Implants Are Even Easier at Hopkin Oral Surgery

With cutting edge technology, we can help your dental implant experience go faster and smoother here at Hopkin Oral Surgery!  Many of us at some point have had to experience a dental impression, whether it be for a crown, custom bleach trays, or orthodontic treatment.  The wet and messy impression material make for quite a mouth full for patients and can often trigger a gag reflex and discomfort, but until it sets up appropriately, it must stay lodged in place. This impression is then used to create models of your teeth necessary to customize treatment.
Now, with the Medit i500 oral scanner, we can take a scan of your teeth that captures the detail of your dentition to create a more accurate model than is typical with a traditional impression.  Better instruments and systems, mean less time in the dental chair and better results for you!

Meet our Newest Team Member

We are so happy to introduce our newest member of the team, Stacia.  With 13 years of experience under her belt, Stacia will be working as a surgical assistant.  She is from central California but has resided here in Utah for the last 7 years.  Stacia has amazing energy, and loves to spend it on her favorite things which include hiking, boating, running, and training at the gym.  When she’s not working toward her own fitness goals, she is helping others to achieve theirs as a personal trainer.  Regardless of her healthy lifestyle, her favorite food is still pizza!  Ultimately, Stacia is working toward being the best version of herself and it shows through her positive and engaging personality!  It’s not often that you don’t see her smiling or laughing and helping the rest of us do the same.

Hopkin Oral Surgery Welcomes...

We are so pleased to welcome our newest team member, Sabrina, to our office!  Sabrina has come to our office with high aspirations of one day becoming a surgeon herself.  After spending her days with us at the office, she heads off to school where she is currently taking pre-med classes and working on her Bachelor's degree.  It's no wonder that her motto in life is "the sky is the limit".  Not only does this bright assistant dream big, but she works hard!
When she's not chiseling away at her goals, Sabrina likes to hang out with friends, go dancing and loves Chinese food.  Originally from Queens, New York, she now lives here in Utah with her three dogs and one cat.  She has fit right in and we are so lucky to have her as part of our team!

Would You Have Ever Guessed?

We are really excited to introduce you to our newest team member, Rylee!  Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, Rylee quickly developed a love for the outdoors and now loves to spend her time kayaking and water skiing.  When she's not in a boat or being pulled behind one, Rylee enjoys listening to podcasts and spending time with her three-legged, Shepard mix named Joon.

Joon is about 3 years old and was adopted by Rylee when she was only 8 weeks old, right after having a surgery that required doctors to amputate her leg!  While Joon is certainly her favorite, Rylee is a self-proclaimed dog lover, any size and any breed!  Rylee LOVES Indian food…enough to eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Welcome to the team, Rylee...and Joon!

Oral Cancer Doesn't Just Target Smokers

I bet you didn't know that...

1 - April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

2 - While smoking, smokeless tobacco use and alcohol consumption are major risk factors in the development of oral cancer, 25% of all oral cancers occur in people who do NOT smoke and who only drink alcohol occasionally.

3 - You should conduct a self examination at least once/month.  See chart below.  All you need is a bright light and a mirror.  Look closely and feel your lips, the front of your gums, roof of your mouth, inside of your cheeks, back of gums and especially all aspects of your tongue.  Be sure to pull it out as far as you can to see to the sides as far back as your can.  Examine the back of your throat,floor of your mouth and even feel for enlarged lymph nodes along both sides of your neck and under your jaw.  Call us or your dentist's office immediately if you notice any changes in the appearance of your mouth or any of the signs below.  

4 - Signs/Symptoms include, but are not limited to: 

• Swellings/thickenings, lumps or bumps, rough spots/crusts/or eroded areas on the lips, gums, or other areas inside the mouth
• The development of velvety white, red, or speckled (white and red) patches in the mouth
• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
• Unexplained numbness, loss of feeling, or pain/tenderness in any area of the face, mouth, or neck
• Persistent sores on the face, neck, or mouth that bleed easily and do not heal within 2 weeks
• A soreness or feeling that something is caught in the back of the throat
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue
• Hoarseness, chronic sore throat, or change in voice
• Ear pain
• A change in the way your teeth or dentures fit
• Dramatic weight loss

5 - See your dentist regularly.   Even though you may be conducting frequent self exams, sometimes dangerous spots or sores in the mouth can be very tiny and difficult to see on your own. The American Cancer Society recommends oral cancer screening exams every 3 years for persons over age 20 and annually for those over age 40. During your next dental appointment, ask your dentist to perform an oral exam. Early detection can improve the chance of successful treatment.

