10 minute read
Nina Radcliff, MD
Mother’s Day
Moms have “super” powers. Mom-power goes beyond ordinary to extraordinary to nurture at every turn. How about those supreme abilities for keeping all the plates spinning of life’s daily demands while patiently engaging in the moment with us? Or, the divine relief that overflows in everything from kissing our boo-boos to the 6th sense of “just knowing” what we need to giving “the” wisdom and insight for processing the dynamics of life? Oh, how about “those” powers to speak with their eyes … and supersonic hearing!! They are superhuman – our superheroes.
Advertisement
That’s a lot of responsibility. Thus, it is no surprise that many mothers will put taking care of their own health on the back burner.
Dr. Nina’s What You Need To Know
About Health Screenings Every Woman Should Undergo BLOOD PRESSURE
Why? Increased blood pressure can elevate your risk for heart disease, stroke and kidney damage. Early detection allows for lifestyle changes and medications that can decrease disease burden. Symptoms of increased blood pressure are usually not obvious, until the damage has been done. What? Involves placing a cuff around your biceps and inflating it, followed by slowly deflating the cuff. A single high reading does not necessarily mean you have hypertension. Your health care provider will likely want to repeat the measurement at the end of a visit, or have you check it at home or at a pharmacy. When? Age 20 years How often? Every 2 years if it is below 120/80 mm Hg. When higher, your health care provider will likely want to check it more often.
BONE DENSITY SCREENING
Why? To diagnose osteoporosis or bone weakness and try to slow down the progression, before breaking a bone. What? A bone density test uses X-rays to measure how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals are packed into a segment of bone. The bones that are most commonly tested are in the spine, hip and forearm. Although you must lie still, there is no pain or discomfort involved. When? 65 years of age or older. Screening may be recommended earlier if there are risk factors for osteoporosis such as a fracture from normal activity, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease, early menopause, history of breast cancer, significant loss of height, smoking, family history of osteoporosis, use of steroid medications for more than one month, use of thyroid hormone replacement or increased alcohol consumption. How often? Every 2 years. However, it may be appropriate to wait longer. Discuss with your health care provider to determine what is best for you.
FASTING BLOOD SUGAR
Why? Symptoms of diabetes and pre-diabetes come on slowly and may not be obvious. Diabetes can cause numerous issues including blindness, heart attacks, stroke, nerve damage and kidney failure. Early detection and appropriate management can decrease the chance of having these complications. What? A fasting blood sample is drawn. We are considered normal if less than 100 mg/dL; Prediabetic if 100-125 mg/dL; and Diabetic if greater than 125 mg/dL. When? Anyone older than age 45 should be screened. However, if you have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25, hypertension, sedentary lifestyle, polycystic ovary syndrome, gestational diabetes, a personal history of heart disease or close relatives with diabetes, screening should be performed earlier, regardless of age. How often? Every 3 years. If there are risk factors, your doctor may recommend more frequently.
DENTAL CHECKUP
Why? Many problems—cavities, gum disease, oral cancer—may not be obvious until they enter advanced stages. A dentist can spot a problem before it becomes a BIG problem. Additionally, research shows that dental issues can increase your risk of heart disease. What? Cleaning tartar, plaque, or stains; polishing with a rotating rubber cup or brush; X-rays on some visits; and an examination. Even if you maintain excellent oral hygiene (brushing, flossing), you still need to see your dentist. When? As children. Yes, as children. But don’t fret; it’s better late than never. How often? On average, twice a year. This varies depending on the risk of dental disease. Smokers, diabetics, people with current gum disease or with a chronic illness may need to see their dentist more frequently.
Additionally, talk with your doctor to discuss breast, colon, and cervical cancer screenings. Women, too often, put their own health on the backburner caring for others. Please join me this Mother’s Day in taking a pledge to lovingly remind the amazing women in our lives that their health needs to be at the top of their long list of things-to-do.
Nina Radcliff, M.D.,
is a practicing physician and a Board Certified Anesthesiologist. Often called upon by media to speak to medical health topics impacting our lives today, Dr. Nina is passionate about sharing truths for healthy, balanced living as well as wide preventative measures.
Kathy A. Banks, DMD
Board Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Your Expert in the Face, Mouth and Jaws
Office Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM (Mon. - Fri.)
• Bone Grafting •Dental Implants • General and Intravenous Anesthesia • Jaw Pathology and Reconstuctive Jaw Surgery
Tired of Your Ugly and Failing Dental Bridges? Fed Up with Your Dentures? Are Your Teeth a Constant Source of Pain and Embarrassment? You Don’t Have To Live Like This Anymore! Revitalize® Your Life
Dr. Kathy A. Banks is one of the most experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Ocean County providing dental implant surgical services. With Revitalize®, or “all-onfour” treatment, old dentures, missing teeth and failing dental restorations are replaced with new teeth that are connected to dental implants at the same time the dental implants are placed into the jaws, giving patients immediate results.
