Your Overland Park Dentist: Our Story

As both the head practitioner as well as the owner of the practice, Dr. Charles R. Kimes, your Overland Park Dentist, has been the man at the helm of Overland Park Dentistry since its inception, and continues to steer us towards excellence to this day!

From its humble beginnings in 1984, to bringing you the latest in modern day dental technology, Overland Park Dentistry has dedicated itself to providing the residents of the Overland Park area with quality dental care, and putting smiles on patients’ faces. Here at Overland Park Dentistry we take pride in going the extra mile to ensure our patients receive the best care we can provide, while having the most pleasant and of course pain-free experience possible!

Your Overland Park Dentist: Call him “Mr. Fix It”

On August 15^th, 1956, Charles Robert Kimes was born to Karl and Shirley Kimes, two longtime residents of the Kansas City, Mo area. Known as “Chuck” to his friends, from an early age Dr. Kimes learned the value of hard work, as his father Karl ingrained the benefits of “earning one’s keep” and never being afraid to “roll up your sleeves”. This illustrated that hard work is always the key to achieving success. This belief certainly had quite an impact on the young Chuck Kimes, who soon began discovering his knack for repair work; a natural talent that would go on to shape his future in many ways!

From plumbing to roofing, to building go carts, and rebuilding entire car engines! The young Chuck Kimes quickly began building a reputation as the “go to guy” among both friends and family whenever something needed to be built or fixed. With his useful skills and natural ability, obviously there was ample opportunity for Chuck Kimes to pursue multiple avenues of employment in both building and maintenance.

However, due to economic turbulence at the time, a career in either field seemed problematic to the driven young man. Therefore, heeding the advice of his father, Chuck Kimes enrolled at Johnson County Community College upon graduating from high school in 1974.

Your Overland Park Dentist: A Dream Is Born

While the often-monotonous world of academia was certainly not tailor made for the restless Chuck Kimes, upon transferring to the University of Missouri at Kansas City, he found himself drawn towards the allure of professional dentistry. He quickly realized that his hands-on skill set translated very well within the realm of dentistry. Chuck Kimes began pursuing a career in the field, with the dream of one day owning and operating his own dental practice.

After receiving his B.S. in 1979, and through countless hours spent learning and honing his craft, Chuck Kimes was accepted into dental school at UMKC. It was here that he would go on to receive the “Jim Carter Award” for his distinguished service as a member of the Psi Omega National Dental fraternity in 1982, and a special achievement award from the UMKC Dental Alumni Association, commemorating his remarkable contribution to the dental education program.

Your Overland Park Dentist: A Dream Fulfilled

After receiving his D.D.S. (Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree) in 1984, from The UMKC School of Dentistry, Dr. Kimes almost immediately sought to strive for his dream of opening his own private practice; a dream that would be realized later that year with the opening of his practice in Downtown Overland Park. Christening his new practice as the appropriately titled; “Overland Park Dentistry”, Dr. Kimes quickly went to work, providing his patients of all ages with the most thorough and highest quality dental care possible.

Related Article: Dentistry for Kids in Overland Park

With his professionalism and underlining care and courteousness, Dr. Kimes eventually amassed a significant number of loyal patients from all over the Kansas and Missouri area. Therefore, to further accommodate his growing number of patients, Dr. Kimes opened a satellite office in Sedalia, MO in 1985, and an additional south Overland Park location in 2004. Today Dr. Charles R. Kimes continues to actively practice dentistry as your Overland Park Dentist, alternating weekly between all three practices, to guarantee that his patients continue to receive nothing short of the most comprehensive dental care possible!

Your Overland Park Dentist: Education and Technology

Dr. Kimes’ love and interest in the technical aspect of dentistry has continued to push him to keep his offices updated with the latest education and technology. He remains a distinguished member of the American Dental Association, the Kansas Dental Association, the Fifth District Dental Society, the Greater Kansas City Dental Society, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Your Overland Park Dentist: Come See Us!

At Overland Park Dentistry, we are truly dedicated to making your smile beautiful! So whether visiting our Overland Park or Sedalia locations, you can rest assured that at Overland Park Dentistry, making you smile is not just our business, but our pleasure as well!

Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS and his expert team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to care for you and your family with any preventative, restorative or cosmetic needs you or your family may have. To schedule your dental appointment with your Overland Park Dentist, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.

Delta Dental Insurance: Insurance is a Tricky Business!

January 1, 2018Dental Health Tipsdelta dental insuranceDr. Charles R. Kimes

Insurance can be Tricky!

When bringing up a subject such as dental insurance in general conversation, you’re likely to be met with a variety of responses often similar to a rolling of the eyes or an exasperated sigh. Such responses are understandable as the topic of health insurance itself has long been a contentious and controversial topic, and continue to remain the subject of much national debate to this day. We understand how the constant political bickering, along with the seemingly endless pile of paperwork entailing all the rules, requirements, and countless details that many insurance providers deem necessary to include certainly plays no small part in continuing the negative aura that surrounds the health insurance industry as a whole.

Being a major component of health insurance, dental insurance obviously inherits much of this negative stigma. At Overland Park Dentistry we remain mindful of this when assessing our patient’s needs. Therefore, to alleviate and reduce this concern among patients, we often recommend they try Delta Dental Insurance as Delta offers some of the most simple and comprehensive coverage available today!

Why Choose Delta Dental Insurance:

Founded in 1954, for over sixty years Delta Dental has been providing high quality coverage for those in need and has earned a reputation as one of the premier insurance providers nationwide. By providing cost-effective, quality dental benefits and top-notch customer service, today Delta Dental Insurance covers more Americans than any other dental benefits provider. At Overland Park Dentistry, we strive to make dental coverage more accessible and affordable for our patients, and through the variety of Delta Dental’s different plans and services, maximizing your oral health is now easier than ever!

