When you have diabetes, high blood sugar levels can affect your entire body including your teeth and gums. People with diabetes are more prone to conditions that may harm their oral health, so it’s essential to follow good dental care practices and to pay special attention to any changes in your oral health and consult with your dental team regularly.

Here are a few points to remember to keep you at your optimum oral health: Cavities and gum disease

Whether you have type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, managing your blood sugar level is key. The higher your blood sugar level, the higher your risk of:

1. Tooth decay (cavities).

Your mouth naturally contains many types of bacteria. When starches and sugars in food and beverages interact with these bacteria, a sticky film known as plaque forms on your teeth. The acids in plaque attack the hard, outer surface of your teeth (enamel). This can lead to cavities. The higher your blood sugar level, the greater the supply of sugars and starches — and the more acid wearing away at your teeth. You can combat this by keeping your blood sugar level as close to normal, and of course practice the habit of daily flossing and brushing three times per day.

2. Early gum disease (gingivitis).

Diabetes reduces your ability to fight bacteria. If you don’t remove plaque with daily brushing and flossing, and regular dental deep cleaning it’ll harden under your gum line into a substance called tartar (calculus). The longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more they irritate the gingiva — the part of your gum around the base of your teeth. In time, your gums will become swollen and bleed easily. This is gingivitis.

3. Advanced gum disease (periodontitis).

Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to a more serious infection called periodontitis, which destroys the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. Eventually, periodontitis causes your gums to pull away from your teeth and your teeth to loosen and even fall out. Periodontitis tends to be more severe among people who have diabetes because diabetes lowers the ability to resist infection and slows healing. An infection such as periodontitis may also cause your blood sugar level to rise, which makes your diabetes more difficult to control. Preventing and treating periodontitis can help improve blood sugar control.

 Some tips to consider when your visit your dentist next:

 At each visit update your dentist about the status of your diabetes. For instance IE: know your HgA1C level to determine how well controlled your diabetes is (good control is indicated by a level under 7%). If you’ve had a hypoglycemic episode in the past (low blood sugar, also called an insulin reaction), you are at increased risk to have another one. Tell your dentist when your last episode was, how frequently such episodes occur, and when you took your last dose of insulin, if you take it.

See your diabetes doctor before scheduling treatment for periodontal disease. Ask your doctor to talk to your dentist or periodontist about your overall medical condition before any dental treatment is performed. If oral surgery is planned, your doctor or dentist will tell you if you need to take any pre-surgical antibiotics or need to change your meal schedule or the timing and dosage of if you take insulin.

Make sure to give your dentist your diabetes doctor’s name and phone number to include in your personal file. This information should be readily accessible by your dentist should any questions or concerns arise. Bring your dentist a list of all the names and dosages of all medications you are currently taking. Your dentist will need to know this information to best prescribe medications least likely to interfere with the medications you are already taking.

Keep in mind that healing may take longer in people with diabetes. Always follow your dentist’s post-treatment instructions closely.

 And remember….Prevention is Key for healthy teeth and gums!

Experience the benefits of Computer-controlled Local Anesthetic Delivery Systems at DaVincis Dental Care and you will feel a whole new way to have pain free dental treatments.

In the mid-1990s, work began on the development of local anesthetic delivery systems that incorporated computer technology to control the rate of flow of the anesthetic solution through the needle and assist with pain management. This concept is now called computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery (CCLAD). The first of these CCLAD devices, such as the Wand™ was introduced in 1997.

This system enables the dental team to accurately manipulate needle placement with fingertip accuracy and deliver the LA with a foot-activated control. The lightweight hand piece is held in a pen-like grasp that provides the user with greater tactile sensation and control compared to a traditional syringe. The available flow rates of LA delivery are controlled by a computer and thus remain consistent from one injection to the next. The greater control over the syringe and the fixed flow rates of the LA drug are responsible for significantly decreasing the pain of the injection, which helps to dramatically improve the overall experience for the patient.

Experience the DaVinci Difference Today!

Do you need to remove all the old mercury-laden silver fillings for fear of related health issues?

A hot topic in dentistry today revolves around the use of silver fillings (amalgams) in our mouths.

Many Dental professionals and people from around the world are currently debating this hot topic.

Mercury is a powerful neurotoxin and, at certain levels, can cause neurological issues, autoimmune disease, chronic illnesses and mental disorders. But the questions is; whether an unknown quantity of mercury vapor in our silver fillings at a constant exposure poses a significant health risk.

