Ft Lauderdale Family, Cosmetic, and Sedation Dentistry Blog

WHITENING FOR LIFE !

2008-04-28T14:00:00.001-05:00

Yes! We do offer Whitening for Life! Mention this Blog and when you have Zoom Whitening or Home Whitening, we will include Whitening for Life! We look forward to seeing you at our office centrally located in Tamarac (Broward County). Our committed and exceptionally trained staff are here to serve you!

Stacy & Joclyn

Mending the spirit of the fearful patient

2008-04-25T09:30:00.005-05:00

A first time patient by the name of Ms. J---- comes to Dr. O’Neil’s office for a comprehensive exam and x-rays. Giving Ms. J---- her diagnosis She looked over at me and said “I can’t believe I have allowed my teeth to get so bad, I can’t afford to get the needed treatment, I am afraid of going to the dentist, I can’t handle sitting in a dental chair” I started to explain to Ms. J---- “I totally understand. I am more concerned about how to fix the problem now that I have you here. We can always give you something to relax you and it’s as simple as taking a pill,” We offer our patients treatment plan options, such as step-by-step dentistry and same day treatment to minimize your visits I said. You control the direction of your treatment” Dr. O’Neil’s Dream team is willing to go the extra step to get your dental health where it needs to be. Today can be your start to a new beginning. Come visit our office located in Tamarac, Fl.

Written by linette wilson

WHITEHALL TEAM TRAINING CAMP April 4-5, 2008

2008-04-15T19:57:00.006-05:00

Bernadette, our hygienist(3rd from the right) in the "hot seat".

Our practice recently attended the “Whitehall Management Team Training Camp” in Orlando, where we were enlightened and motivated by key speaker, Greg Stanley. During the training camp, Stanley placed several willing dental offices in what he called, “the hot seat” (where he and audience members would ask the teams questions about their practices). Through refreshing analogies and tried and true patient-care advice, we learned of their successes, expertise and experiences. As a team, we are excited to share what we learned with all patients and to continue with the practices already implemented by Dr. O’Neil in our Tamarac office. Thank you, Dr. O for this opportunity, we had a great time.
If you are a current patient, please remember to schedule your six month check up with Dr. O’Neil and your cleaning appointment with Bernadette, our hygienist. If you are a new patient, please call 954 720 9570 to schedule your complimentary, second opinion today.
P.S. We missed you, Christie

By Tammy

Dentistry at its best in 2008

2008-03-31T09:05:00.000-05:00

At Dr. O’Neil’s office located in Tamarac Florida, we continue to keep our patients looking and feeling their best. We offer the best patient care; giving our patients the wow factor as soon as you walk through the door.

Our team continues to receive the best education courses possible to give you the latest procedures in combination with the most effective equipment, materials, and labs. Our team is heading out to Orlando in April to attend a dental seminar, we always have a “wonderful” time and learn so much. We offer our patients four levels of sedation dentistry to meet every patients needs and wallet size. Also we will soon be adding a new treatment room to optimize your visit at our office. Come and experience dentistry at its best in the year 2008

Written by linette Wilson

Proof that Oral Health is Very Important

2008-03-11T06:56:00.003-05:00

I heard on the news the other night that Patrick Swayze was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I remember thinking, "It can't be true, Patrick Swayze has always been seen as a healthy, vibrant celebrity icon!" I was in awe that a man who I had seen television and the movie screen throughout my life as a somewhat healthy individual was now dying at the age of 55. I know they said on the news that he had a good prognosis and that they found the tumor fairly early, but I always remembered hearing bad stories about pancreatic cancer.

I "googled" pancreatic cancer online to see what it was all about. In an article written by the National Cancer Institute, they say that "only 4% of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer will survive for more than 5 years after they have been diagnosed." The rest will not even live that long. That was very scary to me!

I proceeded to look at the signs and symptoms out of curiosity. Much to my surprise, being in the dental field, gingivitis and periodontal disease were on the list! I knew oral health was related to heart disease, but pancreatic cancer, too?

The above story just reconfirms how important your oral health really is. Not just with your mouth and heart, but throughout your body. Not only should you maintain a healthy tooth care routine by brushing and flossing, but allow Dr. O'Neil to help look for early signs of tooth decay and periodontal disease that may indicate other health issues.

Contact us if you have questions about your tooth health, or would like to make an appointment for your next cleaning or exam.

