Ft Lauderdale Family, Cosmetic, and Sedation Dentistry Blog | Dr. Thomas O'Neil

It's a Small World

noreply@blogger.com (The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:50:00 +0000

On Saturday, I was on call to answer the phone for Dr. O'Neils's Dental Office in Tamarac, Fl. I decided to go shopping for a dress to wear to the upcoming wedding of a very special friend, at the Galleria Mall in Ft. Lauderdale. While in the dressing room, the phone rang. It was a new patient calling to schedule an appointment for teeth whitening. After hanging up the phone I heard from the adjoining dressing room, "I just want to say hello, and that I am one of Dr.O'Neil's patients and that is what I call getting the job done!" We both laughed and I thought, "What a small world!"I said. "Oh hello, I'm Tammy", she replied, "I'm Ann." she said, "I'm mostly impressed by how you were able to schedule her appointment, date and time, just like that!" I answered, "We don't mess around at Dr. O'Neil's office." she agreed. As we said goodbye, I asked if her next appointment was scheduled? She giggled and said "no, but I will be calling!" I said, "I look forward to hearing from you. And yes, I have her on follow-up. So the next time you are out and about in Tamarac and surrounding South Florida areas, call us for your next dental appointment.

By Tammy and Tahyana

STAY AWAY FROM SODA!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 13:16:00 +0000

Remember hearing that soda can rust a car engine, or tak the paint off a car??? It can. It damages the enamel on your teeth the same way, which can lead to periodontal disease and tooth loss. Soda is the most acidic beverage and the acidic oxidizes everything it touches!

Diet soda is even worse than regular soda. According to the American Dental Association, the aspartame-sweetened beverage will help erode tooth enamel, inviting bacteria and plaque to carve cavities in healthy teeth.

If you care about your teeth and health...don't drink soda!!

If you still decide to drink soda be sure to practice good oral hygiene and call us today to schedule your regular dental cleaning at (954) 720-9570.

Linette and Debbie

Relaxed at the Dentist?!

noreply@blogger.com (The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:59:00 +0000

Imagine being completely relaxed. Do you picture yourself on a beautiful beach, with the sound of waves crashing against the shore? Or do you picture yourself at the dentist, absolutely relaxed while you get a complete smile makeover? You would probably say the beach scene would be something you think of right away. But wouldn’t you rather like to say a visit to the dentist is the case?

Many people are choosing conscious sedation dentistry for their dental treatment to get this result.

Dr. Thomas O’Neil of Tamarac, FL is one of the 1% of dentists in the United States that has completed the training required to qualify for conscious sedation dentistry. He often uses a combination of various methods to make his patients relaxed and comfortable during treatment.

The most popular method is Nitrous 0xide (N₂0), also known as laughing gas. N₂0 has been used in dentistry since 1840. It is usually not used as a sole anesthetic, so a combination of N₂0 and other anesthetics are usually used in treatment.

Oral sedatives include medications of various dosages that patients can take 30 minutes to an hour prior to their dental appointment or at the time of the appointment depending on the severity of anxiety.

A stronger method of sedation is intravenous sedation (IV sedation). IV sedation includes administering a drug like Versed through an IV to effect the sedation.

Conscious sedation dentistry is often confused with sleep dentistry. Sleep dentistry refers to the use of anesthesia in an amount that will cause a patient to lose consciousness.

Dr. O’Neil prides himself on being a comfortable and gentle dentist. He even admits that he himself has a sensitive gag reflex, so he can relate to patients that are gaggers or have any dental phobia.

To find out more about conscious sedation dentistry, visit Dr. O’Neil’s website at www.pleasantdentistry.com.

Written by Katie Gannon

ORAL HYGIENE ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT DURING PREGNANCY

noreply@blogger.com (The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:13:00 +0000

The American Dental Association (ADA) released a statement stressing the importance of exceptionally good oral hygiene during pregnancy. The link between oral health in pregnant mothers and the overall health of their unborn child is a relatively recent discovery

Specifically, the ADA research suggests: “ there may be an association between maternal gum disease and pre-term birth and low birth weight babies. In addition, a recent study says that pregnant women with gum disease may be more likely to develop gestational diabetes.” Without this information, pregnant women have placed dental care low on their list of priorities during pregnancy. These studies may change that
.
If you are planning a pregnancy, schedule a dental checkup for a cleaning. If you are pregnant, continue your regular dental visits. Be sure to inform Dr. Thomas O’Neil if you are pregnant or suspect you might be pregnant. In addition to regular dental visits, the ADA recommends maintaining your dental hygiene by brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth at least once a day with floss.
The link between a pregnant mother’s oral health and her unborn child’s
overall health is becoming stronger by the day. Therefore, it is important to contact our office in Tamarac as soon as possible to schedule your next appointment! Our staff is amazing and has the ability to make anyone enjoy their experience-no matter how much of a dental phobia they may have!!!