Four of a Kind: 4 Plan Options and 4 Plan Benefits

With Delta Dental Insurance, there are four different option plans available for both individuals and families. These four options allow you a year’s enrollment and might be worth considering if any of the following apply to you.

Delta Dental Insurance: Options

You do not have dental coverage and are not gainfully employed
You are without dental coverage and self-employed
You have recently retired and are attempting to transition from a previous employer’s plan
You are a current college student or recent collage graduate and are no longer eligible for your family’s plan

In addition to the aforementioned plan options, all Delta Dental insurance plans include the following benefits as well.

Delta Dental Insurance: Benefits

Your diagnostic and preventative dental services (such as cleanings, sealants, and x-rays) are 100% covered no questions asked.
You are not required to pay deductible fees for routine checks-ups and cleanings.
You receive a six month postponement period for any basic services and a twelve month postponement for all major dental services.
You have the absolute freedom to select any dentist that you desire, although payment may vary depending on whether the dentist is an in-network dentist or not.

Keep It Simple!

As mentioned previously, health Insurance is obviously a subject that many people dread, and while wading through its complicated quagmire may not be the easiest undertaking. But when it comes to dental insurance, Delta Dental can certainly help make it a lot easier! The simple yet comprehensive coverage plans offered by Delta Dental are truly second to none, and we encourage you to check out their site, and see how Delta Dental can best help you!

Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS and his expert team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to care for you and your family with any preventative, restorative or cosmetic needs you or your family may have. To schedule your dental appointment and stop bad breath, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.

How to Stop Bad Breath

December 26, 2017Dental Health Tipsstop bad breathDr. Charles R. Kimes

What’s That Smell?

As you surly realize, there are certain aspects of daily life that absolutely nobody likes. Whether it be it be a pesky blemish on your face, that ill-timed cold or flu that always seem to sneak up on you, or even just a plane old headache; some things just flat out stink! However, one such aspect that certainly qualifies for this category, (in more ways than one) would be bad breath.

Foul breath or halitosis, is that unpleasant odor in your mouth that just always seems to keep coming back. Obviously, an issue such as this might present something of a social issue, (as nobody wants to try to have a conversation while holding their nose!) but it may present a health issue as well, as persistent bad breath may indicate underlying health problems, or lifestyle issues that might require a little more than just breath mints!

Stop Bad Breath: Potential Causes

Certainly the exact cause of one particular case of bad breath will likely depend on the given circumstances. However as mentioned before, sometimes the exact cause of foul breath might require a closer inspection; particularly if bad breath is a recurring problem. Listed below are several potential causes or reasons for what might be creating this stinky situation. Although some causes are relatively benign, others are a bit more serious and will require more attention if you want to stop bad breath.

Stop Bad Breath: Four Causes

1. Dietary

While this might seem like an obvious one, our dietary habits can be a major factor in causing bad breath for multiple reasons. As food partials are broken-down within your mouth, the level of bacteria within your mouth naturally increases and creates a foul odor. While this certainly is a natural process, if excess levels of bacteria are able to build up within the mouth, the foulness of odor will increase exponentially, as will the frequency of the unpleasant smell. This may be caused by consuming increasing amounts of sweet or acidic foods, or by practicing little or poor dental hygiene. Although seldom acknowledged, taking various types of medications can also have an influence on the occurrence of bad breath. The combining and interaction of certain medications almost always has the potential of causing various unexpected and sometimes unpleasant side effects.

2. Oral Hygiene

As mentioned in the previous option, a lack of proper oral hygiene can play an enormous role in both the onset of bad breath and the health issues that may follow. Although slowly progressive, improper dental hygiene may likely result in periodontal or gum disease. This may not sound like a big deal; however, untreated gum disease can lead to a litany of additional health problems that can manifest throughout your body in numerous different ways, some of which could be potentially fatal.

Related Article: Link Between Diabetes and Oral Health

3. Infections/Conditions

Whether knowingly or unknowingly, if you are suffering from certain medical issues or conditions, bad breath can occur as a result of an illness and require you to take a closer look at the potential cause. One such condition that can be a sure-fire cause of chronic bad breath, and numerous other health issues is that of periodontal or gum disease. Periodontal Disease, sometimes known as Periodontitis, or Gum Disease is a progressive inflammatory disease that affects the teeth and surrounding tissue. Although there are multiple factors that may contribute to the onset of periodontal disease, the primary cause is the buildup of excess bacteria in your mouth due to dental plaque. While this may sound relatively benign at first, don’t be fooled! Gum disease can be a serious or even life-threatening condition that may result in a list of additional health problems if left untreated, such as heart disease.

4. Life Style Habits

As eluded to before, certain life style habits can have a direct influence on the occurrence of foul breath. There are but few habits that can contribute to this more than smoking. Persistent tobacco use is unquestionably a very unhealthy habit that can lead to a number of different health problems. Some of which can be debilitating at best and life-threatening at worst! While it might be difficult to tell at first, chronic episodes of foul or unpleasant breath can be a strong indicator that the constant inhalation may be causing serious damage to your body. Consulting Dr. Kimes or your physician is be a good idea and highly suggested.

Stop Bad Breath: Possible Solutions

How to stop bad breath might seem a bit overwhelming at first. If bad breath is causing you unnecessary embarrassment or health concerns there are quite a few potential solutions that can help alleviate or eradicating this stinky problem.

Schedule A Dental Exam:

The best possible first step to stop bad breath is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kimes so the problem can be properly diagnosed and so that you may receive the best possible treatment recommendations.

Related Article: Dental Appointment: Why Twice a Year?

Practice Proper Daily Oral Hygiene:

Sure, this may seem like a given, but sometimes it’s the basic things that matter most and in this case can stop bad breath. Because daily dental hygiene is so routine for us, many of us simply just brush and floss our teeth each morning and night without really thinking about it. While this can certainly be an easy habit to fall into, remember the key in good oral hygiene is consistency. By simply taking a little extra time each day to ensure that all of your teeth have been adequately cleaned after brushing and flossing can really make a big difference!

