MMS Endodontics June/July 2018

MMS Endodontics' online newsletter for June/July 2018

UNIONTOWN, PA 625 Cherry Tree Lane Uniontown, PA 15401 (724) 438-0600 CUMBERLAND, MD 1415 River Ave. Suite B Cumberland, MD (240) 362-7107 MORGANTOWN, WV 9000 Coombs Farm Dr. Suite 304 Morgantown, WV 26508 (304) 594-1670

June/July 2018 www.mmsendo.com info@mmsendo.com

MORGANTOWN PERSPECTIVES Janet and Dana Talk MMS Past and Present

MMS Endodontics has a storied history in Morgantown. In the ‘90s, the practice was known as Morgantown Endodontics, having been established by one Dr. Skidmore. Then, in 2004, Dr. Minchau took over. Since then, there has been a lot of growth—and there are two women who have seen it all

Meet Janet, our office manager at the Morgantown location!

I’ve been with the practice since 1993 and I got my start with Dr. Skidmore. When Dr. Minchau bought the office in 2004, I decided to stay on, and all I can say is that it was a great decision! Since 2004, there has been a steady progression of change. I’ve seen MMS grow from one location to three. I’ve seen new doctors and staff come aboard. Seeing this kind of growth is exciting; now we’re serving three great communities. From the very beginning, I’ve worked at the front desk in one capacity or another. My role has expanded over the years, but when patients come in, there’s a good chance they’ll see me right up front. And speaking of patients, we have a lot more than even just a few years ago. It’s remarkable to see so many people from around Morgantown getting the dental care they need! One of my favorite parts of working at MMS is the patient experience. Everyone who works here is just so involved. We work closely to make the whole experience as pleasant as possible. The doctors are fun to work with, the staff is great, and most importantly, everyone truly cares about one another. Another thing I love to see is that special moment when patients come out at the end of their appointment after having a root canal. They always say the same thing:“That wasn’t bad at all!”

Meet Dana, our chairside dental assistant at the Morgantown location!

Like Janet, I’ve been here since before Dr. Minchau bought the practice from Dr. Skidmore in 2004. In fact, I started in 1999! As the chairside dental assistant, I’m right beside the docs as they work with patients. I got my start after I received a call from a friend. She was a dental hygienist and told me about a dental assisting job. I was raising two small kids at the time, and it sounded like a great opportunity. I took it and have been here ever since! If there is one thing that hasn’t changed over the years, it’s the feeling of family. My co-workers are wonderful people and every day they make it a joy to come into work. We really are a family here! That feeling extends to the patients, as well. It goes without saying that most people don’t look forward to coming in for their appointment. In their mind, a root canal is just about the worst thing they can imagine. At MMS, we make it our goal to change that. The practice is all about making every patient feel as comfortable and at ease as possible. When you’re at ease, everything is that much better.

I too am excited to see what’s next. With four doctors, multiple locations, and so many patients, anything is possible! –Dana

Like so much in dentistry, root canals have changed a lot over the years. Just like our office, the treatments have changed and everything is just getting better. I’m excited to see what’s next! –Janet

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WV (304) 594-1670 | MD (240) 362-7107 | PA (724) 438-0600

TO TREAT OR NOT TO TREAT?

The decision to recommend endodontic treatment is sometimes not simple, however technological advances, such as the dental operating microscope and CBCT imaging, have made it much easier. Due to the microscope, we now can successfully treat teeth that, until recently, couldn’t be saved. The file removal case on the left is a great example. Additionally, because of the CBCT, we are choosing not to retreat cases that have a poor prognosis due to likely fractures. In the case on the right, only a few years ago, retreatment would have been initiated without hesitation. We are now able to save our patients the cost and time of attempting treatment in these instances. Proper case selection is extremely important and is something we take very seriously.

*Images from the AAE publication “Colleagues for Excellence,” Spring 2017 Edition

MMS Case Study

Surgical Repair of External Root Resorption This 61-year-old male presented to our office with irreversible pulpitis on tooth #7 subsequent to an external root resorption lesion. A clinical exam showed the lesion to be located on the facial and mesial of the tooth, allowing good surgical access. After discussing options of extraction vs. endodontic treatment, our patient elected to save his tooth due to a strong desire to keep his natural tooth. Root canal therapy was completed, immediately followed by surgical repair of the resorption with Geristore.

POST-OP

PRE-OP

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WHY ROOT CANALS ARE SAFER THAN EVER

Across all medical fields and specialties, treatments and procedures are safer than ever. This includes endodontics and, specifically, root canals.

Every step of the way, endodontic specialists have figured out how to prevent further infection and leave the patient with their original tooth, with no threat of reinfection or other complications. These advancements are so important because there is only one other treatment option when a patient has an infected tooth: extraction. In the vast majority of endodontic cases, extraction is not ideal. According to the American Association of Endodontists, tooth extraction cases are “known to cause significantly higher incidences of bacteria entering the bloodstream.”

