Your Care and Comfort is Our Top Priority - Response to Boston Globe Article 2.8.2017

Last week Ms. McCluskey from the Boston Globe contacted us about speaking on record about the changes Delta Dental is making to dental care. We were happy to speak with her because Delta Dental’s change from a non-profit to for-profit will directly interfere with patient care.

Our number one priority is our patients. We would be nothing without our patients and are thankful for them every day. We are excited for every new patient call and question how we could have done things differently when a patient leaves the practice. We endeavor to always treat our patients with respect. Our practice has been building relationships with patients for more than 40 years. Over that time, dentistry has changed dramatically but the one constant is how we treat you, our patients.

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Our goal is to make our office a warm, inviting place. We are not a medical office where you are greeted by an unfriendly face behind a glass enclosure. When a patient walks through our front door we great you by name and with a smile. We start every day with a team meeting where we go through our schedule discussing the individual needs of each patient. We pride ourselves in our timeliness but, in the event we must run a few minutes late, we give you a gift card to Dunkin Donuts. We reserve one hour for every continuing care cleaning appointment, and many of you have been seeing the same hygienist for 20 years. We happily answer any and all questions. If you call with an emergency, we see you that day. We personally answer emergency calls after hours and on the weekend. If you need treatment, our office manager, who has been with us for over 35 years, will help you navigate your insurance and present financing options. We are constantly taking continuing education classes and investing in new technology. We are proud of our office and thecomprehensive care we provide.

All of that may seem soapy but it is the truth. We care deeply for our patients, and we are confident that if you asked them they would agree (we are proud of our Google reviews). We are not alone in how we treat our patients and provide care. There are hundreds of offices in Massachusetts who treat patients with the same care and compassion we do. Delta Dental is trying to take that away. They want to paint dentists as greedy because then it takes the focus away from them. Our focus is patient care; Delta’s is making money.

So why are Delta’s intended changes bad for patients? If patients have lower premiums and Delta and patients pay less for dentistry, it seems like a win-win. Unfortunately, something has to give. It is easy to say that dentists should take less profit. However, when the cut in Delta reimbursements almost equals our profit, then that is saying that we should be

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working for basically free. We use the best materials, use the highest quality American labs, and pay our experienced team well, all for the direct benefit of our patients.  As reimbursement levels come down, an office has to look at costs, and trim where it does not affect the quality of the final service. For example, there has just come on the market a nasal spray anesthetic that completely anesthetizes the upper six front teeth without using a needle. This eliminates the need for an otherwise uncomfortable injection. However, the cost of each application is $40 while a traditional needle injection is $1-2. Since patient care is not affected (although comfort will be), we will continue to buy the traditional needle anesthetic. We will always maintain buying the best possible filling materials, cements, etc. We have too much integrity to compromise our dentistry (please see my blog from December goo.gl/lcEkYP ), but it would be impossible for us to stay in business and not change some part of how we do things.  Cost saving will be found in all the other areas.  I hope people can look at how Delta is backing dentists into a corner.

Delta Dental was started by dentists who recognized the need to increase oral care. For many years they were good partners to dentists, employers, and patients. They provided employers with several options (Premier, PPO, etc.) so that their employees could have a choice in their dental care. Delta, as a non-profit, was regulated by the Division of Insurance which benefits patients and dentists. They have now changed their structure to a for-profit in order to no longer be regulated by the Division of Insurance. Delta’s goal is to no longer market and sell the better dental plans. This is for Delta's profit alone. The executive at Delta Dental who is charge of this effort, Erick Paul, came to our office and told us Delta was doing this because they are looking to increase profit and increase their market share. When we asked how we are to run our office with a 20-30% decrease in revenue, his comment was that Delta will drive more "steerage" to us. That is the difference between small dental practices and Delta Dental. Patients are steerage for them, while to us patients are part of our dental family.

