Maybe one of the best Tim Conway and Harvey Korman skits from the Carol Burnett Show.

Thanks to Matt Kahn for reminding me about this great episode.

from the American Dental Association (ADA)

Antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines exist for two groups of patients: those with heart conditions that may predispose them to infective endocarditis, and patients who have a total joint replacement, who may be at risk for developing hematogenous infections at the site of the prosthetic.

Guidelines for patients who have a total joint replacement were updated by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) in 2009.

The AAOS 2009 Information Statement differs from the 2003 AAOS/ADA Advisory Statement in this important way:

AAOS now states that,“Given the potential adverse outcomes and cost of treating an infected joint replacement, the AAOS recommends that clinicians consider antibiotic prophylaxis for all total joint replacement patients prior to any invasive procedure that may cause bacteremia.”

If you have questions, please contact your orthopedic surgeon.

Due to the difficulty for our office staff and many patients, we’ve decided to close the office Monday February 8, 2010. We’ll call to reschedule any appointments and apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you for your understanding.

Our office will be open on Martin Luther King holiday, January 18th, 2010.

Friday Hours

To make it easier and more convenient for you, I’m adding office hours on the second and fourth Fridays each month from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm.

This time of year I’m sensitive to a couple needs that people have: 1) to get planned treatment done before the end of the calendar year, and 2) time off for students and others that make it more convenient for appointments.

We are closed December 24, 25 and 31. I will be out the week of Christmas, December 21-25, but otherwise will be available for appointments during my normal office hours.

  Our office will be open normal hours Columbus Day.

Whenever a person moves and wants their dental records transferred, typically only copies* of the most current x-rays are sent. The written record usually is not copied / transferred for a very practical reason, we deal with the conditions you have at present. What this means is that unless when I see you there is some reason for previous records you don’t need to request any transfer of records/x-rays.

Some offices charge for copies of the x-rays; however, I find it is never appropriate to diagnose from a copy (can you imagine trying to diagnose a mammogram from a copy). In this case I’ll be glad to take our usual new low dose digital x-rays, and at no charge if the interval since your previous ones is too soon to be covered by insurance.

* Only copies are transferred, unless an office has digital x-rays and can transmit them, because we are required by law to retain the originals in your record even if you are no longer an active patient.

Many companies and the Federal government offer employees the opportunity to change their insurance coverage and plan during ‘Open Season’. This year’s Federal Benefits Open Season will run from Monday, November 9 through Monday, December 14, 2009.

What does this mean for you regarding dental insurance? For most people’s dental insurance there should be little change, but here are some things to consider. If you have been keeping regular dental checkups, your typical insurance should be fine. If you have some specific needs with crowns, dentures, implants or other extensive treatment you may want to check among the plans offered. In a situation like this, you may want to call my office before you select a plan.

We accept and process virtually all out of network PPO dental insurance (no HMO/DMO plans). See here for more about insurance and payment in my office.

Welcome to my updated website. It’s clearly in progress, check back shortly.