There are certain risk factors that predispose people to having a higher incidence of oral cancer.  These include regular use of tobacco products and alcohol abuse.  The combination of the two habits increases one’s probability of developing oral cancer significantly.  During the time of a regular exam in our office, we will look for any signs of tissue irregularity or swelling in our patient’s mouths.

Symptoms or signs of oral cancer may be a red or white ulcer like sore that is not healing.  There may also be a bump that forms and cause pain.  Early detection is one of the biggest factors that help people beat oral cancer.  We strongly recommend routine dental exams for many reasons. 

 The oral cancer screening is a great way we can combat the mortality rate of oral cancer in this country.  Our office is dedicated to your oral health as well as your overall health – that’s why we check.

Please see the following resources for more information on oral cancer:

http://www.ada.org/3016.aspx?currentTab=1

http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/topics/cancer.htm

The other comfort our office provides is in the actions and behavior of our staff.  I’ll bet you have never gone over to a friend’s house for dinner and the host yelled out your name from the kitchen when it’s time to come in.  Our staff will greet you with a personal touch, and when it is time for your appointment they will come to you with a personal greeting - inviting you into the office.  We don’t stand at the door and yell your name from a clip board like an order of bacon and eggs at Waffle House.

We will strive to make you feel at home throughout your entire visit - from the moment you enter our office until you leave, we hope you can feel more at home than ever before.  So we are excited to welcome you as a guest in our office, just try to keep your shoes on.

Our office is on the move this week. We have shut down the Bedford location and started the process of moving. The entire staff is involved in preparing the new office for patients starting Monday the 23^rd. The new office is certainly beautiful and impressive. We are continually receiving positive comments on the building and location.

The new location will feature the Early Smiles childcare center. This is a free babysitting service that we offer to our patients with children during their dental appointment. We know that it is difficult to find childcare during short dental appointments, so we decided to add this service at the new location. Children in Early Smiles will be able to explore the jungle themed room, play the Wii, or create a craft. We have brought on board a new staff member to work in Early Smiles. Judy has extensive experience in the childcare business. We are looking forward to your children meeting Judy and having fun in Early Smiles!

Our new contact information:

8237 Mid Cities Blvd

North Richland Hills, Tx 76182

Ph: 817.485.1144

http://bohannandentistry.com/location.php

We have had some BIG changes at the new office and are extremely excited to share with you about the latest construction updates.  One of the most noticeable changes is that the outside of the building is very close to being completed. The stone and brick are finished and look wonderful.  Many people are commenting on how nice the stone looks.  The front door is also up, and the design will give you an idea of the overall feel of the office.  When you walk though the front door, you will not really feel you are in a dental office. We want you to feel at home, and we are taking drastic steps to create the warm environment that home brings. 

The inside of the office is where the majority of the current work is taking place. There are crews there daily installing cabinets, light fixtures, and dental equipment among other things.  This area is constantly buzzing with the sounds of construction and installation.

The waiting room of the new office will feel like a living room.  We have no desire to have our patients sitting in a cold hard environment that is often common in the healthcare industry.  You should enjoy your SHORT wait in comfort.

A friend who recently visited the new office noted that the office felt like a house, and this is exactly what we love to hear.  As you walk down the hallways, there are warm wall sconces in between the arched openings leading to the dental chairs. The interior walls are all rounded at the corners instead of straight angles. This is commonly found in custom homes and adds another friendly element to the office.

In the next few weeks there will be more steps taken toward the completion of the office. Watch for the front sign to go up, and check this blog for more updates and exciting announcements.  As we move closer to wrapping up the project, we will let you know when the move will take place. We look forward to seeing you there!

Every once and a while we have an opportunity to provide patients with a truly remarkable service. One that not only increases our ability to diagnose and treat dental conditions, but, equally important, allows us to do it in a more safe and effective manner.

It is for these reasons that I take great pleasure in announcing that our office utilizes digital radiography when taking dental X-rays. This is a computerized X-ray system that replaces standard film and its processing. This advantages to our patients are many: 

Substantial Reduction in Radiation – Computerized X-rays utilize sensors rather than film; these sensors require less radiation to yield an image.

A Comfortable Sensor – The DEXIS system uses a patented sensor with rounded, comfortable corners that make the process of taking X-rays easier, more efficient and far more comfortable, even for gaggers and children.

Instant Developing – You will be amazed! As soon as the X-ray is taken, it appears immediately on the computer monitor. This results in less chair-time and more rapid treatment. You will be in and out of the dental chair in less time than it took in the past, something I am sure you will appreciate!

Enhanced Diagnosis – Digital X-rays, like most other forms of computerized information, provide enhancements by using sophisticated tools during the examination and diagnosis process.

Increased Communication and Understanding – Due to the enlarged and enhanced view of the X-ray images, you will, for the first time, actually be able to see the condition of your own mouth.  You will be able to easily visualize and understand the diagnosis and proposed treatment plan so that you can better participate in your own dental health.

As you can see, digital radiography has truly become an exciting addition to the Bohannan Dentistry office. Our staff is well-trained, and now looks forward to providing you with the latest in dental technology.

Now you can get on with your day after routine dental procedures thanks to a new product that reverses the effects of local anesthesia. This new measure of comfort is for patients who dislike the lingering numbness that can last for 3-5 hours after leaving our office.

To deliver superior care, Bohannan Dentistry is always finding better ways to ensure your comfort and improve your dental experience. OraVerse is the first and only product proven safe and effective in accelerating a return to normal sensation and function after a local anesthetic containing a vasoconstrictor has been used. So now in about half the time, you’ll be talking, smiling and drinking just like normal.¹ And OraVerse can benefit nearly any patient, but is not recommended for children under 6 years of age or weighing less than 15 kg (33 lbs).

We want you to have the most comfortable experience possible. It’s a commitment that begins when you walk in the door and extends long after you leave. So if you’re among the many patients who dislike lingering numbness and its limitations, let’s discuss whether OraVerse is the right choice for you during your next dental visit.

The FDA requires me to post the following safety info when we talk about a new medication. Remember that OraVerse is extremely safe however.

Important Safety Information

Tachycardia, bradycardia, and cardiac arrhythmias may occur with the use of phentolamine or other alpha-adrenergic blocking agents. Although such effects are uncommon with OraVerse (phentolamine mesylate), clinicians should be alert to the signs and symptoms of these events, particularly in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease. Following parenteral use of phentolamine at doses between 5 to 15 times higher than the recommended dose of OraVerse, myocardial infarction, and cerebrovascular spasm and occlusion have been reported, usually in association with marked hypotensive episodes producing shock-like states.

There are BIG things happening at our office these days!!  If you don’t already know  we are building a brand new office in North Richland Hills, Texas.  We will be able to serve our patients much more efficiently in this office and continue to offer extraordinary dentistry for many years to come.  This will be a stand-alone building that resembles a nice custom home from the outside. The interior will be warm and inviting for all of our “guests”.  Stay in-tune to our blog so you can see the progress of this building and so that you can learn more about your dental office.

We will also be offering special promotions on the blog that will only be available here.  This could be your ticket to a brighter and whiter smile soon.