Mary Conery, one of our Registered Dental Hygienists, has decided that she is ready for retirement and will see her last patients at the end of June. She has been a dedicated member of our dental team for 21 years. We appreciate very much her devotion, ideas and the excellence she has put into making this dental practice a success. We’ve had many patients tell us, “Don’t ever let Mary retire!”  We tried….. but to no avail!  Her smile, laughter and warm, caring attitude toward patients and team members alike will certainly be missed.

As employers, Dr. Michelle and I are truly lucky and thankful to be surrounded by such a great team we have working at Crow Family Dentistry. Our employees, like Mary, have been with us for many years.  Some of us have grown up together in a way.  Myself, I’m still growing up!

We know you will miss Mary, as will we. She has been the perfect employee and is a good friend. Thank you, Mary, for your many years of service. You have made Crow Family Dentistry a better place and have served our patients well.

Please take a look at my interview of Mary. She has a message for you, our awesome patients, and gives some information about her career and her plans for retirement.

She has been announcing her retirement to patients for months now.  However, many of you may not get a chance to see her for treatment again before her last day with Crow Family Dentistry.

Please join us for an open house on June 15th from 6-8 pm at our office to say farewell to Mary. You will have a chance to meet Sue, our other dental hygienist, our new hygienist Kristen and other members of our team.

Don Crow, DDs

• The incidence of oral cancer increased 11% in the United States in 2007.

• Unlike several other cancers, the survival rate for oral cancer has remained unchanged for decades.

• The overall 5-year survival rate for oral cancer is 52%, but when discovered early, it increases to 80% – 90%.

• Unfortunately, only 35% of oral cancer cases are diagnosed in the early stages. Why? Because there have been few advances made in screening techniques.

• Pre-malignant changes actually start below the surface, at the basement membrane. These changes may not be apparent to the naked eye until the disease progresses to the surface

• The number of head and neck cancers linked to the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV) has increased sharply over the past two decades, and the virus now accounts for more cancers than tobacco or alcohol

  Read more: http://healthland.time.com/2011/10/05/hpv-linked-to-more-oral-cancers-than-smoking/#ixzz1fhomEzMx

The VELscope® System is a revolutionary hand-held device that provides dentists, hygienists, and other oral health care professionals with an easy-to-use adjunctive mucosal examination system for the early detection of abnormal tissue. The VELscope® System Handpiece emits a safe blue light into the oral cavity, which excites the tissue from the surface of the epithelium through to the basement membrane and into the stroma beneath, causing it to fluoresce. The clinician is then able to immediately view the different fluorescence responses to help differentiate between normal and abnormal tissue. In fact, the VELscope® System is the only adjunctive device cleared by the FDA to help discover oral mucosal lesions that might not be apparent or visible to the naked eye and to help surgeons determine the appropriate surgical margin for tumor excision.

At Crow Family Dentistry we offer to use our VELscope® System on all patients to supplement the visual oral cancer exam which we have always performed.  This examination is:

• Painless, non-invasive, with no rinses or stains required
• Quick.  It only one or two minutes
• Low cost.  Currently our fee is $15.

We are committed to saving lives!

So even though at Crow Family Dentistry we’re concerned about cavities, gum disease, bad breath and lots of saliva, we won’t use this month’s blog entry to gross you out about kissing. But we will tell you some interesting facts that you can tell your kissing partner right after they smack one on you!!

Anthropologists have argued for years about the origin of kissing. Many now believe that it has evolved from the time when mothers chewed food for their babies and then went mouth to mouth at feeding time. (Well, okay – we might gross you out a little bit!) This action became so comforting to babies that the habit continued even after they could chew for themselves, and then developed into a sign of affection.

Nowadays kisses aren’t just about romantic love. Of course parents kiss their children. Worshippers often kiss religious artifacts. Some people kiss the ground when exiting an airplane. And who doesn’t want to have a “boo boo” kissed when they get a bruise?

But February 14th is a day for the romantic kind of kiss, and if you are craving one, there may be a scientific reason. While this action can promote a psychological response of warmth and affection, it also causes your brain to secrete some important and productive chemicals, such as:

• Oxytocin, which helps people develop feelings of attachment, devotion and affection for one another
• Dopamine, which plays a role in the brain’s processing of emotions, pleasure and pain
• Serotonin, which affects a person’s mood and feelings
• Adrenaline, which increases heart rate and plays a role in your body’s fight-or-flight response

But along with that, when you kiss, hundreds or even millions of bacterial colonies are transported from one mouth to the other. And let’s face it – no one wants to kiss a person who has poor oral hygiene, bad breath, or just a generally yucky mouth. So let’s start with the basics:

• Make sure you brush at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste.
• Floss once per day – if you have trouble flossing or are not sure how, please ask! We’ll be glad to show you the ropes.
• Avoid sugary and acid-laden foods such as soft drinks, sports drinks, and candy. (Okay – we won’t tell anyone if you have a tiny bit of candy on Valentine’s Day!)
• Eat a well balanced diet including lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables, nuts and fiber.
• If you need to slip in a piece of gum or breath mint, make sure it contains Xylitol, which has been proven to reduce tooth decay.
• Drink plenty of water! This helps to rinse away food particles, and staying hydrated is good for fresh clean breath.
• See you dentist on a regular basis and call immediately if you suspect there are any problems with your oral condition.

