Signature Smiles - May/June 2024

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5,395 Lives Changed Through Sedation 1,966 5-Star Reviews and Counting 90 Years of Combined Experience

The Home of Anxiety-Free Dentistry

Introducing

MAY/JUNE 2024

WHAT IS ICON? Icon is a non-invasive way to effectively reduce and sometimes even completely remove white/brown discolorations on teeth. There is no anesthesia or drilling, and it only takes one visit! WHAT IS ICON USED FOR? Early tooth decay on the smooth surface of a tooth is usually detected visually. Sometimes chalky white spots can appear after orthodontic treatment. Some discolorations can be caused by developmental defects when the tooth is forming. Icon can help minimize these as well! HOW DOES ICON WORK? Icon provides a fast and easy treatment experience. There is no need for drilling, which preserves the tooth structure. Visits are relatively short but can be longer if you have multiple teeth that need Icon. ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR ICON? The best way to find out if Icon is right for you is to schedule a consultation for us to evaluate the teeth. Our New Non-Invasive Whitening Procedure

15% OFF ICON

Offer expires Aug. 31

THE UNBELIEVABLE SHARK ENCOUNTER THAT SAVED A MAN’S LIFE

Sharks are powerful, violent creatures. They can have thousands of razor-sharp teeth. They swim about 12 mph when attacking — twice the speed of a (very fast) human swimmer. The mere presence of a shark is enough to close down a beach and frighten movie audiences.

of his back, as well as several teeth marks on one side. The family headed home as lifeguards closed the beach, fearing more attacks. That evening, Eugene was in severe pain from the injury and was rushed to the hospital. Not surprisingly, blunt force trauma was causing his pain, befitting a large shark ramming him in the back. However, this wasn’t the only diagnosis he received that day, nor was it the most severe. While examining Eugene, doctors discovered a walnut-sized tumor on his right kidney. They quickly rolled him into the operating room and removed the cancerous tumor before it could progress. Whether the shark intended it or not, it may have saved Eugene’s life. Undetected, the tumor might have metastasized and spread to the rest of his body. Without that attack, he may not have known about the cancer before it was too late. Because of that fact, we are confident the shark is a hero, whether it knows it or not.

Apparently, some sharks are different. One shark even saved a man’s life.

Eugene and his family were enjoying a warm summer day in Huntington Beach, California. As he swam in the ocean, enjoying the cool waters of the Pacific, he was struck by a sudden tremendous force, pushing his neck backward. He later described the sensation as “instant whiplash.” After a difficult and painful swim, he reached the shore. Eugene’s daughter asked why his back was so bloody. He was shocked to find a giant gash across the center

What You Need to Know About Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop in the back of the mouth. They typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. Many people do not have enough room in their mouths to accommodate these extra teeth, and as a result, wisdom teeth can cause several problems. One of the most common problems associated with wisdom teeth is impaction, which occurs when the teeth do not have

enough room to emerge properly and become trapped or “stuck” in the jaw. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and infection and can also damage adjacent teeth and gums. Another problem associated with wisdom teeth is that they are difficult to clean properly, which can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Wisdom teeth are also more prone to developing cysts and benign tumors that can cause damage to the jawbone and surrounding teeth. For these reasons, many dentists recommend that wisdom teeth be removed, especially if they are causing problems or are at risk of causing problems in the future. The procedure is typically performed by an oral surgeon and is done under local anesthesia or IV sedation. Recovery time can vary, but most people are able to return to normal activities within a week or two.

It’s important to note that not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. Some people may have enough space, and their wisdom teeth can develop normally without causing any problems. Your dentist or oral surgeon will be able to evaluate your individual situation and advise you on whether or not wisdom teeth removal is necessary. In summary, wisdom teeth can cause a variety of problems, including impaction, difficulty cleaning, and increased risk of decay and gum disease. For this reason, many dentists recommend that wisdom teeth be removed to prevent these problems and maintain good oral health. Consult with your dentist or oral surgeon to determine if wisdom teeth removal is necessary for you. –Chelsey Hunter Oral Surgery Assistant

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Mastering the Marathon 3 WAYS TO BUILD HEALTHY HABITS The journey to healthier habits is a marathon, not a sprint, and as such, it is a daunting task. Here are three tips to help you begin your journey, whether your goal is to lose weight, improve your diet, work out regularly, or just establish a more balanced lifestyle. journey as you can track your progress as time goes on. Consistently achieving these milestones will solidify your commitment to your new healthy habits.