Delta Dental knows dentists are loyal to their patients and the ultimatums given to dentists who do not sign their contract are not in your, our patient’s, best interests. Delta Dental tells us if we go out of network they will send letters to all our patients with any Delta Dental policy recommending they seek care elsewhere. They will no longer directly pay us for services; the patient would have to pay up front for any treatment and then be reimbursed

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for a small portion by Delta Dental in 2-3 weeks. This is a large financial strain for many of our patients, and Delta Dental is counting on that. We currently file insurance claims for all our patients and address claims issues. If we leave the Delta Dental network we will only be allowed to file the claims and will never know to help fix issues – it would be up to the patients. It is important to note that ALL of our patients’ insurance companies (all out-of-network with exception of one) directly pay dentists (assignment of benefits) and allow dentists to be in the constant loop helping patients with their insurance claims and predeterminations.

Many dental offices have a 30-50% Delta Dental patient base. Delta Dental is using dentists’ fears of losing patients to pressure us into a contract which benefits mainly Delta Dental. This is not good for dentistry or the consumer; this is good for Delta Dental. The CEO of NON-PROFIT Delta Dental made $6,810,994 in 2014, and that same year Delta Dental paid out only 62% of the premiums collected (Obamacare states that insurance companies should pay out 80% of premiums). If Delta Dental cared about dental care they would continue to market and sell Premier, PPO, and other plans in order to provide employers and employees with options. Employers also need to take a good hard look at the plans they are providing to their employees. The fact that annual maximums of $1,000-1,500 have remained stagnant for 30-40 years is incomprehensible. Every person out there needs to contact his or her human resources department and let them know about the changes Delta is proposing to make and how it is going to affect his or her care.

Delta Dental needs to put patients first, just as we have for the past 40 years.

Letter to Our Patients with Delta Dental in 2017

To Our Valued Patients at Lund Dental with Delta Dental Insurance:

We work in a special office here at Lund Dental. I truly believe that. First and foremost, we put our patients first. At every morning business meeting we discuss how we can do things better for our patients. We know that we are nothing without our patients, and we work very hard to earn and maintain their respect and trust. Dr. William Lund built this practice 41 years ago, and I am proud to say I have been here over 13 years.

We have made a conscious effort to be an exceptional dental practice that does not cut corners with time, workmanship, or care. Just a few of the ways we do this include: a dentist personally spending over an hour with each new patient; reserving a full hour for each adult continuing care cleaning; investing in state-of-the-art dental technology; using the best dental materials and laboratories; encouraging and paying our team to attend continuing education classes; paying to retain our first class staff.

A long time ago, we decided that we were not going to allow dental insurances to dictate our dentistry, and through the years we have opted out of several plans that would have put such financial stress on us that we could not do the kind of dentistry that our patients deserve. We do not want to be a dental factory, churning out subpar fillings and rushing through 30 minute cleanings. Neither Dr. William Lund nor I could sleep at night if that were the kind of care we provided.

I cannot fully express the anger and frustration I felt today when we received a letter from Delta Dental of Massachusetts stating that unless we play ball with them, we will be dropped from their plan. What do they want us to do?…Accept an approximately 25% fee reduction across the board. If we refuse to sign their paperwork, they will inform all our Delta Dental of Massachusetts patients that we are no longer a provider, and they will recommend that they seek dental care elsewhere with a Delta Dental provider. We will no longer be able to submit insurance for our patients and receive payment; instead, patients who choose to remain with us will pay for services and then seek reimbursement from Delta themselves. The letter stated we have 14 days to decide what to do. It seems very convenient that the letter was sent around Christmas time when everyone is busy and distracted.

This is Delta Dental of Massachusetts taking advantage of you the patient. They want to pay less money for your dental care, and they do not care if it means you the patient receive compromised care. For years, we have accepted a write-off of approximately 10% from Delta Dental of Massachusetts. We did this because we knew a large portion of our patients have Delta, and financially it was feasible to take the write-off. As the write-off climbs to over 30%, it is no longer the case. Something has to give, and we do not want it to be your dental care.

Does this mean that if we remain in the plan we would do “bad” dentistry? Of course not! But that 60 minute cleaning will need to be cut down to 40 minutes. There will be less time with the actual dentist and more time with assistants. Does this sound familiar to anyone? It is what has happened with medicine, and I cannot think of one person who is genuinely happy with their medical care or medical insurance.

