Tammy Lauffer recieves the Crystal Apple Award for Teaching!

Dental Excellence would like to congratulate one of our very special patients, Tammy Lauffer, for receiving the Crystal Apple Award for teaching! The Crystal Apple award is given to teachers who dedicate themselves as true mentors to the students they teach. Watch the video below to see the Fox 4 team surprise Tammy with the award at her school.

Congratulations Tammy!!


 

The Dental Excellence Experience--What do our patients have to say?

For over 40 years, the team at Dental Excellence has been providing the community of Independence MO with the dental care and service that you desire and deserve. Our entire team works hard every day to ensure that our patients’ experience with dental treatment is nothing less than exceptional. Why don't we let some of our amazing patients tell you for themselves:

"My family has always had great experiences at Dental Excellence...and "great experience" is not something you typically associate with trips to the dentist. I would recommend Dental Excellence to anyone. Thanks DE!"
-Blake S

"Over the Years I have had many good Dentists but the service and staff at DENTAL EXCELLENCE is beyond fantastic."
-Joyce M.

"My sons have been coming to the office for a couple of years now, but I just had my first visit. My hygienist was the best I have ever had. Not only did she do an excellent job cleaning my teeth, she was extremely knowledgeable about my dental health and care needs. Also, the billing process is fully explained up front and is easy to read and understand exactly what the charges will be."
-Renee

"It has always been a pleasant experience whenever I come for dental work. There is never anything to dread I have always looked forward to each of my visits."
-James H.

"I found Dental Excellence after I had neglected my teeth for a long. Within a few months and a staff of true professionals I have a beautiful smile and dental implants that allow me enjoy anything I choose to eat. Thank You Dental Excellence!"
-Joyce S.

"Everyone is so nice and friendly. I'v never had to wait more then 5mins to be seen. Every one is always smiling and pleasant and business like. Going to the the dentist is my most unfavorable thing in life, but going to Dental Excellence makes it pleasant. THANK EVERYONE."
-Deborah B.

If you haven't had a visit with Dental Excellence yet, please give our office a call so we can schedule you for an appointment.

Have a great day!

-Drs. Lauren Carr, Mike Hawkins, John LaBarca, John Smith, Matt Wiley, and team

Ask Dental Excellence: What oral issues should I be aware of during pregnancy?

Maintaining your oral health is an important part of keeping your entire body well, and never more so than when you’re expecting. If you’re pregnant or considering pregnancy, schedule an appointment with us, and remember to raise the issue of your oral health at prenatal appointments with a Dental Excellence dentist.

If pregnant, you should be aware of the following oral health issues:

• Tooth Decay
Excessive morning sickness can also contribute to tooth decay, as the acids in your stomach introduced to the mouth during vomiting wear away the protective enamel coating on your teeth.

• Gingivitis & Gum Disease
This is a major issue. The precursor to gum disease is gingivitis, a condition in which plaque buildup on teeth irritates the gums, making them red, swollen and sensitive. The high levels of hormones in the bloodstream brought on by pregnancy exaggerate your gums’ reaction to irritation from plaque.

• Loose Teeth
Another risk faced during pregnancy is loosening teeth. The large amounts of hormones in your bloodstream can have an unfavorable affect on the bones and ligaments that create the foundation of your teeth, weakening them to the point that teeth may loosen.

The ideal time to schedule an appointment at Dental Excellence is before becoming pregnant. Our dentists will perform a check-up to determine the state of your oral health and how pregnancy might affect you. We will discuss completing any necessary treatments prior to your pregnancy. Give us a call today!

Play it Safe this Spring, from Dental Excellence

With spring here, many children, teens and adults in Independence will once again pick up the ball, bring the bat out of seasonal retirement, and lace up their cleats to hit the fields for the return of spring sports! April is National Facial Protection Month, and during this time, and our dedicated team urges our young athletes to play it safe when out on the field. According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, high-school athletes and adults will have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events this year.

Here are a few ways to ensure your mouth’s safety this spring:

1. Wear mouth guards for contact sports such as baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse.
2. Wear a helmet
3. Wear protective eyewear
4. Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
5. Be alert, even as a spectator

We hope that helps. Protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact Dental Excellence. Stay safe and have fun!