Grand Dental Studio OKC Blog

Grand Dental Studio FREE First Visit™ in Oklahoma City, OK

April 7, 2015

454388947 Research studies have proven that there is an undeniable link between your oral health and your overall health. The same bacteria that can damage your teeth and gums are able to migrate to other parts of the body, possibly causing health problems that include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, orthopedic implant failure, and pneumonia and kidney disease. Yet, recent statistics show that only some 50 percent of Oklahomans visit the dentist regularly. At Grand Dental Studio in Oklahoma City, OK, we want all Oklahomans to visit the dentist. With this in mind, Dr. Michael Kirk and his staff are offering a FREE First Visit.

At your Grand Dental Studio FREE First Visit, Dr. Kirk, his dental hygienists and dental assistants will, of course, thoroughly clean your teeth and remove any plaque buildup, which is the precursor to periodontal disease. In the early stage, periodontal disease is known as gingivitis, the commonly recognized symptom of which is gum bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth. As the disease advances to become periodontitis, symptoms may include swollen gums, bad breath and loose teeth. You can avoid this condition with the Grand Dental Studio FREE First Visit.

Beyond this thorough cleaning and evaluation of the health of your gums, at your Free First Visit we will carefully examine each of your teeth for any signs of tooth decay. If found, then Dr. Kirk will likely recommend a tooth-colored filling to repair the tooth and maintain your white smile. Without treatment, a small cavity can grow and necessitate a more complex—and more expensive—therapy, such as root canal, a porcelain onlay or crown for more extensive decay, or even tooth extraction. Unfortunately, a small cavity left untreated can destroy an entire tooth and spread to surrounding teeth.

Likewise, a cracked tooth can cause pain or break off and create additional problems. Your FREE First Visit also includes x-rays, so we will be able to detect any hidden spots of decay or infection below the gum line that would otherwise be unapparent to the naked eye.

Your Partners in Dental Health

At your FREE First Visit, we’ll also help your take better care of your teeth at home by showing you how to properly brush and floss in order for your hygiene routine to have the most beneficial results. For example, did you know that you should be using a soft toothbrush when you brush your teeth and that a thorough brushing lasts at least two full minutes? If you have any questions for us about your oral health, we’ll be glad to answer them at your Grand Dental Studio FREE First Visit.

Schedule an Appointment Today

To schedule your FREE First Visit, call the office of Grand Dental Studio in Oklahoma City, OK. Dr. Kirk and his gentle hygienists are waiting to treat you and your family to our professional and compassionate care. We proudly serve patients from the surrounding communities of Midwest City, Deer Creek, Yukon, Edmond, Moore, Nichols Hills, and other neighboring areas.

Replace Missing Teeth and Restore Your Natural Smile with New Dental Implants in OKC

March 2, 2015

Teeth are meant to last a lifetime. However, for many of us, this just isn’t possible. Problems with gum disease, decay, and injury can all lead to adult tooth loss. But this doesn’t mean you have to give up on having a full and healthy smile. By replacing missing teeth with new dental implants from the Grand Dental Studio, you can improve your overall appearance and preserve your long term health. Schedule your personalized dental implants consultation appointment with Dr. Kirk today. Grand Dental Studio is the premier implant dentistry of Oklahoma City, now proudly renewing smiles daily throughout OKC, Midwest City, Deer Creek, Yukon, Edmond, Moore, Nichols Hills, and the surrounding communities.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants are actually small metal posts that can be surgically positioned in the jawbone beneath your gums. Once in place, they can be used to securely mount replacement teeth like dental crowns or dentures. Because dental implants can fully fuse with your jawbone, they provide permanent and stable support for artificial teeth.

Why Choose Dental Implants Instead of Other Restorative Methods?

Dentures and dental bridges mounted to dental implants won’t slip or shift and can improve both eating and speaking abilities. Dental implant secured tooth replacements also feel more natural than conventional dental bridges and dentures. For many patients, traditional bridges and dentures are simply not comfortable enough for daily support, and often cause soreness and gagging. Traditional bridges must be attached to healthy teeth on either side of the space left by a missing tooth. With dental implants no adjacent teeth are reduced or made vulnerable to hold your new tooth in place. Additionally, dental implants are the only restorative option which can stop tooth loss related bone loss and preserve your youthful facial features.