News You Can't Ignore

2008-03-10T06:20:00.004-05:00

One American dies every hour from oral cancer. If you think you aren't at risk, think again: 25% oforal cancers occur in people who don't smoke and have no other lifestyle risks factors. Truthfully everyone is at risk, includingyou. At Dr. O'Neil's office, in Tamarac, Fl., we recommend a simple screening exam that can potentialy save your life.Visilite Plus is a simple technology that assists dentist to detect any oral abnormalities including premalignant lesions and oral cancer in th eearliest stages. This exam is very simple and affordable so you have no more excuses. Call us today, so we may schedule your Vizilite plus Exam @(954)720-9570

By Christie and Tammy

We Value Our Patients

2008-03-05T08:41:00.004-05:00

Good news!!! Spot one of Dr.Thomas O'Neils team members wearing our new logo
T-Shirts and receive your choice of FREE Home Whitening or FREE Exam and X-Rays. Home Whitening can transform your teeth, giving you a whiter, brighter smile and the confidence you have always wanted. All you have to do is approach the team member you see waring the logo T-Shirt and ask them for one of our business cards with their name on it. Then simply call us to schedule your appointment and receive more details of your FREE Home Whitening Kit.
We will be out and about around Tamarac, Coral Springs, Plantation, Sunrise, Margate, Fort Lauderdale and Pembroke Pines so be on the look out!. At Dr. Thomas O'Neil's office we value all of our patients, new and old, that's why we are excited to show you a token of our appreciation by offering you something special.

By: Chelsi and Bernadette

Happy Valentines Day

2008-02-14T07:29:00.005-05:00

In celebration of Valentine's Day, surprise your loved one with the gift of white teeth! Mention this blog and receive 1/2 off home whitening trays. Full price $189. Offer good until February 29th. Gift certificates are available. Happy Valentine's Day from all the staff here at Dr. O'Neil's office.
Joclyn & Stacy

2008 IS FINALLY HERE

2008-02-06T09:51:00.001-05:00

2008 IS FINALLY HERE!

Starting a New Year gives you the opportunity to make a fresh new start. Why not start your year off right. At Dr. O’Neil’s office located in Tamarac, Florida we invite you to meet our gentle and caring staff and team of doctors. Working with the latest technology and techniques our team can provide excellent Care to our patients.

We all look forward to helping you start your year off right with a healthier
Smile.

By Linette and Judy

We have expanded our office for YOU!

2007-12-06T07:21:00.000-05:00

We want to introduce new additions to our office. First, we have Dr. Heinicke who is an associate that we are very excited to welcome and we will have additional hours to accommodate our patients. Next, we have two specialists that come in our office on certain days. Dr. Hellinger specializes in oral surgery and Dr. Ressler specializes in periodontics. Both doctors are very passionate about their profession. Also, you will love Dr. Kiffel, who is a physician anesthesiologist and dentist. He is able to more deeply sedate patients that have extreme dental phobias.

At Dr. O’Neil’s office we have a variety of doctors and staff members working to make you feel at home and your mouth spectacular!

By: Joclyn and Isabel

How does your smile make you feel?

2007-11-28T08:22:00.001-05:00

Believe it or not people really DO judge a book by its cover. How does your smile make you feel?

Cosmetic dentistry can offer psychological and physical benefits. An unattractive smile can make a person feel miserable, but cosmetic dentistry can help you turn the corner on that dreaded smile. Procedures such as teeth whitening or even veneers can transform your dreaded appearance to a star smile.

Are you someone who is ashamed of your smile or are you concerned of what people will think of you if you do smile? Then it is time for a smile transformation. At Dr. O’Neil’s office, in Tamarac, we can offer you a new confident smile. Call us today to schedule a smile evaluation to get you on the path to the smile you deserve.

Written by Cristie

Replacing old fillings that discolor teeth

2007-11-06T12:51:00.000-05:00

Silver fillings (amalgams) discolor the tooth allowing the tooth to appear a grayish color. Amalgam expands and continues to expand, it never stops.
Expansion is the #1 reason why silver fillings should be replaced. The more the amalgam expands the greater risk of the tooth cracking, needing a root canal, and other possible treatment. By replacing your old amalgam fillings, with tooth colored composite resin or porcelain onlays/inlays. The tooth will become stronger, not weaker, and change the appearance of the tooth. At Dr. O’Neil’s office located in Tamarac Florida we only do amalgam free dentistry.

Written by Tracie and Linette

Why you want to brush and floss...

2007-10-17T07:08:00.000-05:00

Periodontal disease (periodontitis) occurs when the gum tissues and bones that hold your teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated it may cause tooth loss.
The cause of periodontal disease can be provoked by plaque and toxins that build up on the surface of your teeth, however, there may be a few solutions to fix the problem if you're having trouble. Always brush and floss daily and be sure to regularly visit our dental hygienist Bernadette for your routine dental cleanings and exams. Dr. O'Neil and Bernadette will be able to recommend futher treatments, if necessary, to ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy. We look forward to seeing you soon!!!

