What Should You Look For In A Dentist?

Looking for a new dentist can be intimidating, exhausting, or otherwise difficult if you’re not sure what you’re looking for. 

 

And sometimes, you may just not know what you should even be looking for. 

 

Maybe you’re searching for a new dentist because you’re new to the area, or you’ve been avoiding the dentist due to fear or lack of insurance and now you’re ready to take the next step. The internet is full of reviews, but how can you be sure that they are true and reflect real patient feelings? 

 

If you are looking for a new dentist for you and your family, we are here to help—whether or not you feel our practice is the right place for you. As dentists, our goal is to ensure everyone is able to find an office where they feel comfortable and are given the best services. 

 

To help you make those, decisions we’ve outlined what you should be on the lookout for when choosing a new dental practice. Here at Dr. Ku’s, we would be happy to talk to you about the services we provide and provide references if you would like to talk to any of our other happy patients. 

 

Talk to friends and family 

 

Before jumping to anonymous online reviews, ask your friends and family who their dentist is and if they would recommend them. If you are new to the area, your neighborhood lists on social media pages may contain recommendations as well. There are also dozens of high-profile and quality online directories with more recommendations and reviews, like Yelp and Google. 

 

If you’re moving and looking for a new dentist in the area, ask your current dentist for a recommendation. They may have classmates or former colleagues where you’re headed. 

 

When polling friends and family, make sure to ask about their dentists’ office hours and difficulty in scheduling an appointment. This will provide important information on how they deal with emergencies and how easy it is to schedule those coveted before-work appointments as well as what kinds of client care they have. 

 

Do they take your insurance? 

 

Once you find a dentist that comes highly recommended, call the office to make sure they take your insurance. This is critical to ensure you are not surprised with bills later. In addition to insurance, this would be a good time to ask about payment plans and financing options, too, should you ever need substantial work. Even if you don’t need them now, you might in the future; and, ideally, this new dentist could be your dentist for you and your family for life. 

 

Visit the office 

 

Next, visit the office to get a feel for the office staff and the dentist. You don’t need an appointment to come check out the space! While we hope that you won’t have to make frequent trips, it is important to feel at ease in the office. So, while you’re there, take a look at the technology options in place in addition to talking to the dentist and staff. This would also be a good time to ask about continuing education. If the staff prioritize continuing education and pursuing growing their knowledge new techniques, this is a good indicator they are staying on the cutting edge of technology. 

 

Ask about services 

 

When you visit the office or peruse the website, ask about what full list of dental services the practice offers. Do they see children in addition to adults? What about more complex procedures like root canals or dental implants? Some of these procedures are referred out by certain dentists, but others like to perform them in-house. If it’s important for you to see your dentist for all procedures, then make sure you discuss what is offered in-office.  

 

Choosing a dentist can be hard. Many people suffer from dental anxiety which can compound when visiting a new practice. Even if you don’t choose us as your dental home, we would be happy to provide insight and help as you choose your dentist. Dr. Ku’s office has been voted the number one dentist in Fort Worth by the Fort Worth Star Telegram for the second year in a row, partly because of this your-health-first style of consultation. Give us a call to talk about your options today!  

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Sugar Addiction? Is It Real?

When you hear about addiction, most of us think about substance abuse or alcoholism. However, addiction can come in many different forms and affect people of all ages and backgrounds.  

 

For example, many teenagers are addicted to technology, and researchers have concluded they feel very real withdrawal symptoms when kept from their phone or game systems.  

 

However, the one addiction that Americans suffer from more than any other else might surprise you. In fact, it’s nothing that will get you in trouble with the law and it’s not going to jack your phone bill up.  

 

Shockingly, it’s something all of us have in our kitchen cabinet.  

 

Interest piqued?  

 

If you haven’t guessed, sugar is America’s most ubiquitous addiction. While at first it may seem less dangerous than a drug or alcohol addiction, the truth is that it causes bodily harm and drives up costs in our health care system every day due to the expensive health conditions that directly result from obesity.  

 

If you think you may be one of the millions of Americans with a sugar addiction, keep reading to see what you can learn. 

 

Are sugar addictions even real? 

