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April 7, 2013

Come In For Your Free Oral Cancer Screening

Filed under: Dental News

SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI — This year, approximately 42,000 people in the U.S. will find out they have a form of oral cancer and more than 8,000 people will die from it. (http://oralcancerfoundation.org/events/oral-cancer-awareness-month.html)

“All types of cancer and every death caused by them is tragic, but what makes this even worse is that had these cases been caught early enough, they probably would not have died,” says Dr. Marc Barnett, who has been a one of Springfield MO dentists since 1984.

In April, which is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, our office will be offering free oral cancer screenings like we have done in previous years. We are joining with the Oral Cancer Foundation to raise awareness.

Although oral cancer is a serious disease, 90 percent of cases can be cured if found in their earliest stages, according to the OCF. Lack of awareness about oral, head and neck cancers and lack of routine screenings are the biggest problems.

“We need to raise awareness and continue to draw attention to how essential it is to get routine screenings that check for the signs and symptoms of oral cancer,” says Dr. Tracy Davis, a Nixa dentist.

This type of cancer is very treatable. The OCF estimates that 90 percent of the cases can be cured when diagnosed early. Too often the cancer is discovered because it metastasized to another location, typically lymph nodes in the neck. When cancer has metastasized, the prognosis is much worse than when the cancer is still localized in the oral area.

“Annual screenings are very important, but you need to be aware of any changes in your mouth or throat as well,” says Dr. Kelly Barnett, an award-winning cosmetic dental expert. “If you spot any of the symptoms, please contact us or your general physician immediately.”

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer (http://oralcancerfoundation.org/diagnosis/index.htm)

• A sore or lesion in the mouth that does not heal within two weeks.

• A lump or thickening in the cheek.

• A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil or lining of the mouth.

• A sore throat or a feeling that something is caught in the throat.

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing.

• Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue.

• Numbness of the tongue or other area of the mouth.

• Swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable.

• Chronic hoarseness.

The majority of head and neck cancers are caused by tobacco and alcohol use, but there is another risk factor that continues to increase and seems to effect young, non-tobacco users. According to Johns Hopkins Head & Neck Cancer Center as many as 80 percent of oropharyngeal— the tonsils and the back of the tongue — cancers in the U.S. are due to infection with the HPV virus. The risk of oral cancer can be reduced by avoiding all tobacco products, limiting alcohol intake and practicing safe sex. (http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/kimmel_cancer_center/centers/head_neck/HPV_and_head_and_neck_cancer/hpv.html)

“Routine dental check-ups, cleanings and screenings can be your first line of defense in detecting many life-threatening ailments, including oral cancer,” says Dr. Nick Matthews, a porcelain veneers expert. “Call us and schedule your appointment. It is a quick, simple, free procedure that could save your life.”

© 2013 Sinai Marketing and Barnett-Davis Dental Group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing and Barnett-Davis Dental Group are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

March 31, 2013

Nutrition And Oral Health Go Hand And Hand

Filed under: Dental News

SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI — Brushing, flossing and dental checkups are all important aspects of keeping a healthy mouth, but the type of food and drinks you consume can have a huge impact on your teeth, gums and bones as well.

“Our practice approaches dental health comprehensively,” says Dr. Kelly Barnett, a Branson teeth whitening expert. “We’re not here to simply do fillings and cleanings. We treat people, not just their teeth and want our patients to be healthy overall. That is why we focus on patient education, which encompasses nutrition, and prevention.”

March is National Nutrition Month, an annual campaign sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and we’re using it to highlight the part that nutrition plays in dental health. (http://www.eatright.org/)
Here are just a few examples of how the foods you eat and the beverages you drink can impact your oral health:

• A diet full of sugar and carbohydrates makes the mouth a breeding ground for cavity-causing bacteria, increasing the chance of tooth decay, gingivitis and bad breath.

• Insufficient calcium and Vitamin D can result in weak or brittle teeth and bones.

• Drinking a lot of acidic or sugary beverages like sports drinks, sweet teas and sodas increases tooth decay and can cause enamel erosion.