Brush and Floss After Every Meal

After coming home from a long day’s work what do you do? For many people the answer is take a shower, as many find cleaning up after work to be relaxing and refreshing. However, while you might not realize it, this is the case with your teeth as well and can help you stop bad breath! After breaking down and grinding up all the food particles that are consumed while eating, your teeth will likely still have small fragmented particles stuck to or caught within the crevasses of your teeth. This can be very rough on your teeth (particularly if the food is highly sugary or acidic). Therefore, by taking the time to brush, floss and clean your teeth between meals, you are saving your teeth from unnecessary wear and tear.

Brush And Scrape Your Tongue

Although the idea of brushing your tongue with a tooth brush and scraping it off might seem weird and slightly awkward at first, rest assured it is a very helpful way to stop bad breath. By brushing and scraping off the excess gunk and buildup on your tongue, you are eliminating the most immediate source of the odor, thereby solving at least a decent portion of the problem.

Replace Your Toothbrush Every Three Months

Would you try driving a car with a worn-out or flat tire? Of course not! When something is worn out, it needs to be replaced and your toothbrush is no exception! A worn-out toothbrush may likely cause more harm than good to your teeth, therefore by setting a three-month lifespan per toothbrush is a smart way to stop bad breath.

Use Mouthwash

It’s called mouthwash for a reason, and by taking the time to swish and spit some of this minty-flavored, germ-killing, you will find your mouth feeling fresh and free of any unpleasant odor. Obviously, mouthwash is not a permanent remedy to stop bad breath, however it will likely provide you fresh-smelling breath for at least a few hours.

Stop Bad Breath: Keep In Mind

Let’s face it, everybody hates bad breath. Although bad breath is typically despised most for its social implications, the overall unpleasantness of foul breath can actually go a lot further than simply being socially taboo. While certainly a frustrating and sometimes embarrassing problem, if you find yourself constantly plagued by foul breath, a visit to Overland Park Dentistry might be just what the doctor ordered.

Some things in life just plain stink, and bad breath is one of them! So, don’t let bad breath stink up your life, schedule your appointment today and stop bad breath!

Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS and his expert team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to care for you and your family with any preventative, restorative or cosmetic needs you or your family may have. To schedule your dental appointment and stop bad breath, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.

Reasons to Get Porcelain Veneers

December 12, 2017Cosmetic Dentistrydental veneers, porcelain veneersDr. Charles R. Kimes

Fashion Trends: They’re Always Changing!

By simply taking a quick glance around you, it’s plain to see that things are always changing. In fact, there is perhaps no better time than that of the holiday season and the new year, to take note of some of the newly emerging fashion, trends and technology as shopping centers everywhere begin plastering their walls and shelves with all the latest gadgets, accessories and apparel, in the hopes of appeasing the continuous flow of holiday shoppers.

In keeping up with the ever changing world of fashion and commerce, one learns to appreciate those few things in life that are timeless and simply never go out of style, one of which would certainly be a beautiful smile. A beautiful and seemingly flawless smile has long been a necessity in the world of both Hollywood and the fashion industry, and although certain styles may come and go, no fashion model or movie star’s look is complete without the ever-present, pearly white smile!

As result of this, public demand for a beautiful smile has remained a top priority for dentists past and present and thanks to amazing innovations in cosmetic dentistry such as porcelain veneers, (which have proven themselves as one of the premier tools within a modern dentist’s arsenal) the achievement of that coveted beautiful smile has never been easier!

Porcelain Veneers: The Rundown

Originally popularized in the 1980s, porcelain veneers have been used in dental restorations for a good number of years now, and have been considered by a large number of dentists to be one of the most effective ways to create a seeming flawless smile for their patients.

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain Veneers, also called dental veneers, are a thin shell-like device designed to be fitted directly over your teeth. The purpose of this is to provide a protective coating to surround your teeth; protecting them from outside elements, while simultaneously covering up any unsightly aberrations or abrasions in your teeth. By providing a solution that is practical and aesthetically pleasing, dental veneers have become a highly popular and sought-after procedure within the realm of cosmetic dentistry, and continue to remain so!

Porcelain Veneers: Six Reasons to Get Them!

The reasons for getting porcelain veneers generally depend on the specific wants and needs of the patient, and certainly no patient is exactly alike.

Listed below are some of the more common reasons that patients elect to receive porcelain veneers. Do some of them apply to you?

(1) Porcelain Veneers: You have broken or damaged teeth

Accidents happen, and perhaps one of the most common reasons you may require porcelain or dental veneers, is that you have through some sort of accident or mishap, and have either chipped, cracked or simply broken a tooth. This can happen to absolutely anyone for all sorts of different reasons, and while there is certainly no way to anticipate the severity of the damage, the porcelain veneer can usually be customized to match the other teeth regardless of the damage.

(2) Porcelain Veneers: You have misaligned or misshapen teeth

While actors such as Steve Buscemi and Gary Busey have made something of a living from their famously odd or crooked teeth, for the majority of people a misshapen smile may present something of an issue in various aspects of life. To remedy this issue, many patients opt for dental or porcelain veneers that can be custom-made to evenly match color, size, and shape of their other teeth.

(3) Porcelain Veneers: You have stained or discolored teeth

It’s not uncommon for people to find themselves unhappy with the color of their teeth, and while there are other (more commonly used) methods such as having your teeth cleaned and whitened, porcelain or dental veneers can be used to achieve a whiter smile as well.

Typically whitening options are suggested prior to implementing porcelain veneers. Unfortunately, if the staining is severe enough, standard cleaning and whitening may not be all that effective. Being the only product capable of providing a truly white smile, porcelain veneers may be used to provide the white smile that the patient desires.