Two Types of Dental Implants

There are two main types of dental implants, full sized and mini implants. For patients who lack the minimum bone density requirements to receive full dental implants, mini dental implants are a great alternative.

Full Dental Implants are surgically implanted directly into the jawbone. Once the surrounding gum tissue has healed, a secondary surgery is needed to connect an abutment post before an artificial tooth replacement can be attached.
Mini Dental Implants consist of a metal frame that is fitted onto the jawbone just below the gum tissue. As the gums heal, the frame fuses to the jawbone. Abutment posts, which are already attached to the frame, protrude through the gums so that artificial teeth can then be mounted.

OKC Dental Implants Consultations

For many patients, tooth loss creates problem after problem after problem. However, many of these problems can be resolved with new dental implants. New dental implants will allow you to look and feel better, regain confidence, and improve your overall quality of life. Schedule a dental implants consultation appointment with Dr. Kirk today to get started. Grand Dental Studio is the leading Oklahoma City implant dentistry, now delivering quality care daily throughout OKC, Midwest City, Deer Creek, Yukon, Edmond, Moore, Nichols Hills, and neighboring areas.

Don’t Miss Out! Receive $500 off Invisalign Orthodontics in the Month of February

February 17, 2015

Do you love your smile? Following a conscientious oral home care routine and always showing up for your six-month checkups are great habits that will definitely protect your long term oral health. However, if your teeth are severely misaligned, crowded, spaced, or twisted, you may still be dissatisfied with your smile. But are bulky metal braces really the only solution? Not anymore! Today you can achieve the straight, “picture perfect” smile you’ve always wanted with new Invisalign orthodontics. But that’s not all. We’re making it easier than ever to get started with Invisalign. If you choose Invisalign treatment from Dr. Kirk in the month of February, you’ll automatically receive $500 off your treatment cost! At Grand Dental Studio we want you to love your smile, but time may be running out on this special deal. Schedule the Invisalign consultation you need with Dr. Kirk today. Grand Dental Studio is the trusted orthodontics destination of OKC, now proudly restoring smiles daily throughout Oklahoma City, OK, Midwest City, Deer Creek, Yukon, Edmond, Moore, Nichols Hills, and the surrounding communities.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Consultation

Invisalign uses a series of removable, custom, clear plastic aligners to incrementally reposition your teeth.
The Invisalign method requires a series of dental impressions to be taken to first determine the optimal position of your teeth. These impressions and photographs can be taken during your initial consultation.
Dr. Kirk will create a 3D digital projection of how your teeth could be realigned in stages. This projection forms the basis for developing a series of custom fabricated clear aligners which can accomplish that movement.

Fabrication

Invisalign aligners are manufactured at the Invisalign dental labs using stat-of-the-art computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology.
The finished aligners are then sent to Dr. Kirk, who will dispense them in groups of one or two at a time during regular progress monitoring appointments (about once every four to six weeks).

Treatment

Each aligner must be worn in its specific order for about two weeks, for at least 20 hours per day. Your teeth will be moved in increments of about .25 millimeters to .33 millimeters at a time.
Your aligners will be easily removable for eating, drinking, brushing, flossing, or for special occasions.
A typical Invisalign treatment requires 20 to 30 aligners for both the upper and lower teeth, with most treatments taking no longer that a year. However, treatment times do vary from patient to patient.

OKC Invisalign Orthodontics Consultations

Remember, our $500 off Invisalign clear braces is a limited time offer, so schedule an Invisalign consultation with Dr. Kirk today. Grand Dental Studio is the leading orthodontics destination of Oklahoma City, now proudly restoring smiles daily throughout OKC, Midwest City, Deer Creek, Yukon, Edmond, Moore, Nichols Hills, and neighboring areas.

Celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month! Schedule Your Child’s Dental Checkup Appointment Today

February 2, 2015

Has your child seen a dentist lately? Sometimes, parents are confused by dental health recommendations for children, but as soon as your child’s first tooth appears, it’s time to schedule a children’s dental visit. Every February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of children’s oral health. Celebrate your child’s dental health and make an appointment with Dr. Kirk for your child’s next dental checkup today. Dr. Kirk is a pediatric dentistry expert. Grand Dental Studio delivers quality pediatric dental care daily throughout Oklahoma City, OK, Midwest City, Deer Creek, Yukon, Edmond, Moore, Nichols Hills, and the surrounding communities.

What Is Children’s Dental Health Month All About?

The month-long national observance brings together thousands of dedicated dental professionals, educators, and families to promote the benefits of good oral health for children, their caregivers, teachers, and others. This year’s theme is centered on defeating “Monster Mouth” and features the McGrinn Twins, Flossy and Buck, along with their next-door neighbors, Den and Gen Smiley and K-9 the dog. They are all fighting to defeat “Plaqster the Monster” for good oral health. Older children and teens can also benefit from the messages demonstrating effective ways to defeat monster mouth and maintain good oral health by always brushing, flossing, rinsing, and choosing healthy snacks. Resources are provided to help speakers, teachers, and others communicate the importance of oral hygiene to children of all ages.

How to Prepare Your Child for Their Next Dental Checkup

First, consider making a morning appointment when children tend to be more rested and cooperative.
Keep any dental anxiety or concerns you have to yourself. Children can pick up on your emotions, so always emphasize the fun and positive.
Never use a dental visit as a punishment or threat.
Never bribe your child with cavity causing treats.
Talk with your child about visiting the dentist and role play so they can get used to the idea early on.

Oklahoma City Children’s Dental Checkup Appointments

Developing good oral hygiene habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental checkups will ensure your child gets a head start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Make a dental checkup appointment with Dr. Kirk for your child today. Grand Dental Studio is a family friendly dentistry, now proudly restoring smiles daily throughout OKC, Midwest City, Deer Creek, Yukon, Edmond, Moore, Nichols Hills, and nearby cities.

Learn more about the ADA and National Children’s Dental Health Month here:

http://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/national-childrens-dental-health-month

OKC Pediatric Dentistry Advice to Protect Your Child’s Dental Health

January 5, 2015

Oral Health Is Important at Every Age and Every Stage. Encouraging your child to practice proper oral health care and keeping up with their pediatric dentistry checkups, will go a long way to ensure their dental health today, and for the rest of their lives. Make your child’s next pediatric dental appointment with Dr. Kirk and the family friendly team at Grand Dental Studio today. Dr. Kirk is a highly qualified family dentist. Grand Dental Studios proudly serves patients of all ages throughout OKC, Midwest City, Deer Creek, Yukon, Edmond, Moore, Nichols Hills, and the surrounding communities.

How Do Pediatric Dentistry Appointments Protect Your Child’s Smile?

Regular dental cleanings will prevent decay and promote a lifetime of healthy dental behavior.
Regular dental cleanings can help your child prevent gum disease and the loss of their permanent teeth.
Regular dental cleanings remove the decay causing tartar that can’t be removed by brushing alone.
Regular dental cleanings get rid of stains that can’t be removed with brushing and flossing.
Regular dental checkups will ensure that malocclusion issues are addressed in the earliest stages.
Dr. Kirk can protect your child’s teeth from decay with dental sealants and fluoride treatments.

Seven Pediatric Dentistry Tips to Promote Your Child’s Healthy Smile

Make sure your child uses fluoride based toothpaste for maximum protection from dental decay.
Use only a pea-sized dab of toothpaste for children aged 3-6, and only slightly more for older children.
Teach your child to spit out and not swallow toothpaste when they’re done brushing.
For children under 3, start brushing their teeth with a children’s toothbrush and no more than a grain of rice sized quantity of fluoride toothpaste.
Teach your child to place the toothbrush at an angle against their gums as they brush.
Teach your child to move the brush back and forth in short, gentle strokes.
Teach your child to always brush the front, back, and top of their teeth.

