The Move and Communication With Our Patients

Criscione Family Dentistry was started by my father, James Criscione, in 1969. He opened the practice at Olson Memorial Clinic, just up the street. We moved to Providence Mercantile in 1990 and have enjoyed a long relationship with them. Unfortunately, due to some building changes, we have made the decision to move to another location to continue practicing. Ironically, we are headed back up the street near Olson Memorial Clinic. We will be moving in approximately 90 days to an office on Boones Ferry.

As we have anticipated this major change, we have been concerned about how to get vital information out to our patients and avoid confusion. We have implemented a new messaging system that reaches out to patients via text and email. This has been a great benefit to provide appointmnet reminders,and , of course, when our move occurs, our new address and location information will be included in the communication.

We are excited to share this information with you and look forward to seeing you very soon! Thank you for your continued patronage and for your very kind referrals. We enjoy meeting your friends and family!

Dr. Mike and Team

 

 

 

 

Dentistry and Oncology

Dentistry and Oncology

What Can I Do To Keep My Mouth Healthy?

You can do a lot to keep your mouth healthy during chemotherapy. The first step is to see a dentist before you start cancer treatment. Once your treatment starts, it’s important to look in your mouth every day for sores or other changes. These tips can help prevent and treat a sore mouth:

Keep your mouth moist.

• Drink of lot of water. 


• Suck ice chips.


• Use sugarless gum or sugar-free hard candy.


• Use a saliva substitute to help moisten your mouth.

Clean your mouth, tongue, and gums.

• Brush your teeth, gums, and tongue with an extra-soft  toothbrush after every meal and at bedtime. If brushing hurts, soften the bristles in warm water.


• Use a fluoride toothpaste. Talk to your dentist about using a prescription fluoride toothpaste or having custom trays made for home fluoride treatments.


• Don't use mouthwashes with alcohol in them.


• Floss your teeth gently every day. If your gums bleed and hurt, avoid the areas that are bleeding or sore, but keep flossing your other teeth.


• Rinse your mouth several times a day with a solution of 1/4 teaspoon of salt or 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup (8 ounces) of warm water. Follow with a plain water rinse.


• Dentures that don't fit well can cause problems. Talk to your cancer doctor or dentist about your dentures. 

How Does Chemotherapy Affect the Mouth?

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to treat cancer. These drugs kill cancer cells, but they may also harm normal cells, including cells in the mouth. Side effects include problems with your teeth and gums; the soft, moist lining of your mouth; and the glands that make saliva (spit).

It’s important to know that side effects in the mouth can be serious.

• The side effects can hurt and make it hard to eat, talk, and swallow.


• You are more likely to get an infection, which can be dangerous when you are receiving cancer treatment.


• If the side effects are bad, you may not be able to keep up with your cancer treatment. Your doctor may need to cut back on your cancer treatment or even stop it.

What Mouth Problems Can Chemotherapy Cause?

You may have certain side effects in your mouth from chemotherapy. Another person may have different problems. The problems depend on the chemotherapy drugs and how your body reacts to them. You may have these problems only during treatment or for a short time after treatment ends.

• Painful mouth and gums.


• Dry mouth.


• Burning, peeling, or swelling tongue.


• Infection.


• Change in taste.

If your mouth is sore, watch what you eat and drink.

• Choose foods that are good for you and easy to chew and swallow.


• Take small bites of food, chew slowly, and sip liquids with your meals.


• Eat soft, moist foods such as cooked cereals, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs.


• If you have trouble swallowing, soften your food with gravy, sauces, broth, yogurt, or other liquids.

Call your doctor or nurse when your mouth hurts.

• Work with them to find medicines to help control the pain


• If the pain continues, talk to your cancer doctor about stronger medicines.

Remember to stay away from

• Sharp, crunchy foods like taco chips, that could scrape or cut your mouth.


• Foods that are hot, spicy, or high in acid, like citrus fruits and juices, which can irritate your mouth.


• Sugary foods, like candy or soda that could cause cavities.


• Toothpicks, because they can cut your mouth.


• All tobacco products.


• Alcoholic drinks.

Do Children Get Mouth Problems Too?

Chemotherapy causes other side effects in children, depending on the child’s age.