What to do about TMJ Pain

At Dr. Hopkin's office, we treat more than just the mouth.  The structures of the jaw involved with function are also a hot topic with patients.  Many come to see us from their general dentist's office for relief of temporomandibular disorders (TMD).  TMD is a set of conditions in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that can include pain, headaches, muscle tension, limited range of motion in the jaw that may or may not be accompanied by audible popping or clicking noises in the joint.

Some patients only experience a single episode, while others experience recurring episodes.  While it isn't the case for the majority of individuals with TMD, some suffer chronic and persistent symptoms.    According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research,  TMD is reported to affect 5-12% of the population with an annual cost of approximately $4 billion to treat those that seek treatment, which accounts for only 2/3's of sufferers.

The many causes of TMD include direct or indirect trauma to the face, dental treatment that requires a patient to open their mouths for an extended period of time, and sometimes even intra-oral injections.  There are also a number of systemic conditions that can involve the TMJ, like osteoarthritis or lupus.  Significant, long-term problems only occur in a small percentage of those with TMD pain.  For the vast majority, recurring TMD does not indicate a more serious problem.

In those chronic and persistent cases, it is widely agreed among experts that the root of the pain lies in the muscles surrounding the joint and not in the joint itself.  The primary muscles used for chewing and speaking are the temporalis and masseter muscles (see below).  Just like other muscles, they can change as a result of how they are used.  These changes can influence whether they perform their functions smoothly without pain and discomfort.  When the temporalis and masseter muscles are overused from clenching or grinding,  excessive muscle tension can result and cause one to feel achy, tender or tight.

One of the biggest contributors to TMD is stress.  Persistent external stressors can cause muscles to remain in a constant state of increased muscle tension which can lead to headaches, fatigue and pain.  Stress may also cause night time and/or daytime clenching or grinding of the teeth which can overuse those muscles.  Even habitual repetitive movements such a gum chewing or shifting the jaw can lead to muscle fatigue.  Most of the time, patients are unaware that they are contributing to their pain with these habits.  When muscles experience this hyperactivity, they can spasm or become strained which limits how far one can open their jaw.

There are a variety of treatments that Dr. Hopkin offers for pain relief that all include teaching patients how to manage their condition.  Even though he is experienced and highly capable of performing open joint surgeries, his course of non-surgical treatments are successful enough that the vast majority of his TMD patients don't require it.  

1               National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). Facial Pain.

2               Von Korff M, Dworkin SF, Le Resche L, Kruger A. An epidemiologic comparison of pain complaints. Pain. 1988 Feb;32(2):173-83.

3               Dworkin SF, Huggins KH, LeResche L, Von Korff M, et al. Epidemiology of signs and symptoms in temporomandibular disorders: clinical signs in cases and controls. J Am Dent Assoc. 1990 Mar;120(3):273-81.

4               National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorders).

5               Gonzalez YM, Schiffman E, Gordon SM, et al. Development of a brief and effective temporomandibular disorder pain screening questionnaire: reliability and validity. J Am Dent Assoc. 2011 Oct;142(10):1183-91.

6               Dworkin SF, LeResche L. Research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders: review, criteria, examinations and specifications, critique. J Craniomandib Disord. 1992 Fall;6(4):301-55.

7               Validation Studies of the RDC/TMD: Progress toward Version 2. J Dent Res 87 (Spec Iss B), 2008.

8               Schiffman EL, Ohrbach R, Truelove EL, Tai F, et al. The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. V: methods used to establish and validate revised Axis I diagnostic algorithms. J Orofac Pain. 2010 Winter;24(1):63-78.

9               Truelove E, Pan W, Look JO, Mancl LA, et al. The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. III: validity of Axis I diagnoses. J Orofac Pain. 2010 Winter;24(1):35-47.

10           Truelove E, Huggins KH, Mancl L, Dworkin SF. The efficacy of traditional, low-cost and nonsplint therapies for temporomandibular disorder: a randomized controlled trial. J Am Dent Assoc. 2006 Aug;137(8):1099-107.

