Mark Niemiec DDS - Taos, NM

Information for New Patients

Let us share with you...

OUR PHILOSOPHY OF PRACTICE

         We understand that choosing a new dentist and a dental health team can be a challenge. We are writing this as a form of welcoming you, and to share more specifically our beliefs about what we do for the people we serve. Briefly stated our philosophy is this...

        Our desire is to help the people we serve achieve a higher level of self-esteem and well-being by enhancing the appearance, comfort, and function of their teeth. To accomplish this, we provide dental health care of the highest quality each patient can accept according to their dental needs and value for oral health.

        In other words our goal is to help you become as healthy as you choose to be. This is a major and radical departure from the way we were trained. Instead of telling you how healthy you should be, we try to help you understand your choices about dental health and let you make a free and fully informed choice.

        The goal of our dentistry is to help you keep all of your teeth for the rest of your life in maximum health, comfort, function, and esthetics at a minimal stress and expense to you. In our philosophy of practice, you are a person of great value and importance. Your physical, mental, and emotional health will always be the object of our prime concern.

        Excellence in dentistry begins with a careful diagnosis and with the development of a MASTER PLAN to move us toward the health goals we will establish together. You have unique dental needs, and we will analyze and address them candidly and objectively. We will identify and carefully consider your feelings and preferences.

        We place at your disposal the professional judgment and skill that we have gained through many years of dental training, over 45 years of combined experience and hundreds of hours of post-graduate education. In our recommendations, we will apply this judgment and skill in determining the causes of present and future problems. We will find common sense answers through careful examination of teeth, gums, occlusion (bite), joints of the jawbone, and soft tissues. We will utilize full mouth x-rays and where desirable, will study other radiographs, photographs, and actual study casts of your teeth and jaws.

        In our practice, we consider it far better to prevent dental diseases than to treat them after they occur. A workable preventative program must always begin with accurate analysis and diagnosis. The success of our efforts is assured though proper examination and through goal setting to achieve an effective MASTER PLAN.

        Our pledge to you is accurately expressed in these carefully chosen words: QUALITY AND EXCELLENCE. We look upon you as a unique person of infinite worth both to God and to those who love and need you. Through our care and concern, we will reaffirm that worth.

Forms

Dental Facts

Dry Mouth

Prescriptions for high blood pressure, anxiety, muscle tension, urinary incontinence, and allergies can all help lead to a dry mouth. Other causes can be nerve damage in the head or neck area, chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

Stop Smoking

There are about 4.5 million children and adolescents in the United States who smoke. It is estimated that every day about 6,000 children across the country try their first cigarette. There are over 30 cancer-causing agents in cigarettes.

Important

Tooth decay is the second most common health problem after the common cold. Children and the elderly are the two groups at highest risk.

Toothbrush???

Don't use a medium or hard toothbrush as these can cause damage to your gums. It is best to change your toothbrush every 2-3 months, or even more often if you notice the bristles are bent.

Orthodontic Treatment

It is estimated that about 1 in 5 orthodontic patients is an adult. Many people 50 years and older are currently receiving treatment. There are no age limits.

Toothpaste???

Some of the additives in the toothpaste that might cause abrasion of your teeth are baking soda, silica, and calcium carbonate. Peroxide is a safe additive for whitening, but does not usually come in significant concentration.

Canker Sores

They are similar to cold sores and last 1-2 weeks. They may be triggered by trauma or stress and have a tendency to be in areas of the mouth that have loose or mobile tissue. It's estimated that about 10% of the population suffer from canker sores.

Pierced Tongue

Small tiny microfractures may occur first, causing the teeth to be sensitive.Some people may develop the habit of repeatedly tapping their knobs, rings or post against their teeth. Also, the mouth jewelry can rub against your gums.

Dental Factoid

A study done by Emory University in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control shows that people who have gum disease may have a mortality rate 23% higher than those who do not.

X-rays

Dental x-rays can reveal dental cavities (tooth decay) before they are visible even to the dentist. The dentist often will take yearly bitewings to catch the early development of cavities.

Cleaning!

The pocket is the space that exists between the tooth and gum. If a pocket is between 1-3mm deep, then this is normal. Pockets that are 6mm or deeper the regular cleaning instruments can not reach and clean.

Amalgam

The Food and Drug Andministration (FDA) warns of dental amalgam risk for pregnant women and children. Dental amalgams contain mercury, which may have neurotoxic effects on the nervous systems.

Did you know?

Gum disease has been linked to several medical conditions such as stroke, diabetes, heart attacks and lung disease.

Root Canal

Root canal procedures are performed when the nerve of the tooth becomes infected or the pulp becomes damaged. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.

Implant

It is the replacement of the entire tooth. There is an artificial root as well as the crown itself. Depending on the patients health and placement of the implant, they have a success rate of 94-98%. With good home care, it should last a lifetime.

Geographic Tongue

It is fairly common (2% of the population) and is harmless. It is benign and its pattern may change. It may look like a map of islands. There is no treatment.

Pacifiers

When choosing a pacifier, it is best to choose one that most closely resembles the mother's natural anatomical shape. An improperly shaped pacifier is more likely to cause problems with the development of the jaws and teeth.

This is a Fact!

Dental sealants act as a barrier, protecting the teeth against decay - caused by bacteria. The sealants are usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the premolars and molars where as much as 75% of all cavities develop.

Snoring

Males are more likely to snore than females (42% vs 31%). The most common age range is 55-64 yrs old, according to a poll by the National Sleep Foundation. Snore is caused when your soft palate and/or uvula produce a vibration.

Maxillary Sinus Infection

It can feel like a toothache is because the roots of your upper back teeth can project into the sinus. If the sinus is filled with fluid, it can apply pressure and aggravate the nerves of the maxillary teeth.

Baby Teeth

They calcified by 6 month of pregnancy. By age 2 to 2-1/2 usually all the baby teeth are in. A typical child lose their last baby tooth anywhere from 11-12 years old. The child is going to need to chew on these teeth for 9 years or so.

Mouthguard

Sport mouthguards protect against more than just chipped or broken teeth. They can help prevent more serious injuries such as a fractured jaw, concussion, cerebral hemorrhages and even neck injuries.

Cold Sores

It is estimated that about 80% of the population is affected by cold sores. Cold sores are very contagiuos and may last 1-2 weeks. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus. An antiviral ointment or pill can shorten the course.

Inlays and Onlays

They are made outside the mouth (indirect restorations), the same way a crown is. They are cemented or bonded to the tooth and can actually help strengthen it.

Medical History

Some drugs (both legal and illegal - such as cocaine) can make the heart sensitive to other medications. If the dentist is unaware of your history and gives you anesthetic to numb you, this could lead to a heart attack.

Childrens Teeth

Children's teeth do not do as well with fillings as adult teeth do. 1/3 to 1/2 of fillings needed replacement after 3 years and that almost 89% of all crowns survived 8 years.

Gum Disease

It affects about 9 out of 10 adults at some point in their life. In fact, it is listed as the most common disease in the world. When there is bleeding with brushing, it likely means there is some inflammation of the gums.

Do you know?

Composites can be very thin whereas if an amalgam filling is too thin it may crack. Since composites are bonded they can actually help support and strengthen tooth structure.

Floss

"Just floss the teeth that you want to keep!" Floss removes the plaque between the teeth which cannot be reached with a toothbrush or waterpik.

Fluoride

Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and drinking fluoridated water helps to protect teeth against decay. Fluoride is important for strong teeth and is considered safe when consumed at recommended levels in drinking water.