NO. 1 — START SMALL Start your journey to better health in small ways, as attempting drastic change can be overwhelming. You should first focus on incremental adjustments to your routine. If your goal is to exercise more, start with short walks in the evenings after dinner or take the stairs in the office instead of elevators. These changes lay the foundation for long-term success. Starting small will make it easier to transition to larger changes, like adding a morning workout or speeding up your evening walk into a jog. NO. 2 — SET SPECIFIC GOALS Setting clear, attainable goals can easily motivate you. Rather than vague aspirations, like “exercise more” or “eat healthy,” define your goals into objectives like “walk 20 minutes every day” or “eat vegetables with every meal.” These goals can be a road map for your

NO. 3 — STAY CONSISTENT Consistency is at the core of building a habit — establishing a routine that aligns with your health goals. A structured routine supports habit formation, and consistency reinforces it. If you miss a day of your new habit, a routine helps you bounce back into the structure without being hard on yourself. As you continue building healthy habits, consistency will help ingrain them into your lifestyle. You can lay the groundwork for lasting, healthy habits by embracing these three tips. Small, gradual changes become the foundation for continued success, while clear objectives serve as milestones to celebrate success along the way. So, take joy in the process, celebrate the victories, and know that building these healthy habits is a marathon worth running.

Inspired by BonAppetit.com PAN-ROASTED SWEET POTATOES AND TEMPEH

OUR PATIENTS SAY IT BEST

INGREDIENTS • 1/2 cup vegetable oil • 2 shallots, thinly sliced • 2 chipotle chiles in adobo, coarsely chopped • 1 8-oz block tempeh, crumbled into small pieces • Salt to taste • 4 medium sweet potatoes, halved lengthwise • 1 small crisp apple, coarsely chopped • Zest and juice of 1/2 lime • 1/3 cup coarsely chopped cilantro

DIRECTIONS 1. Place rack in bottom third of oven; preheat to 425 F. In large cast-iron skillet over high heat, add oil and cook shallots, chiles, and tempeh until oil is sizzling; reduce heat to medium and cook until tempeh is golden brown, 8–10 minutes. 2. Set a sieve over a large heatproof bowl, drain tempeh, and season with salt. Set aside tempeh and oil. 3. Add potatoes to bowl with oil mixture and season with salt; turn to coat. Arrange potatoes cut side down in skillet; set bowl of oil aside. Roast potatoes in oven until browned, 25–30 minutes. 4. To bowl with oil mixture, add apple, zest, juice, and cilantro and toss to coat. 5. Transfer potatoes to a platter. Spoon tempeh mixture over top with apple salad.

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

9519 State Route 14 Streetsboro, OH 44241 330-423-6779

Also Serving Elyria and Brunswick! Elyria, OH 44035 440-281-8031

The Home of Anxiety-Free Dentistry

Brunswick, OH 44212 330-460-6540

Inside 1

SignatureSmilesOH.com

Introducing ICON

When a Shark Became a Lifesaver

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What You Need to Know About Wisdom Teeth

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3 Tips for Building Healthy Habits

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Pan-Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Tempeh

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Why Dental Examinations Matter

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A good dentist will thoroughly inspect teeth using X-rays, state-of-the-art tech, and specialized tools. In fact, they recommend patients come in bi-annually to allow them to do it. Why? This fastidious attention to detail is needed for many reasons, but here are a few of the most important to ensure adequate dental hygiene. DISCOVERS DECAY Dental exams are essential for fighting tooth decay. You may still be at risk even if you don’t eat sugary foods. For example, healthy but acidic beverages like tea can erode enamel. If a dentist doesn’t treat tooth decay, it can cause cavities. With preventive care, a dentist can find any indications of future cavity risk. If they find cavities, dentists will fill them to stop the decay. Furthermore, cleanings often accompany the exams. Even if you brush and floss your teeth regularly, cleanings are still needed to remove plaque and tartar from the nooks and crannies. GUARDS AGAINST GINGIVITIS Good oral hygiene practices are vital for combatting gum disease, and regular inspections are essential. Checkups can also provide critical instruction to help patients improve their gum health. Gingivitis and

other gum issues can cause other health problems, including heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes. Dental exams allow dentists to identify any problems you might be having. Dentists have special gum treatment options, which can only be conducted in the office. CATCHES ORAL CANCER EARLY Oral cancer can be life-threatening, especially when it is undiagnosed. Tumors can spread to other parts of the body. Luckily, dentists can see the signs early before it gets to that point. If you notice suspicious- looking lumps or bumps in your mouth, head to a dentist immediately. ENCOURAGES GOOD HABITS You know you’re supposed to brush and floss regularly, but it’s all too tempting to skip. Regular visits to the dentist will incentivize you to keep at it — they’ll know if you don’t. They’ll remind you of all the consequences of neglecting your dental hygiene routine, such as cavities and gingivitis. When a dentist scans your mouth with advanced tech, they do it to ensure your teeth are sparkling and clean. Everyone must protect their oral hygiene. Remember to brush, floss, and see us regularly.

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