Dentistry today has so much to offer. With the preventive and restorative services available today, we are able to save, restore and replace our patients’ teeth in so many different ways. From simple whitening to full mouth reconstruction, we are able to provide the dental services that our patients need and desire. What is best for you? It all has to begin with a comprehensive examination and diagnosis.

Unless there is some immediate concern or urgency, your first visit will involve a thorough examination. If there is an immediate concern, that problem will be addressed first and then we will follow that with a comprehensive exam. Before we can determine what is possible for the long-term stability of your mouth, your current condition will need to be assessed. This comprehensive examination is the baseline for future comparisons and is the basis for a lifetime plan for your oral health. We will evaluate your oral health in regard to comfort, function, health and esthetics.

The following will be done at your initial evaluation:

Review of your medical and dental history.
Listen and clarify your concerns, wants, expectations, and/or problems.
Tooth examination to check for decay, cracks, wear, drifting, etc.
Intra-oral photographs to evaluate the esthetics and condition of your teeth and gums.
Periodontal (gum) examination that will include measuring all gum crevices and receded areas to check for hidden gum infection and disease.
Measurement of looseness or mobility of teeth that could signal bite or gum problems.
Oral cancer examination.
Full mouth digital computerized “x-rays” to check for decay, infection, and the condition of the supporting bone.
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) examination to check your jaw joint for clicking, popping, limited opening or pain.

After your examination, Drs. Barnett and Davis will:

Review all findings.
Discuss your treatment recommendations, options and sequence based on priorities.
Discuss all fees and financial options available to you.
Answer all questions to your satisfaction and understanding.

Your first examination visit is a wonderful way for you to become acquainted with our office and our Doctors. As we get to know each other, we will co-discover the ideal treatment just for you. WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU!!!!

2. When should my child have his/her first visit?:

A child should have his first dental appointment no later than his third or fourth birthday. At Barnett-Davis Dental Group, we offer a complimentary “happy visit” to acquaint our newest patients with the office environment, the dental chair, and the dentist’s “tools”. If your child adapts well to our “kid-friendly” atmosphere, we will proceed with their first dental check-up. We want this first visit to be a positive experience that will lead them to a lifetime of healthy teeth. Ideally, we want to meet your child and establish a relationship with your child before any dental problems occur. Our goal is to prevent dental problems and treat them (if they arise) in a safe, trusting environment where your child feels comfortable and secure. We want your child to develop a happy, friendly relationship with Dr. Kelly, Dr. Marc and Dr. Tracy!!

3. Do you accept referrals?:

Yes. We love referrals. Wonderful people refer wonderful people, so we look forward to treating your friends and family with the same expert care we extend to you.

4. I really don’t like visiting the dentist. Is there anything you can do to help me relax?:

We make every effort to make your visit soothing and relaxing! Nitrous oxide can be administered safely and comfortably to you through a nose piece. Stereo headphones, dark glasses, your favorite CD from our selection or from your own collection, blankets and neck support pillows are all available for your comfort and relaxation. For some of our most nervous patients, oral sedation is available. Our friendly staff is always here to serve you and make you comfortable. Talk to us about your anxiety and we can be extra sensitive to your needs, as appropriate.

5. What is nitrous oxide?:

Nitrous Oxide is a gas that is combined with Oxygen to produce a calming effect and a sense of wellbeing when inhaled. Many dentists use Nitrous Oxide to help a patient relax during dental treatments. When the dental procedure is over, the dentist will have the patient breathe only Oxygen for a few minutes to eliminate the effects of the Nitrous Oxide. Unlike other sedations, the patient should have a clear head within minutes of coming off of the Nitrous Oxide, allowing them to function normally with no lingering effects. Nitrous Oxide is also known as laughing gas. Nitrous Oxide is available to you in every treatment room at Barnett-Davis Dental Group. If you have any questions about this relaxing technique, please don’t hesitate to as us!

6. What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?:

There are so many different ways we put your safety first: using gloves, masks and glasses; ensuring sterilization and disinfection of all instruments and counters; testing our sterilizer weekly to make sure it meets all hospital level standards, and more. Our state-of-the-art sterilization center is something you can see at any time if you are interested in learning more. Each room is cleaned between patients and all proper sterilization procedures are carried out and monitored in meticulous fashion. Rest easy at Barnett-Davis Dental Group – we’re taking care of you probably better than you’ll ever know!

7. What is your sterilization method?:

Our office uses a sterilization system. Every instrument that comes into contact with you is either sterilized in an autoclave or it is disposable. We have a very strict sterilization regime and we would be happy to give you a tour if you have any specific concerns.