OKC Pediatric Dentistry Appointments

Be proactive with your child’s dental health. Make an appointment with Dr. Kirk for your child’s dental checkup and cleaning today. Dr. Kirk is a trusted pediatric dentistry expert. Grand Dental Studio proudly serves families daily throughout OKC, Midwest City, Deer Creek, Yukon, Edmond, Moore, Nichols Hills, and nearby cities.

A Note from Dr. Kirk: How We Provide Patient Centered Dental Care

December 8, 2014

right_kirk I recently celebrated my 50^th birthday. With the passage of another year in life, and in dentistry, I began thinking of the old saying, “the more things change, the more things stay the same.” Even though time and technology continues to change how dentistry is practiced, there are certain aspects that will always remain the same. One of the most important factors that will never change is how well we treat our patients. This got me to thinking about your patient experience at Grand Dental Studio.

For Patient Centered Dental Care, Good Communication Is Key

For the past five years, we have used Demandforce software for appointment scheduling and patient reviews. With Demandforce, the front office team manages scheduling and utilizes the patient appointment reminder system. This technology enables us to deliver appointment reminders via email, text, or both. Using this system has significantly increased the efficiency of our scheduling and patient communication. The Demandforce platform also sends out our patient survey questionnaires after each appointment. Every couple of days our team members review this survey data. I am proud to say that over 98% of our surveys are extremely positive, and we now have over 700 surveys in the system. You can see them yourself here. Though not every patient uses email, over 90% of our patients communicate with us using email or texting technology.

Patient Centered Improvements

The question is: What about the 2% of patient surveys that are not positive? This amounts to fewer than 7 patients in the last five years. We use these surveys as our baseline for continual patient centered practice improvements. During our weekly team meeting we spend a lot of time going over this survey data. We walk through our processes step-by-step, and talk about how well we are communicating with each patient. We then determine practical steps we can take to make it right. In our minds, the patient always comes first. This is the essence of a patient centered approach to dental care. While new technology helps improve our efficiency, our commitment to patient satisfaction will never change. At Grand Dental Studio, we think “patient first.” Each one of our team members is instructed to listen closely to patient concerns. Personally, I always try and give my patients several treatment options. While we are upfront with our patients in regards to options and costs of treatment, our ultimate goal is that every patient gains a lifetime of good oral health and a confident smile. We believe that dentistry can change lives and we want all of our patients to have Oklahoma’s Best Dental Experience.

Patient Centered Dental Care in OKC

So, ten years ago, I would lose sleep for several nights over one negative review. With age however, I have learned that improvement is a process, and each negative review is an opportunity for us to get better at what we love to do. Now, I celebrate the patient transformations that happen every day and only lose a couple of hours of sleep over that one negative review! I know that my role is not only to take care of our patients, but to also lead our clinical team on a mission toward constant improvement. This last part is easy because our entire team shares a love of dentistry. Each day we look forward to taking care of you and your family. In October, I was humbled to receive over 50 birthday wishes from our patients. I feel very lucky to have such a great team of dental professionals to practice with, and I am very grateful that you’ve chosen us to deliver the quality dental care that you and your family deserve.

We are very fortunate to be a part of your community, and we are very proud to be the trusted dentistry for families throughout OKC, Midwest City, Deer Creek, Yukon, Edmond, Moore, Nichols Hills, and the surrounding communities. For your next patient centered dental appointment, contact us today.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael Kirk

Mike_signature

Top 3 Reasons to Maximize Your Dental Insurance Benefits Before December 31st!

October 27, 2014

513884757 2014 is drawing to a close and before you know it, the New Year will be upon us. This time of year always seems to fly by, especially if you’re busy planning for the holidays. At Grand Dental Studio in Oklahoma City, OK, Dr. Michael K. Kirk would like to take this opportunity to offer an important reminder regarding dental insurance benefits, a topic that may not necessarily be something at the forefront of your mind toward the end of the year. Today, we’d like to talk about the top three reasons that your dental benefits should be a subject of real priority, particularly during the last few months of 2014.