“Snacking all day is a culprit that people often don’t realize can be harming their dental health,” says Dr. Marc Barnett, who is a Nixa denture provider. “Even if the food itself is healthy, it is creating an environment in the mouth that is conducive for bacteria to grow. That’s why it is important to brush after eating.”

The slogan for this year’s nutrition campaign is “Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day,” and encourages personalized healthy eating styles that take into account food preferences, lifestyle, health concerns, and cultural and ethnic traditions.
“A well balanced diet improves overall health and energy levels, sets the stage for good dental health and gives you a reason to smile more often,” says Dr. Nick Matthews, a dental implants expert in Springfield Missouri mini.

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a healthy diet is predominantly fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products, but it also includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts. The ideal diet for overall health is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt and added sugars. (http://www.choosemyplate.gov/)

“If you’re trying to cut back on sugars, make sure you know all of its aliases because it tends to hide in a lot of food and drinks,” says Dr. Tracy Davis. “Sugar can also be listed on nutrition labels as high fructose corn syrup, molasses, cane sugar, corn sweetener, raw sugar, syrup, honey, fruit juice concentrates and words ending in “ose,” such as maltose or sucrose.

Education + Prevention = Dental Health

A good diet is a key aspect of overall dental health but without good dental hygiene, you’ll only be halfway there. Following the American Dental Association guidelines for dental care is the other half of the equation for keeping teeth, gums and bones healthy: brush at least twice a day, floss or use an interdental cleaner once a day and get professional cleanings and examinations twice a year. You should also get an annual oral cancer screening and in between cleanings watch for signs of periodontal disease, an inflammatory condition that attacks the gum tissue of the mouth.

“Ultimately, you want to be proactive about oral health and treat problems right away to keep your mouth healthy,” says Dr. Kelly Barnett, who founded the Ozark dental clinic in 1984. “Education about proper nutrition and dental hygiene plus diligent prevention methods are what you need to maintain your teeth and beautiful smile for a lifetime.”

© 2013 Sinai Marketing and Barnett-Davis Dental Group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing and Barnett-Davis Dental Group are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

March 6, 2013

One of Our Own Voted Best Cosmetic Dentist in 417 Magazine

Filed under: Dental News

SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI – The 417 Magazine just announced the winners of their annual readers’ choice awards and Dr. Kelly Barnett, a dentist from Barnett-Davis Dental Group, won first place in the Best Cosmetic Dentist category for 2013.

What an award winning office! In August last year, Dr. Barnett and her partners were all voted Top Dentists for the fifth year in a row in a separate 417 Magazine feature. Then, in October, Dr. Barnett was saluted by the Springfield Business Journal for being a Health Care Champion. Just last month, the practice topped the readership poll as Best Dentist Office in the Ozarks for the sixth year in a row in the Springfield News-Leader. And now, Dr. Barnett has been honored again.

“We are so proud to announce that Dr. Kelly Barnett has been voted the best cosmetic dentist in Springfield, MO in the February 2013 issue of 417 Magazine,” says Dr. Davis, a Nixa dentures provider.

The award is part of 417 Magazine’s annual rundown of their readers’ favorite people, places, foods and things about living in 417-land. (http://www.417mag.com/417-Magazine/February-2013/Best-of-417-2013/) The selection process began last September when the magazine started taking nominations from readers in dozens of categories, including cosmetic dentistry providers. Once the nominations were tallied up, the editors put together a list of finalists and readers chose their favorites.

“We knew that Kelly was a finalist, but we didn’t know if she had won,” says Dr. Marc Barnett, her husband who practices alongside her at Barnett-Davis Dental Group. “We were waiting on pins and needles to find out the results, and then when we did hear, we had to wait to announce it when the magazine published.”

Drs. Marc and Kelly Barnett, Tracy Davis and Nick Matthews provide a broad variety of cosmetic dentistry services at the dental clinic, including teeth whitening, repairing or replacing teeth, veneers and whole – mouth makeovers. We treat children and adults and offer the full spectrum of general dentistry services. Education is an important aspect of our treatment approach with patients because of oral health’s impact on the body. Preventing problems before they happen and treating issues early is the best way to avoid serious, costly dental problems and larger health issues.