Just as we are upset and frustrated, you should be too. Contact your employer and tell them to find alternatives to Delta Dental of Massachusetts. Delta Dental is only looking out for themselves and puts no real value on the quality of your dental care. We plan on doing everything we can to oppose this. We love and value you our patients and love dentistry too much to go down without a fight.

Yours Truly,

Dr. Cara Lund

Only a Few Months Left to use Dental Benefits!

Did you know there is only 4 months until 2017?  Fall is upon us as children head back to school, the sun is setting a little earlier each night, and the bright green of summer slowly becomes burnt oranges and vibrant reds.  As we near the end of your insurance year, we wanted to remind you to take advantage of any unused dental benefits. Every year you receive a maximum amount from your dental insurance company, and in most cases the unused portion of this amount is lost when the new insurance year starts. These are benefits you have already paid for! 

What about Flex Benefits?  It's your last opportunity to “use it” before you “lose it,” you owe it to yourself to check on the balance today. 

Click here to schedule your appointment

But They are Going to Fall Out!- Fillings on Primary Teeth are Important

 But They are Going to Fall Out!

Importance of Fillings on Primary Teeth 

            When children are seen at Lund Dental, they may on occasion need a primary tooth to be restored.  Parents are often puzzled as to why we would “fill” a baby tooth.           Small cavities on baby teeth can become BIG very quickly since the enamel (hard outer shell) on children’s teeth is thinner than that of adult’s while the nerve is much bigger.  Therefore, small cavities on baby teeth can turn very large and very painful very quickly.

          Primary or “baby” teeth are place holders so to speak for the adult teeth underneath.  If a tooth has a cavity that is untreated, it will progress and could become abcessed. Now that tooth must be removed and a space maintainer will be needed.  Premature loss of primary teeth can cause the other primary teeth to collapse in the space.  It also can affect the child’s speech. Furthermore, the adjacent teeth may also decay.  We make every effort to make your child’s appointment easy for them.

         At Lund Dental your child’s dental health is very important to us.  We make your child’s dental visit a very pleasant experience.  With regular dental cleanings and good home care, childhood cavities can be avoided.  

Lund Dental Gives Back!

Lund Dental Gives Back!

Giving back to the community is important to our team at Lund Dental Associates.  Throughout the year, we set community service goals and coordinate activities with local Stoneham businesses and schools.  We often involve our patients too.  Our patients are enthusiastic to help us reach our donation goals and provide us with overwhelming support.

In the Stoneham school system, Lund Dental has donated custom athletic mouthguards to various sports teams.  We have had the athletes from the Stoneham High School Football team and Girls Lacrosse Team come into our office to be fit for professional mouthguards. Most recently, our office attended the Stoneham Chamber of Commerce’s Health Fair Expo and gave away coupons for free athletic mouthguards to any Stoneham athlete of any age. 

We work closely with the Stoneham Food Bank, gathering food and supplies for families in Stoneham.  During the summer, Lund Dental and our patients collect household supplies ranging from paper towels to baby products to personal hygiene.  Our fall collection consists of can goods and non-perishables, while during the winter we collect toys for the holiday season.  Our team is more than appreciative to the staff at the Stoneham Food Bank for their constant dedication to help those in need and allowing our team to help them in their efforts.

Want to learn more about Lund Dental community service?   Check us out at www.lunddental.com!

Love These Cool Shades…Why Do I Need Them? Eye Protection at Lund Dental.

Love These Cool Shades…Why Do I Need Them?

            We at Lund Dental now ask our patients to wear protective eye wear during all procedures.  The common question asked is “these are nice but why must I wear them”?  There are several reasons but mostly for the patient’s comfort and safety.

            All clinicians at Lund Dental wear safety glasses and now all patients as well. During any procedure, there are many facets that could cause injury to the patient in the chair.  The handpiece itself sprays air and water, putting articles into the air that may go into the patient’s eyes.  Also, many different materials are used, some passed over the patient, that could be harmful.  By wearing the safety glasses, we are eliminating any possibility of something entering our patient’s eyes.

On another note, the glasses are comforting to the patient.  The doctors have bright lights on their glasses and the overhead lamp can shine into the patients eyes. The dark glasses alleviate this.  Also, many find that they are relaxing to wear.

            Our patients’ comfort and safety is first and foremost in our practice. At Lund Dental, we make our patients’experiences first and foremost.