11           Hassmén P, Koivula N, Uutela A. Physical exercise and psychological well-being: a population study in Finland. Prev Med. 2000 Jan;30(1):17-25.

12           Dworkin SF, Huggins KH, Wilson L, et al. A randomized clinical trial using research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders-axis II to target clinic cases for a tailored self-care TMD treatment program. J Orofac Pain. 2002 Winter;16(1):48-63.

Should I Be Worried about Popping & Clicking in my Jaw?

Many of us at one time or another have noticed irregular and sometimes alarming sounds in our jaw joint when we open or close.  There's a pop or a click or even a grinding sound that we can't explain.  Some may experience discomfort associated with this, but even though it sounds painful, doesn't mean that it is painful.

Most audible noises in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are caused by the articular disc slipping out of it's normal position as the lower jaw hinges.  This disc is like a pillow of cartilage between the ball of the lower jaw bone (condyle) and the socket of the skull (glenoid fossa).  It functions to cushion the joint during chewing or other movements.  These joint sounds often occur from normal variations in the TMJ that alone do not indicate professional treatment.

When these sounds are accompanied with other symptoms like pain or limitation in range of motion that doesn't go away, then it is time to consult with the experts. Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) are a set of conditions associated with this joint and it affects 5-12% of the population, mostly females of child-bearing years.

As an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, Dr. Hopkin knows the anatomy and physiology of this joint better than most other dental professionals.  But don't worry, going to see a surgeon does NOT always result in a surgical procedure. The vast majority of TMD patients we see in the office find relief with alternative non-surgical treatments and are thrilled with the results.  If you think you are experiencing TMD, don't hesitate to make an appointment with Dr. Hopkin today!

Better Safe Than Sorry

With a growing number of youth and adolescents participating in sports, the number injuries is rising.  Some reports indicate that 36% of all unintentional injuries to children and adolescents are sports related.  According to the American Dental Association, of those injuries, 10-20% involve maxillofacial structures (face and teeth).  The National Youth Foundation for Safety has reported that an athlete is 60 times more likely to sustain damage to the teeth when NOT wearing a mouthguard! Most of the time, these injuries cause permanent damage to the teeth.

While damage is often times permanent, prevention is easy!  Fit yourself or your child in a protective mouthguard to be worn at all practices and competitions.  Not only can mouthguards protect teeth, but they may also reduce the rate of concussions when properly custom fitted.  The American Dental Association recommends wearing custom mouthguards for the following sports: 

acrobats, basketball, boxing, field hockey, football, gymnastics, handball, ice hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, roller hockey, rugby, shot putting, skateboarding, skiing, skydiving, soccer, squash, surfing, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting, and wrestling. 

Other experts include baseball and softball infielders on that list. 

When selecting a mouthguard, keep in mind that there are 3 types:

•                Ready-made or stock mouthguard that are available over the counter

•                Mouth-formed "boil and bite" mouthguard, also available over the counter

•                Custom-made mouthguard made by a dentist

These mouthguards vary in price and comfort, yet all provide some protection. According to the American Dental Association, the most effective mouthguard should be comfortable, resistant to tearing, and resilient. A mouthguard should fit properly, be durable, easily cleaned, and not restrict speech or breathing. 

If you aren't wearing a mouthguard and do incur an injury to your teeth, time is critical!  Seek dental treatment immediately, do not wait till the end of the game!  For the best outcome, get to a dentist within 2 hours.

Leave Your Medical/Dental Jargon Dictionary at Home!

     Here at our office, Dr. Hopkin will walk you through every option and procedure in a way that you can understand, helping you to make informed decisions about your health care.  Whether you are an adult, teen or child, Dr. Hopkin caters his approach in order to best relate to any patient.  When patients understand their condition, and have their questions sufficiently answered, their treatment experiences are much smoother!  Even parents are surprised to find that their once frightened children will relax and trust Dr. Hopkin to provide the care they need as he relates to them on their level.  Anxiety decreases, questions are answered and concerns are addressed. 

What to expect with Dr. Dustin Hopkin

     When any patient is told that they need to see an oral surgeon, there's always a bit of stress that hits.  There are concerns with pain, questions with cost, and anxiety about treatment, just to name a few.  In fact, dental anxiety effects an estimated 30-40 million Americans, causing them to avoid even seeing the dentist!  This may be why so many reluctant patients are pleasantly surprised when they come to our office for treatment!