“I’m so honored that my patients, colleagues and associates took the time to vote for me as the best cosmetic dentist in the Greater Springfield area,” says Dr. Kelly Barnett. “Thank you to everyone who voted. It’s been my privilege to dedicate all my energy and enthusiasm to dentistry, my patients and our community.”

© 2013 Sinai Marketing and Barnett-Davis Dental Group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing and Barnett-Davis Dental Group are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

December 12, 2012

Make Your Holiday Season Merry & Bright

Filed under: Dental News

SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI—We can’t believe how fast 2012 flew by, but it’s already that time of year again when your calendar is packed with shopping, dinner parties, office gatherings and family events.

“The social events of the holiday season can get people thinking about their appearance, especially their smile,” says Dr. Tracy Davis, who is a Springfield MO dentist at Barnett-Davis Dental Group. “Patients tend to be more interested in teeth whitening services this time of year.”

Types Of Whitening
Stained teeth can be lightened by as many as 10 shades in just one hour-long office visit. We offer several types of bleaching systems, including custom tray bleaching, in-office laser bleaching and the most specialized in-office KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching System.

• One whitening method that can be done easily at home is whitening with custom-made bleaching trays that slip onto upper and lower teeth. Patients put the prescription whitening agent into their custom made tray, put the tray over their teeth and then lightly press it into place. We recommend wearing the bleaching trays every day or evening for the prescribed length of time, typically one hour, and within two weeks patients will see noticeably lighter teeth.

Springfield laser teeth whitening treatment provides same-day results. We use a powerful prescription bleaching solution in combination with an FDA-approved dental laser to get teeth up to 10 shades lighter.
• The KöR system is ideal for patients with special whitening needs like patients with tooth sensitivity, tetracycline discoloration or dark, stubborn staining. After an office visit to make molds for customized mouth trays, we then do an office conditioning visit to prepare the teeth for bleaching. We give patients a two-week supply of prescription bleach to use in their custom trays at home. After two weeks of overnight bleaching at home, a chairside in-office power bleaching session completes the whitening process.

You can keep your smile lustrous and bright after the whitening procedure with good dental hygiene, regular dental appointments and periodic touch-ups.

“Be mindful of what you’re eating and drinking, too,” says Dr. Kelly Barnett, who is a Nixa teeth whitening expert. “Certain types of foods and drinks can stain your smile, such as coffee, tea, dark colored soft drinks, berries, red wine and any food with artificial coloring.”

Sometimes patients want to get their teeth whitened, but they feel like they can’t justify the expense. Instead of thinking of whitening as only a cosmetic procedure, they should look at smile whitening in a different context: a boost to self-confidence and improvement in quality of life.

“When people are so self-conscious about their teeth that they’re afraid to smile in public or unhappy every time they look in the mirror, a yellow smile can be devastating,” says Dr. Nick Matthews, a Springfield MO dentures provider. “Most patients are so happy with their whitening results and feel so much more self-confident when they smile.”

Our office offers many flexible payment options, including pre-payment accounting courtesies, credit cards and interest-free financing through our healthcare financial partners. (http://www.barnettdavisdental.com/paymentoptions.php) Our office is also having a fun contest right now called Grin2Win. You can submit a picture to our Grin2Win contest through our website or Facebook page for a chance to win a free teeth whitening procedure. (http://www.barnettdavisdental.com/grin2win/) Entries are accepted from the first through the last day of each month. The winner is chosen and notified by email on the fifth day of the following month.

“You can also put teeth whitening on your holiday wish list,” says Dr. Marc Barnett, who does minimally invasive dental surgery to replace missing teeth. “We offer teeth bleaching gift certificates for you or someone you know who has wanted to get their teeth whitened.”

Call today to schedule a complimentary cosmetic dentistry consultation to find out if you are a good candidate for one of the whitening procedures we offer at our practice.

© 2012 Sinai Marketing and Barnett-Davis Dental Group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing and Barnett-Davis Dental Group are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

November 19, 2012

Springfield Business Journal Saluted Dr. Kelly Barnett As “Health Care Champion”

Filed under: Dental News

SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI-In October, our very own Dr. Kelly Barnett was recognized as a Health Care Champion by the Springfield Business Journal, which gives out awards each year to recognize the accomplishments of local health professionals.

