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What can I do to improve my vision? Are there alternatives to back surgery? Can I do anything about varicose veins? Whatever your health issue, our area is home to many fine experts who can help you identify an effective course of action. This month, they share answers to some of readers’ top questions.
Q: What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
A: Cosmetic dentistry is the fastest changing area in dentistry today. Research is developing new and better ways to repair damage to our teeth. Cosmetic dentistry can make changes in the shape and color of our teeth. The latest developments in dentistry include tooth whitening treatments, micro-abrasion, bonding and veneers. These techniques can whiten and improve the shape and color of your teeth, even close gaps. For example, veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic material, which are bonded to the front of your teeth. This procedure requires little or no anesthesia, and can be the ideal choice for improving the appearance of your smile. Veneers are placed to mask discolorations, to brighten teeth, and to improve your smile. They are highly resistant to permanent staining from coffee, tea, or even cigarette smoking.
Tooth whitening treatments are becoming increasingly popular as extensive research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe. In fact many dentists consider whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available. The complete procedure takes less than an hour. The procedure begins with a preparation period followed by as little as 45 minutes of bleaching.
Contact Hilton Head Dental at 681-6200 or 705-7675.
Q: Is endovenous laser ablation for varicose veins safe and effective?
A: Yes. Five-year results in thousands of patients have demonstrated that this procedure is more effective than traditional vein stripping and successful in more than 95% of patients. This is a safe procedure with very rare side effects. More than 95% of patients have been satisfied in the short term as well as the long term since there is a very high success rate and minimal discomfort and recovery. This procedure is usually covered by insurance if you have pain, aching or swelling and have attempted compression stockings, weight control and elevation for 3-6 months sometime in the past. This procedure does not require hospitalization; it is an office procedure and takes less than one hour. The recovery period is minimal and we encourage walking the same day and returning to normal activities the next day. Contact The Vein Center at Savannah Vascular Institute by calling (912) 350-VEIN (8346).
Q: What is MRI?
A: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a method used by physicians to look inside the human body. MRI systems are able to generate high-quality images through the use of a safe and effective magnetic field, making MRI a convenient procedure for most patients. MRI technology produces the best diagnostic images available to give physicians information about the body’s soft tissues without using radiation or radioactive substances. MRI can yield images of all parts of the body and is effective in evaluation of brain disorders, traumatic injuries, tumor detection, infection and more. You will be asked to lie still on a table that is part of the MRI machine. The procedure is painless, but you will notice a thumping sound as images are taken.
Call HealthSouth Diagnostic Center of Hilton Head at 689-6010 for more information.
Q: What are the advantages of having an Open MRI?
A: With Open MRI, a revolutionary design that is non-enclosed, almost all patients are readily able to obtain the test and achieve very high quality medical images. Because patients are significantly less anxious, they are able to remain still during the procedure, thus allowing for very clear diagnostic images with minimal motion artifact. Open MRI also allows for iso-center images of off-center anatomy. This makes it superior for some forms of mus-culoskeletal imaging such as an ankle, knee or wrist. Open systems are quieter and more comfortable for patients and are rapidly becoming a preferred choice for many healthcare consumers.
Call Southern MRI at 815-4600.
Q: It is typically recommended that people visit their dentist at least twice per year, or every six months, for a routine examine and cleaning. Is this really necessary, particularly if I am not experiencing discomfort and my teeth appear to be fairly clean and white?
A: Health experts agree that visiting your dental professional every six months is critical for various reasons.
For one, while you may not currently be experiencing discomfort, your dentist and his staff are trained professionals who can confirm that your teeth and gums are healthy and help you maintain a healthy mouth. They can also identify any issues which may currently be minor, but have potential to develop into more serious health issues. Additionally, some studies have reported a correlation between good dental health and prevention of other illnesses, such as heart disease.
Dr. Kowalyk and his highly qualified staff can help you achieve and maintain great dental health. Call 682-3030.
Q: What is spinal decompression therapy?
A: Spinal decompression is a revolutionary non-surgical and drug free therapy developed to relieve painful symptoms associated with herniated or bulging discs, facet syndromes, degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis, pinched nerves and other spinal afflictions.
Spinal decompression therapy uses computer-aided technology to apply gentle non-surgical traction to your spine, increasing circulation into the spinal discs and joints, thus helping these structures to heal naturally and relieve the symptoms associated with these conditions.
Spinal Decompression Therapy is safe gentle and effective. In many instances patients are so relaxed during the treatment that they fall asleep.
Spinal Decompression Therapy has received FDA Clearance as a Class II Medical Device. This procedure has been studied extensively over the past six years and has been clinically validated with up to an 86% success rate in patients previously thought to be surgical candidates. Thousands of patients have been successfully treated with Spinal Decompression Therapy. Call The Spinal Decompression Institute of Hilton Head at 342-3333.
Q: What is Custom LASIK?
A: Custom LASIK is a procedure that enables your surgeon to further customize the conventional LASIK procedure to your individual eyes.
Custom LASIK uses a wavefront analyzer to measure the way light travels through your eye. The wavefront analyzer creates a customized 3-D map of your eye that looks at your entire optical system. This map provides information about the unique visual characteristics of your eye which adds an additional level of data about your vision, enabling your surgeon to further customize your vision correction. Most LASIK patients usually see quite well the day following their procedure and may be able to resume most of their normal daily activities. Although the speed of visual recovery depends on personal healing patterns, most patients notice dramatic visual results within the first few days following their procedure.
Please call Hilton Head Laser Eye Center at 681-8655.
