Something from Kathy
Here’s something I’d like to mention that recently caught my eye in a weekly news magazine. The article was promoting various ways to prevent heart disease and tips to protect your heart. My patients are familiar with how we talk often at your hygiene appointments about issues in your general health, not just as they relate to your mouth but to your heart and other organs. For instance, I’ll ask you how your most recent doctor check-ups have gone, latest tests results and healthy habits you are working to achieve. We check medications, rest and nutrition factors and how you handle that all-nagging stress. But did you know that by just coming in for your professional preventive appointment you are doing wonders for your heart? New research presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions in November found that people who had their teeth cleaned by a dentist or hygienist has a 24% lower risk of heart attack and 13% lower risk of stroke. One possible reason: Professional cleanings appear to reduce inflammation-causing bacterial growth that can lead to heart disease or stroke. That’s fantastic news. It’s a great motivator to keep your preventive care on schedule. So be on the look-out for your postcard, text or E-mail reminder or make that appointment ASAP. See you soon. K
More tips to protect your heart: Stop smoking, eat healthy, move more, reduce stress and limit alcohol.
Already THAT time of the year?
Hard to believe that byclosing the doors on Halloween, we are quickly opening the doors to the upcoming holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. I recently saw an interesting article on Christmas gift giving with the concept of gift giving centered on seeking out American made products or better yet, local American-run business gift certificates, IE, manicures, dance or music lessons, restaurant/meals, movie theatre or hey, here is a thought…dental procedures. Who would not like to receive a pre-paid teeth bleaching treatment or a nominal monetary gift certificate to go toward their pending dental treatment? What better way to make your “secret Santa” smile, than a thoughtful gesture to go directly toward their oral health. Supporting local business while giving the gift that keeps on giving…a dazzling smile (priceless!)
*Bleaching offer good toward currentpatients who are active in our preventive recare program.
Trick or Treat
Years ago, when my daughters were still Trick or
Treating, I suggested that perhaps, as a
change of pace from passing out the routine candy or chips, I would give out
toothbrushes or floss. You would have
thought by the look on their faces and their exasperated responses that I was obviously,
“Anti-Halloween” (which by the way, I am not, I am just practical).
I have to admit, when they came back home from their door to
door antics, I was the first one to eye-ball my favorites and somehow they
would mysteriously disappear before the final inventory was completed. After each “candy binge” I kept in mind the
parental responsibilities to encourage the kids to follow, and myself as the
parent, to remember.
1)) Three times a day, “Brush, Brush, Brush”! At the very
least, brush after breakfast and before bedtime. (Rinsing periodically with water throughout
the day, especially after meals (at school) is really beneficial too!)
2) Try to discourage over indulgence of “sticky” candies
like caramel, taffy and licorice as they are harder for the saliva in the mouth
to “wash away” their sugary effects.
3) Encourage using floss, which is especially helpful in
getting the sticky and sugary substances out from between the teeth.
4) Have your children use a fluoride mouth rinse prior to
bedtime, making sure it is an age appropriate rinse and a flavor that will keep
them coming back for more the next night.
5) Keep your children on a regularly maintained preventive
schedule with our hygienists and Dr.Artemenko. (Contact our office, we would be
happy to help you schedule the visit.)
Prevention is the best course of treatment to maintain their
smiles for years to come…and certainly for next years Trick or Treating fun.
By Carolyn
Safe, Secure and Backed-up
In the age of electronic records and digital x-rays, have you ever wondered what would happen to your dental records if our building in Sterling Heights burned down or our computers crashed? Well you can put your mind at ease. Our entire network is continuously backed-up throughout the day by an external hard drive connected to our server. Additionally, each evening another separate encrypted back-up is run and stored securely off site. Dr. Artemenko also has a “if everything else fails” back-up that is run manually on a workstation. All back-up logs are checked daily for errors or problems and each quarter our fabulous technology specialists (Phillips Consulting) come on-site to verify all systems are working and properly maintained. Technical Support is available to us 24/7 in case of emergency or disaster.
Stay Connected!