“Being the winner of this prestigious award is a huge honor for me,” says Dr. Barnett, who has practiced family dentistry since 1984. “It’s been my privilege to dedicate my energy and enthusiasm to benefit the dental profession, the people we serve and the communities in which we live.”

The award was presented on Oct. 25 during a joint event with the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce at the 2012 Salute to Health Care banquet at the Ramada Oasis Convention Center. Two physicians and 11 other health professionals-dentists, hospice workers, physical therapists and school nurses-also received awards.

“I’m so proud of my wife,” says Dr. Marc Barnett, who is a porcelain veneers expert. “It’s a pleasure to see her recognized for all the hard work and passion she has poured into dentistry and our patients.”

Dr. Jerry Cash from Cash Family Orthodontics nominated her as a Health Care Champion, and a panel of five judges chose her as the winner. In his recommendation letter, Dr. Cash explained that her leadership and drive to help the community were part of the reasoning for his nomination, as well as her achievements.

“As the first female dentist ever in the Greater Springfield Dental Society, her efforts have made a significant impact on our local dental community,” the Springfield dentures provider wrote.

Not only that, Dr. Barnett went on to become the first female president of that same dental society and the first female dentist to preside over the Greater Springfield Dental Foundation, organizations that represent nearly 300 practicing dentists in 16 counties in Southwest Missouri.

“Kelly has been a friend and business partner for more than a decade,” says Dr. Tracy Davis, who is a Springfield, Missouri dentist. “I’ve observed her interaction with patients and watched as she took on leadership roles in dental foundations and societies. She deserves the title Health Care Champion, and we’re celebrating right along with her.”

In 2010, Dr. Barnett was elected into the American College of Dentists, the oldest major honorary professional organization for dentists that selects only those with the highest ethics-about two or three percent of the dentists in the United States.

“Working with one of Springfield’s best dentists is inspiring,” says Dr. Nick Matthews, a Springfield MO Invisalign provider. “I hope to become as vital to the dental community as Dr. Barnett has been.”

She did her undergraduate work at the University of Kansas and graduated in the top 10 percent of her class at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. After graduating, Dr. Barnett went into private practice while simultaneously teaching as a post-graduate clinical instructor at the University of Missouri.

“I strive to be a positive force in the recruitment of future dental professionals from our local schools and hope to continue serving my patients with the highest quality dental care,” says Dr. Barnett.

© 2012 Master Google and Barnett-Davis Dental Group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google and Barnett-Davis Dental Group are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

October 16, 2012

How To Choose The Right Toothpaste For You

Filed under: Dental News

SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI-If you have ever stood in the toothpaste aisle staring at the overwhelming selection available, you are not alone. Between Crest and Colgate, the two largest toothpaste makers, there are more than 70 options to choose from.

There are many other brands of toothpaste, plus the benefits they’re touting-gets teeth whiter, controls tartar, blasts away bad breath, protects sensitive teeth-not to mention the flavors and textures.

“When it comes to keeping your teeth clean and cavities at bay, you only need to look for two active ingredients on the label. Everything else is just extra,” says Dr. Tracy Davis, who is a dental implant specialist.

Toothpaste is supposed to fight tooth decay and prevent plaque buildup, which means you need fluoride and an antibacterial ingredient like zinc or triclosan. When used as recommended, fluoride is a safe and effective way to help harden teeth, and studies show that it prevents tooth decay. Certain toothpastes contain chemicals known as pyrophosphates that help reduce plaque that can build up and harden into a brownish deposit on teeth called tartar. You should brush using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on a soft-bristled toothbrush for at least two minutes twice a day.

“Some people think a toothbrush with hard bristles gets teeth cleaner, but hard bristles combined with vigorous brushing can actually damage gums, enamel and root surface over time,” says Dr. Marc Barnett, who works at the family dentistry practice.