Maximizing Your Dental Benefits in OKC

Everyone wants to make the most of their hard-earned money when seeking healthcare, and getting the dental treatment you need and deserve should be no different. The following factors are among the important reasons to utilize your dental benefits before December 31^st.

Yearly maximum allowed. This is the maximum amount of coverage that is offered by your plan over the course of a year. If you only utilize a small portion of this coverage and your plan resets on January 1^st, any remaining benefits are forfeited.
Keep your deductible in mind. A deductible is an amount that a patient is required to pay out of pocket before his or her dental benefits begin to cover the cost of treatment. After the deductible requirement has been fulfilled, your coverage kicks in, allowing you to fully utilize your benefits. Unfortunately, many patients end up paying their deductible and then never follow up with their dentist; this means that their benefits go unused for the remainder of the year. The amount of a deductible varies from plan to plan and between employers, so ask your human resources department for more information if you are unsure about this cost.
Make your monthly premiums count. If any portion of your monthly income is going toward payment for a dental insurance plan, it only stands to reason that you should be taking full advantage of your benefits. Make your dental coverage work for you rather than against your wallet.

Getting the most from your dental benefit plan isn’t only about making sure you get your money’s worth. Twice yearly visits to our OKC dental office help keep your teeth and gums healthy, which can actually protect your overall physical health as well. Major health concerns like heart disease and even some kinds of cancer have been linked to poor periodontal health, so be sure to schedule your six month dental checkup with Dr. Kirk before year’s end.

Visit Your OKC Dentist Today

The majority of dental benefit plans follow a calendar year schedule, which means that on January 1^st, your benefits reset. If you haven’t utilized your dental benefits to their fullest by now, it’s time to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kirk at Grand Dental Studio. Contact us today to reserve your visit with our caring, experienced team in Oklahoma City, OK. Our state-of-the-art dental practice proudly serves families from throughout OKC and the surrounding areas, including Midwest City, Deer Creek, Yukon, Edmond, Moore, Nichols Hills, and beyond.

Plastic in Your Toothpaste? Understanding Microbeads with Dr. Kirk in OKC

September 22, 2014

469667769 Have you ever noticed the tiny blue, green, or red particles in your toothpaste? Many toothpaste brands on the market today include these little colored dots, but what are they and what function do they serve? At Grand Dental Studio in Oklahoma City, OK, Dr. Michael K. Kirk and his team emphasize the importance of patient education in all aspects of oral health, and today we’d like to cover the recently popular subject of microbeads in toothpaste.

What are Microbeads in Toothpaste?

Microbeads are tiny spheres of a colored plastic called polyethylene. They are added to many toothpaste brands for aesthetic reasons, and they do not offer any oral health benefit. Crest, a widely loved toothpaste brand, has recently decided to remove microbeads from their toothpastes after complaints from dentists from across the country. Some states have already made moves to ban microbeads from other products, including body wash, facial cleansers, and shampoos. Environmental concerns have also surfaced as microbeads have been found in soil and in multiple bodies of fresh water.

Are Microbeads Dangerous?

Proctor & Gamble, the manufacturer of Crest toothpaste, states that microbeads are completely safe, but many dentists still disagree. The tiny plastic beads have been found embedded in their patients’ gums, a problem that can potentially lead to irritation and inflammation of the gingival pockets. This can serve as the ideal breeding environment for the harmful bacteria that cause gum disease.

At Grand Dental Studio, our doctor recommends that patients who are concerned about microbeads simply switch to regular, white toothpaste without the colorful additives. Choose a toothpaste that bears the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance to ensure that the product has been properly tested and proven effective. As always, if you have any questions regarding your home hygiene routine, Dr. Kirk and his team are happy to help.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment, and discover the difference that our commitment to patient satisfaction can make in your next dental experience. Our Oklahoma City, OK office proudly serves patients from throughout the surrounding areas as well, including Nichols Hills, Moore, Midwest City, Edmond, Deer Creek, Yukon, and the greater OKC area.

