How do we "Go Green" at Lifetime Smiles?

Our team at LifetimeSmiles know that we are living in an age when more and more people have a renewed commitment to conservation, and are frequently reminded to recycle, reduce and reuse. We, too, have taken steps to make our office more environmentally-friendly. This past Friday marked the 41st anniversary of Earth Day, and we thought this would be a great time to talk about the ways Dr. Rabee McDonald and our team "Go Green" at our Escondido office.

Dr. McDonald and team decided to go “greener” a little over two years ago, and while we are not paperless, we definitely use less paper, doing all of our charting, clinical and progress notes on the computer. We have used digital X-rays for many years, however. We also recycle in the office, and a few months ago, we replaced our landscaping with drought tolerant plants.

For more info on how we "go green," we invite you to give us a call, ask us on Facebook or ask one of our team members during your next appointment.

Enjoy the rest of your Easter weekend!

The Dental Soft Tissue Laser Is Here!

The famous saying around our office is: What new toys do you guys have? As you all know, I am a dental technology junkie!

I could not resist buying this soft tissue laser because of its many advantages.
The main use for this soft tissue laser is for treatment of periodontal disease. More than 70% of the U.S. population has some degree of gum disease. In the past we have only had the option of deep cleanings, local antibiotics, and finally the very dreaded and painful gum surgery!

Periodontal disease surgery - Lasers are wonderful for soft tissue periodontal therapy. Laser periodontal therapy is used to remove diseased soft tissue and is generally bloodless and painless. The laser also reduces periodontal infection by killing the periodontal bacteria causing the disease. I had the procedure done on myself a few months ago and was so pleased with the results and most importantly, lack of pain.

The laser can also be used to treat those painful apthous ulcers, as well as as relieving TMJ pain. It may also be used for plastic gum surgery such as evening out the contours of your gums to create a more proportional smile.
Last but not least, the laser is used for in office whitening. It is painless, quick and effective.

So now you know why we are so excited about this technology!

Lastly, we invite you to join us on our official Facebook page! You can keep up with us and what is going on in the dental world.

LifetimeSmiles, supporting Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Visiting Drs. McDonald and Prais and our team at LifetimeSmiles on a regular basis will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy, but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy as well. The fact is, every hour of every day in the U.S., someone dies of oral cancer, which is the sixth-most common diagnosed form of the disease. The five-year survival rate is only 50 percent, and oral cancer is one of the few cancers whose survival rate has not improved. Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our patients about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.

In our continuing efforts to provide the most advanced technology and highest quality care available to our patients, we screen our patients for oral cancer. Early detection of pre-cancerous tissue can minimize or eliminate the potentially disfiguring effects of oral cancer and possibly save your life. In less than five minutes, we will conduct a thorough oral cancer screening exam, using the FDA-approved ViziLite Plus technology to help detect oral cancer and pre-malignant abnormalities.

As your dentists, Drs. McDonald and Prais are specialists who work to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. Please let us now if you have any questions about your oral health during your next appointment at our convenient Escondido office. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

April featured patient reviews for Lifetime Smiles!

"Do I really need to tell you guys how good you are? Always a pleasant experience, of course, unless you find a cavity - heaven forbid." ~ Bev, J.

"Stacey is simply an outstanding Hygienist that I have gone to for over 5 years. I would not go to anyone else. Dr. McDonald is extremely professional in her exam and uses new technology very well to explain the condition of your teeth and mouth. I feel very fortunate to have these two professionals treating me." ~ Ron, G.

"I'm very satisfied with the doctor and the staff! The place is very nice, I didn't feel like I was in an office, it was more like a home. So far my best experience with dentists." ~ Hajnalka, P.

"I actually enjoy going to the dentist." ~ Review written on Jul 15, 2010

"Dr. McDonald is the BEST for cosmetic dentistry and routine care. The entire team is outstanding." ~ Dr. Eva F.

"Wouldn't go anywhere else." - Review written on Mar 22, 2011

"Simply the best. The best in care, concern, and cosmetics. Feels like family." ~ Michelle D.