Hagerstown Smiles Dental Care - April/May/June 2024

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APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2024

1115 Mt. Aetna Rd., Hagerstown, MD 21740 • www.hagerstownsmiles.com • 240-329-4725 MORE THAN JUST A CLEANING BRI AND LILY’S FRESH TAKE AT HAGERSTOWN SMILES

Hi everyone! We’re Bri and Lily, the fresh faces of the dental hygiene team at Hagerstown Smiles! Some of you might have seen us around, but for those we haven’t met yet, we can’t wait to meet you in person at the office! We both joined the Hagerstown Smiles family last June after going to dental hygiene school together. We were actually hired on the same day! Starting this journey together has been great; we’ve loved every minute of it. We both were drawn to the field because of the interactions we get to have with each other, and with you, our patients! And we love seeing our patients leave with clean healthy smiles!

We’re always keeping up with the latest developments at Hagerstown Smiles. Most recently, we focused on benefits that we can provide at your hygiene visits (other than polishing your teeth). These include benefits like adult sealants, whitening and fluoride trays, X-rays, blood pressure readings, night guards, and periodontal therapy to name a few. Don’t forget, we can also administer laughing gas at your hygiene visits if it will make the visit more comfortable! Overall, we believe the best part of our job is the satisfaction and trust of our patients. There’s nothing more rewarding than building relationships and earning your trust, one appointment at a time. Seeing our patients embrace the positive energy we try to foster here makes every day worthwhile. Working together has been a blast. Our bond doesn’t just make our days fun, it helps us provide better care. And it’s not just our bond. The bond that all of our coworkers share makes this a great place to work. We love the caring and positive vibe; and the best part is that this gets passed on to every patient who walks through our doors. Positivity is definitely contagious! It’s not all work and no play either! We enjoy getting together outside of the office as well. One of our most memorable activities recently was goat yoga. That’s right, yoga with goats. It was super fun and hilarious. And coming up soon, the entire office team is looking forward to participating in the local Muddy Mamas mud run! We’re thrilled to be part of the Hagerstown Smiles team and look forward to making your dental visits as enjoyable as possible. Remember, next time you’re in, let’s share a smile. After all, it’s why we’re here! See you soon!

Dental Hygienists –Bri and Lily

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Composite fillings, also known as tooth-colored fillings, are a popular choice for restoring decayed or damaged teeth due to their natural appearance and durability. At Hagerstown Smiles, the process of getting a composite filling is simple and typically completed in just one appointment, making it a convenient option for maintaining your dental health. When a tooth requires a filling, the first step is to numb the affected area to ensure comfort throughout the procedure. This allows our dentists to remove the decayed material without causing pain. Once the tooth is numb, we will carefully remove any decay, taking special care to preserve as much of the healthy tooth structure as possible. COMPOSITE FILLINGS MAKE DENTAL RESTORATION EASY!

The Essential Role of Dental Checkups 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. Prevention Is Key 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.

After the decay is removed, the space is meticulously cleaned to eliminate debris and bacteria and prepare it for the filling. This helps to prevent further decay and

ensures that the filling bonds properly with the tooth. If the decay is near the nerve of the tooth, we may apply special medication to protect the nerve and reduce the risk of further complications.

Our composite fillings are then tailored to fill the cleaned cavity. One key benefit of composite material

is its ability to closely match the color of your natural teeth, making the filling virtually invisible. This is particularly advantageous for fillings in the front teeth or visible areas of the mouth. Our dentists will then place the composite in layers, using a light specialized to harden each layer quickly. Once the filling is in place, it is shaped and polished to restore the tooth to its original function and appearance. This not only improves the aesthetic appeal but also restores the functionality of the tooth, allowing you to chew without discomfort. Opting for composite fillings has several advantages. They bond directly to the tooth structure to provide support, prevent breakage, and insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes. Additionally, less drilling is involved compared to other types of fillings because the dentist only needs to remove the decayed part of the tooth. At Hagerstown Smiles, the entire process of receiving a composite filling is efficient and focused on patient comfort and satisfaction. We ensure that your visit is as quick and painless as possible while providing a long- lasting solution to tooth decay!

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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PLEASE HELP US COLLECT DONATIONS FOR THE ANTIETAM HUMANE SOCIETY!

SUMMER WHITENING SPECIAL AT-HOME CUSTOM WHITENING TRAYS WITH GEL Call for an appointment! OFFER ENDS JULY 31ST REFER YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Drop off donations at the front desk by June 28th

Thank you to all of our wonderful patients who voted us Best of the Tristate 2024. We appreciate your kind words and votes and look forward to serving you! BEST OF THE TRISTATE 2024

Refer a new patient and be entered into a drawing for our “summer fun” package! Congratulations, Christina, for winning our most recent “spring cleaning” drawing! Thank you for your referrals!!

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

www.hagerstownsmiles.com 1115 Mt. Aetna Rd. Hagerstown, MD 21740 Call Now! 240-329-4725

INSIDE Discover the Spark Behind Hagerstown Smiles’ Newest Hygienists, Bri and Lily page 1 Perfect Your Smile With Composite Fillings Why Dental Examinations Matter page 2 Announcements page 3 Explore the Historic Fortifications of the Highlands page 4

SCOTLAND’S MUST-SEE CASTLES DEFENDING THE HIGHLANDS

From the heights of Castle Hill to the idyllic waters of Loch Duich, the historic castles of Scotland stun tourists and history enthusiasts alike. Today, these castles are well-maintained and ready to receive visitors from around the world. If you want to explore the beauty of the highlands from the rocky ramparts of Scotland’s greatest castles, these are three landmarks you need to visit. Edinburgh Castle Located amidst Edinburgh’s Old Town — a World Heritage Site — the daunting and long-standing Edinburgh Castle on Castle Hill is a bulwark that has defended the Scottish capital for nearly a millennium. The military still uses parts of the formidable ramparts, but the rest serves as a can’t-miss tourist destination. The castle also houses the Crown Jewels of Scotland, known as the Honours, and famed cannons, like Mons Meg, one of the grandest pieces of medieval artillery ever constructed and given to King James II in 1457 A.D. Dunnottar Castle Dunnottar Castle is located on the northeastern coast of Scotland and is surrounded on three sides by the waters of the North Sea. There is

evidence that ancient Picts lived in the area long before a monastery was consecrated on the grounds in 1276 A.D. In

1392, Sir William Keith seized the holy site’s strategic location by building its first stone fortification, The Keep. An even more unorthodox move came in 1593, when George Keith, the 5th Earl Marischal, built The Lion’s Den at Dunnottar Castle to house his pet lion.

Eilean Donan Castle There is a reason Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most

photographed castles in the world! Situated on a tiny island at the mouth of Loch Duich, this formidable fortress began as a monastery in 634 A.D. before being converted to a fortress in the 12th century to protect the area from Viking raids. Now administered by the Conchra Charitable Trust, this castle houses rare artifacts, such as a sword rumored to be from the famed battle of Culloden in 1745.

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