Ways You Can Prevent Heart Disease

August 18, 2014

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On average, 600,000 Americans die of heart disease every year, and is also the leading cause of death in men and women. Every year, 720,000 Americans experience a heart attack, 515,000 of those being their first. Heart disease is something that should never be taken lightly, and it is important to be well-informed as to how to prevent it affecting your body and your family. The American Heart Association has a few simple tips for people of all ages in order to avoid heart disease, leading them down the path of exceptional heart health. Dr. Michael Kirk wants his patients to know clever ways they can prevent heart disease so they can have a full life.

When you are in your 20s, it is important to find a doctor that you trust and have regular wellness exams performed. By doing this, you are making sure that everything in your body is working well, and working well together. Your doctor knowing your diet and lifestyle are important in preventing heart disease, and will be able to perform heart-health screenings. Make sure you are as physically active as possible and avoid all tobacco-based products, steering clear from even secondhand smoke. In your 30s, being informed on your family history of heart disease is an important step in deterrence. When you are better informed as to the history your family has with heart disease, the more you are able to take the proper steps in order to prevent it. Also, avoiding or managing long-term stress is important in having a healthy heart, as stress only increases your blood pressure, causing your arteries to damage.

In your 40s, paying close attention to your weight and having your blood sugar level checked are very important. In your 40s, your metabolism starts to slow down, and any weight that is gained puts more stress on your heart in order to perform properly. By the time you are 45, you should have a fasting blood glucose test done, and should continue to do so every three years. Being more aware of your or your partner’s sleep apnea is also very important, as sleep apnea can lead to stroke, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

In your 50s and 60s, it is important that you are knowledgeable of the warning signs of heart disease and stroke. If you know what you look for, you have a better chance of noticing symptoms earlier and preventing things from becoming worse over the course of time. Focusing on a healthy diet is also important, eating a lot of fruits and vegetables, and having some meals that do not contain meat. If you are on any sort of treatment plan, it is crucial that you stick to the plan as closely as possible. Also, having an ankle-brachial index test done in your 60s is important. This test is able to measure the amount of plaque that has built up in the arteries of your leg, and can eventually lead to your heart. All of these helpful tips are definitely important in making sure you have a healthy heart for years to come!

If you are interested in learning more about how you can prevent heart disease, visit the American Heart Association website. At Grand Dental Studio, we are able to take care of all of your cosmetic, restorative, or general dentistry services! Call us today at Grand Dental Studio to schedule your appointment. Our Oklahoma City dental office is conveniently located for patients who live or work in the greater OKC area.

Same-Day Emergencies with Dr. Michael Kirk

July 9, 2014

shutterstock_141133663 The doctors at Grand Dental Studio understand that in life, nothing is planned and expected at all times. Sometimes accidents happen, whether it is a child falling and scraping their knee, or spilling red wine on a white carpet. There are some accidents, though, that require immediate attention, like a dental accident. If you have ever found yourself in any sort of dental emergency and your dentist was not available, you may have felt helpless in your situation. Luckily, Dr. Michael Kirk is able to handle it immediately.

A dental emergency, such as pain or swelling, is something that should be handled right away. We strive to make sure you are as calm and well taken care of as possible, as we understand emergencies can be a scary time. A member of our team is on call 24/7, weekends included, always making sure that when you need us, we will be there to help alleviate you of your pain. Because our patients mean so much to us, we want to provide them with the upmost personal care, even during emergencies, which is why we are always available to them.

If you ever find yourself in a dental emergency, contact our patient care coordinator at (405) 848-3719. Dr. Kirk serves patients with dental emergencies who reside in Oklahoma City, Bethany, Midwest City, Moore, Edmond, Nichols Hills, Kingfisher, and the surrounding areas. If you are not from the OKC area, we will be more than happy to help arrange your travel plans, schedule, and anything else you may need help with!

If you are experiencing an oral-related emergency and need to see Dr. Kirk immediately, contact our Oklahoma City dental office at once. Our Oklahoma City dental office is conveniently located for patients who live or work in the greater OKC area.