(4) Porcelain Veneers: Your teeth are dull and worn down

It should come as little surprise, that as a person ages, their teeth endure a certain amount of wear and tear over the years. This leads them to become increasingly brittle and less effective. However, porcelain veneers have proven to be a great way to combat this ongoing problem. By encasing the teeth, they provide protection and added strength while chewing food.

(5) Porcelain Veneers: Your teeth have gaps

While not usually serious, having gaps between your teeth can certainly be something of a pain, particularly when eating foods that are sticky or can easily become caught between your teeth. Even though Lauren Hutton and Madonna have famous smiles with gaps in their teeth, a lot of people don’t like those gaps for aesthetic reasons. Dental veneers can be a solution to both of these problems. By covering the teeth, they can simultaneously cover and fill any troublesome gaps that you might have for functional or aesthetic reasons.

(6) Porcelain Veneers: Your smile is causing you stress or embarrassment

There are few things in life more enjoyable than smiling. At Overland Park Dentistry, we believe that everyone deserves to smile and be happy without the persistent fear of embarrassment when they smile. Remember life is too short not to smile, so consider letting porcelain veneers help keep you happy and smiling!

A Beautiful Smile Is Always In Style!

As we prepare for the bombardment of “what’s new” or the “latest” in whatever, we might find ourselves taking the time to appreciate something without all the bells and whistles. As mentioned earlier, a beautiful smile has long been a required feature the fashion and entertainment industry, and not just because it’s beautiful.

If any chips, stains or other issues are keeping you from smiling, then perhaps porcelain veneers are the answer for you. Come see Dr. Charles Kimes at Overland Park Dentistry and his expert team, so we can keep you happy and smiling!

Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS and his expert team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to care for you and your family with any preventative, restorative or cosmetic needs you or your family may have. To schedule your dental appointment and see if you are a candidate for porcelain veneers, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.

No More Whitening Trays with Glo Pro Teeth Whitening

November 28, 2017Cosmetic DentistryGlo Pro teeth whitening, whitening traysDr. Charles R. Kimes

Welcome To The Future of Whitening Trays

In recent years, advancements in modern technology are truly something to behold! From smart phones to hands-free personal assistants, (such as Apple’s Siri or Amazon’s Alexa) clearly we as people, have come a long way from the days of throwing stones! As this title wave of technological advancements continues to sweep the globe, we find all sorts of different aspects in our lives transformed in astounding new ways!

While many professions have been affected by the boom in modern technology in varying degrees, there are few professions that have seen more advancements and significant improvements than that of professional dentistry. With numerous new ways to repair damaged teeth, check for diseases such as oral cancer, or create flawless replacements for missing teeth, keeping up with the consistent influx of new technology can certainly be a challenge for today’s dentists.

However, perhaps one of the hottest new brands of cosmetic dental technology has hit the market just recently, and has quickly become a fan-favorite among practitioners and patients alike. Considered the number one highest rated teeth whitening system by practitioners nationwide, the Guided Light Optic technology or “GLO” as it’s commonly known, is a cutting-edge new innovation that has taken dentistry by storm, and many patients smile in the process!

Whitening Trays: Glo What?!

As you can probably imagine, cosmetic dentistry has increasingly become one of the most sought-after dental services in the world today. In an era of daily social media postings, instant access through smart phones, tablets, and of course selfies galore, people today obviously want their smile to look good! In order to meet this demand, basic tooth whitening trays were created and put on the market to provide people with the means to whiten and improve their smile within the convenience and comfort of their own home. The Glo Pro Teeth Whitening System is a method not entirely unlike the use of standard whitening trays; however, as developed through advanced technology and expertise, Glo Pro’s performance can be considered far superior to that of its predecessor.

Originally created and developed by the visionary power couple Dr. Jonathan and Stacy Levine, Glo Pro science is the unique brainchild of two separate professions collaborating to achieve one common goal; a safe and effective way to achieve a beautiful smile. Highly accomplished in both dentistry and prosthodontics, Dr. Levine sought to create a better alternative to the cumbersome and often problematic convenience store whitening products. Enlisting the help of his wife Stacy, (a fifteen-year professional in the beauty retail industry) Dr. Levine created a one of a kind system that has changed the process of whitening teeth in unbelievable ways.

Available exclusively at Overland Park Dentistry and other select dental offices throughout the U.S. the Glo Pro Teeth Whitening Kit consists of a Glo-illuminating mouthpiece, the attachable replacement control, as well as a charging dock, a travel case, and the g—vial refill accessory. By simply charging up the controller, applying the whitening gel to both top and bottom rows teeth, and then placing the blue illuminated mouthpiece in your mouth for a total of eight minutes, you will be well on your way towards a smile at least 5 shades whiter and brighter than before! And … You can Whiten On The GO!

Check out this short video about Glo Pro Teeth Whitening

New vs. Old: How Glo Pro Stacks Up Against Basic Whitening Trays

As mentioned previously, over the counter, take home tooth whitening trays have been available for purchase at local pharmacies and convenience stores across the country for many years. Although relatively cheap and easy to obtain, these simplistic and moderately-priced whitening trays were not without their drawbacks and therefore are not typically recommended by the majority of dentists.

However as recognized by individuals such as Dr. Jonathan and Stacy Levine, the desire for patients to whiten their teeth at their convenience, without having to come in for an appointment every single time, was a genuine concern. And that’s what led to the invention of the Glo Pro Teeth Whitening System.

In addition to providing a happy medium to satisfy both dentists and patients, the Glo Pro science also eliminated some of the hazards and short comings associated with the over the counter whitening trays of the past.

Such known issues due to the use of basic whitening trays may include:

Blistering or irritated gums caused by seepage of the bleach solution
Increased tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
Occasional throat irritation and tenderness

These given drawbacks in addition to the general inconvenience, have often caused consumers to seek out a more professional whitening treatment, to which (and sometimes at the recommendation of their dentist) the Glo Pro Teeth Whitening system is absolutely ideal.