By: Chelsi & Tammie

noreply@blogger.com (The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:15:00 +0000

Bru's Room probably didn't know what hit them, but on Demember 17th, Dr. O'Neil and our team celebrated our Annual Holiday Luncheon. We enjoyed amazing food and great conversation. We also did our secret gift exchange. We reminisced about the past events of 2009 and look forward to a great 2010. Make your New Years resolution now and make an appointment at Dr. O'Neil's office in Tamarac, Florida for a wonderful and healthy smile.

Written by: Tracie and Daniela

noreply@blogger.com (The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:59:00 +0000

DR. O'NEIL WANTS TO KNOW, "DO YOU TWITTER?"...WE DO! GIVE US A TWEET AND GET "TWEETS" FROM DR. O'NEIL! ARE YOU A FAN OF OURS? MAKE SURE YOU "BECOME A FAN" OF OUR SPECIALS AND HAPPENINGS IN OUR OFFICE.

DR O'NEIL IS NOW ON TWITTER AND FACEBOOK TO BETTER COMMUNICATE WITH OUR CLIENTS AND FRIENDS TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE IS KEPT UP TO DATE WITH EVERYTHING GOING ON IN OUR OFFICE.

THROUGH THESES NETWORKING SITES YOU CAN SHARE WITH US ANY GREAT IDEALS YOU HAVE WE MIGHT IMPLEMENT OR YOU CAN LET THE WORLD KNOW HOW MUCH YOU LOVE COMING TO OUR OFFICE AND HOW WONDERFUL YOU THINK OUR DOCTORS ARE! THESES SITES ARE A GREAT WAY FOR US TO GET YOUR FEEDBACK AND TO HELP US SERVE YOU BETTER-AFTER ALL, THAT'S WHAT WE ARE HERE FOR!

SO "TWEET" US AND "BECOME A FAN" OF OURS TODAY!

WRITTEN BY DEBBIE ANS LINETTE

Dental Care for Children

noreply@blogger.com (The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:23:00 +0000

The key to cavity prevention is from the beginning, when teeth first emerge. Parents often have questions about how to take care of their children's teeth. When should you start brushing? When should you go to the dentist? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you keep your kids teeth healthy and cavity free. You should start cleaning your child's teeth as soon as they get their first tooth and all children need regular dental care starting at age three. Children are affected by decay as soon as they emerge and occur faster in children's mouths than in adults. By brushing your child's teeth you remove the plaque bacteria which are responsible for this tooth decay. The key to making your child brush id to make it fun. One way to make it fun for them is have them brush your teeth or practice on their favorite doll. It is also very important to take your child to the dentist to make sure their teeth are growing properly. We welcome you to schedule your child's first appointment at Dr. O'Neil's office in Tamarac, Florida. And remember, we are now open early mornings, evenings, and Saturdays for your convenience. For more information about our practice, please visit www.Drtoneil.com.

Tahyana and Tammy

Best Ways to Disinfect your Toothbrush

noreply@blogger.com (The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:00:00 +0000

You may know you need to change your toothbrush every 2-3 months but everyday toothbrushes are exposed to dirty bacteria living in your bathroom. Keeping your toothbrush clean is essential for effective teeth cleaning and a perfect smile. A single toothbrush can harbor millions of microorganisms, which translates into harmful bacteria- bacteria that thrive in the warm, moist environment of the average bathroom. That’s millions of microscopic bugs that can cause the flu, colds and other illnesses! There are many different ways to clean your toothbrush. You can soak your toothbrush in an antiseptic mouthwash rinse and air dry your toothbrush, making sure it avoids other brushes, or microwave your toothbrush on high for 10 seconds. Of course, no toothbrush sanitizer can improve a badly worn toothbrush that needs to be replaced. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you replace your toothbrush every three months or after an illness. We would love to have you come in and visit our newly renovated office and get a cleaning done by our friendly and comforting Dental Hygienist Bernadette. She’s the perfect person to further educate you on your dental hygiene. If you haven’t been here before come into our Tamarac office and take advantage of our special. We are currently offering a free complete exam and x-rays! See you soon!