Problems with teeth are the most common. Permanent teeth may be slow to come in and may look different from normal teeth. Teeth may fall out. The dentist will check your child’s jaws for any growth problems. Before chemotherapy begins, take your child to a dentist. The dentist will check your child’s mouth carefully and pull loose teeth or those that may become loose during treatment. Ask the dentist or hygienist what you can do to help your child with mouth care.

Acknowledgments The individuals listed here provided assistance in developing and reviewing all of the publications in this series. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and its partners would like to thank them for their contributions.

Scientific Committee Gerry Barker, RDH, MA University of Missouri-Kansas City Kansas City, MO Susan L. Beck, PhD, APRN, FAANUniversity of Utah Salt Lake City, UT Marylin J. Dodd, PhD, RN, FAAN University of California, San Francisco San Francisco, CA

Joel Epstein, DMD, MSD, FRCD(C), FDSRCSE University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Philip Fox, DDS Spello, Italy Deborah B. McGuire, PhD, RN, FAAN University of Maryland Baltimore, MDDouglas E. Peterson, DMD, PhD
University of Connecticut  Farmington, CT Mark M. Schubert, DDS, MSD University of Washington Seattle, WA John R. Wingard, MD University of Florida Gainesville, FL

Membership Plan for Uninsured Patients

Criscione Family Dental began offering a membership plan to uninsured patients in January 2015. We found that patients without insurance tend to avoid coming in on a regular basis due to the expense. The result of not being monitored on a regular basis was predicable…decay, emergency dentistry, gingivitis, and a variety of other avoidable dental conditions. By joining the Membership Plan, patients are receiving care on a regular basis, reducing out of pocket expenses, getting needed dental treatment completed, and enjoying better overall dental health.

 

The Membership Plan offers a discount comparable to what a patient would receive if they had an insurance plan. The plan is not insurance and does not offer reimbursement. Patients receive a 15% reduction on all services. Routine care and periodontal maintenance plans can be paid on a monthly basis or a one-time payment that covers care for one year.

 

Here’s an overview of the membership plan:

-          The plan is only for our office. Patients can choose any provider at Criscione Family Dental.

-          The 15% fee reduction is for services only, not products.

-          The plan is only for uninsured patients of any age.

-          The plan is not transferable to another patient or to another office.

-          Payments for the Membership Plan can be made on a monthly basis or a one-time payment to cover one year of care.

-          Select patients may be eligible for short term payment plans for treatment.

 

If you have questions about the plan, please call the office at your convenience and we will be glad to provide more information.

 

503-636-7601

Lake Oswego, Oregon

 We look forward to your call!

 

 

Advantages of Teeth Whitening

How many of us get a confidence boost when a stranger gives us a compliment? Have you ever paid attention to how much of a positive effect this has on your self-esteem? The same applies to teeth whitening. Teeth-whitening is an excellent way to restore the natural color of your teeth or even make them whiter than your natural color if you would like. Criscione Fmaily Dental offers two options for teeth whitneing; both have been found to provide positive results.

With all of the lifestyle habits and environmental factors that have the ability to stain our teeth on a daily basis, even proper maintenance sometimes leave them a little dull. Fortunately, through our tray whitening system or using professional strength whitening strips, your pearly whites can revive their shine. In addition, teeth-whitening can also take years off of your appearance. This is because as we age, over time, our teeth darken and can become yellow, brown, or even develop a grey tint (which also may be due to heredity and/or eating habits). Your smile speaks volumes about who you are and leaves an everlasting impression, so it’s only natural that you want it to be as radiant as possible.

If you would like to discuss your teeth whitening options, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.criscionefamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with our doctors at Criscione Family Dentistry in Lake Oswego, OR, call 503-636-7601. 

Xrays...why we take them and how they are used.

Xrays...a frequent cause of confusion for patients. Often, we hear from patients that they beleive xrays are unnecessary, expensive, and unwanted. We are writing this blog to help patients to understand why xrays are so important in the diagnostic process.

There are a variety of xrays that are used in dentistry. The most common films that we use are cavity detecting or 'bitewing' xrays. Doctors use these to diagnose decay, see the margins of restorations, view bone levels and more. We normally take these films once a year. In some cases, doctors request them more often. If a patient has a high rate of decay, progressive periodontal disease, multiple restorations, and even a major change in health can dictate the need for taking these xrays.

