Scott Greenhalgh DDS - Cosmetic Dentistry

The recent expected update from the FDA regarding the status of dental amalgam (silver filling) was released yesterday. There has been controversy for decades about the mercury in these fillings. Some have been very adamant about the mercury vapor causing all sorts of many illnesses and diseases.  In fact the dentist who really helped form my interest for me to go into dentistry, later became very anti-amalgam (it's some sort of ironic twist that I actually have a couple of silver fillings placed by that dentist before he went on the Anti-amalgam bandwagon).

Labels: Cosmetic Dentistry, dental amalgam, Denver cosmetic dentistry, Denver dentist, Dr. Scott Greenhalgh DDS, FDA

Tomorrow we are expecting a ruling by the FDA on the classification for "encapsulated amalgam" (that is a cartridge that holds the liquid Mercury and the powder made from other elements). There has been controversy following amalgam for many years. And too often, it becomes the whipping boy for health extremists. In my experience of over 20 years in dentistry, I cannot say I personally have observed or treated someone who has suffered some ill or neurological effect from having silver fillings. 

Labels: amalgam fillings, before and after photos, composite fillings, Cosmetic Dentistry, Denver cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Scott Greenhalgh DDS, FDA, silver fillings, Smile gallery, white fillings

Many people are shocked when they hear that one person dies each hour from oral cancer in America. However, when the disease is caught early, treatment is 90 percent successful.

The Vizilite exam has been developed to help dental professionals like Lakewood Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Greenhalgh identify any tissue abnormalities in your mouth. This will help catch and treat cancer early, increasing your chance of survival.

During the Vizilite exam, your mouth will be treated with a rinse solution, and a simple device will pass over your oral tissue. Healthy tissue will absorb the light and appear dark. Abnormal tissue will appear noticeably white.

A ViziLite Plus exam is particularly important if you are at increased risk for developing oral cancer. You are at a higher risk if you:

• Use tobacco (including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, snuff)
• Drink alcohol in excess
• Repeatedly expose unprotected lips to the sun's harmful rays
• Have a family history of head or neck cancer

An annual Vizilite exam, in combination with a regular visual examination, offers a comprehensive oral screening procedure and may save your life.

If you live in the Denver, Colorado area and are at a high risk for developing oral cancer, you can learn more about the exam in an initial consultation. Please call or email Lakewood Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Greenhalgh today. We look forward to hearing from you.

 The Tour De France bicycle race is in full force. Lance Armstrong is making an unprecedented bid to win an 8^th time. After fighting cancer, winning 7 other times and at 37 years of age, he is within one second of the overall lead. I've never had cancer, but when I’m not busy with cosmetic dentistry in Denver, I enjoy cycling myself..

 

One of my theories on reasons why Lance has returned this year is that it gives him unparalleled visibility to speak about cancer survival. While he's still a celebrity in general, the whole world stops and watches when he is riding. That's a pretty good platform to advance your cause. 

With that in mind, we have chosen to make July Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Lance's LiveStrong organization is a great compilation of resources for people who have been diagnosed with cancer, and to support their families. 

My part in all of this is to try to prevent as many cases as possible, and to improve the odds for those who we identify it for. Oral cancer can be beaten when identified early (you'll hear more about how we are using new tests to identify oral changes earlier and more accurately in another blog next week). 

All this month (or while supplies last, we are giving away the popular LiveStrong yellow bracelet. Statistics show that 1in 3 of us have either had cancer or are close to someone who has had it.

 

Cosmetic dentistry is more than just amazing smiles. It’s also about creating and maintaining great oral health as well. One of my favorite patients-Bob, commented on how cosmetic dentistry changed his health-it’s true.

 

Specifically we are getting the word out that more people die from Oral cancer than either cervical cancer or skin cancer.  

Think about that for a second--how much attention and how much prevention is targeted at these diseases. For decades the dental profession has been unable to make an impact in these statistics. Now more than ever, you will hear more and more about the importance of regular oral cancer exams. Many other regular cancer screenings are performed, yearly like colonoscopies, PAP smears, etc. The oral cancer screening is not invasive, (you don’t need to be sedated or take your clothes off) and in a few minutes we have some new and reliable tests to identify early mouth skin changes. You don't have to be in a high risk group to be affected by oral cancer. For every new patient, we take the time to do a thorough oral cancer screening using state-of-the-art testing (click here for more information what else is checked at your first visit).

 

SO contact us today or phone us at 303 988 9060, to reserve your yellow bracelet. Join with us in supporting Lance in his race to win another Tour De France, and in the fight to beat cancer.

 

Go Lance Go!

Labels: Cosmetic Dentistry, Denver cosmetic dentistry, Lance Armstrong Foundation, LiveStrong, oral cancer, Scott Greenhalgh DDS, Tour de France