Chelsi & Tammie

ALL ABOUT IMPROVEMENT

noreply@blogger.com (The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:06:00 +0000

Our staff is all about improvement! We go to seminars and training whenever possible. We are very aware of our need to stay up with the latest technology. Here at Dr. O’Neil’s office we stay focused on the best dentistry has to offer. All of the above are to give our patients the best care available. You will be in good hands here at Dr. O’Neil’s office centrally located in Tamarac, FL (Broward County).

Bernadette & Stacy

Happy Holidays!

noreply@blogger.com (The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:58:00 +0000

Happy Holidays!

We all know the holidays can cause extra stress for everyone. No matter what is causing your stress, bruxism can often be the result. Bruxism is clenching or grinding of the teeth. Symptoms of bruxism are a tired jaw, difficulty in opening or closing your mouth, sensitive teeth, ear aches or pain in your jaw joint.

These symptoms that are stress induced can lead to other serious dental problems. Dr. O’Neil’s state of the art office offers free exam and x-rays if you have not been here yet where you will be evaluated for all of these symptoms.

Call today for your appointment or send us an e-mail before it is too late!
(954) 720-9570
www.drtoneil.com

By Brandee & Katie

Why We Ask You to Floss

noreply@blogger.com (The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:39:00 +0000

Do you floss? How often do you floss? These are common questions that we ask you when you are sitting in the dental chair. But did you ever stop to think about why we ask you again and again to floss?

We encourage you to floss for the same reason we encourage you to brush-to reduce the amount of bacteria that live in your mouth. Millions of microscopic bacteria call your mouth “home” because they like to feed off the food particles left on your teeth.

These unappreciative guests produce acid as a result of their eating frenzies and can get through your enamel, ultimately causing decay.

Flossing removes any bacteria build-up-also known as plaque-left behind in tiny spaces after brushing. The American Dental Association recommends you floss your teeth once a day.

So what happens when you don’t floss? Plaque build-up left in between your teeth can eventually harden into a substance called tartar. Tartar cannot be removed by simply brushing your teeth.

Over time, tartar can produce dangerous bacteria that can lead to a condition called gingivitis. Gingivitis, if left untreated, can then lead to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a condition where bacteria get deep into your gums and eventually your bone structure supporting your teeth. You can guess what happens next, loss of teeth.

We are happy to check all the teeth you plan to keep here at our office in Tamarac, Fl.

By Katie and Stacy

New Extended Office Hours for Your Convenience!

noreply@blogger.com (Erika) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:57:00 +0000

Greetings!!!It is my pleasure to inform our fellow extended family members about our extended office hours! Our office hours now range from 7:00 AM to 8:00PM. We are hoping that this will make it a little bit easier for our patients to come and get their cleanings and treatment done before or after work. We also understand that sometimes after working all day the only thing you feel like doing is going home and spending time with your family. This is why we're now offering Saturday appointments.We are all so excited about the additional treatment rooms we recently added! Our top priority is our patients.

Call us to schedule an appointment and let us show you that a visit to your dental office can actually be a pleasant experience!Even if you are just around the area stop by, say hello, and let us give you a tour of the office.

Written by: Chelsi and Tammie

Dr. O'Neil's Hot Topic of the Week!

noreply@blogger.com (The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:37:00 +0000

CANKER SORES

CANKER SORES ARE SMALL WHITE OR GRAY BASE ULCERS WITH A RED BORDER THAT ARE LOCATED INSIDE THE MOUTH. THEY ARE DIFFERENT THAN COLD SORES, WHICH APPEAR OUTSIDE THE MOUTH. SOMETIMES ONE CANKER SORE COULD APPEAR OR SEVERAL; AND THEY OFTEN RETURN. THEY ARE NOT CONTAGIOUS.

THE EXACT CAUSE OF CANKER SORES IS UNCERTIAN BUT EXPERTS BELIEVE IMMUNE SYSTEM PROBLEMS, VIRUSES OR BACTERIA COULD BE INVOLVED.
SUCH THINGS AS ALLERGIES, FATIGUE OR STRESS CAN INCREASE THE LIKELIHOOD OF CANKER SORES OR COLD SORES. A SIMPLE CUT BY BITING THE TONGUE OR CHEEK CAN CONTRIBUTE TO CANKER SORE DEVELOPMENT.

TREATING CANKER SORES IS SIMPLE. THEY USUALLY HEAL ON THEIR OWN AFTER ONE TO TWO WEEKS, BUT AN OUTBREAK COULD OCCUR. ANTIMICROBIAL MOUTH RINSES OR TOPICAL ANESTHETICS MAY PROVIDE SOME TEMPORARY RELIEF BUT YOU MUST STAY AWAY FROM SPICY, HOT OR ACIDIC FOOD THAT MAY IRRITATE THE SORE.

