Save Money - Go To The Dentist

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, United Concordia 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.

 

Dental Anxiety or Dental Phobia? You’re Not Alone

If you fear going to the dentist, you’re not alone. Between 9% and 20% of Americans avoid going to the dentist because of anxiety or fear.

Dental phobia is a more serious condition than anxiety. It leaves people panic-stricken and terrified. People with dental phobia know their fear is irrational, but have a hard time controlling it. Many people avoid the dentist altogether, only to show up when forced to by extreme pain.

Does this sound like you? If so - we understand and sympathize. We also invite you to try the Raleigh dental practice of Jeff M. Morrison & Associates DDS. Our friendly and compassionate staff will help you overcome your dental fear and get you on the road to better oral health.

What Causes Dental Phobia and Anxiety?

There are many reasons why some people have dental phobia and anxiety. Here are just a few:

• Fear of pain. This usually stems from an early dental experience that was unpleasant or painful, or from dental "horror" stories told by others.
• Fear of injections or fear the injection won't work. Many people are terrified of needles, especially when inserted into their mouth. Others are afraid the dentist will begin the procedure before the anesthesia has taken effect, or that it will be painful despite the anesthesia.
• Anesthetic side effects. Sometimes the anesthetic can make you feel dizzy, nauseous, or even faint, which can cause fear in some people. Others fear the sensation of numbness in their mouth or tongue associated with local anesthetics.
• Loss of control. When you are sitting in a dental chair with your mouth wide open, unable to see what's going on or tell the dentist what you feel - its easy to feel out of control.
• Embarrassment and loss of personal space. The physical closeness of the dentist or hygienist to their face can be upsetting to some people. People who have avoided dental care may feel embarrassment about the appearance of their teeth.

Overcome Your Dental Fear 

We understand your fear and anxiety, and want to work with you. Here are a few suggestions:

• Tell us ahead of time. Tell the scheduling coordinator when you book your appointment in case they want to build in a little extra time, then staff about your anxiety when you arrive. Share any bad dental experiences you may have had, so we can understand and address your fears.
• Ask questions. Knowing what's going to happen may alleviates your fear of the unknown. We can explain every stage of the procedure so you're prepared for what's to come.
• Agree on a signal. Let us know, with an agreed upon hand signal, whenever you’re uncomfortable, need to swallow, rinse or just catch your breath. Knowing you can take short breaks may help with your fear.
• Speak up! If you experience pain or sensitivity during the procedure, even with an anesthetic, tell us. Some patients feel embarrassed about their pain tolerance or don’t want to interrupt a procedure. We understand that people experience pain differently, and pain tolerance may be lower for highly anxious patients – so tell us if you’re uncomfortable.
• Don't avoid dental care. If you suspect you have a problem, you need to come in. It is unlikely to get better on its own - most likely it will worsen, leading to more extensive care. 

Don’t let dental anxiety or phobia prevent you from getting the care you need. We promise to take the time to make you feel comfortable, calm and informed throughout your dental procedure.

Let us help you achieve the goal of great oral health. Call our friendly staff today to schedule an appointment (919) 755-450. If you have a friend or family member in Raleigh who are anxious or afraid to go to the dentist, please share this blog with them!

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!