Here at the office of Crow Family Dentistry, we want you to have a kissable February 14th and a lifetime of excellent dental health. If you have any questions or need to set up an appointment, please give us a call at (425) 258-2633.  We are here for you!

It turns out one group is more likely to have healthier gums, less plaque and tartar build-up, fewer areas of bleeding gums, and lower incidents of gum disease. This group also is twice as likely to schedule regular dental check-ups and is much better at following through with treatment recommended by their dentist.

To top it off, they have a better understanding of oral health and a more positive attitude about visiting the dentist! So just who are these dental superstars?

According to the Journal Of Periodontology, a professional journal which publishes articles on gum disease – it’s the “fairer sex” who has the advantage when it comes to dental health. Maybe it’s true that “the women are smarter!”

So does that mean females are less likely to have cavities, gum disease, tooth loss, and stinky breath? Sorry guys – the answer is yes.

The good news is – it seems to have nothing to do with genetics or the fact that women and men have a different chromosomal arrangement. It is purely because women take better care of their teeth and gums and see their dentists more regularly.

So how about it guys? It’s time to “get on the stick” – or at least the toothbrush. Start taking better care of your teeth and gums, and be sure to give us a call at 425-258-2633 to schedule your next appointment! And women – keep up the good work!

At  Crow Family Dentistry we care about ALL of our patients – men and women! We are always here for you to answer any questions you should have about your dental health. Give us a call today!

Like it or not, most of us go to the dentist routinely to keep our teeth and gums healthy because it’s what we’re supposed to do, not because it’s a favorite activity. But did you know that seventy-five percent of the population experience some sort of dental fear and fifteen percent actually avoid going to the dentist altogether due to severe anxiety? Infrequent dental visits or total avoidance can cause severe health problems, even heart disease.

Here at Crow Family Dentistry, we take fear of dental visits very seriously. We want to make each visit to the dentist as comfortable and stress free as possible. That’s why we do everything we can to communicate with you at your very first visit with us. Knowing a little of your history will help us determine what techniques we can use to make all of your experiences positive.

You are not alone if you suffer from anxiety at the dentist.
Whether it is fear of pain, fear of injury, the awful noise of the drill, smells or other, we can help. Painful treatment is a thing of the past. Even dental injections really shouldn’t hurt with the use of the new super topical anesthetics. Stereo headphones that let you choose your own music to drown out the sound of the drill or background noise are helpful for many. The high-tech laser we use for some procedures can make injections and drilling a thing of the past. And for many, we even offer sedation to help you through your visit with less anxiety. Both nitrous oxide gas and oral sedation medications such as Valium are routinely prescribed.

If we haven’t already addressed your dental fears, shame on us! Please be sure to bring this up at your next visit. We feel your dental health is so important that we take these extra steps to help you to continue to return for stress free dental care in order to stay as healthy as possible.
Please give us a call at 425-258-2633 to schedule your next appointment. With your comfort in mind, we will make sure that every visit is a great one!

It seemed that he had a daily swimming routine in his backyard pool but didn’t take the time to monitor the chemicals properly. This led to the pool water having a higher than normal acid content, resulting in severe dental damage.

According to Dr. Leila Jahangiri, chairwoman of NYU College of Dentistry Department of Prosthodontics, “Improperly maintained pool chlorination can cause rapid and excessive erosion of dental enamel. It is a difficult balance to maintain home pools properly. Proper pool chlorine and pH levels need to be monitored and maintained on a weekly basis.”

The fact is, we always need to be careful about things that can negatively affect our dental health. Many foods, including healthy fruits and vegetables, are high in acid content. And of course candies, sweets, sodas and sports drinks are loaded with sugar. These foods are all waiting to do a full out assault on your teeth! Brushing more than twice a day, after consuming acidic foods/drinks and aggressive brushing with a hard toothbrush may compromise the tooth surface.

Medications and other factors that can cause dry mouth can also threaten your dental health. And now it seems even a swimming pool can do your teeth harm!

At Crow Family Dentistry, we care about you, your teeth and gums, and your overall health. Please make sure to brush at least two times per day, especially after exposing your teeth to potentially harmful substances. However, it is recommended to wait a minimum of an hour to allow your natural saliva to neutralize the acid attack and for teeth to remineralize. The acids in many foods soften the tooth enamel, making them vulnerable to damage from brushing. Rinsing your mouth with water won’t speed up the process. An hour after meal is enough time for the acids to clear away and the enamel to re-harden.