8. What should I do if I have a dental emergency?:

If you have an emergency, please call our office early in the morning so that you may receive attention as soon as possible. If the emergency arises at a time other than our regular office hours, you may call and leave a message. Your call will be returned the next business day when our office opens. IF YOU ARE IN PAIN OR HAVE SWELLING and you are a patient of record, you may call our toll-free after-hours emergency number (1-888-523-6442). This number is also available to you on our answering machine on our office phone when the office is closed. At Barnett-Davis Dental Group, we always have a doctor on call to help you in a dental emergency situation.

9. How can I temporarily relieve a toothache?:

Many people experience a toothache late in the evening, the middle of the night, or when they are not able to rush off to the dentist. Some people wait the toothache out to see if the tooth feels any better tomorrow because they just really hate going to the dentist. If you ever find yourself in a situation where your tooth is hurting and you are not able to see a dentist right away, you can relieve the toothache by placing clove oil on the tooth. Clove is a natural sedative for the nerve in your tooth and it will help to calm the nerve down and ease the toothache.

You do not need to drown the tooth in clove oil for it to work. All you need to do is take a Q-tip and dip it into the close oil. Dab the q-tip on a piece of sterile gauze to get the excess oil off the end. Then place the Q-tip on the tooth and swirl it around on the tooth. You should begin to feel some relieve. Repeat as necessary.

You will also want to take some over-the-counter pain reliever, at the recommended dosage even if you do not have a toothache. The medicine will work throughout the day and evening to keep the toothache at bay. It is much easier than having the medicine wear off and then trying to treat the toothache when it’s at its peak.

Do not put aspirin directly on your tooth. It is very acidic and will cause damage to surrounding gums.

Schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to evaluate what is causing the toothache. Do not wait. It is much easier to treat a dental problem when it is diagnosed earlier than later.

10. How can I make my teeth whiter?:

There are products and procedures available to brighten your smile. Before you purchase any number of tooth whitening products in the store or online, it is important to understand what is causing your teeth to stain, the risks, as well as the benefits to whitening your teeth. Your first step should be to schedule an examination and cleaning of your teeth. At this time, your dentist or hygienist can review your oral health with you, any medications that you may be taking, as well as make recommendations for any dietary changes or teeth bleaching products or procedures that will work for you.

11. What is a Veneer?:

Many people desire a brighter, cleaner, more attractive smile but they have chipped, stained, discolored, unevenly spaced, or even slightly crooked teeth. Veneers are a wonderful way to correct these problems. Veneers are custom-made porcelain facings that are specially prepared to make teeth look natural. They are affixed directly to the tooth, usually without the need for anesthetic. There are many types of veneers that are available for use. Since new materials are being developed continuously, we will help you choose the veneer system that is best for you.

12. What are tooth-colored fillings (composite resins)?:

If you’re embarrassed about your smile because of decayed, disfigured teeth, you may be a good candidate for composite resins. A composite resin is a mixture of microscopic ceramic and glass particles dispersed in a plastic resin that can be bonded to teeth. The material comes in a wide range of shades and can be molded and sculpted to create almost any shape or contour. The fact that the resin is bonded means that a seal is formed to reduce the chance of leakage, which is common with silver fillings.

Composite resins offer a non-invasive way to improve your smile. If you have any concerns about the appearance of your teeth, give us a call for an evaluation to see if bonding with composite resin will give you the smile you’ve always wanted, and the enhanced self-confidence that goes along with it.

13. How many times a day should I brush my teeth?:

Most dental professionals recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day. Brushing after every meal (and flossing at least once a day) is also a good way to maintain dental health. When you are examined by Drs. Barnett and Davis, they will show you the proper brushing and flossing techniques and may also recommend other cleaning tools that may help you in thoroughly cleaning your teeth

14. What is gum disease?:

At least 80% of the population has some degree of gum disease and most don’t know it. Gum disease is responsible for 70% of adult tooth loss, and it does not give clear warning signs that an untrained eye would notice. A dentist or hygienist must do a thorough and complete examination to detect it, especially in its early stages. Gum disease is similar to high blood pressure, or heart disease; by the time the person who has it notices symptoms, it is in its advanced stages.