LINETTE WILSON AND BERNADETTE CHARLES

Torus Mandibularis

noreply@blogger.com (The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:09:00 +0000

These are growths that grow on the inside of the lower jaw. They can grow quite large, or they may remain as small bumps. They are also bound to the underlying bone and cannot be moved around with finger pressure. Tori are quite often mistaken by patients for oral cancer. Very large mandibular toril can become a nuisance since they are covered easily with abraded soft tissue and can become quite sore when eating hard or irritating foods. In situations like this, it is advisable to see a specialist and have them removed. The operation is not especially difficult, and aside from postoperative discomfort, the effects are immediate and quite positive. Please call Dr. O'Neil's office and schedule an evaluation with our Periodontist to see if this procedure will benefit you.

Written by: Trace and Brandi

Are you apprehensive at the Dentist?

noreply@blogger.com (The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:15:00 +0000

Here at Dr. O’Neil’s office we offer several forms of light sedation at a small fee. One is called Ativan, which is a pill you take an hour before your dental appointment, for this sedation you will need a drive to take you to our office and bring you home. Another sedation is called nitrous oxide, (or sweet gas). With this you can come from work and do not need a driver.
So if you are anxious at the dentist this is the way to go! You will be relaxed and love coming to the dentist. Please visit our sedation website at www.PleasentDentistry.com

We look forward to seeing you and making you feel comfortable at Dr. O’Neil’s office.
By Joclyn and Tammy

noreply@blogger.com (The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:46:00 +0000

The past few months you have probably heard us talking about how excited we are with our new office expansion, that is, if you could hear us over the noise of the construction crew!
Thankfully the construction is finished!

We are happy to say that we think our office looks magnificent! Not only did we expand the office size, we are now under way with the expansion of our staff!

It is our pleasure to announce the addition of two new team members; Tammie, our wonderful new dental assistant from Miami brings added warmth and kindness to our already friendly staff, and Katie, from Minnesota, who will be there with her cheery smile to welcome each and every one of you to our new office! After all, you, our patients are the reason we are here!

Over the next few weeks expect to see some more new faces around the office. The new and improved staff will be here to serve you in any way we can!
Of course it goes without saying that we look forward to serving you with a great big “ZOOM” brightened SMILE!
Remember, we need your help to grow as well! If you like it here, please tell your friends and family. If you don’t, please tell us so we can improve our service to make you happy!

Debbie & Stacy

THE TIME HAS FINALLY COME!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:26:00 +0000

That’s right! Our new addition to the office located in tamarac, fl. will be complete very soon we look forward to giving you a tour of our new and improve addition to the wonderful office we already have. Dr O’Neil and staff look forward to seeing you soon.

written by linette and bernadette

Good News

noreply@blogger.com (The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:54:00 +0000

Our blog opens with a big "Welcome Back" to Joclyn form her maternity leave. Five months ago, she and her husband, Rudy were blessed with the birth of their adorable baby boy, Camren.
Also within one weekend two of our staff members, Brandee and Chelsi, became engaged to their significant others, Eric and Bryan. We aren't sure what shines brighter, their diamond rings or the smiles they are walking around with.

So on your next visit to our dental office in Tamarac, Fl., we hope the glow from the faces of these happy staff members brightens your day, while Dr. O'Neil brightens your smile. Contact us today for more information.

By Tammy and Joclyn

A New Addition to Our Office!

noreply@blogger.com (The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:14:00 +0000

We want to introduce our newest addition to our office, Dr. Duarte. She is a graduate of Nova Dental School and our newest associate. She is very passionate about her profession and, in addition to her expertise in the dental field, fluent in Spanish. We will now have additional before and after work hours to accommodate our patients. We are very proud to welcome her to our dental team.

At Dr. O'Neil's office our team of Specialists and General Dentists want to make you feel at home and your mouth spectacular.

Written by: Tracie and Brandi

Dental Insurance

noreply@blogger.com (The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil) — Tue, 19 May 2009 17:05:00 +0000

For some people finding a new dentist can be a stressful process. One question often asked by new patients is “Do you accept my dental insurance?” Here at Dr. O’Neil’s office we understand the value of insurance benefits. We assist our patients in obtaining their maximum benefit allowance and we work with most dental insurance plans. We can take insurance information over the phone or in the office, it is the patients choice. We are always happy to assist our patients in any way to make their dental visits as simple and as painless as possible.