Looking for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance is a simple way to know that the product has been through rigorous testing and is safe. The ADA Seal was created in 1931 to help consumers make informed decisions about safe and effective consumer products.

“The requirements include backing claims, such as cavity fighting and tartar control, with scientific findings and complying with the standards for accuracy and truthfulness in advertising,” says Dr. Nick Matthews, a Springfield, MO dental crowns provider.

Brand doesn’t really matter, so that is mostly personal preference whether you like paste or gel, prefer a certain flavor or want the extra active ingredients. The most important thing is that you use it regularly to protect teeth.

“Let us know if you have a specific issue you’re concerned with like tooth sensitivity or whitening, and we can discuss solutions with you. It might be more effective to address sensitivity or staining with other treatment options instead of toothpaste,” says Dr. Kelly Barnett, a Springfield MO Invisalign provider.

© 2012 Master Google and Barnett-Davis Dental Group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google and Barnett-Davis Dental Group are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

September 12, 2012

Save Face This Season, Use A Mouth guard

Filed under: Dental News

SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI-Practices for the fall athletic programs have already begun, but it isn’t too late to check mouth guards for proper fit and signs of wear.

“You can prevent the vast majority of sports-related traumatic injuries when you use the proper protective gear, which includes a mouth guard,” says Dr. Kelly Barnett, a Springfield MO dentist.

This important reminder is part of National Childhood Injury Prevention Week, which is the first week of September. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons recommends the use of mouth guards for children and adults who will be participating in any sport that involves falls, body contact or flying equipment.

“That means any activity that might result in an injury to the mouth-from football, wrestling and baseball to hockey, skateboarding and mountain biking,” says Dr. Tracy Davis, an Ozark teeth whitening expert.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry estimates that the cost of injuries sustained by young athletes is $1.8 billion each year, and the average cost of treatment and lifetime follow-up care for one knocked out permanent tooth will cost $5,000 to $20,000.

“Injuries to the mouth and face can have a long-term impact on oral health too. However, you can prevent damage and avoid those long-term problems with a well-fitted, customized mouth guard like the ones we offer here,” says Dr. Nick Matthews, a Springfield MO veneers provider.

The three broad classifications of mouth guards are stock, boil-and-bite and customized. A custom-made mouth guard will provide the most comfortable fit, but any type of mouth guard or performance wear an athlete chooses to protect their teeth and mouth should be resilient, tear-resistant and comfortable. Mouth guards should never restrict speech or breathing. Our office offers three types of custom mouth guards, including the latest performance mouth wear products from Under Armour.

We recommend that parents of young athletes check mouth guards after each season for a proper fit and any signs of wear or tear. Over time, especially with extreme usage, the material wears down and become less effective. Children’s mouths are still developing, changing size and shape, so mouth guards need to be periodically replaced.

“The only way a mouth guard can work is if the athlete is wearing it, so make sure it gets used during every practice and game. Even the most expensive, customized mouth guard can’t protect them when it’s on the counter at home or stuffed in an athletic bag,” says Dr. Marc Barnett, who works at the Springfield Missouri dental clinic.

© 2012 Master Google and Barnett-Davis Dental Group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google and Barnett-Davis Dental Group are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

September 5, 2012

Send Your Kids Back To School With A Big, Healthy Smile

Filed under: Dental News

SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI – Getting kids to brush and floss regularly can seem like an endless cycle of persuading, nagging and threatening, so we’ve come up with some ways you can get your kids interested in taking care of their teeth.

“Back to school shopping is all about getting kids looking their best and setting them up for success. Good dental hygiene habits set them up for a lifetime of great-looking smiles and achieving good oral health, so just consider oral hygiene as part of the back to school routine,” says Dr. Marc Barnett, a Nixa dentist.

The same oral hygiene that adults should be doing is what the American Dental Association recommends for children, which is brushing after breakfast and before bedtime for three to five minutes with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day and rinsing with a fluoridated mouthwash.

“Most children need assistance with brushing and flossing until seven or eight years old, the age they usually develop the manual dexterity and attention to detail needed to thoroughly clean their teeth,” says Dr. Kelly Barnett, a Springfield MO dentist.

