Category Archives: Men

Things You Should Look for in a Dentist

When it comes to maintaining good health, it is important to find the right medical professionals for it. Most people neglect their dental health until faced with problems such as acute pain in the tooth or bleeding gums. But a good dentist can help you prevent dental problems and also help you out in emergencies such as a broken tooth or oral injuries.

Here are some things to look for when you are searching for a dentist.

Qualifications

Needless to say, dentists must have proper qualifications for the services they provide. Look for letters such as DDS (doctor of dental surgery) when looking for a dentist. Check their websites to know more about their qualifications. Check if they have obtained their degrees from accredited colleges and institutions. A basic online search such as best dentist in Springfield VA can yield good results and provide you with names of qualified dentists in your area. Just perform the search using the name of your town or city. 

Your dentist must also be a member of recognized medical boards such as the American Dental Association. Many dentists are also members of the dental associations in their state. A dentist who has a membership of recognized national and state medical boards will have passed stringent exams set by these organizations. They also have to reapply for their memberships every few years by clearing tests again to display their knowledge. Know that a dentist without a board member is really not certified to practice as a dental professional even if they have the proper university degrees.

Your dentist will need to continue to study to become trained in newer technologies in the field of dentistry. If your dentist is not up-to-date with current dentistry services then it is best to find a new one who does. Dentistry has become very advanced now. There is no need for you to stick with a dentist who cannot offer you cutting-edge treatments for your well-being.

Experience

When you are browsing through the websites of the top dentists in your area, also check their experience as a dental professional. Choose a dentist for you and your family with at least a few years of experience if not more. If you can find a qualified dentist in your area with at least a decade of work experience then it is even better to choose them for your family’s oral health.

Services

When looking for a dentist, check the range of services they provide before making your decision to choose them. The ideal dentist must be able to provide you with advanced dental care along with general dental services such as cleaning, fillings, and bleaching. Check for services such as preventative care, extractions, Springfield cosmetic dentistry, laser therapy, and 3D X-rays. Your family dentist must be able to offer you all kinds of dental implants such as crowns, veneers, dentures, and even appliances for sleep apnea.

Your dentist must also be able to offer you basic endodontic procedures (different procedures performed inside the tooth) such as root canals. Most kids and even some adults require teeth-straightening procedures. These days dentists can offer such treatments without the use of braces. Invisalign is a procedure where dentists use clear aligners to straighten the teeth.

Location and Office

Your dentist’s office location is also an important factor to consider when finding one. Whenever possible, try to look for qualified dentists in a location that you can conveniently reach in case of emergencies especially if you have young kids. Let’s say, you need the best dentist in Springfield, VA. In that case, first, look for one in or around your neighborhood. But if you can’t find a qualified one in your area, then widen your search a bit. Know that a dentist’s qualification and experience always comes first.

The office must also be well-maintained, clean, and have friendly support staff.

Commitment to Patients’ Well-Being

Your dentist must be committed to the patients’ well-being first and foremost. The ideal dentist will have a service mindset with proven experience in providing affordable care to their patients. Your dentist must be able to provide you the best treatment and even refer you to other specialists if needed.

Steps to Choose the Finest Endodontist In the 21st Century

You may be referred to an endodontist by your general dentist when you experience sensitivity to hot or cold foods, pain when biting or chewing, swelling in the gums or jaws, and so on. Choosing an endodontist Springfield is much like selecting a new dentist and here are some steps to find the best practitioner for your needs.

Search online

The first step to finding a great endodontist is to search for one. Online search engines are a great start, but you could ask for a referral from your general practitioner or dentist. You could also ask your family, friends, neighbors, or colleagues on whom they trust their oral health with. Insurance companies can also give you a list of impanelled endodontists in Springfield. Such referrals give you confidence and also allow you to gather first-hand feedback easily.

Check for specialized training and experience

Endodontists are dentists but with specialized training. They first undergo fours years of training at a dental school and follow with specialized training in the field of endodontics for two more years. This equips them with know-how in the latest science and technology in endodontics while giving them hands-on experience under experience faculty doctors. Check if your prospective endodontist has received training in his/her field, especially through a program accredited by the American Dental Association. See if he/she has additional certifications or memberships, such as a diplomate status in the American Board of Endodontics. While this is not compulsory, being affiliated to the board ‘indicates a high level of dedication to patient care, ethical practices, and continuing education’.

Enlist the services they provide

Most patients visit an endodontist for a root canal procedure, however, the field includes much more than that, and it helps to have doctors who can provide other services as well. For example, endodontic procedures are invasive, and those with dental anxiety may need anesthesia to help relieve the pain and worry. See if the prospective endodontist provides sedative options for treatment. Another case is that of emergencies. Check if the practitioner takes up emergency cases such as in cases of accidents or traumatic injuries. Having the right doctors in such times of need can make a world of difference to your oral and overall health. If you have children who are in need of endodontic treatment, check for a practitioner who has received training in pediatrics as well.