The Traveling Dentist

During the spring months, Lund Dental’s Dr. Cara Lund and dental assistants Jeanne and Mary travel to various school to teach children about properly caring for their teeth.  They also bring along Phil (yes, a pun on “filling”), a dental forward puppet with a full functioning set of pearly whites. 

Not only do we show the kids how to properly brush and floss with the help of Phil, we like to talk about keeping a healthy mouth with a healthy diet.  Discussing sugar content, especially sugar in drinks is a big eye opener for the kids.  We bring along our “sugar bags” to show them how much sugar they are drinking in soda, sports drinks, and even juice.

Kids seems to have many questions about cavities and we discuss what it means to get a cavity and how we clean and fill them.   We also show them x-rays and explain how these are used to look for cavities.

This interactive dental show allows kids to showcase their dental knowledge as well.  Kids are asked what types of food and drinks keep their mouth healthy and things they should avoid.  Kids are more astute than you think!  We always get a plethora of answers from soda to “my mom’s homemade extra chocolate cake.”

To schedule a dental show for your school, please give us a call!  

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

            When learning something new or trying to understand a concept that is not familiar, oftentimes a picture or video is helpful.  At Lund Dental we are pleased with one of our newest additions to patient education called “Caesy”.

            Caesy is a series of videos that explains dental procedures to the patient using patients in a true dental setting.  The videos are short and to the point, eliminating confusion for the patient.  Before a procedure,   each patient is invited to watch an applicable video and oftentimes has most if not all questions answered.   This may be done at the time of the treatment planning or just before the beginning of the procedure.  A handout further explaining  the procedure may also be handed to the patient.  

 Children also benefit from Caesy.  While they are in the hygienists’ chairs,  they may watch one of the many videos geared to children about brushing, flossing, and a variety of other subjects. Each children’s video features monkeys, dogs and other animals helping teach children on their level and making it fun for them to learn about the dentist.

            At Lund Dental we believe that patient education is of the utmost importance.  Our use of these Caesy videos plays a large role in our accomplishing just this.

Love the Gums You're With

Love the Gums You’re With 

It may seem like a hassle to get to the dentist for your continuing care hygiene visit with work and your kid’s afterschool activities but did you know gum disease can increase the risk heart disease?

Patients who have periodontal disease have inflamed gums due to trapped bacteria which is called plaque.  This inflammation is caused by poor dental hygiene, unhealthy diet, and/or smoking.  The unhealthy gums pull back from the tooth and periodontal pockets develop which creates a breeding ground for bacteria.  The pockets can widen enough to even cause loose teeth.     

So what does gum disease and heart disease have in common?   Inflammation!  Don’t be fooled.  The bacteria doesn’t stay in the mouth.  It travels from the diseased gum tissue to your bloodstream throughout your body.  Plaque can then build up in the arteries.  This clogging inflames the tissue and reduces blood flow and oxygen flow to the heart. 

There is a number of prevention methods: 

            -Brushing and flossing twice a day.

            -Routine visits to your dental provider.

            -Healthy diet and weight.  A diet rich in antioxidants help decrease any inflammation in the body and fight bacteria.

Keep your heart healthy and visit your dentist!

           

            

The New “Buzz” at Lund Dental

            The New “Buzz” at Lund Dental

            Nobody likes the idea of “getting a shot.”  In fact, the fear of needles may be a major reason that patients have a fear of the dentist.    

   

           At Lund Dental, we now have a way to make your dental visit pain-free.   Dr. William and Dr. Cara are now using a device called a Vibraject.  The Vibraject is a small battery operated device that clips onto the syringe.  It delivers a high frequency vibration to the needle.  This does two things: mainly, it distracts the patient from feeling any pain and secondly, it disperses the anesthesia in a way that makes the injection almost pain free.  The combination produces a reaction from the patient who oftentimes say “I can’t even tell that you gave me a shot!” This “wow” moment may change the experience for many people and relieve anxiety.  It increases the comfort level of the patient and builds a more positive dental relationship.  Our feedback has been outstanding, making us pleased that once again we have improved the patient experience.

            At Lund Dental, we are constantly striving to find new and improved ways of making our patient’s experience more comfortable and positive.  