By Chelsi and Bernadette

Strategic Planning

2007-10-09T14:26:00.000-05:00

“Strategic Planning Meeting”

Last week our team held it’s first ever “Strategic Planning Meeting.” It was a day for our team to bring all ideas and opinions to the table. “Anything goes” was the motto of the day. We divided into groups, clinical, administrative, and management to talk about our goals for the up-coming 2008 year. We then joined back together as a team and put all ideas on the table. The exciting part was once we joined back together as a team we realized that we all had the same goals for the new-year. At Dr. O’Neil’s office we are always striving for bigger and better things! As a team and for our patients! We look forward to seeing you at our Tamarac office.

Eileen & Tammy

NEW BLOG

2007-09-24T10:03:00.000-05:00

OUR TRIP TO NORTH CAROLINA

Last week our team went to visit Dr. Cameron’s office in North Carolina.
We had a great time visiting and learning different techniques and systems.
They have a huge office with 18 treatment rooms and at least 20+ staff members. We will be using some of the ideas we brought back all the way from Asheboro, NC to Tamarac, FL. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Some dental problems are easy to see!

2007-09-10T14:25:00.000-05:00

One of the easiest problems to spot is a build-up of plaque. Plaque is the soft, sticky layer of bacteria, which is constantly forming on the teeth. Usually it is invisible to the naked eye, but when a person is not brushing adequately, it can build up to where it appears to be a thick whitish coating on the teeth at the gum line. If not removed, it can lead to gum disease.

Another potential problem, which is easy to spot, is missing teeth. Many patients assume that if they are still able to eat, they are O.K.

But very often, losing just one tooth can lead to the loss of support and teeth begin to drift into the empty space, causing a change in the bit. It also forces the remaining teeth to carry an additional load, sometimes past their ability to adapt. In most cases, when even one tooth is lost, the remaining teeth suffer and are more likely to be lost as well.

If you have questions regarding plaque, please call our office at (954) 720-9570.

By Chris O'Neil

new blog

2007-08-23T12:53:00.000-05:00

The Comfort of Chris’s Cookies

We wish Chris, our Office Manager, could be a fly on the wall of Dr. O’Neil’s waiting room. Our patients always remark about the thoughtfulness placed on the added comforts in the office, especially the variety filled platter of cookies Chris asks us to place in the waiting room. She would get a kick out of the reactions and conversations we hear daily. From our new female patients, she would hear, “Cookies, how nice, how thoughtful!” The kids excitedly say, “Cookies! May I have some please?” The men usually ask in a reserved tone, “ Cookies? In a dentist waiting room? Then, once they think no one is watching, they sneak a couple, maybe three. The next thing noticed is that they have claimed the closest chair to the platter. She would hear which was their favorite and tell each other why it’s the best one on the plate. Whomever the cookie connoisseur may be, established patient or new, they are now relaxing with a beverage from the drink menu, perhaps for a moment forgetting they are at their dentist’s office.
Many little “comforts” are offered to our patients while they are at the office. Whether it be a cup of hot tea, a cool drink, a warm neck pillow, their favorite music and even a complimentary pre pasted toothbrush {for freshening up after the cookies} available upon request in the patient restroom.
At Dr. O’Neil’s dental office in Tamarac, Florida, our patient’s comfort is top priority. We hope we get the opportunity to meet you one day as another satisfied client.

Tammy and Eileen

New Blog

2007-08-14T07:04:00.000-05:00

“THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!”

Wouldn’t you love to go to a dental office where it felt just like home!

Here are some of the things our patients are saying about us:

-“Everyone at Dr. O’Neil’s office was excellent and the office was nicely
decorated and clean!”

-“There is no other doctors office I go to and find staff as good and pleasant
as Dr.O’Neil’s office!”

-“Everyone is very friendly and compassionate. My comfort is always
their main concern!”

-“I have been treated very well by the staff and have enjoyed the experience
which is not a small thing when going to the dentist!”

-“Great office-I should have switched sooner!”

-“The office makes me feel so at ease!”

So give us a call at 954-720-9570 to schedule a complimentary consultation at our office in Tamarac, FL and you too can walk out of the dental office feeling like you never left HOME!

By Gina and Stacy

How beneficial our Benefits are!

