1057 NW Grand Boulevard,
Oklahoma City, OK 73118 Call Today! (405) 848-3719

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

January 5, 2015

122406213Oral 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_kirkI recently celebrated my 50th 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

5138847572014 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 31st.

  1. 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 1st, any remaining benefits are forfeited.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 1st, 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

469667769Have 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

460469071

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_141133663The 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.

Save Your Smile From Cavities with DIAGNOdent!

May 29, 2014

shutterstock_107333315Having a cavity is never a fun or pleasurable experience. It is important that once a sign of decay has been detected that you take care of the situation immediately, as to make sure that it does not get any worse. It may be difficult to find tooth decay on your own, and there are times when even dentists need a little help. At Grand Dental Studio, our doctors believe in giving our patients the most accurate treatment when it comes to cavities, and all of that is made easier thanks to DIAGNOdent!

DIAGNOdent is used for locating hidden dental decay by using a laser light. This wonderful dental technology is important to the oral care of your smile, as finding decay below the tooth’s surface can be difficult, as a lot of the microscopic harmful bacteria can spread like wild fire, causing rapid tooth decay. DIAGNOdent takes care of this issue by allowing our doctors to discover hidden decay from below the surface, making your treatment more efficient and successful.

One of the benefits to DIAGNOdent is the fact that it is one hundred percent pain free, and it provides instant feedback as to the health and stability of your tooth. This wonderful tool will make your checkups more efficient and accurate as well as giving you a healthier, beautiful smile!

Interested in learning more about DIAGNOdent or some of our other 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.

We’ll Get To The Crux of Bruxism

April 22, 2014

shutterstock_132960980Every person is unique, especially when it comes to the idea of handling stress. Some people bite their nails while others may eat too much food. A common way people deal with stress, however, is by grinding their teeth. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can not only be detrimental to your teeth, but for your entire mouth. The doctors at Grand Dental Studio are dedicated to making your smile the healthiest it can be, which is why they offer teeth grinding relief for their patients.

With teeth grinding, the continuous pressure and motion on your teeth can damage them, as well as your muscles and tissues surrounding the jaw area. Common side effects of bruxism include a sore jaw, headaches, and earaches. Shockingly enough, bruxism is most prevalent among women, and is generally found in nearly one-third of the population. Constantly grinding your teeth can also attribute to TMJ dysfunction. The temporomandibular joints, located in the jaw, are responsible for allowing your jaw to open and close with ease, and when those joints are compromised, it could lead to a much more serious issue.

Luckily, a simple solution to your bruxism woes is by wearing a nightguard. The nightguard we provide you with is completely custom made, able to fit your mouth and your mouth only. The nightguard will prevent you from being able to grind your teeth as well as absorb the pressure when you clench your jaw. Although a nightguard usually takes care of the issue, we have many other ways of alleviating your bruxism symptoms. Either way, Everyone at Grand Dental Studio is ready to help you with whatever issue you need, as long as it results in a healthy, beautiful smile!

Interested in learning more about bruxism or some of our other 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.

No Bad Breath for 2014!

December 9, 2013

shutterstock_137989865If you think you suffer from bad breath but no one has said anything to you about it, you need to thank your friends and family for being so reserved. Here at Grand Dental Studio, we view bad breath as a serious matter, and our experienced doctors are here to help you on your better breath journey. With 2014 rapidly approaching, we believe a wonderful way to start a new year is to tackle whatever dental issues you put off in 2013.

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be caused for many different reasons, and no one is spared from its disadvantages. Bad breath is commonly caused from bacterial tartar buildup in the mouth and tongue, and emits volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), releasing a smell resembling rotten eggs. Though some people may think bad breath is not that big of a deal, it could be a symptom of a much larger, dangerous picture, such as gum disease, tooth decay, kidney disease, and much more.

When you visit our office, you will be given a full oral evaluation, looking into the current state of your teeth and reviewing your medical history. From there, we will be able to give you advice on how to handle your bad breath, and things you can do to keep it under control. Some of the things you can do is floss and brush after every meal, clean your tongue on a daily basis, and keep a record of the foods you eat throughout the week.

If you are concerned about your bad breath and feel as though we can help, make an appointment with our doctors, and we will all be able to help you begin 2014 in a fresh way!

Interested in learning more about a dental checkup or some of our other 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.

Take Advantage of Your Dental Benefits in Oklahoma City

October 23, 2013

dental benefitsBelieve it or not, but 2013 is starting to quickly come to a close. As the holidays draw nearer, we know that you’re going to be quite busy. That’s why now is the perfect time to start to think about taking advantage of your dental insurance benefits before the end of the year.  At Grand Dental Studio we recommend that our patients schedule appointments now to ensure they can take advantage of their dental benefits. 

There’s no guarantee that you’ll have the exact same dental insurance benefits next year because even if you’re with the same plan, plans can change their coverage levels from year to year. If a service that you need or want is covered, you’re better off to go ahead and schedule it this year. Many plans have a maximum amount of spending that is covered throughout the year. If you haven’t met this yet, then you need to schedule your appointment today.

Also, sometimes plans can offer a discount on certain procedures like crowns or fillings. Call your insurance company to make sure you know exactly what your dental benefits are for 2013 so that you can make sure you’re taking full advantage. Then, give us a call to schedule your appointment. Your smile will thank you!

Interested in learning more about a dental checkup or some of our other cosmetic 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.