Comfort
During AND After Dental Treatment
The doctor updated his
knowledge in the pharmacology of post-surgical dental pain control in November
by attending a lecture by a prominent professor of
pharmacology. The number of different medications available for controlling
pain after treatment has blossomed in recent years. Doctors who stay up to
date can offer patients more comfortable care.
Effective
pain control in dental patients is more than just choosing the right drug for
the patient's needs. An understanding how medications work, potential
interactions with other prescription medications the patient is using, and
avoiding unwanted side effects is important, too.
Both
prescription and nonprescription pain relieving drugs are commonly tested in
clinical research trials of safety and effectiveness on patients with
post-surgical dental pain. Dental research has been responsible for
evaluating virtually all of the medications available for ambulatory patients in both
medical and dental practice.
We
don't undertake research on patients in private practice. Drawing on years of
experience and continual study of new research results, Dr. Fox carefully
prescribes medications with a proven track record for each patient's individual
needs and condition to assure comfort
during and after dental care.
Implant
Placement for People with Deficient Jaw Bone
In
October the doctor and staff studied implant treatment methods for patients who
have previously been unable to benefit from dental implants because they didn't
have enough bone for implant placement. During this full day course we
learned newer methods to predictably enhance the quantity and shape of jaw bone
during surgical placement of dental
implants.
Doctor
attends lecture on precision attachments
Dr. Fox attended a 2 hour lecture on precision attachments.
Precision attachments are tiny devices used to improve or enhance more complex
bridgework, implant restorations, and removable dentures without hooks or
clasps. It was a pleasure to hear another lecturer's perspective on this
important treatment modality.
Maintaining
Advanced Expertise in Treating Serious Gum Disease & Implants!
In addition to
participating in the five day long annual meeting of the American
Academy of Periodontology in September, Dr. Fox took 20
hours of continuing education courses tailored for specialists in periodontics.
These courses provided the doctor with the latest research results of studies
accepted for publication but which are not yet in print, as well as an
opportunity for discussion of the studies with other specialists from around the
world. He also studied advances in surgical methods and procedures
for treating periodontal disease and
comfortably placing dental implants.
Some of the exciting advances include the use of genetically engineered growth
factors to enhance or accelerate healing after surgery, new reconstructive
methods for jaw bone esthetic deformities and jaws damaged by tooth loss,
improved methods to treat failing implants, and cosmetic gum treatments to
improve smiles. Lunch breaks and evening social events were a wonderful
opportunity to chat with friends and colleagues from around the world who are
former students, classmates, teachers, and fellow faculty members.
Effective
Answers for Annoying Loose Dentures!
Dr. Fox attended a
course on implant supported restorations. The
program focused on new methods of stabilizing
loose dentures with just two comfortably placed implants. Our office
has experienced consistent success in helping people with loose dentures regain
confidence in their ability to eat well, speak well, and smile knowing their
dentures are firmly affixed to their jaw.
Teeth
replaced with implants SHOULD & CAN look natural !
Dr. Fox joined
colleagues practicing in the Delaware Valley region who are fellow members of
the Academy of Osseointegration
for a six hour course on implant prosthodontics.
The program focused on replacing lost teeth with long lasting dental implants
and an incredibly natural appearance.
Not
only is the doctor's level of expertise in esthetic
dentistry and dental ceramics world class, so are the certified dental
technicians he selects for his treatment team. Our office works with
national and world leaders in dental laboratory technology, who help us create routine
or sophisticated restorations that look and function like natural teeth.
Honing
Skills for the Digitized Dental Office
Our
patients benefit from our use of the latest in dental office management
software. Our computer network system helps us keep appointments on time,
eliminates bookkeeping errors, provides completed insurance claim forms before
patients leave the office, and tracks patient care to ensure each patient has
the appointments they need for better health.
Conservative
Dentistry
In
April, the doctor and staff attended a seven hour course on conservative
dentistry and esthetics. We have always
advocated conservative care whenever possible, because we know the best
treatment is the simplest treatment that meets the needs of each individual
patient. Advances in restorative materials have made a more conservative
approach to therapy possible for cavities that could
only be treated with caps or crowns in the past. State of the art bonding
and filling materials have enhanced the natural appearance of teeth treated for
the simplest problems, and make more options available to patients.
The
latest in prevention of sports injuries
Professional athletes
know the value of using proper protective gear during physical activity.
Can you imagine a football player getting on the field without the right gear?
Of course not, that would be nuts!
Weekend athletes, high school athletes,
and even children need to protect their mouth, jaw joints, and teeth during
contact sports. Did you know that more than half of all facial sports
injuries involve either jaw bone fractures and loosened teeth? These are not
only painful, but can be costly to treat. An ounce of prevention is worth
a pound of cure, and proper prevention of sports injury includes use of a
custom made and professionally fitted sports mouth guard.
Professionally
made mouth guards don't compare to do it yourself products! Dr. Fox attended a lecture on the
latest methods of preventing sports related facial injuries in November, and
continues to help prevent injuries for patients, sports-enthusiasts, and their
families.
Temporomandibular
Disorders (TMD)
Disorders
of the jaw joint (TMJ), muscles, tendons, or ligaments can be a source of
considerable pain in the face, neck, or head. These are known as temporomandibular
disorders (TMD). Dr. Fox has advanced training, experience, and
expertise in this area, and regularly treats TMD patients who have been referred
by other doctors. Patients may also contact his office directly, without a
doctor referral, for help with this type of problem. The doctor attended a
full day course on the diagnosis and treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders..
Planning
Treatment is Important for Successful Treatment
Planning
dental care that meets the patient's needs is essential for successful
treatment. This includes both selecting the best treatment methods and
sequencing care for patients who need more complex care. Dr. Fox has
taught many courses on this important part of dental care, but is always on the
lookout for new ideas and information. The doctor and staff took a full
day course on treatment planning in March.
Excellence
in Restoration & Replacement of Teeth
This February, as a
member of the prestigious American
Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics, Dr. Fox attended the Academy's annual
scientific session in Chicago. The program included 17 hours of continuing
education lectures. Part of the doctor's commitment to excellence in the
management of natural, restored, and replaced teeth is a steady and rigorous
program of constant education.
The American Academy of Fixed
Prosthodontics is an organization with membership limited to the best in this
dental specialty. Participation allows Dr. Fox to rub elbows with other
colleagues on the cutting edge of dental care, and exchange ideas at the
forefront of clinical knowledge and research. As chair of the
group's budget & finance committee the doctor serves as an unpaid advisor to
the group's board of directors. In addition to taking courses at this meeting,
he spent another two days participating in board meetings.
Latest
techniques in root canal treatment
In January Dr. Fox participated in full day seminar devoted to the latest techniques in
endodontic therapy. This has been an area of special interest to the doctor
for many years.