 

Just because it doesn’t involve an illegal drug and there hasn’t been a public awareness campaign around it doesn’t mean sugar addiction it isn’t a real and dangerous thing.  

 

In fact, since it is such a common ingredient in everything from pasta sauce to fruit juice, most people assume it’s perfectly safe. It is important to remind you that your brain depends on glucose (another term for sugar) for immediate energy to keep it working properly. However, a sugar addiction causes you to eat or crave certain foods or overeat certain foods even when your brain has ample glucose, and with the sensation that you can’t stop or can’t resist.  

 

But a sugar craving doesn’t mean that you want to snack on candy or sweets all day long. In fact, it’s actually a chemical reaction in your brain after the wiring’s been crossed (and the addition has formed). Several areas in your brain play a significant role in the crave sensation, to begin with. The hippocampus, located in your temporal lobe, is responsible for making short-term and long-term memories and plays a significant role in reward-seeking behavior.  

 

Breaking the addiction means rewiring your brain, and you will have to anticipate withdrawal symptoms, because your brain will think it doesn’t have enough glucose to keep you going. 

 

Could I have a sugar addiction? 

 

If reading thus far has you questioning your own sugar intake, then answer the following questions to see if it might be worth a conversation with your doctor or nutritionist. Answer each question with: yes, sometimes, or no. 

1. Do you have refined sugar (cookies, candies, etc.) at least every other day? 

2. Do you feel better while indulging and then worse later on? 

3. Do you have a hard time resisting desserts when they’re presented to you? 

4. When you eat sugar does it make you want more? 

5. Do you feel an impulse to eat sugar or do you hide how much you eat from family and friends? 

6. Are you frequently tired? 

 

If you answered yes to more than three of the above questions, you are considered at risk of a sugar addiction. 

 

Can the addiction be broken? 

 

The good news is that, yes, you can break the sugar addiction. However, just like all other addictions it is a challenge and will require hard work. Here’s where to start:  

1. First, it’s important to recognize that a craving is not the same thing as feeling hunger. If you are hungry, reach for a protein-rich snack instead of a carb or sugar-laden treat.  

2. Next, make sure you are avoiding stress and getting enough rest. (Both of these triggers can lead you make poor eating decisions.)  

3. Finally, change your environment. If you have a sudden craving, get up and go do something different. Whether that’s going for a quick walk or simply changing your scenery, it will break up the monotony of the day and help prevent you from falling back into habits of just reaching for a sugary snack to pass the time. 

 

Sugar addiction can be harmful not only to internal bodily systems but to your teeth as well. If you have been suffering from sugar addiction and haven’t seen a dentist in a while, give Dr. Ku a call today for a preventive exam. Dr. Ku has been rated the number one dentist in Fort Worth by the Fort Worth Star Telegram for a second year in a row, and he’s here to help you rejuvenate as you break your sugar addiction! 

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Dental Technology—A Must-See Video

Changes in dental technology are fast-forwarding the practice of dentistry forward. In this video, Miguel Stanley—a practicing dentist for over 20 years—unpacks how key advancements in dentistry not only make procedures less painful and quicker for the patient, but also help people feel better about themselves and increases self-esteem.  

 

The way we present ourselves and how others perceive us play an integral role in our self-worth. And thanks to advancements in dentistry and cosmetic dentistry, people who undergo transformative restorations today report a 23% increase in happiness as a consequence.  

 

However, dentistry hasn’t always been focused on resorting smiles. In fact, dentist procedures used to be handled by your local barber! The early days of dentistry was focused on solving a problem like pulling a bad tooth, and wasn’t considered to be too difficult. Just 150 years ago, you’d go to the barber for a haircut and, while you were there, they could pull out your tooth. Can you imagine your hairstylist taking care of both your hair and your teeth?  

 

Even in ancient times like in Greece and Rome, going to the dentist was considered to be a painful experience. It’s no wonder there are still so many people who fear the going to the dentist, even a thousand years later.  

 

It’s true. For the vast majority of history, the dentist—or barber—has been associated with extreme pain.  