Amalgams consist of 50% mercury along with a combination of silver, tin, and copper. Studies have found that the amount of mercury vapor from amalgams varies from 1- 3 ug/day (micrograms/day), at the low estimation, up to 27 ug/day. This translates to 3% to 68% of workplace air quality standards that are allowable by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA, USA federal environmental agency). What this means is, at the high level with continuous exposure, the levels are shown to be unhealthy. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also stated that the exposure to mercury vapor can greatly increase beyond this number due to our personal habits such as grinding of the teeth, chewing gum, and drinking carbonated drinks. This could lead to a fivefold increase in mercury levels after these activities.

In 2008, Scandinavian countries took action and banned the use of amalgam fillings for environmental and health reasons.

Although there are conflicting studies between Sweden and the United States. In Sweden, they have conducted a number of studies where people, with pre-existing neurological and health issues (Chronic Fatigue-type symptoms), had amalgams removed; 78% reported improvement in their health status. In the United States however, official studies hired by the FDA and National Institutes of Health (NIH) stated that “the current data is insufficient to support an association between mercury release from amalgams and the various complaints that have been attributed to this restorative material.”

At DaVinci’s Dental Care we take this issue very seriously, and use stringent protocols for the removal of all Amalgam fillings for our patients.

Firstly, a rubber dam isolating the tooth is used to collect the amalgam debris.A high suction machine is used in the room to prevent any gas from escaping.We also use science to help with the removal of mercury, as the only clinic in Costa Rica to use Micro dentistry, it helps our dental team see to the microscopic level making sure no microscopic particles are left in the tooth, or the mouth, further ensuring the safest approach for each patient.The amalgam fillings are then replaced with non-metal materials like composite and porcelain depending on the patient case.

If you have any question about your fillings, and would like further information contact our International Patient Coordinator today at clinic@davincisdentalcare.com

Does your insurance provider cover Costa Rica Dental Treatments? The simple answer is YES!

Many service providers cover out of country benefits for dental treatments, some even recommending out of country treatments. They know the quality of care is first rate in Costa Rica and with lower treatment cost it keeps insurance payouts lower, helping to keep premiums for clients to a minimum.

At DaVinci’s Dental Care we accept all insurance claim forms and can fill them out while you are completing your treatments to ensure you can submit and receive your insurance dollars back in your pocket book as quickly as possible.

Not sure what dental benefits you are covered for? Contact our International Patient Coordinator atclinic@davincisdentalcare.com for more information on Insurance coverage, treatments, and travel arrangements.

Experience the Davinci Difference!

Costa Rica is well known for its Eco Tourism, its lush rainforests and stunning coastline, but did you know it is fast becoming a world leader in Medical and Dental tourism?

People come from all around the globe to make use of Costa Rica’s top quality Dental specialists and facilities. They are flocking here in the in the millions, literally, last year over two million people visited Costa Rica, many of them coming to take advantage of excellent high quality treatment options available at a fraction of the price North Americans and Europeans would typically pay in their home countries.

What are the advantages to you?…

Let’s begin with;

The High quality dental care with up to a 60% savings on treatments.

Excellent facilities offering state of the art technology that many local dentist do not provide, such as on site labs, Micro Dentistry and cutting edge dental software such as Digital Smile Design.

A chance to explore one of the most beautiful countries in the world and have the vacation of a lifetime.

According to global surveys Costa Ricans are among the happiest people in the world, and they love to share that, opening their hearts and welcoming people from all over the world to enjoy their country, culture, and everything Costa Rica has to offer. Airline carriers are taking notice and many of them have added nonstop daily flights from numerous destinations in Canada, the United States and Europe making it even easier, and cost effective, to get here.

It’s an opportunity to have a full service experience for your Dental Dollars, at DaVinci’s Dental Care we take service to the next level offering complimentary airport and appointment transportation, along with discounted rates on lodgings, tours and excursions.

We understand that for many it can be somewhat scary to travel to a foreign country for Dental care the first time and, we strive to make sure your trip is smooth, easy and secure and enjoyable. This kind of dental full service treatment isn’t typically available at your local dentist.

Have questions about Costa Rica or Dental treatments contact our International Patient Coordinator for further information on travel, treatments, and quotes at clinic@davincidentalcare.com

DaVinci’s Dental Care not your average dental care clinic… Experience for yourself the DaVinci Difference!

We recognize that continued public trust in our clinic, and the dental profession as a whole, is based on the commitment of each member of our team to highest ethical standards of conduct.

As a member of the American Dental Association (ADA) the team at Da Vinci’s Dental Care voluntarily agree to abide by the ADA principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct as a condition of membership in the Association. The ADA Code has three main components: The Principles of Ethics, the Code of Professional Conduct and the Advisory Opinions.