The Hidden Rascals - Keeping a Healthy Toothbrush

 The Hidden Rascals

            It is that time of year again, cold and flu season!   Airborne germs are so easily spread through coughing and sneezing.  Because of this, we must think outside the box and remember our toothbrushes.  Yes, our toothbrushes!

After it is used, our toothbrush remains a moist, warm environment that is most welcoming to these airborne germs; not just colds and flu but any illness. Because of this, we must keep our toothbrushes healthy. 

Thoroughly rinse your brush after use to rid it of any remaining toothpaste or food particles. Always let your toothbrush dry between brushings; air drying allows the bacteria to disperse.   It is best not to lay it on the counter; the upright position is optimal for drying out the brush. Do not store it in the medicine chest; the heightened moisture is enough to spread germs to an unhealthy extent.  Bacteria will not fester in the open air.

Using mouthwash before you begin brushing will help you to get rid of germs that could wind up on your brush.  Using mouthwash before can eliminate the bacteria that would cling to your brush.

After any illness, a toothbrush should be replaced, eliminating the possibility of reintroducing harmful bacteria into your body.

Finally, your toothbrush should be replaced regularly.  Lund Dental happily gives all patients a new brush at every continuing care appointment.  

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Dental Insurance, Use It or Lose It

       It is that time again when patients need to be aware of their insurance benefits.   A patient may postpone treatment for various reasons one of which may be financial.   If a patient has dental insurance, often times they may not be aware of the fact that they did not utilize all their benefits for the calendar year.  These are monies that are wasted by the patient.  If the total benefit is not reached, the money remains unused.

             At this time of year, people may have sufficient benefits remaining on their dental policies to have some treatment completed.   Without knowing, they may let these benefits lapse when they could have had a necessary treatment.  It is to the patient’s best interest to know just what they are entitled to for a calendar year.  This way, they may be able to have that one part of their treatment plan completed and not let this money be wasted.

            Dianne, our office administrator, is wonderful at maximizing your dental benefits.  If you think you may have some benefits remaining for 2015, please call the office. Don’t let this money go unused.

            

Let’s Get Something Straight

                

            In the past when a patient needed orthodontics to straighten teeth or correct malocclusion the only solution was to have braces.  Now, Invisalign is a great alternative to traditional braces. After a complimentary consultation, we take impressions with our digital scanner. These are then sent to Invisalign where the aligners are made.   A series of clear plastic aligners are worn by the patient for two weeks at a time until the desired result is achieved.  Usually other people cannot tell that someone is wearing them!  Also, they are removable which makes it easier for the patient to eat and brush their teeth.                     

Straightening teeth is about more than a beautiful smile. Crooked teeth can be the cause of several problems including periodontal (gum) disease if left untreated.  In addition, malocclusion (incorrect bite) can lead to premature wear of teeth, sometimes resulting in tooth loss.

           

         At Lund Dental, we have been providing patients with Invisalign for over ten years with much success.  We have treated patients from teenagers up to adults resulting in many new beautiful smiles.  Our patients who have had Invisalign have been extremely satisfied with their treatment. In fact,  Dr.Cara, Dr Lund and several staff members have been Invisalign patients.  If this is something you may be interested in, one of the doctors would be happy to discuss the possibilities with you.

          

         These pictures show two of our patients' Invisalign journey. You can easily see the amazing results!

           

5 Tips For Healthy Teeth For Your Child

• Are you a new parent or expecting? 
• Did your child’s first tooth come in?
• Concerned about your child’s oral health?
• Is your child getting more cavities than your wallet can pay for?

If you answered yes to any of these, keep reading to learn more about how to protect your child’s teeth as they grow older and independently care for their oral health.

Your child only has 2 sets of teeth their entire life. Make sure their primary teeth are healthy and they develop good dental hygiene habits so that when their permanent teeth erupt, they will be on the right track to healthy teeth for the rest of their lives. Read below for some of our tips on how to protect your child’s teeth.

1. Visit the Dentist Regularly

If you have a newborn, you should bring your child to the dentist by his or her first birthday so that we can start dental care early. Preventative care is actually the more cost-effective route compared to expensive bills to fix a problem left unchecked.