 

Dr. Stanley takes a look back at history and then discusses why most paintings from the Renaissance era don’t show subjects smiling with teeth. Think, for example, of the most famous painting with one of the most famous smiles. Did you think of the Mona Lisa? Good. Now, think hard about that painting. While it contains that incredible smile, the smile is closed-lip. In fact, most paintings of centuries past—and even the earliest photographs—feature closed-lip smiles.  

 

Into the 1920s and 1930s, photography started to pick up on some toothy grins. And yet, as you might expect, the teeth displayed in these photos were decayed if not missing altogether.  

 

That beginning of smiles with teeth in photography acted as one of the catalysts for patients seeking restorative dentistry. In fact, photography has played a significant role in the way dentists practice. Unlike 25 years ago where the work of dentists was rarely photographed and displayed publicly, today patients love to show off their white, straight teeth all over social media. Thanks to that, dentists must ensure that they are staying on the cutting-edge of technology and providing the best services.  

 

Today, the evolution of technology—both in dentistry and on social media—has continued to push restorative dentistry advancements, in particular. However, it’s still always lagged behind other practices of medicine.  

 

For example, seeing a prosthetic arm is very normal, however veneer implants or other types of bridges that are artificial teeth are not discussed in mainstream. But now, dental technology is moving fast forward, and in the very near future there will no longer be any stigma surrounding cosmetic dentistry procedures.  

 

When it comes down to it, thanks to dentists like Dr. Ku who continue to strive to make these procedures mainstream, no one should feel ashamed of their smile OR feel like they have no options. The constant sharing and uploading of photos isn’t going away anytime soon. If you are embarrassed by your teeth or are concerned about how your smile looks, stop imitating Mona Lisa and take advantage of how technology has made restorative dentistry accessible and mainstream! 

 

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What Education Do My Providers Need?

With the start of the new year, many people take the opportunity to reexamine their career path and take a hard look their goals and dreams. Some of our patients have told us they wish they had pursued a career in dentistry when they were younger. However, obstacles such as costs of higher education—or the woes of organic chemistry—were deterrents to actually achieving that goal.  

 

If you are toying with the idea of changing careers, or what to know what education your dental providers are expected to have, then we have the article for you! The great news is that, if you do think we’re having the time of our lives at Dr. Ku’s office and wish you could be a part of it, you don’t have to go to dental school to work in a dental office. There are other career paths including dental hygienists and dental techs who report high career satisfaction.  

 

If this is all piquing your interest, then keep reading to learn more about the education needed to start this exciting new career in dentistry. Or, feel free to ask us at your next appointment about our educational experiences. We are always looking to add more people to the dental practitioner family!  

 

Dental Hygienists  

 

A career as a dental hygienist offers a variety of roles and challenges to be explored. For hygienists practicing in a dental office like ours, the dentist and the dental hygienist work together to meet the oral health needs of patients. Together as a team we work to ensure optimal oral health for each individual. Typical duties include screening patients for oral heath conditions, taking x-rays, teeth cleaning and taking impressions.  

 

Dental hygienists traditionally receive their education through colleges and universities, dental schools, junior colleges, and technical schools. The minimum requirement for state licensure of dental hygienists in Texas is an Associate Degree, which takes about two years to complete. In addition, all states require an active state hygienist license. In many cases, dental hygienists pursue continuing education through obtaining their master’s degree. This allows more flexibility in what they choose to do in their career, too. 

 

Becoming a dentist 

 

Dentists are considered practicing physicians since dentistry is a subspecialty of medicine. Prior to applying to dental school, students are required to complete medical prerequisite classes while obtaining their undergraduate degree. These classes are generally science-based and help build a strong foundation for dental school.  

 

Prior to applying to a dental program, students will need to take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT), which is a timed multiple-choice exam conducted by the American Dental Association (ADA). The DAT measures the general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information, and perceptual ability of each applicant. 

 

Once admitted, dental school takes four years as a full-time student. Once a student graduates and passes the state-administered board exams, he or she is able to treat patients. These state-run exams certify that the minimum standards for training and competency have been met. At that point, a dentist is free to practice in the state with no additional requirements (aside from ongoing Continuing Education). 