The Principles of Ethics are the aspirational goals of the profession. They provide guidance and offer justification for the Code of Professional Conduct and the Advisory Opinions. There are five fundamental principles that form the foundation of the ADA Code: patient autonomy, no maleficence, beneficence, justice and veracity. Principles can overlap each other as well as compete with each other for priority. More than one principle can justify a given element of the Code of Professional Conduct. Principles may at times need to be balanced against each other, but, otherwise, they are the profession’s firm guideposts.

The Code of Professional Conduct is an expression of specific types of conduct that are either required or prohibited. The Code of Professional Conduct is a product of the ADA’s legislative system. All elements of the Code of Professional Conduct result from resolutions that are adopted by the ADA’s House of Delegates. The Code of Professional Conduct is binding on members of the ADA, and violations may result in disciplinary action.

The Advisory Opinions are interpretations that apply the Code of Professional Conduct to specific fact situations. They are adopted by the ADA’s Council on Ethics, Bylaws and Judicial Affairs to provide guidance to the membership on how the Council might interpret the Code of Professional Conduct in a disciplinary proceeding.

The ADA Code is an evolving document and by its very nature cannot be a complete articulation of all ethical obligations. The ADA Code is the result of an on-going dialogue between the dental profession and society, and as such, is subject to continuous review.

Although ethics and the law are closely related, they are not the same. Ethical obligations may—and often do—exceed legal duties. In resolving any ethical problem not explicitly covered by the ADA Code, dentists should consider the ethical principles, the patient’s needs and interests, and any applicable laws.

Experience the Da Vinci Difference!

While many North Americans typically travel to Costa Rica from December to May, many Europeans know some of the best tourism experiences and options are available during the green season.

Why is the green season so special? …The Green Season is known for showcasing Costa Rica’s biodiversity, Birds, Monkeys and many other species are having their babies, wonderful waterfalls are flowing everywhere, flowers are in bloom in abundance and most mornings are fresh, clear and bright giving you lots of time to explore, or simple chill out on the beach and take in the scenery. Off season rates also give you a break on costs, with many providers offering sales and special rates, less tourists means higher availability for accommodations, excursions and tours.

The Green season also signals the return of whales, turtles and other marine species that come each year to the warm coastal waters to berth their offspring and lay their eggs.

They stay and play in the shallow bays along the coast enjoying the abundant food sources ensuring their offspring will grow strong for future journeys they will soon need to take. Four different species of turtles come to the shores of Costa Rica each year at this time to lay their eggs ensuring for future generations the enjoyment of these slow, graceful sea creatures. To spend a night watching a turtle crawl out of the ocean and lay her eggs in the sand, or watch the turtles hatching and see these little guys flock back to the ocean to begin a new life is an experience everyone should have the opportunity to witness .

For more information on green season tours and accommodations contact our International Patient Coordinator at clinic@davincisdentalcare.com

CASA LIMA – Bead and Breakfast

Dental appointment transfers

Airport pick-up (W/ 7+ NIGHT STAY)

WI-FI INTERNET

CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

LOCAL CALLS

CALLS TO USA AND CANADA

BLOCKS FROM US EMBASSY

WALKING DISTANCE TO SHOPS,RESTAURANTS & MUCH MORE!

SPECIAL MEDICAL RATE FOR DAVINCI’S DENTAL CARE:

STANDARD: $58 2 PerEXECUTIVE: $65 2 PerFAMILLY: $80 4 Per ( Family Suites are two rooms )

Micro Dentistry is a science-based tool for operative dentistry, and an alternative to traditional dentistry.

The goal of the Micro Dentist is to identify unsound tooth structure, which is a threat to the long-term stability of the tooth, and then neutralize or remove those structures with minimal disruption and invasion of the surrounding sound tooth structure. Minimal disruption of sound tooth structures provides the additional patient benefit of reducing or eliminating the pain associated with traditional dentistry.

Micro Dentistry is minimally invasive dentistry with the aid of Microscopic optical device that magnifies the operative field. As a direct consequence of higher magnification and the visualization obtained, treatment can be more precise and less invasive, thus preserving the oral tissues and dental structures from unnecessary substance loss during procedures such as diagnosis, cavity removal, and cavity preparation.

The advantages of Micro Dentistry for the dental team and the patient are numerous: lower stress levels, effective control of the operatory field, less fatigue, improved ergonomics, and more efficiency.

The result is satisfaction and pride for the dental team and an unprecedented level of clinical excellence in treatment for the patient.

At DaVinci’s Dental Care we believe the concept of Micro Dentistry is best practise for the patient and the whole dental team!

Experience the DaVinci Difference Today and see for yourself the technology and science behind the Perfect Smile!