2. Establish Good Habits

Set a good example for your child. Brush your teeth with them or sing them a song until they are finished brushing their teeth. Make it a bonding experience. Some useful tips:

• Prior to your child’s teeth appearing, gently brush his or her gums with water on a baby toothbrush or a gentle washcloth
• When baby teeth first appear, use an infant toothbrush and brush twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste
• Once two teeth are touching, you may begin flossing
• Only water should be allowed after brushing and flossing before bedtime
• Ask Dr. Lund when your child should start using mouthwash

3. Less Juice, More Water

Juice can actually lead to tooth decay. If your child insists on juice, you may dilute it with half water, half juice. Only 4 oz per day is recommended of 100% fruit juice. Juice should be seen as a treat for them.

4. Encourage a Well Balanced Diet

Limit sweet and starchy foods. Try to prepare salads, fruits, and calcium-rich foods for them. A trick for when you treat your child with starchy or sugary foods is to serve it with a meal as opposed to separately. The extra saliva produced while eating a full meal will help wash teeth.

5. Praise For Doing A Good Job!

Motivate your child by keeping track of how many days they have been consistent with flossing. You can award stickers or gold stars on a chart in the bathroom or provide a mint as a reward. Bribing is not recommended, this is after they choose and complete the activity themselves.

Visit Our Office in Stoneham!

Thank you for visiting our blog. We hope we helped answer some of your questions. If you still have more, please feel free to give us a call at (781) 438.2700 and we would be happy to help set you up with an appointment to see one of our dentists. You may also conveniently request an appointment online.

Allergies and Toothaches - As if constant sneezing didn't hurt enough!

In the spring, we see a number of patients with tooth pain in their upper molars and it turns out pollen is a big culprit.

When you are congested, your sinus cavities create mucus and can swell, becoming inflamed or infected, causing the sinuses to press on the roof of your mouth.  Your sinus cavities are above the roof of your mouth which rests above your maxillary (upper) molars and premolars.  The inflammation can indirectly cause pain in the nerves of the teeth, presenting the following symptoms:

•          Pain when biting
•          Throbbing sensation
•          Sensitivity to cold

Think of it this way:  when you fill a balloon you are able to press your finger into it without it popping, however, there is a great amount of pressure surrounding your finger.  Your sinuses are like that balloon, creating pressure over your teeth.

How can you treat this?  After your dentist rules out no possible tooth infection, there are a number of remedies to reduce sinus congestion:

·         Antihistamines (Benadryl, Claritin, Zertec, Allegra)

·         Advil to reduce inflammation

·         Saline Spray

·         Air Purifier at home & closed windows while driving

So watch out for that pollen and its ability to mimic a toothache!

We All Need Our Beauty Sleep

            A good night’s rest does wonders for the body.  Sleep apnea, however, can disrupt the ability of a person to get a full night’s sleep. Recent studies done at various medical facilities have found that sleep apnea may cause more serious problems than fatigue. 

            Several physicians have concluded that patients with sleep apnea, on average, could be diagnosed with MCI (mild cognitive impairment) as many as ten years earlier than those without.  Additionally, some patients developed Alzheimer’s five years earlier.   It is not clear just how this happens; the theory is that because it disrupts breathing during the night, oxygen levels in the blood drop, affecting the brain.

            At Lund Dental we take each patient’s health seriously.  Dr. William Lund and Dr. Cara Lund fabricate custom appliances which provide clinically proven treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea and sleep bruxism (grinding).   If you think you may have this problem, we at Lund Dental are more than happy to speak with you about the options and different appliances that would help. 

For more information visit somnomed.com/patients/.

Your First Dental Visit as an Adult!

What would your ideal dental office visit be like? Relaxed? Educational? Inexpensive?

Your first visit at a new dental office should not intimidate you, emotionally or financially.  Nothing should hold you back from being as healthy as possible, this includes your dental health.   Here is what you should expect at an initial new patient visit during your comprehensive examination:

• Oral Cancer Screening: Prevention of oral cancer through the early identification of pre-cancerous conditions (provided at every appointment).

•  Dental Exam: A clinical exam and radiographs (x-rays) findings are used to determine the most conservative but thorough treatment plan for your oral needs.