Glo Pro Teeth Whitening: Smile Bright This Holiday Season!

As we enter the holiday season, we find ourselves at a time of year where there’s certainly plenty to smile about! Therefore, in the spirit of the holidays, Overland Park Dentistry will be offering our own in-office whitening special for only $425 (Valued at $631) allowing you to super charge your bright smile experience with the new Glo Pro Teeth Whitening technology that will give you a whiter smile On The GO!

Remember ’tis the season to be jolly, and with the sleek new Glo Pro Whitening System, now you can smile brighter than ever!

Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS and his expert team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to care for you and your family with any preventative, restorative or cosmetic needs you or your family may have. To schedule your dental appointment and Glo Pro Teeth Whitening experience, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.

Oral Cancer Screening: Schedule Your Dental Appointment Today

November 14, 2017Dental Health Tipsdental appointment, oral cancer screeningDr. Charles R. Kimes

The Numbers Don’t Lie!

In 2015, the global burden of disease study determined through various case studies, that an estimated 90.5 people worldwide suffered from cancer, thereby putting the estimated global spending on cancer research and treatment at approximately 1.16 trillion dollars annually! What does an oral cancer screening have to do with this? Please continue …

While such statistics are certainly staggering, they do allow us to put into perspective what a threat cancer truly poses on an international scale, and thus leaving little doubt as to why cancer is among the deadliest and most feared diseases in the world today. As you probably know, cancer can come in numerous forms and variations such as: breast cancer, melanoma, lung cancer, leukemia, and many others. However, one particularly hazardous but somewhat lesser know type of cancer has emerged as perhaps one of the more dangerous and particularly deceptive forms of the illness. It claims the lives of as many as 7,500 U.S. citizens per year. This type of cancer as you may guess, is none other than oral cancer.

Oral Cancer: A Deceptive Foe

With sinister trickery and life-threatening consequences, oral cancer is certainly not an illness to take lightly! However, despite its nasty reputation, oral cancer may seem relatively harmless at first. Initially you may notice a slight hoarseness or gravelly tone to your voice, and perhaps the appearance of ulcers or swelling around the mouth and neck region.

While such minor nuisances may not exactly seem as a serious cause for alarm, they can in fact be more than they appear. As mentioned previously, deception is a key factor in oral cancer’s modus operandi. When a patient first begins developing oral cancer, the symptoms are typically minor and thereby left unchecked or dismissed. However, the patient may actually be in the early stages of developing oral cancer, without being aware of it!

Unfortunately (like so many before them) the patient, unaware of their affliction does not seek treatment right away, thus allowing the cancer to continue to progress. It may only be when the persistent symptoms start to worsen, that the patient finally seeks out the necessary medical care. Tragically this required treatment may only come when the disease has already progressed into its latter stages, in which the cancer has proceeded to ravage the patient’s overall health, causing irreversible and often fatal damage.

This scenario, (grim as it may be) is an important one to hear and learn from, as it illustrates the trap that many oral cancer patients have fallen victim to in the past. However, with the advent of oral cancer awareness month, (which goes from November 1^st through the 31^st) and the continued advancements in dental technology, the time to rise and fight back against oral cancer has never been better!

Related Article: What You Need to Know About Oral Cancer

Oral Cancer Screening: Fighting the Good Fight!

With so many lives lost and so many still in jeopardy, dentists everywhere have taken on the enormous task of going toe to toe with oral cancer, with the high hopes of putting the vial illness down for the count! While oral cancer is clearly not an enemy that will go quietly, professional dentistry may have found the Achilles heel of this vicious disease.

So how exactly might the dental industry hope to tackle such a titanic-sized international issue like oral cancer? To put it simply, by stopping it before it starts! Although oral cancer can be quite debilitating if left untreated until its later stages, if detected within its early stages oral cancer can in fact be quite responsive to treatment, thereby increasing the chances of sending the disease into remission or eradicating it completely.

To achieve this type of prevention, dentists are required to provide an oral cancer screening on all their patients, on a regular basis.

While the term oral cancer screening might sound relatively new, but in reality, oral cancer screenings have been stopping the illness in its tracks for a number of years now, and continues to become increasingly more effective and accurate as the years go by. While this might come as a something of a surprise, what may likely surprise you even more is the fact that you yourself have more than likely received an oral cancer screenings without even knowing it and probably multiple screenings!

The oral cancer screening may in fact be the dental profession’s best kept secret, as many patients are unaware that they are receiving the screening even as it happens. An oral cancer screening is a quick and painless procedure that Dr. Charles R. Kimes at Overland Park Dentistry preforms as part of your standard dental exam. Therefore, when you come in for your routine dental checkup, you are simultaneously receiving an accurate screening for any early signs or symptoms of oral cancer.

By identifying and receiving the necessary treatment for oral cancer early on, you have struck a major blow in the battle against the disease, and may very well be on the road to recovery.

Related Article: Dental Appointment: Why Twice a Year?

Oral Cancer Screening: The Change Starts With You

While Dr. Kimes will undoubtedly be a powerful ally in the battle against oral cancer, to truly receive the best results possible, you must be willing to make some changes in yourself.

It should presumably come at little surprise that a person’s lifestyle often plays a significant role in the development and recovery process of oral cancer. While typically occurring in individuals 40 years and older, the development of oral cancer is often directly linked to heavy alcohol and tobacco consumption, as regular users of such products have an almost ten times greater chance in developing the disease, and those that continue to use them will have limited chance of recovery.

While much of the information provided above may not exactly present the bright and cheerful message that you may be accustomed to this time of year, please remember that the purpose of this article is to remind you that there’s still time to change this! Therefore, if you do have any concerns or anxiety over your chances of developing oral cancer, taking the time to schedule a routine dental checkup/oral cancer screening, is unquestionably the right decision.

Although far too many people have been dealt the cruel hand of oral cancer in the past, and have tragically had to face the consequences, YOU have the power to change this for yourself!