Want to check your facebook page? Need to check your email or get directions to your next shopping destination in Sterling Heights or Troy? You can now stay connected even in the dental chair. We now have a free Wi-Fi connection in our office. Just select the “drjohnart” wireless network and you can stay up to date with your friends or keep working while taking care of your teeth too!
Free Wi-Fi at Our Office
Throughout the year we regularly have our hardware/software support company come in and verify our back-up systems and the security of patient files. This is extra protection for your personal information. Last month the security and firewall components were double checked and came through with flying colors. Additionally, we added an additional wireless router- completely separate from the practice network-to offer free Wi-Fi at the office for our patients. Your device should be able to detect and connect directly into the World Wide Web! Any questions, just as any member of our team.
Dr. Artemenko selected for “Champion’s” Conference
Dr. Artemenko is one of only 100 dentists from the entire United Stated chosen for Champions Conference
Many companies, manufacturers and doctors routinely make claims about benefits of products or procedures. The American Dental Association (ADA) has been pursuing ways to provide the most reliable, scientifically sound dental care for all Americans. In recent years, a program has been developed to select dentists to become involved in evaluating these claims and concepts and help other dentists in making treatment decisions.
This year the ADA accepted applications from dentists across the country for an “Evidenced-Based Dentistry” (EBD) conference in Chicago at the end of July. The goal of the conference is to recruit and train selected dentist through the United States to become “Evidence-Based Dentistry Champions” to disseminate information about EBD to their colleagues.
Dr. Artemenko was one of only 100 dentists from the entire United States invited to participate in the meetings. Both Dr. Artemenko and the rest of our staff are excited about this opportunity to continually improve the service we provide and be of service to the profession of Dentistry.
A Partnership Approach is the Root of Local Dentist’s Practice
At the intersection of cutting edge dental technology and a holistic approach to health care, one Sterling Heights dentist is finding solid footing for his growing practice. Patient visits involve state-of-the-art tech like laser decay detection and LED mini-cameras, served up with a human approach that recognizes the link between dental issues and overall health.
“Ideally, our patients want to be active partners in their own health. Dental health is a vital piece to overall wellness,” explains Dr. John Artemenko, DDS. Likening his role to that of a sherpa on the journey to wellness, he continues, “My goal is to be the best guide for the patient’s journey to a healthy mouth.”
Part of that approach involves an active social media presence; Dr. Artemenko often blogs about dental health. He stays in touch with patients and their families via Facebook, and even Twitters about new ideas and methodology in the dental industry.
This approach to “patient centered technology” means better communication, less discomfort and often less invasive procedures for his patients. For example, new computer designed milling of crowns and inlays means that patients can be scanned and fit with their new dental fixtures in the same visit, instead of waiting days or even weeks for traditional crowns to be built offsite.
Likewise, Dr. Artemenko’s office now uses a digital x-ray procedure that reduces radiation exposure by up to 90% over traditional methods. “We see these new technologies being made available, and we are always among the first to adopt them. The implications for a patient’s health are huge,” explains Dr. Artemenko.
Explaining the link between oral health and other issues, Dr. Artemenko points out that cardiac disease, diabetes, and other chronic issues often manifest as unhealthy gums. Even some common medications can needlessly aggravate mouth issues. Helping patients to understand this can be rewarding work. He will often work with a patient’s primary care physician to suggest treatment alternatives and approaches that can improve not just their dental health, but their general well-being.
At seminars, training and classes, Dr. Artemenko works hard to stay on top of what’s new, and create new ways to integrate it into his practice. Truly knowing the science behind the methodology used, he has a leg up over many in his field. “I look to the science behind the product or method,” says Dr. Artemenko. For example, while there are many bleaching products available on the market, he uses the only one that is accepted by the American Dental Association (ADA) for safety and effectiveness.
To become a “partner” with Dr. Artemenko, visit the website, www.drjohnart.com, or call his office for more information and learn how your health starts with a beautiful smile. Dr. John Artemenko, DDS, offers full family and cosmetic dentistry at 34210 Ryan Road in Sterling Heights. Call his office today at (586) 939-8000 to learn more about his partnership approach to dental health and overall wellness.
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