Gum disease has been implicated as a causative factor in heart disease, stroke, diabetes, pre-mature births and low birth weight. It is an infection of the gums and jawbones. The bacteria and chemical by-products of your body's attempt to fight the bacteria, can enter the blood stream and cause serious problems in distant parts of the body. It is critical to have the teeth cleaned and a thorough examination a minimum of twice a year; and it is critical that you do a thorough job at home cleaning the teeth twice daily. The good news is that gum disease can be treated and prevented. Today there are numerous aids available to help us, including special toothbrushes, toothpastes, rinses and even prescription medications can help. Your dentist can decide the appropriate treatment method only after examination of your condition.

15. Why do I need “gum therapy” and perio-maintenance”? Why can’t I just get my teeth cleaned?:

The word prophy or prophylaxis cleaning means prevention. Prophylaxis appointments, or cleanings focus on preventing disease such as infection, bone loss, gum loss, etc. Perio-maintenance means we have gone from a clean/healthy state (where only prevention is needed) into a deeper state, causing a need to really address the health issues within your mouth beyond the preventive level of care. Periodontal maintenance involves going 360 degrees around each tooth. There’s a difference between preventive cleanings and periodontal maintenance. Trust us on this one. Both are important and we’ll always only recommend what you really need.

16. Which toothpaste should I use?:

There are many varieties of toothpastes on the market. There is everything from gels, whitening toothpaste, tartar control toothpaste, to natural toothpaste, toothpaste made for children, and sensitive teeth. The brand of toothpaste you choose is not as important as what is in the toothpaste itself. Even if you have fluoride in your drinking water, it is still wise to choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Another thing to consider is, the more chemicals that are added to the toothpaste, the higher at risk you are for your teeth and gums to become irritated and sensitive. Before using any of the whitening tooth pastes, tartar control toothpastes, sensitive tooth toothpastes, and the like, consult with your dentist or hygienist to see if any of these toothpastes are recommended for you.

17. I have read that unhealthy mouths can affect my overall health and can worsen other health problems or conditions that I may have. Is that true?:

If you think about it, it makes perfect sense: poor oral health is linked to poor physical health. How so? Well, consider the big picture: your mouth is the gateway into the rest of the body and its systems. If the mouth has a chronic infection or disease, then your entire body may be indirectly or directly exposed to those bacteria. Not to mention your ability to eat is compromised and also your nutrition. Furthermore, the resources needed for your general health to function will be diverted to handle the chronic infection, weakening the overall natural protection your other systems typically enjoy. Research documents connections between gum disease and poor heart health, resulting in increased risk of stroke, as well as diabetes, problem pregnancies, respiratory diseases and osteoporosis in women. What’s more, some studies indicate that those who lose all their natural teeth may have a much shorter life span.

So, what’s the answer? If you want to up your odds of a happy, healthy life, treat your body with respect and put your money (and effort) where your mouth is. Try starting with the basics: learn the latest tips, techniques and tools for top notch oral hygiene when you are here for your next cleaning appointment. Then branch out and incorporate a healthy diet, exercise, fresh air, and regular rest. Eliminate unhealthy habits that are counterproductive. And remember, taking care of your teeth means better well-being, and it means your body will be better able to take care of itself.

18a. What causes oral cancer?:

Tobacco (cigarettes, pipes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and snuff) is the most common cause of oral cancer. Combining tobacco use with heavy drinking can also foster the development or oral cancer. Bad hygiene, prolonged irritation of the oral cavity, and extended exposure to strong sunlight on the lips are among other causes of the disease. Sometimes oral cancer can be found in people that don’t have pre-disposing factors: it just forms. Undetected oral cancer is one of the most deadly cancers because it can metastasize to other areas of your body. At Barnett-Davis Dental Group, we will give you a thorough oral cancer exam at every checkup and if there is a suspicious lesion, we will refer you to an oral surgeon for a second opinion as quickly as possible.

18b. What are the warning signs of oral cancer?:

Early symptoms of oral cancer include: a sore on the lip, in the mouth, or in the throat that does not heal; a lump on the lip, in the mouth, or in the throat; a red or white patch found anywhere in the mouth; unusual pain or bleeding in the mouth; swelling of the mouth; and any difficulty or discomfort felt in chewing or swallowing. If you have any of these signs or symptoms, please don’t wait to have them checked. Call our office and we will schedule you for an evaluation.

19. What is a canker sore?:

Canker sores, also called aphthous ulcers, are small sores that form inside the mouth. Canker sores are usually white, yellow or light gray and sometimes have a small red border surrounding them. These sores sometimes are mistaken for a cold sore (or herpes virus). But, unlike a cold sore that forms on the outside areas of your lip and are highly contagious, canker sores are on the inside of your mouth and are not contagious.