What makes root canals safer than ever?

It all comes down to the many strides that have been made in medicine in general, coupled with advanced techniques and better technology. All of these elements come together for safe treatments and stellar results.

Of course, you will still find many sources that oppose root canal treatment, particularly on the internet. Unreliable sources often lead to patient questions and even anxiety. However, thanks to years of studies published across numerous peer-reviewed journals, along with well- documented cases, we know just how safe the root canal truly is.

Advanced technology used in root canals includes digital imaging (including 3D imaging); rubber dams (designed to help prevent bacteria from contaminating the tooth during the procedure); state-of-the- art instruments; and advanced disinfectants — not to mention medicated filling materials.

Dentists and endodontists are well-prepared to put patients at ease and share the many amazing advancements we currently have access to.

‘THE ORIGINS OF HAPPINESS’

Changing Our Ideas of Success

What is happiness? How can we encourage well-being in others? These are the sorts of questions that have kept philosophers busy since the dawn of human history. In“The Origins of Happiness,”a team of the world’s leading social scientists tackles these age-old mysteries. Their groundbreaking findings may change the workplace and public policy. Listed as one of the top five books Business Insider was excited about for the year 2018,“Origins”does not disappoint. If you want to better understand your own happiness or the happiness of others, you’ll find the book to be an enlightening page turner. Even though it’s based on years of research and filled with graphs and data to support the authors’arguments, it doesn’t read like a heady scientific report. On the contrary, this fairly short book is surprisingly accessible. Between the charts and equations, you’ll find“Origins”has wit, charm, and wisdom in spades. With their down-to-earth prose, the authors dissect complex arguments and strip long-held beliefs to their core assumptions. The result is a methodical yet enjoyable exploration of what it means to live well in today’s world. While it’s designed to help policymakers quantify and boost the satisfaction of their citizens, there is something for everyone in“Origins.”The chapters on success and happiness in children are of particular interest to parents and

educators, for example. Business owners and managers should be especially interested in the book’s data-driven reimagining of wealth and happiness. The paycheck is no longer the universal incentive for employees we once thought it was. One has only to look to Silicon Valley to know

that some of the most successful companies on the planet have prioritized the well-being of their employees. The quirky perks and benefits offered by Google and Amazon make much more sense from a business standpoint after reading“Origins.” This is one of those rare works that captures the prevailing winds of the business world and puts them into easy-to-understand terms backed by hard data. Far more than vague platitudes about money not buying happiness,“Origins”will change the way you think about everyone’s well-being— including your own.

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WV (304) 594-1670 | MD (240) 362-7107 | PA (724) 438-0600

9000 Coombs Farm Dr. Ste. 304 Morgantown, WV 26508

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WV (304) 594-1670 MD (240) 362-7107 PA (724) 438-0600

www.mmsendo.com | info@mmsendo.com

I N S I D E

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A Different Side of MMS

To Treat or Not to Treat?

Surgical Repair of External Root Resorption

What Makes Root Canals So Safe?

Business Must-Read: ‘The Origins of Happiness’

Cut Down on Flight Costs With This Simple Rule

The Best Time to Book a Flight Save Big on Airfare With This Simple Rule

In case you haven’t noticed, traveling is expensive . It can feel like you’re signing away your soul when you sit down to plan a vacation. But when it comes to flights, there’s good news: They’re getting cheaper! According to a 2017 report published by online travel company ODIGEO, long-distance trips across Europe fell 7 percent last year. Luckily, the same trend is reflected in North American airlines as they engage in a price war to woo a growing base of ultrafrugal travelers. Still, a $600 summer flight to Honolulu isn’t exactly pocket change. What’s worse, flight prices are slippery; CheapAir.com’s 2017 Annual Airfare Study determined that the fares for any given trip go up or down an average of 71 times, about $33 each shift. When you purchase your flight is nearly as important as where you’re going. But

how do you choose a booking window that will maximize your savings?

According to the CheapAir.com study, in which they evaluated 921 million airfares, the best time to book is 21–105 days in advance of your flight, on average. If you want to get even more specific, try to book 55–75 days out, and book on a Sunday. Many travelers swear by Tuesday and Wednesday bookings, but as Condé Nast Traveler reports, Expedia and the Airlines Reporting Corporation say that Sunday is the way to go, based on data from billions of flights. Tuesday andWednesday are usually the cheapest days to actually fly though. The CheapAir.com study also pinpoints the absolute best windows for specific seasons: 54 days for winter trips, 75 days for spring, 76 days for summer, and 45 days for fall. Of course, these

are averages, but if you stick to these rules and check fares regularly on sites like Kayak.com, SkyScanner.com, Momondo.com, and on the handy app Hopper, you can rest easy knowing you’re getting close to the best price possible.

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