Panorex films are a single film and show the upper and lower teeth including sinuses, the upper and lower jaw, nerve canals and more. This film will show abnormalities that doctors cannot see with other types of films. Panorex films are often used in orthodontics and oral surgery.

Full Mouth Xrays This is a series of 18 films that normally taken every 3-5 years. This set of xrays shows the roots of teeth, in between teeth, the margins of restorations, bone levels and more. These xrays are an excellent diagnostic tool and they provide the doctor with a complete view of the teeth.

Xrays are a vital part of the diagnostic process. They provide information that a visual exam cannot. Our doctors will utilize xrays when needed. The digital xray technology that we use provides safety for patients and staff.

Dentistry and Oncology

Dentistry and Oncology

What Can I Do To Keep My Mouth Healthy?

You can do a lot to keep your mouth healthy during chemotherapy. The first step is to see a dentist before you start cancer treatment. Once your treatment starts, it’s important to look in your mouth every day for sores or other changes. These tips can help prevent and treat a sore mouth:

Keep your mouth moist.

• Drink of lot of water. 


• Suck ice chips.


• Use sugarless gum or sugar-free hard candy.


• Use a saliva substitute to help moisten your mouth.

Clean your mouth, tongue, and gums.

• Brush your teeth, gums, and tongue with an extra-soft  toothbrush after every meal and at bedtime. If brushing hurts, soften the bristles in warm water.


• Use a fluoride toothpaste. Talk to your dentist about using a prescription fluoride toothpaste or having custom trays made for home fluoride treatments.


• Don't use mouthwashes with alcohol in them.


• Floss your teeth gently every day. If your gums bleed and hurt, avoid the areas that are bleeding or sore, but keep flossing your other teeth.


• Rinse your mouth several times a day with a solution of 1/4 teaspoon of salt or 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup (8 ounces) of warm water. Follow with a plain water rinse.


• Dentures that don't fit well can cause problems. Talk to your cancer doctor or dentist about your dentures. 

How Does Chemotherapy Affect the Mouth?

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to treat cancer. These drugs kill cancer cells, but they may also harm normal cells, including cells in the mouth. Side effects include problems with your teeth and gums; the soft, moist lining of your mouth; and the glands that make saliva (spit).

It’s important to know that side effects in the mouth can be serious.

• The side effects can hurt and make it hard to eat, talk, and swallow.


• You are more likely to get an infection, which can be dangerous when you are receiving cancer treatment.


• If the side effects are bad, you may not be able to keep up with your cancer treatment. Your doctor may need to cut back on your cancer treatment or even stop it.

What Mouth Problems Can Chemotherapy Cause?

You may have certain side effects in your mouth from chemotherapy. Another person may have different problems. The problems depend on the chemotherapy drugs and how your body reacts to them. You may have these problems only during treatment or for a short time after treatment ends.

• Painful mouth and gums.


• Dry mouth.


• Burning, peeling, or swelling tongue.


• Infection.


• Change in taste.

If your mouth is sore, watch what you eat and drink.

• Choose foods that are good for you and easy to chew and swallow.


• Take small bites of food, chew slowly, and sip liquids with your meals.


• Eat soft, moist foods such as cooked cereals, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs.


• If you have trouble swallowing, soften your food with gravy, sauces, broth, yogurt, or other liquids.

Call your doctor or nurse when your mouth hurts.

• Work with them to find medicines to help control the pain


• If the pain continues, talk to your cancer doctor about stronger medicines.

Remember to stay away from

• Sharp, crunchy foods like taco chips, that could scrape or cut your mouth.


• Foods that are hot, spicy, or high in acid, like citrus fruits and juices, which can irritate your mouth.


• Sugary foods, like candy or soda that could cause cavities.


• Toothpicks, because they can cut your mouth.


• All tobacco products.


• Alcoholic drinks.

Do Children Get Mouth Problems Too?

Chemotherapy causes other side effects in children, depending on the child’s age.

Problems with teeth are the most common. Permanent teeth may be slow to come in and may look different from normal teeth. Teeth may fall out. The dentist will check your child’s jaws for any growth problems. Before chemotherapy begins, take your child to a dentist. The dentist will check your child’s mouth carefully and pull loose teeth or those that may become loose during treatment. Ask the dentist or hygienist what you can do to help your child with mouth care.