Early symptoms of developing a canker sore could be a small bump or red spot that produces a slight burning or tingling sensation. Canker sores commonly appear inside the cheeks, lips, on or under the tongue, the roof of the mouth, and on the gums.

Canker sores can be very painful, especially when talking or eating. While there is no cure for canker sores, there are some over-the-counter treatments that you can try to ease the discomfort.

The cause of canker sores is unknown and they usually go away on their own in about 7-10 days.

If a canker sore persists for more than two weeks, please give our office a call to have the area checked.

20. What are digital x-rays?:

To improve your care, we’ve invested in a new way of looking into your mouth – a procedure that’s fast, and incredibly precise – digital x-rays. What’s even more amazing is that we get an image immediately that is large, clear, and accurate, right next to your chair…ready for discussion. Digital x-ray technology speeds and simplifies the diagnostic part of your treatment, and most importantly allows us to provide a much higher level of care.

Digital x-rays use up to 90% less radiation than old-fashioned x-rays. Additional benefits include the elimination of old-fashioned darkroom chemicals, which is better for the environment. The highly detailed image of your computer screen can be rotated, magnified, adjusted for contrast, and even color-coded for educational purposes. Further, we can store these images in our computer files, thus saving paper. For insurance purposes, referrals to specialists, patient education, they can be accurately reproduced any number of times. In summary, digital x-rays are cleaner, and allow us to provide better quality care.

21. Why should we fill “baby teeth”?:

The baby teeth serve as guides and support for the permanent teeth to come in. If they are decayed too badly or lost too soon, it can damage the permanent teeth.

22. I have heard about “invisible” tooth straightening. What is that?:

FDA-approved Invisalign is the “invisible” way to straighten your teeth without wearing conventional metal braces. Invisalign uses a series of clean, removable, custom-made aligners to move your teeth. Because you remove your aligners before you eat and drink, there are no food restrictions or problems with flossing or brushing. This technology is also more comfortable, avoiding the mouth abrasions that can be caused by the metal and wires of conventional braces. And this technology is also more convenient since you are likely to spend less time in the doctor’s office getting adjustments.

Invisalign uses 3-D computer imaging technology to design the complete treatment plan, from the initial teeth positioning to the desired final positioning. This 3-D imaging allows you to preview the final positioning of your teeth before you start treatment. Custom-made aligners are created based on the imaging information. Each of these aligners moves the teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks. Typically, you will visit your dentist once every six weeks for “progress reports”. Not every situation can be treated with Invisalign, so call the office to get an evaluation to see if you can be helped with this new technology.

23. How can laser-assisted dentistry benefit me? Tell me more.:

What is a Laser? A laser produces a focused beam of light in varying wavelengths. There are many types of dental lasers and each laser is capable of producing different wavelengths of light with different power levels. The different wavelengths of light affect and treat different types of tissues. For instance, The Er:YAG laser (one of the several dental lasers utilized at Barnett-Davis Dental Group), is a "hard tissue" laser that uses a 2.94 micron wavelength beam of light to precisely remove decay and prepare the tooth without unnecessary removal of healthy tooth structure. There are other types of lasers with different wavelengths that are used in soft tissue surgical procedures, bacterial decontamination, gum therapies, decay detection or tooth whitening.

How does the laser work to fix a cavity? The laser's light beam reacts with the water at the surface of the tooth, causing the decayed tissue to vaporize. What is so unique is that this wavelength of light will only affect the decayed areas. Therefore, the healthy tooth structure is left untouched and only the decay is removed. This is the most conservative method of decay removal.

Are lasers new to dentistry? The wide use of lasers in general dental offices is relatively new although the use of lasers is not. Dental lasers have been used worldwide for over 25 years. With recent advancements in laser technology, the laser units have become smaller and much more portable which make their use more practical in an office setting by a general dentist. Drs. Barnett and Davis are proud to be one of the few offices trained and certified to deliver all types of dental laser therapies in their office.

Are lasers safe? In the hands of a trained dentist, lasers are very safe. As with any device, the dentist must undertake the appropriate training, courses and continued education. Dr. Kelly Barnett, Dr. Marc Barnett and Dr. Tracy Davis are all certified laser dentists and are graduates of the Hoya Conbio College of Clinical Laser Dentists. Their hygienists are also trained and certified by this university to use the periodontal (gum) laser in conjunction with their gum therapies.

The FDA has approved several different hard and soft laser dentistry applications, including their use on adults and children.

Dental lasers actually minimize the risk of damage to surrounding, healthy tissue because they give dentists specific control over power output, time and spot size. This concise control actually makes the laser a safer tool in many cases.