2007-07-26T15:17:00.000-05:00

In my opinion, Dr.O'Neil's office of Gentle and Personalized dental care is one of the leading dental offices in Broward County. The state of the art equipment makes working there very pleasant. More over, the benefit package we receive at work aside from our bonus program makes it even more attractive. For the past three months we have attended two very educational seminars one of which was in Orlando where we stayed at the presidential suite in a very prestigious hotel. Lunch, dinner and drinks were provided by Dr. O’Neil for all eleven employees. We are flying to North Carolina in September for another seminar and we are all very excited about the trip. Dr. O Neil aside from caring for his patients demonstrates a genuine and honest concern about the well being of his staff. Please come visit us in our Tamarac office.
By Bernadette Charles, RDH

Oral Bacteria and Cardiovascular Disease

2007-07-26T09:46:00.000-05:00

What pathogen kills nearly 1 million people every year? It might surprise you to learn that it is the bacteria that cause periodontal disease. Although cardiovascular disease has previously been linked with periodontal disease, Ann Progulske-Fox, PhD, professor of oral biology at the University Of Florida College Of Dentistry, conducted a study that showed the presence of live oral bacteria in blood vessel tissue. Her findings were published last year in the journal of Atherosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology.
Studies have shown a direct correlation between the amount of periodontal bacteria present in the mouth and the formation of blockages in the carotid artery. These findings prove that periodontal disease has far more serious implications than the possibility of losing teeth. It can become a life threatening condition.

Progulske-Fox is now conducting additional research to determine whether periodontal infection can also contribute to a weakening in the blood vessels that leads to brain aneurysms. Her hope is to develop a vaccine that would prevent oral bacteria from becoming fully established in the oral cavity.

Thank you Dr Levine for sharing this information with our office.

Dr Tom O’Neil

Reasons why you should visit our office and love it!

2007-07-18T07:50:00.000-05:00

There are many reasons why you should visit the dentist. You don’t have to like visiting the dentist but sometimes it is a must. At Dr. O’Neil’s practice not only will you be pleased but also you will look forward to coming back.

You might ask yourself “The Dentist”, why would I look forward to the injections, sounds and smells?

At our practice we have Dr. O’Neil & associates who are very gentle and understanding. Our staff is fun, caring and also very gentle. The atmosphere is very relaxing and we know how to cater to our patients. So come and see for yourself. You will look forward to the dentist.

By: Joclyn and Isabel

ORAL CANCER

2007-07-16T14:59:00.001-05:00

According to the American Dental Association, drinking alcohol and smoking causes an estimated 75% of oral cancer in the United States. The solution is not to use tobacco products and drink alcohol.
Tobacco causes decay, stain, and can possibly kill you.
The ADA says that most oral cancers are very aggressive and more than seven thousand Americans die every year from oral cancer. Early detection is the key to prevention.
At Dr. O’Neil’s office, located in tamarac, Florida, we check for oral cancer during your initial visit and routine check ups.
Keeping up with regular ckeck ups can save your life!!!!

Written by:
Tracie Mallory and Linette Wilson

INSURANCE BLUES

2007-06-26T16:05:00.000-05:00

Insurance companies can be very complex and very difficult to understand, however insurance companies do play a large role in our Medical and Dental care. We find patients today want personalized, gentle and understanding dental care. Although the Managed care offices do not meet all of the patient's standards, they are being forced to use them due to their insurance. Many of our patients have learned of our discount for some insurance plans and do not think twice about choosing our office. Our patients appreciate being a part of their personalized dental treatment. Our office in Tamarac helps the patients with these and all Insurance Companies whether Private, Discount or Managed care. Come visit Dr. Thomas R. O'Neil to schedule the
best dental care available.
Trudy and Tammy

IS YOUR SMILE A HEALTHY ONE?

2007-06-21T11:29:00.000-05:00

With the growing trend towards cosmetic dentistry it is more important then ever to make sure your smile is a healthy one. Protect your smile, including your cosmetic and restorative dental work in your mouth. How? Something we have all heard a million and one times, brushing and flossing daily. Also just as important, regular dental check ups. Allow us to take a look for you. Anxiety? No problem we will work with you to customize the sedation dentistry plan for you. Dr. O’Neil has the latest technology to complete your comprehensive tooth by tooth exam including intraoral photos and digital xrays. Insurance, so glad you asked, we will gladly make the most of your benefits, starting with a complimentary benefits check. Service “ask and you shall receive” we love catering to our patients. Come see our service with a smile centrally located in Broward County (Tamarac, FL). Looking forward to meeting you!
Stacy and Gina

TEAM MEETING GET-AWAYS

2007-06-18T15:49:00.000-05:00

What a Great time we had at the Florida National Dental Convention in Orlando! Thanks to the hotel's "reservation mix up" we all experienced the Gaylord Palms resort Presidential Suites. Along with 2 afternoon seminars we were able to relax, dine and enjoy the resort's amenities. But best of all was the company; we ate, drank and wore balloon hats with the greatest dental team anywhere. Thanks Team! By Dr. O'Neil and Chris