Acknowledgments The individuals listed here provided assistance in developing and reviewing all of the publications in this series. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and its partners would like to thank them for their contributions.

Scientific Committee Gerry Barker, RDH, MA University of Missouri-Kansas City Kansas City, MO Susan L. Beck, PhD, APRN, FAANUniversity of Utah Salt Lake City, UT Marylin J. Dodd, PhD, RN, FAAN University of California, San Francisco San Francisco, CA

Joel Epstein, DMD, MSD, FRCD(C), FDSRCSE University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL Philip Fox, DDS Spello, Italy Deborah B. McGuire, PhD, RN, FAAN University of Maryland Baltimore, MDDouglas E. Peterson, DMD, PhD
University of Connecticut  Farmington, CT Mark M. Schubert, DDS, MSD University of Washington Seattle, WA John R. Wingard, MD University of Florida Gainesville, FL

Membership Plan for Uninsured Patients

Criscione Family Dental began offering a membership plan to uninsured patients in January 2015. We found that patients without insurance tend to avoid coming in on a regular basis due to the expense. The result of not being monitored on a regular basis was predicable…decay, emergency dentistry, gingivitis, and a variety of other avoidable dental conditions. By joining the Membership Plan, patients are receiving care on a regular basis, reducing out of pocket expenses, getting needed dental treatment completed, and enjoying better overall dental health.

 

The Membership Plan offers a discount comparable to what a patient would receive if they had an insurance plan. The plan is not insurance and does not offer reimbursement. Patients receive a 15% reduction on all services. Routine care and periodontal maintenance plans can be paid on a monthly basis or a one-time payment that covers care for one year.

 

Here’s an overview of the membership plan:

-          The plan is only for our office. Patients can choose any provider at Criscione Family Dental.

-          The 15% fee reduction is for services only, not products.

-          The plan is only for uninsured patients of any age.

-          The plan is not transferable to another patient or to another office.

-          Payments for the Membership Plan can be made on a monthly basis or a one-time payment to cover one year of care.

-          Select patients may be eligible for short term payment plans for treatment.

 

If you have questions about the plan, please call the office at your convenience and we will be glad to provide more information.

 

503-636-7601

Lake Oswego, Oregon

 We look forward to your call!

 

 

The Purpose of Night Guards

 

A night guard is a piece of hard plastic made from impressions of your teeth that is placed on the upper and lower teeth while you sleep. Reasons for needing one include bruxism, the act of grinding your teeth while you sleep. The purpose of the night guard is to protect your teeth and jaws. Here at Criscione Family Dental we offer custom-made night guards to our patients to fit your bite evenly providing a more effective form of treatment. 

If you already grind your teeth, you will grind them much harder in sleep than while you are awake. When this action occurs, it can cause chipping, fractures, excessive wear and loosening of the teeth. Overall, the night guard protects your teeth from grinding and clenching. When your lips come together, your teeth will be apart which initiates a muscle relaxation process. When muscles are relaxed, your teeth will rest on bite pads which are made of hybrid resilient material that slips comfortably between your teeth. 

If you grind your teeth or find yourself waking up with jaw pain, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about night guards as well as other services we provide, visit www.criscionefamilydental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Criscione Family Dentistry in Lake Oswego, OR, call 503-636-7601.

A night guard is a piece of hard plastic made from impressions of your teeth that is placed on the upper and lower teeth while you sleep. Reasons for needing one include bruxism, the act of grinding your teeth while you sleep. The purpose of the night guard is to protect your teeth and jaws. Here at Criscione Family Dental we offer custom-made night guards to our patients to fit your bite evenly providing a more effective form of treatment.

If you already grind your teeth, you will grind them much harder in sleep than while you are awake. When this action occurs, it can cause chipping, fractures, excessive wear and loosening of the teeth. Overall, the night guard protects your teeth from grinding and clenching. When your lips come together, your teeth will be apart which initiates a muscle relaxation process. When muscles are relaxed, your teeth will rest on bite pads which are made of a hybrid resilient material that slips comfortably between your teeth.

If you grind your teeth or find yourself waking up with jaw pain, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about night guards as well as other services we provide, visit www.criscionefamilydental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Criscione Family Dentistry in Lake Oswego, OR, call 503-636-7601.