Please don’t become another statistic, let’s take a stand against oral cancer together!

Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS and his expert team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to care for you and your family with any preventative, restorative or cosmetic needs you or your family may have. To schedule your dental appointment / oral cancer screening, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.

It’s Halloween: Why is Candy Bad for Your Teeth

October 24, 2017Dental Health TipsDr. Charles R. Kimes

This is Halloween…

We can’t possibly discuss Halloween without tackling the question, “Why is candy bad for your teeth?” As one of the most beloved holidays of all time, Halloween is a time in which children of all ages can truly let their imaginations run wild! From dressing up in a chosen costume, to telling spooky stories of ghosts and ghouls, to engaging in some good old fashioned Halloween mischief by trying to scare each other, Halloween is certainly a great time to be a kid!

Despite all the excitement and mystique that comes with Halloween, for kids there is perhaps no bigger thrill than that of Trick or Treating. This tradition of going door to door and accumulating candy may seem almost sacred among children. However, when your kiddo brings home that bag full of sugary candy, as a parent you may find yourself a bit concerned about those pearly white teeth of theirs. Therefore, before your little one puts on their costume and prepares to gather up some goodies, it may be a good idea to know why is candy bad for your teeth. Of course, not all candy is created equal, so which of these treats are okay for your kiddo’s teeth, and which ones could increase their risk of developing a cavity?

Welcome to Candyland: The Good The Bad And The Ugly

First and foremost, Dr. Kimes and his Team at Overland Park Dentistry absolutely understand why candy is bad for your teeth. They also know that candy is a big part of Halloween, and are certainly not suggesting you should forbid it. Rather that you should take the time to better understand it, as excess sugar can lead to a heightened acidity level that could in turn, potentially cause cavities. If your child is properly practicing the recommended amount of oral hygiene, (brushing twice a day and flossing) then the occasional overindulgence should be fine. However, with that in mind there are certain types of candy that are significantly worse for teeth then others.

Why is Candy Bad for Your Teeth: The Worst Candy

Gummy/Chewy Sweets:

From gummy worms, to dried fruit and taffy, unquestionably some of the worst candy for your teeth has to be the sticky or gummy type. As they are chewed, this sticky material covers your teeth, while proceeding to get stuck in any gap or crevice it can find. So you ask, why is candy bad for your teeth? It’s because, this can lead to a (no pun intended) very sticky situation as removing the material can be quite difficult. However if the sugary substance is not removed, the cavity-causing bacteria will most certainly have ample opportunity to flourish.

Sour Candy:

Although increasingly popular among kids today, the highly acidic sour candy treats can easily weaken and damage the enamel of your teeth, thus making them more vulnerable to cavities

Hard Candy:

Certain types of hard candy, such as jawbreakers, jolly ranchers, or even lollipops, can prove to be problematic for a couple of reasons. I know … why is candy bad for my teeth? The first and perhaps most obvious reason is the fact that biting down on hard surface of the candy may break or cause damage to the tooth. However, another less then obvious reason would be the simple fact that one would likely keep this candy in their mouth for a prolonged period of time, thus causing the excess sugar to get into your saliva, and continue to wash over and continuously coat your teeth.

Why is Candy Bad for Your Teeth: The Best Candy

Chocolate Candy:

Easily one of the most popular and beloved candy choices out there, chocolate is also a relatively smart choice regarding one’s teeth due to its ability to be easily removed. While particularly hard or frozen chocolate would certainly be an exception, regular milk chocolate treats are a perfectly safe candy choice, so long as your teeth are properly brushed afterwards.

Sugar-Free Candy/Gum:

While sugar-free gum or candy is certainly a much healthier alternative to the regular option, unfortunately sugar-free treats have gained something of an unpopular reputation among candy lovers as being a bit bland tasting as and therefore less than satisfactory. In recent years however, this has changed as sugar-free candy has improved considerably by using sugar substitutes to become much more flavorful, and thereby much more enjoyable.

Dark Chocolate:

A personal favorite of Dr. Kimes, dark chocolate is perhaps one of the absolute best candy selections in terms of oral and general health. Much like the aforementioned regular milk chocolate, dark chocolate can be easily removed from the surface of your teeth, thus making it a preferred choice. However, what makes dark chocolate an even better selection than milk chocolate, is that fact that dark chocolate not only contains significantly less sugar than milk chocolate, but in recent studies, dark chocolate has been shown help lower blood pressure!

Why is Candy Bad for Your Teeth: What’s Scarier Than Cavities?

As we approach this holiday of frights and delights, you may find yourself worrying less about vampires, mummies, or the Wolfman, and more about whether or not your kiddo’s teeth will remain safe and free of cavities this Halloween. Here at Overland Park Dentistry, we certainly understand this concern, we encourage both you and your children to have fun this Halloween. And if in fact your kids do indulge in some of the above-mentioned candy types, while keeping in mind what types they are eating, also remember that a little candy every now and then is fine as long as it is done in moderation and their teeth are bushed afterwards.

So as your family prepares for the thrills and chills of exciting time of year, that’s why candy is bad for your teeth! At Overland Park Dentistry, we wish you and your family a happy, safe, and of course cavity-free Halloween!

Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS and his expert team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to care for you and your family with any preventative, restorative or cosmetic needs you or your family may have. To schedule a dental appointment, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.

CEREC Crown: Myth or Magic?

October 10, 2017Latest News/TechnologyDr. Charles R. Kimes

CEREC Crown: Do you believe in magic?

From the legendary feats performed by Harry Houdini during the early nineteen hundreds, to the modern day spectacular productions of performers such as David Blaine or Criss Angel, magicians and illusionists for many years have filled us with awe and wonder with spellbinding performances often turning skeptics into believers. While Dr. Kimes and his staff certainly take great pride in the appearance of their offices, a dental office is a far cry from the alluring and mysterious world of illusion. However, what a seemingly typical dental office may lack in shine, it most certainly makes up for in substance. Therefore upon your next appointment, you may see a very new and very real magic trick occur right inside your mouth!