Stacy and Debbie

Same Day Treatment

noreply@blogger.com (The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil) — Mon, 18 May 2009 21:03:00 +0000

In todays economy everyone is experiencing tough times. All of us at Dr. O’Neil’s dental office are here to make your lives as easy as possible! That is why we are now offering same day treatment and financing options. We know that in these tough times your job is very important to you! You can now come to our office and possibly get all treatment done in the same visit, without having to take another day off from work! Please call our office to schedule an appointment at (954)-720-9570.

By: Kari and Gina

Pardon Our Dust!

noreply@blogger.com (The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil) — Mon, 18 May 2009 13:49:00 +0000

I would like to thank our patients who have been in recently. As you know, we are expanding our office. You have been most understanding and tolerant of our construction inconveniences and especially the noise. Sometimes we had to make you wait because one of our treatment rooms lost power, or a computer went down, or a wall had to be knocked down. We are trying our best to schedule around these inconveniences and keep things running smoothly. However, things don’t always go the way you want.

Nevertheless, we are excited about our expansion. We will be adding 4 more treatment rooms! Our Oral Surgeon and our Periodontist will be more accessible to you by not having to work around treatment room availability. We will also be able to schedule more in-office teeth whitening appointments and more exam and cleaning appointments.

In addition, we will be able to better accommodate our sedation patients, which has been growing rapidly. Those of you that have already experienced dental treatment with IV or Oral Sedation appreciate its value: little or no memory of the visit and less after treatment discomfort. Plus you get more treatment done each visit. We are also adding a new state-of-the-art sterilization room to keep up with instrument sterilization and organization. You may have seen some new faces at the front desk and in the treatment rooms as we are training new dental administrators and dental assistants in preparation of our continued growth. We strive to better serve you, our patients, and offer you the best possible dental treatment to fit your needs and your budget.
Written by
DR O’Neil

Is Chewing Gum Good For Your Teeth?

noreply@blogger.com (The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 22:04:00 +0000

It has been one of those old time myths that chewing gum is bad for your teeth. That is not true. Yep that’s right chewing gum is good for your teeth. If your about and about and don’t have time or access to a toothbrush or toothpaste, the next best alternative is gum. With the one reservation, and that is the sugar issue. If you only chew while the sugar lasts and then throw it away, you will get a sugar attack on the teeth and won’t see the benefits. But if you chew it for longer, it helps clean your teeth. For example, the gum mechanically cleans the surfaces of your teeth as you chew and secondly, possibly the most beneficial, is that it promotes saliva flow.

Saliva is great for several reasons. For one it has enzymes that digest carbohydrates, it has antibodies that fight tooth decay-causing bacteria. It also contains a buffer that neutralizes the acids that eat away at your teeth. In addition it also contains minerals that help rebuild parts of your teeth that have been attacked by decay acid. This repair process by your saliva is a very important part of fighting tooth decay. So, when your chewing your gum and stimulating flow of saliva, you will have all these good things happening in your mouth.

By: Brandee and Chelsi

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD)

noreply@blogger.com (The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:37:00 +0000

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) occur as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint, and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw. These disorders are often incorrectly called TMJ, for temporomandibular joint.

People with TMD can experienced severe pain and discomfort that can be temporary or last for many years. More women than men experience TMD and TMD is seen most commonly in people between the ages of 20 and 40.

Common symptoms of TMD include:

Pain or tenderness in the face, jaw joint area, neck and shoulders, and in or around the ear when you chew, speak, or open you mouth wide
Limited ability to open the mouth very wide
Jaws that get "stuck" or "lock" in the open- or closed-mouth position
Clicking, popping, or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth (which may or may not be accompanied by pain)
A tired feeling in the face
Difficulty chewing or a sudden uncomfortable bite - as if the upper and lower teeth are not fitting together properly
Swelling on the side of the face

Other common symptoms of TMD include toothaches, headaches, neck aches, dizziness, earaches, and hearing problems.

If you are experiencing any of the these symptoms, please contact Dr. O'Neil and he will conduct a careful patient history and clinical examination to determine the cause of your TMD symptom.

Written by: Tracie and Brandi

Tired of Going to the Dentist and Not Getting What You Want?

noreply@blogger.com (The office of Dr. Thomas O'Neil) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:17:00 +0000

Well good news! Here at Dr. O’neils office located in Tamarac, fl. we cater to you. Our focus is you.

We do not only give our patients what they want, but we also allow them to choose their treatment as they wish to proceed. We never push unwanted treatment and our insurance specialist will try her best to get your insurance to pay for services rendered. Dr. O’neil will provide you with the best treatment possible and the most economical way to get your oral health back into good and functional condition. Our dream team looks forward to treating you, your friends and family. Come visit our office and let us give you a tour of our comfortable and friendly practice.

Written by Bernadette Charles and Linette Wilson.