 

Dentists may also pursue additional training by completing residencies and other postdoctoral education. Those who want to provide General Dentistry can learn about advanced topics in that field, but some may become certified in a dental specialty. The ADA recognizes a total of nine dental specialties, including dental public health, endodontics, oral and maxillofacial pathology, oral and maxillofacial radiology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, periodontics, and prosthodontics. Each specialty has its own board that certifies dentists who meet education, training, and examination requirements. 

 

Continuing Education 

 

To remain number-1 in Fort Worth as named by the Fort Worth Star Telegram, Dr. Ku’s office takes Continuing Education very seriously.  

 

Continuing Dental Education provides learning opportunities for dental professionals at all career stages. Courses range from single-day lectures to weeklong symposia to preceptorship programs spanning months. At these seminars or conferences, we’re able to improve our skills and learn the latest techniques in dentistry. This is a great way to continue to update our skills so our patients are served faster, more accurately and without any discomfort. We’re also able to preview the latest developments in diagnostics and preventative treatments that help us catch conditions sooner and solve problems before they become dire. 

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Countdown of 2018 Dental Advancements

At Dr. Ku’s office, we value staying on the cutting edge of technology and dental medicine. And we’ve noticed that this matters to our patients, too!  

 

Thanks to you, we’ve been voted the #1 dentist for the second year running by the Fort Worth Star Telegram. This is not an honor we take lightly, and we are dedicated to maintaining top-notch service to each of our patients. To achieve that goal, we’re always looking for ways to make your visits better and more comfortable. For example, we know that many of our patients suffer from dental anxiety, and it’s our goal to make your time with us as pleasant as possible.  

 

In the spirit of the New Year and a shared love of countdown lists, here are the Top-10 Dental Advancements of 2018. Many of these you might have already seen integrated into our practice! As we head into 2019, your practitioners here at Dr. Ku’s will be headed to more continuing education opportunities, too, so be on the lookout for updates throughout the year! 

 

10. Emotional dentistry – Understanding how a new smile will affect a patient is a much deeper concept than just the functional level. Dental practices are starting to integrate therapeutic techniques into discussing tooth replacement to ensure a patient is holistically ready, so we may soon have more tools to make your experience a positive one.

 

9. Increased role of imaging in design – Thanks to improved and specialized video software, numerous dentists and specialists are able to collaborate today on implants or veneers for a patient—all online. This allows real-time design and better outcomes.

 

8. Changing role of labs – The traditional role of labs is changing. While this many not as evident to the patient, it does play a role in their continuum of care. Labs were once the only entity able to complete certain tasks, but today’s technology is allowing for more options, and labs now have to be nimble and more responsive to stay relevant.

 

7. Digital impressions – Interoral scanners provide digital dental impressions. Teeth and gums can be scanned more quickly and with higher level of patient comfort and give very accurate results to the dentist.

 

6. 3D printing – This past year has seen a rise in 3D printing since the price of printers has fallen while the availability has increased. This will be used more and more in replacement teeth technologies in coming years.

 

5. Use of augmented reality – While this is still in its infancy, it’s a thrilling technology that will help patients know exactly what to expect in a procedure as well as give lifelike representations of what the dental work will look like when complete.

 

4. Digital x–rays – Digital x-rays are faster and contain less radiation than traditional x-rays. The quality of the resulting image is very high, and it can be zoomed in to pick out the finest of details. This makes diagnosis more accurate and yields more reliable results.

 

3. Laser dentistry – Lasers are no longer a thing of the future! Lasers improve efficiency and eliminate discomfort in a number of dental procedures, including filling cavities, reducing tooth sensitivity, getting rid of tumors and whitening teeth.

 

2. Widespread sedation dentistry – Sedation dentistry is much more widespread now and has allowed patients who previously feared coming to the dentist to explore new options. Dr. Ku’s office is on the leading edge of sedation dentistry, so if your New Year Resolution is to overcome your fear and visit the dentist, let us help you!

 

1. Better Dentistry – Thanks to online and streaming continuing education, dentists are able to learn new techniques and skills without ever leaving their office. At Dr. Ku’s, we are committed to continuing education and strive to learn more every year. We look forward to working with you in 2019 and showing off all that we continue to learn!

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