Frichtel and Rink

Sometimes its amazing to me how things fall into place. In one of my operatories featured one of my daughter’s paintings.

Painting by Allison Stroyan

In February a patient asked me if the painting was for sale. I told her I didn’t know and put the patient in contact with my daughter. The patient bought the painting a few weeks later, leaving me with a bare wall.

A few weeks later a friend of mine who was getting ready to retire asked me if I had any family members who were opticians. I told him that my grandfather established Frichtel and Rink in the Medical Arts Building in Scranton years ago.

My retiring friend had this map of Scranton which was in his office for over 25 years. In the middle of the map is Frichtel and Rink. My friend told me her never noticed Frichtel and Rink until the day he took the map down. I now have a keepsake map of Scranton, generously given to me by my retiring friend, on my once bare wall. Next time you’re in the office I’d be happy to show you the map.

Closeup from original Historic Scranton Map

National Children's Dental Health Month

As part of National Children's Dental Health Month, I once again I was thrilled to speak to the entire first grade classes at Lackawanna Trail Elementary School on February 16. I was accompanied by my office manager Deb Kirchoff; we reviewed many dental subjects including tooth brushing techniques, healthy eating habits, flossing and much more.

Before and After

This patient had severe wear on all of his lower teeth. We were able to restore his teeth with all ceramic crowns so they could function properly plus we gave him a beautiful end result.

Before.

After.

Types of crowns

Sometimes it is necessary to put a crown on a patients tooth. A crown is necessary when a tooth is fractured to the point where a filling would not hold up.

Besides strengthening the tooth a crown can also improve the appearance of the tooth. What gave me the idea to write about different types of crowns was something that happened in the office recently. A patient fractured a front tooth which required a crown. The patient didn't realize crowns can be made of different types of materials. The patient did not want a crown on a front tooth that showed metal and didn't realize ceramic metal-free crowns are available.

If a front tooth needs a crown the best choice is an all ceramic or porcelain crown. This type of crown is very natural looking and has no metal. It's almost Impossible to tell the difference between a porcelain crown and a natural tooth.

While all ceramic crowns are strong when a posterior tooth needs a crown sometimes a porcelain fused to metal crown ( or PFM) is a better choice. A PFM is a great choice when a molar requires crown coverage. Molars bear a lot more chewing forces than anterior teeth making the strength of a crown slightly more important than aesthetics.

Your child's first visit

We get quite a few phone calls at my office asking what age should a child be for their first dental visit. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says a child should go to the dentist by age one or within 6 months after the first tooth erupts. I agree with this time frame. When I first see a child in my office I encourage the parent to come in to the operatory with their child. I try to make the child as comfortable and relaxed as possible. Sometimes it's helpful for the child to sit on the parents lap.

My goal is to make it a positive experience for the child. I go with what the child will allow me to do. For example if the child is too frightened to open their mouth I encourage parents to reschedule the appointment for 6 months later. The majority of times 6 months later the child is much more comfortable and will tolerate the exam and sometimes.

Having their teeth cleaned as well. My goal is to add something else to each visit (i.e. X-rays when needed, fluoride treatment, etc). Keep in mind I'm talking about very young children with healthy teeth and gradually building their trust so they are comfortable coming to the dentist.

Unfortunately sometimes a child's first visit is due to a toothache. In this situation treatment must be done and this can result in a scary experience which can stay with a child for a long time.

By practicing preventative care ( bringing the child to the dentist before there is a problem) it can be a positive experience for both parent and child.

Thanks!!

I received this gift from one of my patients just before a Thanksgiving.. it sure made my day!!!

Practice Management Course

Just got back from a practice management course with Ardyce Smith, Ginger Erixson and Deb Kirchoff. Learned a lot and had a great time in the Penns Landing area of Philadelphia!

First Graders Learn Early!

I had the pleasure of speaking to the first grade students at Lackawanna Trail elementary school on Friday February 24 for children's dental health month.

I always have a blast doing this. A special thank you to Mrs Patty Gray for allowing me to do this and making sure I don't speak to long!! Also to my office manager and dear friend Deb Kirchoff. Deb helped me make a few changes for this years presentation that made it both informative and interesting for the kids. I couldn't have done it without her help.

Holidays...

Celebrating the holiday season with my coworkers. I truly appreciate each of these ladies and the dedication and care they show our patients

Looking forward to a Healthy, Happy New Year!

Practice Management in DC

I recently recently attended a practice management seminar in Washington, DC with my office manager Deb Kirchoff.

We learned a great deal and had fabulous visit to our nation's capital as well!

Thank you Washington Plaza Hotel for the gorgeous accommodations!

Sue's First Blog

Wow! Can you believe it after all these years I finally have a website? I couldn’t have done it without the help and artistry of Josiah Lewis and my husband.

There is so much information on the internet, not to mention fabulous shopping, too! You can find information on just about any topic including oral health. While the information is there, the best information on oral health will come from your regular dentist.

I’d like to take time to talk about the importance of regular check-ups and cleanings for people of all ages. I’ve been doing this long enough that I can honestly say a person is much less likely to develop a dental emergency if they see their dentist on a regular basis. Please keep in mind that regular check-ups do not guarantee someone will not have a dental emergency, but routine check-ups significantly reduce the chances.

Another aspect of regular dental care is having X-rays taken. X-rays are a safe and effective method for identifying potential problems that are not visible to the naked eye. They are helpful in maintaining and monitoring sound structure of your teeth

See your dental professional on a regularly scheduled basis to keep your teeth in top condition. You’ll be glad you did!

Next up – A child’s first dental visit.