Here are some ways that will hopefully make the process a little bit easier and a lot more successful:

Do Some Shopping

Letting kids choose their own style of toothbrush, toothpaste flavor and type of floss can encourage consistent and thorough brushing. Some children may prefer electric toothbrushes, which research has shown to be equally as effective, if not more effective in removing plaque, than a manual brush when used right.

“Choose whatever works. The goal is consistent and thorough brushing and flossing, so if that requires a fluorescent green toothbrush or tube of toothpaste with SpongeBob on it so be it,” says Dr. Tracy Davis, an Ozark veneers provider.

Keep It Comfortable

Some children might resist brushing and flossing because it is uncomfortable or painful. The size of the toothbrush could be too big or the flavor and texture of the toothpaste unpalatable. Try a smaller toothbrush or one in a different shape, toothpaste instead of a gel or bubblegum instead of mint flavor. Kids only need to use a pea-size amount of toothpaste on a child-sized, soft-bristle toothbrush. Too much toothpaste means too much foam, which can make brushing harder to do. They could have trouble keeping their mouths open for an extended period of time, so let them know they can take breaks to let their jaws rest if needed.

Teach Them Why & Show Them How

Kids are naturally curious and certain children won’t do anything unless they know why. It doesn’t have to be anything complicated, but tell them why dental care is important. You can personify plaque as the bad guy and explain that brushing is how to defeat the villain. At their appointments, we talk to them about how to brush and floss properly, but parents need to reinforce and remind them of the correct technique. This includes brushing all the surfaces of all the teeth, angling the toothbrush at 45 degrees towards the gum line, and brushing in a circular motion. Help them stay on top of their daily brushing routines by creating a sticker chart or doling out a weekly prize to monitor progress and reward success.

“A common mistake people make when brushing is not doing it long enough. Three to five minutes isn’t a concept most kids will grasp so have them use a song, timer or other system like brushing each tooth for five seconds to get the full amount of brushing time in,” says Dr. Nick Matthews, a dental crowns and bridges expert.

Pack A Backpack

A well-balanced, healthy diet is the foundation of healthy teeth. Let them help pack a lunch with food and drinks that will boost dental health. We suggest foods that won’t get stuck in the cracks and crevices of teeth like banana slices, seedless grapes, canned fruit, applesauce and pudding cups, thinly chopped raw vegetables, soups, sandwiches or pasta. Avoid or minimize sports drinks, soda and fruit juice – even 100 percent juice.

“These drinks have a lot of sugar and acid in them, which creates an environment ripe with cavity and bad breath causing bacteria,” says Dr. Kelly Barnett a Springfield Missouri invisalign provider.

© 2012 Master Google and Barnett-Davis Dental Group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google and Barnett-Davis Dental Group are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

August 14, 2012

Drs. Barnett, Dr. Davis Make Top Dentists In Springfield List Again

Filed under: Dental News

SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI-Barnett-Davis Dental Group is proud to announce that for the fifth year in a row, Drs. Marc and Kelly Barnett and Dr. Tracy Davis have been voted Top Dentists in the 417 Magazine.

“This is such a big honor for us, and we could not be more thrilled with being voted into the Top Dentists general dentistry category again,” says Dr. Kelly Barnett, a Springfield MO Invisalign expert.

The Top Dentists 2012 list, published in the 417 Magazine’s August edition, features more than 90 dental care providers in the Springfield area, including dentists and specialists in endodontics, oral and maxillary surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics and prosthodontics.

“This list is compiled after surveying thousands of other dentists and professionals and processing their detailed evaluations, so in a way, this is the ultimate word-of-mouth referral we could receive,” says Dr. Marc Barnett, an Ozark dentures provider.

Dentists and specialists were asked which of their peers they would recommend to a patient and asked that they take into consideration years of experience, continuing education, patient care, use of new techniques and technologies and finished results of their work.

“The dentists on these pages were voted by their peers to be among the best, and they could be your source for top-notch dental care,” the 417 Magazine website reads.

The practice focuses on dentistry for all ages with services including professional cleanings and examinations, restorative dentistry and cosmetic procedures like teeth bleaching. It has also been deemed Best Dentist Office for the last five years in the Springfield News-Leader annual Best of the Ozarks feature.