The Cerec Crown: A Magic Trick of a Different Kind

As you may already know, a conventional dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a damaged or decayed tooth, thus effectively covering the entirety of the tooth that is exposed above the gum line. The purpose of this crown is not only to improve the patient’s overall oral health by restoring and strengthening the tooth, but to provide the patient with a smile that is aesthetically pleasing as well.

Despite this, we’re willing to assume a term such as dental crown may not exactly conjure up the feelings of excitement and wonder associated with things like magic or illusions; however, in recent years a new type of dental crown has emerged that has revolutionized the dental industry, and amazed both practitioners and patients alike. Originally developed back in 1980, the “Chairside Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics” or “CEREC Crown” technology has taken modern dentistry by storm and has proven itself as a powerful new tool within the field. The CEREC Crown is a specially customized dental crown, created specifically for you through digital imaging as opposed to simply using goopy dental impressions. This cutting edge digital imagining allows Dr. Kimes to scan the inside of your mouth to accurately pinpoint the precise dimensions of your new crown, and thereby create a near picture perfect replica of your natural tooth. Once placed over a rotten or broken natural tooth, this masterpiece of modern dentistry provides a permanent replacement that is virtually unnoticeable and can even be customized to match the exact shade of your teeth!

While your new CEREC Crown will seamlessly create the illusion of a real tooth, the benefits certainly do not stop there. Once your CEREC Crown has been fully fitted and fused with the damaged remains of your natural tooth, the CEREC will serve as durable and reliable replacement, that may be used as a natural tooth would without any hindrance or limitation.

The CEREC Crown vs. the Conventional Crown

While the above-mentioned mentioned benefits may peak your curiosity, to truly realize the full extent of the advantages offered by the CEREC Crown, it’s important to understand the drawbacks of its predecessor; the Conventional Crown. Although the conventional dental crown has certainly proven itself as an effective solution and is still used by many practitioners to this day, the conventional crown simply cannot provide the same level of quality and precision that the CEREC Crown can.

Although considerably stronger, presenting an exponentially improved appearance, many patients consider the convenient process in receiving the CEREC to be among their favorite improvements over the conventional crown. Unlike the CEREC, the process of receiving a conventional crown typically required at least two appointments, and could take a couple of weeks to complete. Moreover, in waiting to receive a conventional crown, you would likely be given a temporary crown to wear between appointments. While certainly necessary in preventing future damage and providing a quick fix, the cumbersome temporary crown has been unpopular with patients in the past, as they have been known to break easily, or sometimes to even fall out. However, such issues are president in receiving a CEREC Crown as the process requires only one simple appointment to create, complete, and fit your new crown, thereby sparing you the hassle of making multiple appointments and managing a temporary crown.

Abracadabra? …. How about CEREC Crown Technology!

For magicians past and present, perhaps there is no greater enemy then that a non-believer or skeptic, who may be quick to dismiss the varying feats they perform as mere trickery or sleight of hand. And while this may or may not be true, rest assured with the CEREC Crown there is no smoke and mirrors. The CEREC Crown is truly a marvel of modern dental technology that ultimately stands as a testament to the greatest form of magic ever known; the magic of science.

So do Dr. Kimes and his expert team at Overland Park Dentistry believe in magic? Who knows, but they absolutely believe in the effectiveness and proficiency of CEREC technology! They also believe that YOU will too! Therefore if it’s a crown you need, come visit us at Overland Park Dentistry and see if we can make a believer out of you!

Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS and his expert team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to help you take advantage of the latest dental technology, including the CEREC Crown! Or with any preventative, restorative or cosmetic needs you or your family may have. To schedule a dental appointment, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.

Link between Diabetes and Oral Health

September 26, 2017Dental Health Tipsdiabetes and oral healthDr. Charles R. Kimes

Diabetes and You

As any person living with diabetes would certainly tell you, life with diabetes is often something of a balancing act between managing one’s lifestyle to maintain a healthy blood glucose level. Despite seeming a bit overwhelming at first, once familiar with the daily requirements, managing diabetes may eventually seem as routine as brushing your teeth.

Ironically however, in two such aspects of everyday life, in daily diabetes management and routine dental care, we see the simultaneous treatment of two vitally important health issues that can in fact directly affect one another. To put it simply; your oral health affects your diabetes and at same time, your diabetes affects your oral health. Although this may sound silly, it is important to understand this concept as failure to properly care for one, will almost certainly end up affecting the other.

Diabetes and Oral Health: Periodontitis is more than just an eyesore

Regardless of whether you’re a diabetic or not, grasping the absolute importance of regularly maintaining a diabetic’s blood sugar level is certainly an easy concept to understand. Oddly what’s less understood or perhaps simply overlooked, is the supreme importance of practicing proper oral hygiene.

While most of us have surely forgotten to brush our teeth on one occasion or another, all too often when we do brush we simply scrub for a moment or two, then spit and continue to go about our day. Sure this is an easy habit to get into, but if this continues long enough you may find yourself facing periodontal disease.

Whether known as periodontal disease, periodontitis, or simply gum disease, this condition is commonly thought of as something of a nuisance that merely discolors your teeth or gives you bad breath. This however is a gross misconception, as periodontal disease if neglected can stir up a hornet’s nest of problems that’s almost guaranteed to prove detrimental to both your oral health and general health as well.

In truth, periodontal disease is a progressive infection that begins in the gums surrounding your teeth, and eventually spreads throughout the mouth causing inflammation and damage to everything it reaches. In some severe cases, gum disease can almost entirely destroy one’s jawbone. However in other cases it may spread into other regions of body, and thereby trigger additional illnesses or interact with pre-existing ones.