And don’t forget to floss either! (If you are not sure how to use dental floss or can’t do it comfortably, be sure to ask one of our friendly team members for instructions!).

Most importantly, don’t forget that your regular dental visit is not “just a check-up” – it’s a crucial part of your overall health care.

If you have any questions about this or any other issue, we are here for you! Please give us a call at 425-258-2633. And this winter, for those with access to a heated pool, please enjoy swimming – but don’t forget your pearly whites!

Some of the topics covered will be cosmetic dentistry, emergency dental care, teeth whitening, and much more. Also we will provide information on how your dentist may be able to help with sleep apnea and snoring problems.

So check back regularly for the latest posts like our facebook page to get notifications of new posts when they come out.

Your first contact with our office will be with our highly skilled, caring business staff. They will greet you courteously and will work patiently with you to schedule your appointments. Our staff is available to assist you with several payment options and if applicable, they will assist you on maximizing any insurance benefits and predetermining insurance estimates.

Our clinical staff includes experienced, professional dental assistants. They share a combined 67 years in the dental industry. They all have advanced training in expanded duties and help Drs.’ Crow to deliver excellent chair-side treatment. Their goal is to help provide a relaxing, comfortable experience with every visit to our office. The clinical assistants also provide an optimum sterile environment and uphold OSHA/WISHA standards for your safety.

Our licensed dental hygiene team is a talented group committed to maintaining your oral health. They have excellent clinical skills, and knowledge of new local drug delivery treatments and they are certified and trained in the treatment of non-surgical laser periodontal therapy. Each of them strives to educate every one of our patients on ways to prevent dental disease. Their diligence and gentle care in our newly remodeled hygiene department will keep you coming back.

Introducing Our Team

-Patient Care Coordinator Betty “I started my career with a dental insurance company, but moved quickly into the dental office because I was so impressed with how much the dental staff cared about the patients welfare.  I’ve been with Drs. Crow 12 years and I am proud to be a part of such a caring, professional team.  I enjoy cooking and camping and I’m the mother of two wonderful daughters.”

-Registered Dental Assistant Calli “I have been a dental assistant here is Everett for 17 years, of which 13 of those have been at Crow Family Dentistry.  I am a huge animal lover and I’ve been happily married for 14 years. We currently have a dog, a cat, fish and chickens. I love spending time with my friends and family. I also enjoy gardening, shopping, exercising and hiking with my husband and dog.”

-Patient Care Coordinator Jody “I have over 19 years of experience in the dental field and have enjoyed working on the Crow Family Dentistry team for the past 7 1/2 years.  I am a Washington native and enjoy exercising, shopping, and spending time with my husband and dog Abby.  It has been a pleasure being in a career and spending so much time with a team that is like a second family.  Working in the dental field has been very rewarding.  I enjoy meeting people and helping them get beautiful smiles.”

Registered Dental Hygienist Mary I have been a dental hygienist since 1978 and joined this dental practice in September 1991.  I love being able to help patients overcome their fears and anxieties relating to dental treatment.  It is gratifying  to see them emerge from their challenges of walking through the door, to looking forward to their next visit.  The ability to monitor how their dental health evolves through our suggestions and treatments is humbling as well.  But when I stop using the term patient and substitute friend, I know I have crossed a barrier that I cherish the most.  We, at Crow Family Dentistry, take great pride in offering this compassion.  When you don’t see me in the dental office, I share my life with my husband Jim and our two adult children, Michael and Megan.  I love staying physically fit via many forms of activity, as well as play the piano, cook, and tend to my many flowers.

-Registered Dental Assistant Chelsea “I have been a dental assistant for the past 18 years and for the last 13 years I’ve worked with Drs. Don and Michelle Crow.  I truly love the team I work with here at Crow Family Dentistry.  Patient care is our top priority and I feel proud to be a part of such an awesome group of people.  I really enjoy the interaction with our patients.  I take pride in helping our patients relax and helping them achieve the smile they want.  I enjoy camping, going to concerts and especially spending time with my husband and son.”

-Registered Dental Assistant -Karen “I grew up in the Everett area and started my dental career in high school as a part time helper after school. Needless to say I have been a dental assistant for many years.  I have worked in this office for 23 years. What I love about Crow Family Dentistry is that we are like a family.  This is by far the best team I have worked with and I am grateful to work with such an amazing group of people.  What I enjoy most about dentistry is the relationships with our patients.  I have developed many special bonds and great friends over the years. There have been so many improvements in dentistry and Drs. Don and Michelle Crow are great at introducing new technology to the office.  I am married to a great man and we have a springer spaniel, Gracey, (who truly springs) and Kitty who is 17 (and doesn’t care for the spring).  I enjoy anything outdoors, golf, hiking, skiing, gardening, see new places and meeting new people.”