“A big part of our commitment to exceptional patient care includes educating patients about oral health, its impact on the whole body and how proper dental hygiene can prevent serious and costly health problems,” says Dr. Davis, who has been at the Springfield MO family dentistry practice for nearly a decade.

The 417 Magazine covers the arts, dining, fashion, travel and prominent figures in southwest Missouri and boasts a readership of more than 120,000. It can be found on newsstands and in thousands of hotel rooms and waiting rooms. The list of Top Dentists on the website is an excerpt from the 2012 topDentists list. The complete database is available at usatopdentists.com.

“I’m excited to be working with top dentists at one of the best dental practices in Springfield, and I hope that in the future as I meet, work with and help the people of our community that I’m given the privilege of being voted a top dentist too,” says Dr. Nick Matthews, the Ozark veneers expert who joined the practice this summer.

© 2012 Master Google and Barnett-Davis Dental Group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Barnett-Davis Dental Group and Master Google are credited as the sole sources. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

July 21, 2012

What To Do When You Have a Dental Emergency

Filed under: Dental News

SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI- Knowing what to do when there is a dental emergency like getting a tooth knocked out can be the difference between a successful re-implantation and keeping your tooth or losing it. This is why Barnett-Davis Dental Group is sharing the basics about how to handle dental emergencies.

“If you do have a dental emergency, call our office and we will do everything we can to see you as soon as possible. We always welcome new patients,” cautions Dr. Nick Matthews, a Springfield Missouri dentist. “At Barnett-Davis Dental Group, even on the weekends and after hours, we always have a doctor on call to help you in a dental emergency situation.”

Here is what you should do in the event of these common dental emergencies.

  • Knocked out tooth. React as quickly as possible to preserve the tooth’s roots and increase the chance of being able to save the tooth.

    “The first thing you should do with a tooth is knocked out if to try to find it! I have so many patients who panic and don’t take the time to try to find the tooth,” says Dr. Tracy Davis, a dental bridge and teeth whitening expert in Springfield MO.

    Just gently rinse any debris off the root area, and try to place it back in the socket. Don’t try to scrub the tooth, and always handle it by the crown. Otherwise, you may inadvertently damage the blood vessels and tooth roots that are crucial in the re-implantation process. If you are unable to place it back in the socket, put the tooth in milk, water or saline solution for contact lens instead, and call the office immediately.

  • Cap, crown or filling fell out. Sometimes, fillings or crowns fall out. In some cases, a filling or crown may come loose because of damage to the tooth or there may be decay underneath it. If a filling or crown comes out, give our office a call as soon as possible to prevent bacteria from infecting the tooth. Even if the tooth doesn’t hurt, it is important to get prompt dental attention.

    “We want our patients to always remember that most dental problems don’t hurt until it has evolved into a major issue,” says Dr. Kelly Barnett, an Ozark dentures provider at the family dentistry practice. “Pain is usually the final symptom.”

  • Broken tooth. Cleanse the area by gently rinsing your mouth with warm water, and call our office as soon as you can. If there is no immediate pain, the same instructions apply to this situation as a filling or crown that falls off that we mentioned above. If there is pain, call our office immediately, and we will do everything we can to see you as soon as possible.
  • Bit tongue, lip or cheek. Gently clean the area with a soft cloth or by swishing warm water. Apply pressure to stop bleeding, and use cold compresses to reduce any swelling. Severe cuts, punctures and cuts that cross the border between the lip and facial skin may need medical attention at an urgent care clinic or emergency room.

“Our dental office always has a dentist on call for dental emergencies that happen after regular office hours or on the weekend. Just call our office to get the after-hours emergency number for the dentist on staff,” says Dr. Marc Barnett who is a Springfield MO family dentistry provider.

Barnett-Davis Dental Group is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. On Tuesdays, we are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you have an emergency, please call our office as early as possible so that you may receive attention as soon as possible.

© 2012 Master Google and Barnett-Davis Dental Group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Barnett-Davis Dental Group and Master Google are credited as the sole sources. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.