A RECENT SUCCESS
Diane was suffering. She was sick and tired of the pain and embarrassment of loose dentures and messy denture adhesives. Her dentures seemed to control her life. In one day, Diane’s life was changed. Now Diane is pain free, with secure and beautiful upper and lower teeth. No more dentures! No more adhesives! Diane can now chew and smile with confidence.
Diane’s result
Medical Professionals Medical Professionals 2731 If You Have Been Told You Are Not A Candidate For Dental Implants: SEE DR. BANKS! Put Your Best Face Forward
Often, patients are told that they are not candidates for dental implants because they “don’t have enough bone” or their “sinus is too low.” Maxillofacial Surgeon in delivering injectable facial fillers and rejuvenation products. Both conditions are correctable problems in almost all patients, according to Dr. Banks. When the gum ridge where teeth are missing is too thin to place a dental implant, bone grafting can be performed to correct the problem. What that means is that a bone replacement product, or even the patient’s own bone, can be placed into the deficient area, stabilized, and allowed to heal. Following healing, dental implants can be placed into that area and then restored with porcelain teeth. This procedure is called “ridge augmentation” and can be accomplished in both the top and bottom jaws. When teeth are missing, the sinus that lies above the top jaw will expand downward into the ridge and cause bone loss in the gum ridge. This is a correctable problem as well, according to Dr. Banks. “A Sub-Antral Sinus Augmentation – commonly called a ‘Sinus Lift Procedure’ – can be performed, sometimes even at the time of implant placement. This procedure increases the amount of bone in the area where we would like to place a dental implant. Again, a bone replacement product or even the patient’s own bone can be used.” A common misconception is that the bone is placed into the sinus. In reality, the sinus membrane is actually lifted up (hence to name “sinus lift”) back to where it should be, and the bone graft material is placed under the sinus membrane, restoring the gum ridge and the sinus contour together in one procedure. Dr. Banks incorporates state-of-the-art diagnostic procedures, such as 3D cone beam CT scanning of the face and jaws, to evaluate her patients for bone grafting procedures. “That way, I can accurately diagnose the magnitude of the bone loss in the area where we would like to place implants and the quality of the patient’s bone ridge in that area, and pre-plan the surgery to ensure the best possible outcome.” She also prepares and uses advanced biologic materials into grafting procedures such as L-PRF Dr. Banks’ experience with Botox® began in the mid 1990’s while working injections of Juvederm Ultra XC plus® to reduce the appearance of the nasolabial (Leukocyte-Platelet Rich Fibrin) which are made right in the office at the time of surgery. with patients with various temporomandibular joint problems. “In those days, folds (marionette lines) around the mouth and nose are the most common services And finally, there is a preconceived notion that these procedures are painful procedures. “There Botox® was not really given for cosmetic purposes, but to relax the tight chewing muscles to provide relief for patients with certain TMJ problems”, she says. sought by patients. The newest Allergan® product, Vollure XC®, is a versatile formulation that adds subtle volume for the correction of moderate to severe facial are multiple anesthesia options for the surgical part of the bone grafting process,” she says. “We offer Fast forward to the present day, with the significant advances in non- surgical wrinkles and folds. According to Dr. Banks, this second generation dermal filler has intravenous general anesthesia and sedation, nitrous oxide and local anesthesia” so that all her patients can treatments for esthetic facial concerns, surgical modalities are now considered for truly unique qualities, making it a very effective product with results lasting about be treated comfortably. some practitioners to be the “last resort” for treating the ageing face. eighteen months in many patients. “Of course, I’m making it sound easy but these procedures are technically demanding and take years of practice to gain the proper expertise. You only want your bone grafting procedures performed by a Dr. Banks is part of a team of oral and maxillofacial surgery specialists who conceived and delivered a series of State Board of Dentistry approved educational courses for other practitioners on the safe and effective delivery of injectable In addition to Botox® and the entire line up of Allergan® dermal fillers, Dr. Banks offers treatments with Kybella®, a revolutionary product for treatment of submental fullness. “This product is really amazing. It contains a powerful plant well-trained, ABOMS-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon.” pharmacologic agents. derived substance that breaks down fat cells, and they are gone for good!, she states.
Dr. Banks provides Botox® treatments, as well as a whole array of Allergan® The treatments are given in a series of three to five sessions and the results are For more information, call 609-488-2325 brand injectable fillers. A combination of these products can produce a lifting and smoothing appearance of the face. According to Dr. Banks, The upper facial rejuvenation procedure using Boxox® alone or in combination with Voluma permanent. “This product has completely replaced surgical liposuction in the area under the chin”, says Dr. Banks. If you look in the mirror, and see that you appear tired, or wrinkled, make or visit www.drbanksoms.comXC® to correct lost volume in the maxillofacial region of the cheeks, Volbella XC® to plump the lips and reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the mouth, an appointment with Dr. Banks to see what these products can do for you. Its summer! Time to put your best face forward!
Kathy A. Banks, DMD
8 AM - 5 PM (Mon. - Fri.)
Bone Grafting • Dental Implants General and Intravenous Anesthesia Jaw Pathology and Reconstuctive Jaw Surgery