Read reviews, testimonials, and other patient feedback

Online reviews and ratings are a great way to assess how good an endodontist is. While you can look for testimonials on the dental clinic’s website, you can discover more honest feedback, including positive and negative ones, on business listing pages, directory pages, social media, Springfield dental community pages and so on. Read through each of them careful to gather an idea about what the doctor’s strengths and weaknesses are. Some doctors use state-of-the-art technologies for treatments while others may be friendly and jovial. Some may offer holistic solutions that just treatment with a narrow focus on the problem. Know what qualities matter the most to you and see which doctors you list down possess them. Also, look for any negative feedback. It is common to have a couple of unhappy patients, but as long as the majority are on the positive side, there should not be a problem. Also, the doctor should not be booked for malpractices or have a disciplinary case against him/her.

Schedule an appointment to assess in person

Once you are through with your background check, schedule a visit in person. This helps evaluate how friendly or approachable the doctor. During the consultation, see if his/her treatment approach matches your needs. Also, check how openly the doctor communicates with you and how patient he/she is with answering questions or concerns. You need to feel comfortable, respected, valued and supported through this communication so that you can have a pleasant treatment experience in the future as well. Once you have completed the steps mentioned above, evaluate the different endodontics practitioners in Springfield and see how they fare against one another to select the best-suited one for your needs.

Top Three Most Common Questions About Invisalign

Straightening teeth doesn’t need to be a tedious process. Thanks to Invisalign Springfield VA, an advanced technology that uses removable clear braces, a beautiful smile can be achieved in a hassle-free manner. However, not everyone is familiar with Invisalign and the benefits it offers. Invisalign specialists in Springfield, VA answer some commonly asked questions about this type of orthodontic treatment.

What is Invisalign treatment and how does it work?

Invisalign treatment uses a series of removable, clear aligners to gradually align and straighten teeth. It is free of brackets, wires, and elastics that are typically part of any orthodontic treatment. These aligners are made using patented thermoplastic material called SmartTrack, designed especially for Invisalign treatment. This FDA-approved clear material is free of BPS, BPA, latex, and gluten and fits snugly over teeth in a virtually invisible manner. What’s more, these dental devices are mass-customized to suit your teeth profile for better results.

Invisalign helps correct a wide range of teeth alignment problems such as overcrowded teeth, widely spaced teeth, crossbites, deep bites, and underbites. They can also be used to simply make teeth straighter. However, because every smile is unique, the results are bound to vary from person to person.

What is the treatment process like?

Every Invisalign treatment begins with a consultation, during which the doctor assesses your teeth and determines what the clear aligners can do for your smile. (To find an Invisalign practitioner in Springfield, VA, you can browse online or take help from the Invisalign website.) This is also the time for you to discuss your concerns and goals with the doctor so that you have a clearer picture of what the treatment outcome will be. Following this, the doctor maps out a customized digital plan, which shows the step-by-step progress until you reach the final, desired outcome. The plan, which maps out the exact movement of your teeth, is also used to make your aligners. This helps them apply the right force to the right teeth at the right time.

Before beginning the treatment, the doctor may recommend a checkup and cleaning to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy and in good shape to receive the orthodontic treatment. Once the aligners are made and you begin wearing them, the doctor advances you to the next set after one to two weeks, depending on the initial plan. Through continuous monitoring,  your dentist also keeps track of the progress made to ensure that the aligners work correctly to move your teeth. Typical treatments last 12 to 18 months but may take longer in special cases. Once the treatment is complete, the dentist gives you a set of retainers, which help the teeth maintain their alignment correctly.

Why is it better?

Invisalign comes with many benefits. One of the biggest pluses is that these aligners are made of clear plastic, which makes them virtually invisible. So, unlike with metal or ceramic braces, people may not notice that you are wearing them. Event better, Invisalign is removable, which means you can eat, drink, brush, and floss or perform any routine activity without your orthodontic treatment coming in the way. You can enjoy your favorite foodstuff (including popcorn, cornflakes, and other crunchy or hard to chew items) without having to worry about particles getting stuck when you eat. As a result, maintaining oral hygiene is a lot easier when wearing these clear aligners. Also, there are no metal brackets or wires that can irritate your mouth or break, calling for an emergency visit.

When compared to other kinds of clear aligners, Invisalign uses a patented plastic material that provides a better and more comfortable fit. Also, they are trimmed to match your gum line, making them easy to wear and better to see. The Invisalign treatment is an advanced system backed by two decades of innovation. It is trusted by leading dentists and has helped transform the smiles of millions of people. Invisalign is a great choice not just for adults but also for teenagers who want to improve their smile or bite. So, if you care considering clear aligners for your teeth, talk to a certified Invisalign practitioner in Springfield and see how they can make your smile and life better.

Tips to Find the Right Ophthalmologist

Ophthalmologists are eye doctors with full medical training to perform eye examinations and surgeries. They treat a number of eye-related disorders. Unlike optometrists who are not medical doctors; ophthalmologists take care of all aspects of eye-related treatments.

Regular visits with an ophthalmologist can help you prevent complications related to the eyes. But it is important to find the right ophthalmologist for your perfect vision and eye health.

Consider these tips to find the right ophthalmologist for your requirements.

