent decay. These treatments are easy ways to stop cavities before they start.   A third of children miss school because of oral health problems – so it makes sense to get their dental care done in the summer – to prevent problems down the road, and to take care of any minor issues before school starts.   

Are you new to the area or do you need  a dentist for your family? We’re always taking new patients - adults and kids - and would love to see your entire family!  Contact us today at (919) 755-3450 to get your child’s smile sparkling clean for the start of school.  You can also schedule online at: https://bit.ly/2LrbHPX