Even though lasers are somewhat new to the general dental practice, doctors began using medical lasers in the 1960s. Years of qualified research and many published reference papers substantiate the safety of lasers.

What are the advantages of the laser? There are several advantages of laser dentistry. In most cases, the patient won't feel any pain so there is no need for anesthetic. Secondly, because the laser is so accurate, it pinpoints the decayed area and virtually leaves the healthy tissue alone when compared to the conventional drill, which is much harder to control. Thirdly, you don't hear the loud whine that the drill makes. The laser is quiet with only a soft, popping sound.

Am I a candidate for laser dentistry?: After a complete examination including digital (computerized) x-rays, our highly trained dentists can determine if the laser can be used safely and comfortably on you. While 80+% of the laser procedures can be performed without needles, some teeth may be sensitive to water which may cause some slight discomfort. In this instance, some anesthetic may be necessary to ensure total patient comfort.

How long do the procedures take? Often times, patients are in the dental chair for shorter periods of time since there is usually no need to wait for the onset of the numbing following the injection Then, after the dental appointment, patients do not have to wait for the numbness to go away and can return to work without the lingering numbness.

Will there be pain experienced in laser dentistry? In most cases, the lasers' selective, precise control either eliminates or significantly reduces pain. When performing many dental and surgical procedures, the laser kills bacteria in the treatment site, eliminates bleeding through coagulation and reduces pain to the degree that no anesthetic is required. Lasers also promote faster healing, which minimizes the discomfort associated with the healing process.

Can my hygienist use the laser? Our hygienists have been trained to use the laser for decontaminating the bacteria that causes gum infection under the gum line. They work in close conjunction with Drs. Barnett and Davis and will determine if laser decontamination would work for you.

How does the patient benefit from laser dentistry? Patient comfort is a leading advantage over conventional dental treatments. Lasers can reduce the need for anesthetic, minimize post-operative swelling and discomfort, and enhance patient recovery.

Benefits for the patient:

No needles, no drill, no pain!
Minimal or no bleeding due to laser's ability to coagulate blood vessels
Faster healing
Reduced post-operative infection due to the bacterial decontamination affect of the laser
Minimal or no anesthesia
Minimal pain and less discomfort
Less inconvenience of numb lips, tongue and face, discomfort following procedures
Less time in chair
Precise wavelength minimizes probability of thermal damage to surrounding healthy tissue
No drill sound
Less patient fear, anxiety and stress
Conservation of healthy tooth structure

24. Mini Dental Implants: What are Mini Dental Implants? The Mini Dental Implant System consists of a miniature titanium implant that acts like the root of your tooth and a retaining fixture that is incorporated into the base of your denture. The head of the implant is shaped like a ball, and the retaining fixture acts like a socket that contains a rubber O-ring. The O-ring snaps over the ball when the denture is seated and holds the denture at a predetermined level of force. When seated, the denture gently rests on the gum tissue. The implant fixtures allow for micro-mobility while withstanding natural lifting forces.

How are Mini Dental Implants Placed? Placement of the mini implants is accomplished quickly and easily in a process performed in our office, with local anesthesia or a light sedation to help make you more comfortable. Using a precise, controlled, minimally invasive surgical technique, Mini Dental Implants are placed into the jawbone. The heads of the implants protrude from the gum tissue and provide a strong, solid foundation for securing (or "snapping-in") your dentures or partial. In some situations, a single crown may also be cemented over the mini implant in order to replace a single missing tooth. It is a one-step procedure that involved minimally invasive surgery, no sutures, nor the typical months of healing.

How does Mini Dental Implant Technology Broaden My Options? Dental Implant therapy has been one of the most significant advances in dentistry in the past 25 years. Tens of thousands of grateful patients bear witness to the benefits derived from the opportunity to obtain a replacement for lost teeth that restores their smiles and confidence. Several different types of implants and restorations are available. The choice depends upon the amount of bone available, the patient's general health and restoration preference.

The computer and medical worlds are both working hard to develop smaller and smaller components. In similar fashion, a smaller version of the dental implant has been successfully utilized in selected cases. These mini dental implants enable us, as your dentists, to broaden the spectrum. The Mini Dental Implant System was developed in order to provide greater denture stability and is now used to replace individual and multiple missing teeth.

PHONE: 417-581-3600 · FAX: 417-581-8899 · 1427 W. STATE HWY J OZARK, MO 65721 · SMILES@BARNETTDAVISDENTAL.COM