Search Online

If you are looking for an ophthalmologist, a simple online search can yield good results in terms of names and reviews of leading eye doctors in your local area. For instance, if you are looking for an ophthalmologist in Colorado Springs; a simple exact or related search can provide you with the names of many eye doctors and their practices in and around your preferred location.

You can also check for names of qualified ophthalmologists on the websites of professional certification bodies such as ‘The American Academy of Ophthalmology’. These websites have features to search the names of doctors in their database.

Review the Search Results

Now that you have a list of ophthalmologists in Colorado Springs (or any other location) ready with you, it is time review and assess the results to help you find the right doctor for your needs.

Check the websites of the first few doctors on your list. You can now also check online reviews of doctors on various medical/health-related websites. Many doctors also list client testimonials on their websites, which can also provide you with feedback about the services of the doctor.

See the services that the each of the doctors on your list offers. Not every ophthalmologist offers all services related to the eyes. Some ophthalmologists may not offer corneal transplants. So, if that is your requirement then look for a doctor who offers the surgery along with other essential eye-related services.

Some ophthalmologists provide comprehensive services covering basic vision checkups to complex surgeries. If you are looking for an ophthalmologist for continuing care, it is ideal to choose one who offers all (at least most) eye treatments. It can be especially useful when looking for a new ophthalmologist for your children from a very young age.

Consider Recommendations

Always ask friends and family for recommendations when looking for a new doctor. It can help you know about the mannerism and competence of the doctor from first-hand sources who you know. Through referrals, you can also know about the type of practice an ophthalmologist runs and what you can expect when you seek treatment at his or her clinic.

But always follow through on any recommendations with your own online search. It will help you assess the information you have received with more scrutiny and make you feel more confident in your choice of doctor at the end of your search.

Assess the Insurance Coverage and the Treatment Costs

With the rising cost of healthcare, it is essential that you find an ophthalmologist who is associated with major insurance providers. You can always call a doctor’s office to check if they are a part of your insurance provider’s plans.

Even if your insurance doesn’t cover eye checkups or certain eye-related treatments, you can always inquire about the costs of the same by calling the doctor’s clinic. In most cases, the cost of the treatment may not amount to a figure that you can’t afford to pay from your own pocket.

Visit the Doctor

Once you have identified an ophthalmologist that works perfectly for your eye care requirements, it is time for a visit. No amount of search or recommendations can help you understand if a doctor is right for you without personal interaction.

One patient’s interactions may have been different with a doctor and not in a positive way. But that may simply be a matter of differing personalities and not necessarily due to a fault of the doctor. But if that doctor seems to offer all the services that you need from an ophthalmologist, consider seeking an appointment to check the attitude and competence of the doctor from your own experience.

Hair Restoration – Permanent Solution to Your Hair Loss Problems

Are you the victim of hair loss? Teenagers, men and women begin looking too old for their age when the begin facing hair loss issues. Hair fall and no new hair growth will lead to permanent hair loss and baldness. It causes a huge change in the appearance of an individual. Hair fall may be caused due t genetic factors, hormonal disorders, internal diseases or nutritional deficiencies. The change in your experience can be a matter of huge concern. It can cause emotional distress, and even anxiety disorders.

Hair transplantation may not always be the best option to tackle hair loss problems especially for younger patients. Hence there are many alternative options available if hair transplantation is not the answer to hair fall problems.

What can you do if not Hair transplantation?

There are various alternatives to regain your hair before considering the hair transplant procedure. There are mainly two classes of medications available to provide treatment for hair loss problems:

1. Minoxidil – This medicine liquid is topically applied on bald areas to regrow the hair follicles on the scalp.

2. Finasteride – This is a prescribed oral pills to be consumed by patients.

These two treatments are taken in combination or used separately as advised by your medical practitioner or hair restoration specialist. Medications are often subscribed as the first line treatment for female and male pattern baldness. If the medications fail to work hair restoration in NJ is the last resort.

If you choose to go through a procedure to restore your hair there are three options:

1. Direct Hair Implantation –

This is a relatively new innovation in the field of hair transplantation. It ensures 100% safety and maximum lifetime hair growth. It is a simple and feasible procedure certified by FDI and ISHRS to give you healthy and natural hair. The cost of direct hair implantation depends on the level of baldness, the density of hair needed, and the number of sessions required for successful transplant. These factors are best assessed by a highly skilled and efficient trichologist. People with complete baldness are the best contenders for this treatment.

2. Scalp Micropigmentation –

This involves the application of special hypoallergenic medical pigments to the scalp to replicate the natural hair pattern growth. This method involves doting pigments onto the epidermis layer of the scalp. This is the least invasive procedure that can be done to restore your hair. With this treatment you can achieve the most realistic and natural hair growth. This procedure is great for completely bald men, or partially bald men who have lost their hair line.

3. Hair density treatment –

This hair treatment procedure is for men and women who face thinning of hair. This procedure involves embedding the pigment on to the epidermis layer of the scalp. This treatment will give an appearance of fuller and denser hair. These procedures take around 4 to 6 hours only. This is a highly safe procedure. It uses organic inks and causes no discoloration of the pigments used.