Diabetes and Gum Disease: The Gruesome Twosome

As you can probably surmise from this juncture, suffering from either diabetes or gum disease in of itself can be an uphill battle. However if you were develop both of these conditions, then it is absolutely imperative that you properly care for and consistently monitor both illnesses in equal measure, as neglecting one will likely exacerbate the other. Therefore, the link between diabetes and oral health is extremely critical.

For instance, if your diabetes is left unchecked or poorly managed, this will surely cause elevated levels of glucose or sugar to circulate throughout the body, including your mouth. With this heightened level of glucose, the mouth begins to build up an excessive amount of bacteria, thus ravaging your oral health and creating the ideal setting for an infection like periodontal disease to develop and flourish.

As mentioned previously, periodontitis is a progressive bacterial infection within the gum tissue that if neglected, can severely damage or destroy your gums, teeth, and jaw. However like any infection, gum disease likely affect and destabilize the blood glucose level of the sufferer and thereby make the levels increasingly difficult to control and ultimately cause the diabetes to exponentially progress.

Diabetes and Oral Health: Prevention and Management

Without question, the best way in which you can properly assess, prevent, or manage these simultaneous conditions is to consult with your physician and dentist. As they may provide you with the knowledge and resources necessary to repel the barrage of health issues that may be associated with these two overlapping illnesses that link your diabetes and oral health.

However while seeking additional insight and/or new treatment methods, it’s important not to overlook the basics of diabetes and oral health care also, as simply taking the time to ensure that your blood glucose is at a healthy level and that your teeth are properly brushed and flossed, can make all the difference in the world!

After all sometimes it’s the smallest things we do every day that truly matter the most.

Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS and his expert team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to help you manage your diabetes and oral health! Or with any preventative, restorative or cosmetic needs you or your family may have. To schedule a dental appointment, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.

Affordable Dental Implants are a Healthy Investment

September 12, 2017Restorative Dentistryaffordable dental implantsDr. Charles R. Kimes

Affordable Dental Implants: Your health is an investment, not an expense!

When seeking financial advice, many “experts” are bound to advise you on what you should and should not invest in. While some of this investment advice may or may not prove beneficial (depending on who is giving the advice) one investment that’s sure to never be a mistake is investing in your health.

Surely most people realize, maintaining your health is absolutely imperative in ensuring not only your future security and productivity, but in preserving your longevity and life quality as well. Although the idea of staying healthy may seem relatively easy based on the outward appearance of our bodies, it’s often what’s going on inside our bodies in which we are unaware. Therefore to truly maintain our general health, it is necessary to understand what’s happening inside our bodies, and what better way to get a glimpse inside then by looking in our mouths?

Affordable Dental Implants: Oral health is the key!

That’s right! In many ways your oral health can be the key to maintaining your overall general health. Of course if neglected it can lead to serious health problems that may affect your health in numerous ways. As you can probably imagine, much of your oral health revolves around teeth as the function they serve is both demanding and essential in daily life. However if your teeth are damaged or destroyed, getting a tooth replacement is certainly the best course of action, and there are few (if any) better replacement options than an affordable dental implant.

Affordable Dental Implants: What are Dental Implants?

While you may have heard the term affordable dental implants a time or two before, understanding exactly what they are and how they are used is a bit more complicated. If certain teeth have become damaged or simply just have decayed over time, maintaining proper oral health will likely require these teeth to be replaced.

While there are several options available for those in need of tooth replacements, (such as a removable partial denture or a fixed bridge) affordable dental implants for many have become the sought after solution in such a predicament. The dental implant simply put; is a synthetic custom made tooth that is created specifically to replace the natural tooth. To achieve this, a screw like device known as an implant fixture is placed within the gum via a small incision, thus allowing the implant to be fitted into place, thereby creating a nearly flawless and often permanent replacement. Due to their ability to successfully replace missing teeth, while providing a permanent generally undetectable (implants blend in with natural teeth extremely well) solution, affordable dental implants are considered by practitioners and patients alike as the premier choice for tooth replacement.

Affordable Dental Implants: Invest in your future

While dental implants have gained a substantial amount of prominence outside the dental community, unfortunately they have also become somewhat notorious for being expensive and therefore impractical. While it’s true there are cheaper options for replacing missing teeth, remember it’s a good idea to consider a dental implant as something of an investment, as it will likely save you a considerable amount of time and money in the years to come; which is why we refer to them as affordable dental implants.

Although removable partial dentures and dental bridges are indeed efficient solutions in some situations, it’s important to realize that eventually they will need to be replaced. Although this may vary depending on how well and how regularly they are maintained. Typically removable partials and bridges have a lifespan of about ten years. However, dental implants require considerably less maintenance and can last a lifetime; a wise investment, indeed.

Obviously there is a big difference between these three options, and a major advantage of getting the dental implant the first time. While more expensive at first, in time the affordable dental implant will save you the hassle of performing daily routine maintenance on your dental appliance. In addition to the time savings there is also the cost of having to replace the appliance after several years.

As many patients and practitioners agree, the trade-off is typically worth it as the affordable dental implant is not only a much more permanent solution, but it is also much stronger. Thereby more effective than the traditional denture appliances, as the wearer will experience no limitations while chewing and eating any type of food!

Affordable Dental Implants: Invest in yourself

Remember, you deserve to invest in yourself. In order to maximize your performance and achieve your goals, you need to take care of yourself. As mentioned earlier, taking care of your personal health is perhaps one of the best decisions you can make, and there are few better places to start than with your teeth!

So if you have missing teeth, why not invest in the most effective solution possible? Affordable dental implants are not only the most effective option available, but economically they are a worthwhile choice as well.

So remember if you’re in need of a tooth replacement, consider investing in the highly effective and state of the art dental implant. Why? Because your worth it!

Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS and his expert team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to help you replace a missing tooth! Or with any preventative, restorative or cosmetic needs you or your family may have. To schedule a dental appointment, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.