 

Wisdom Teeth Extractions

 

The wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are the final set of molars to erupt. Not everyone decides to keep these teeth, nor are they necessary for having a healthy, beautiful smile. Here at Criscione Family Dentistry we may suggest wisdom teeth removal if they are causing pain to the patient or look prone to infection. Another reason for wisdom teeth extractions is overcrowding in the mouth if they don’t fully emerge.

Once it has been determined that a wisdom tooth is problematic, extraction is performed. If the wisdom teeth are impacted and embedded in the bone, our doctor will put an incision into the gums and remove the tooth or teeth in sections in order to minimize the amount of bone being removed. Local anesthesia is administered to ensure the tooth can be pulled out with any discomfort and several stitches may be required to close the surgical site and promote healing of the overlying tissue. 

If your wisdom teeth are still intact and causing you pain, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about wisdom teeth as well as the services we provide, visit www.criscionefamilydental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Criscione Family Dentistry in Lake Oswego, OR, call 503-636-7601.

The wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are the final set of molars to erupt. Not everyone decides to keep these teeth, nor are they necessary for having a healthy, beautiful smile. It may be recommended to remove wisdom teeth if they are causing pain to the patient or look prone to infection. Another reason for wisdom teeth extractions is overcrowding in the mouth if they don’t fully erupt.

If your wisdom teeth are still intact and causing you pain, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about wisdom teeth as well as the services we provide, visit www.criscionefamilydental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Criscione Family Dentistry in Lake Oswego, OR, call 503-636-7601.

 

Dental Bonding

 

Dental bonding is a great way to quickly and affordably repair small imperfections on teeth. It is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material is applied and hardened with a special light, which ultimately “bonds” the material to the tooth to restore or improve a person’s smile. If you have decayed, chipped, or cracked teeth, our doctors at Criscione Family Dentistry are happy to discuss dental bonding to see if it’s right for you.

Unlike veneers and crowns, which are customized tooth coverings that must be manufactured in a lab, bonding usually can be done in one office visit unless several teeth are involved. Another advantage, compared to these two cosmetic options, is that the least amount of tooth enamel is removed. If you have very small imperfections on your teeth, bonding could be the answer. In addition to providing cosmetic relief, bonding can also be used to fill cavities. 

If you desire a more aesthetically pleasing smile, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about bonding as well as the other services we provide, visit www.criscionefamilydental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Criscione Family Dentistry in Lake Oswego, OR, call 503-636-7601.

Dental bonding is a great way to quickly and affordably repair small imperfections on teeth. It is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material is applied and hardened with a special light, which ultimately “bonds” the material to the tooth to restore or improve a person’s smile. If you have decayed, chipped, or cracked teeth, our doctors at Criscione Family Dentistry are happy to discuss dental bonding to see if it’s right for you.

Unlike veneers and crowns, which are customized tooth coverings that must be manufactured in a lab, bonding usually can be done in one office visit unless several teeth are involved. Another advantage, compared to these two cosmetic options, is that the least amount of tooth enamel is removed. If you have very small imperfections on your teeth, bonding could be the answer. In addition to providing cosmetic relief, bonding can also be used to fill cavities.

If you desire a more aesthetically pleasing smile, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about bonding as well as the other services we provide, visit www.criscionefamilydental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Criscione Family Dentistry in Lake Oswego, OR, call 503-636-7601.

 

Benefits of Teeth Whitening

Your smile is the first thing anyone notices about you, so you want it to be as bright as your personality. Brushing and flossing are everyday ways to keep your teeth white and healthy, but if you feel that your smile is lacking some sparkle our staff at Criscione Family Dental offers teeth whitening services. Teeth whitening is a simple process and we use safe bleaches that break stains into smaller pieces, which make the color on your teeth less concentrated and brighter.

Tooth whitening is a process that lightens teeth and helps removes stains and discoloration. It is among the most popular cosmetic dental procedures because it can greatly improve how your teeth look. With all of the lifestyle habits that we practice on a daily basis such eating foods that have the ability to stain our teeth, smoking or drinking coffee, wine, and tea, our teeth can leave us feeling a lack of confidence. However, once you complete a whitening treatment your self-esteem will receive quite a boost.

If you desire a brighter smile, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about teeth whitening as well as the other services we provide, visit www.criscionefamilydental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Criscione Family Dentistry in Lake Oswego, OR, call 503-636-7601.