• Periodontal Examination: Examination of your gum tissues to insure that any gum disease is detected and treated. 

•  Orthodontic Examination: We examine the position of your teeth and the relationship between your upper and lower jaws. If your teeth are not properly aligned, excessive tooth wear, jaw damage, and periodontal issues can occur.

• Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) Examination: Temporo-Mandibular Dysfunction (TMD) is a condition that includes popping and clicking of the jaw, limited jaw function, pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, and pain and pressure in the face and ears. 

• X Rays: We use digital (computer based) x-rays that use a fraction of the radiation exposure of regular x-rays. The images are also clearer and therefore much more diagnostic. We take seriously the concern of radiation exposure and take only the necessary films needed to properly diagnose your dental health.

• Camera: We take photographs, called intraoral pictures, of all the teeth to help you better understand all treatment recommendation.

So we've provided you with a lot of information about your teeth, now what?  The doctor and the financial coordinator will sit down with you and go over findings, treatment options, and financial options.  This is a perfect time to ask as many questions as possible.  Your oral health should be as important to you as it is to us!

Take charge of your oral health and reserve an appointment today!

March Is Lund Dental Pet Month!

Lund Dental sure does loves animals. From March 1 – March 31st, 2015, Lund Dental Associates will donate $1 to the Northeast Animal Shelter for every new “like” on our Facebook page!

Our goal?

$500

(The math there is 500 likes = $500)

Think we can do it? We do!

Spread the word by:

1. Telling your friends
2. Sharing any of our Facebook posts
3. Going to our website and clicking the Facebook icon

The Northeast Animal Shelter of Salem, MA is one of the largest no-kill animal shelters for dogs and cats in New England. Over 119,000 furry friends have been given homes thanks to their work. Their annual operating budget is entirely dependent on contributions from animal lovers like you. 

Let us do some of the contributing too! All you have to do is click the like button! 

Contact Your Stoneham Dentists

Lund Dental specializes in cosmetic, general and pediatric dentistry for patients in the Stoneham & Reading, MA areas. If you have a question for us or would like to schedule a visit to our office, please call us at (781) 438-2700, email us at info@lunddental.com, or request an appointment online. We’d love to see you!

WHEN SHOULD YOUR CHILD FIRST VISIT THE DENTIST?

WHEN SHOULD YOUR CHILD FIRST VISIT THE DENTIST?

For many years it has been our philosophy that a child’s first dental visit should be around age 3.  Based on recommendations of the American Dental Association and mounting research, our recommendation is age 1 or within 6 months of the eruption of the first tooth.

Newly erupted teeth are hypomineralized (not fully hardened) and vulnerable to poor oral hygiene and nutrition.  In-office fluoride treatments are both safe and essential.  The fluoride, which is easily applied to your child’s teeth with minimal patient cooperation using a fluoride varnish, strengthens the tooth enamel making it more decay resistant.  It’s important to identify if your child is at an increased risk for dental disease, and if so, work with you the parent or caregiver to decrease this risk.  A key component in caries prevention is beginning fluoride treatments at an early age. 

Establishing good dental habits at an early age is important.  Dental caries is the single most common chronic disease of childhood, and it is also almost 100% preventable.  We will discuss oral and dental development, homecare, fluoride, oral habits, and nutrition with you the parent or caregiver.  This part of the appointment is just as important as and will most likely take longer than the actual examination and treatment.

Reference: Fall 2012 Journal of the Massachusetts Dental Society

Toothbrushes Delivered to Guatemalan Students

Lund Dental is proud to have donated over 200 dental supplies to our patient, Betsy R.,  to bring on her mission trip to Guatemala.  She was so excited to share her experience with us:

"Hello All!

I have returned from an amazing week in Guatemala with my church group, New England Bible Church in Andover, Ma.  Thank you again for your generous donation of toothbrushes and toothpaste for the 225 children who attend the Fountain of Hope School in Matochos, Guatemala. School was just coming back in action when we were visiting, so there were a small number of students in attendance. We were able to interact with the older students, and I had a group photo taken of those students showing off their new gift from Lund Dental Associates!"

Check out the picture of the students with their Lund Dental toothbrushes!