     Your first impression will come from the inviting and warm atmosphere of the office, with our comfortable reception area and a friendly greeting from Stephanie or Maggie.  Maggie is our bubbly receptionist who tricks people into thinking she's from the South as she charms them with her down-to-earth Southern hospitality, referring to them as "Honey" or "Sweetie".

     Next, you'll be invited into the back where you'll meet one or more of our amazing surgical assistants, Renae, Kenzie or Nikki.  In addition to the fact that they are exceptionally well trained, they are also kind, cute and perceptive, working to anticipate your every need and keep you comfortable. It's about  this point when you'll start realizing your choice to come to Dr. Hopkin's office was a good one.

     If you haven't already done so on the way in, you'll see Dr. Hopkin approach you with his hand outstretched, ready to introduce himself and get to know you.  Like most patients, you may be a bit surprised when you meet him.

     First of all, you may notice that he is rather young-looking.  Not in a "Doogie Howser" way, but in a fresh, current, and energetic way.  We tease him enough that he wears glasses and grows a 3-day beard to give him a more mature look.  Regardless of his appearance,  it only takes a minute before you will feel as though you have always known him.  The treatment he renders is very sophisticated and intricate, contrary to his easy-going, talkative personality.  Dr. Hopkin sincerely enjoys his patients, treating them more like friends.  You won't feel like just a number, or as though you are being shuttled in and out.  As your appointment ends, you will feel well-informed about your care, comfortable with your new friends at our office and confident the you made the BEST choice!

For the best Oral Surgeon for Wisdom Teeth Removal, Utah patients Agree on Dr. Hopkin

Many people are familiar with the words wisdom teeth removal. Utah oral surgeon Dr. Hopkin performs this procedure almost daily. It is a very common procedure that he performs on patients generally in the age range of 14 to 21, but has seen patients as young as 11 and as old as 92. According to [ ]The post For the best Oral Surgeon for Wisdom Teeth Removal, Utah patients Agree on Dr. Hopkin appeared first on Dental Implants Salt Lake City, Wisdom Teeth Removal Salt Lake City, Oral Surgeon Salt Lake City.
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For Patients with TMJ Utah Oral Surgeon Dr. Hopkin is an Expert You Can Trust

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When Considering Dental Implants Utah’s Dr. Hopkin Is Highly Recommended

When patients find themselves in a position of considering dental implants, Utah oral surgeon Dr. Dustin Hopkin is the dental professional that can perform the procedure with ease. Dental Implants are quickly becoming a great way of solving the problem of missing teeth and are completed in only a few appointments. Dr. Hopkin and his [ ]The post When Considering Dental Implants Utah s Dr. Hopkin Is Highly Recommended appeared first on Dental Implants Salt Lake City, Wisdom Teeth Removal Salt Lake City, Oral Surgeon Salt Lake City.
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The Best Oral Surgeon, Salt Lake City agrees

When searching for an oral surgeon, Salt Lake City has many dental professionals to choose from but only one offers excellent chair side manner, experience and comfort and that oral surgeon is Dr. Dustin Hopkin. His office staff prides themselves on offering care to patients like no other dental office. Understanding the importance of comfort [ ]The post The Best Oral Surgeon, Salt Lake City agrees appeared first on Dental Implants Salt Lake City, Wisdom Teeth Removal Salt Lake City, Oral Surgeon Salt Lake City.
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The Rise of the Global Demand for Dental Implants in the Future

The global demand in the market for dental implants is expected to surpass $6.5 billion by 2018, based on a report by Research and Markets. The fast-paced growth is due to additional implant procedures, affordable costs, aging demographics and the growing awareness about dental implants and their aesthetic value. Consequently, the rate of dental implants around the world is also expected to rise as more patients favor these over dentures. Technological advancements over time for the procedure is expected to make it less painful and risky and shorten the period needed for recovery as well. These contribute to the overall rising demand for dental implants. Local practitioners expect to see the demand for dental implants in Salt Lake City as well, one of them being Dustin J. Hopkins DDS, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery P.C.

http://hopkinoms.com/industry-news/why-more-people-go-for-dental-implants-in-salt-lake-city/