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Consistently take good care of your teeth and they could last a lifetime.

It’s a simple message from Dr. Reid Stone, DDS of Northern Hills ...

We’ve all heard it before, “change your oil or change your engine”.   I’ve experienced paying for a new compressor for my central air because I didn’t change the $10.00 filter each month.  After $2,500.00 of repairs, $120.00 per year to change the filters is worth it! Regardless of our experiences, we don’t think (or sometimes care) of the various preventative ...

Ok, did you know that e-cigarette users do not consider themselves ‘smokers’?  We, in the dental field, traditionally ask if you are a smoker, but now we need to start asking a broader question to include e-cigarettes.   While e-cigarettes do contain much less harmful substances than cigarettes, they still can be detrimental to your oral health.  Additionally, the long term ...

You were just diagnosed with periodontal disease.  OMG!  How could this happen??  You swear you are doing a good job at home.  Well, don't panic and let’s discuss it.

            First, maybe we should brief on what periodontal disease actually is.  Periodontal (gum) disease is an inflammatory disease that affects the soft and hard structures that support the teeth.  Gingivitis is ...

            Ok, since you read the previous blog, now it's treatment time.  Based on the amount of bone loss we are able to treat the disease here in our office with scaling and root planing.  If the disease has progressed significantly we may refer you to a periodontal specialist.

            Scaling and root planing, also known ...

I’ve heard of gold and metal crowns. What are all-porcelain crowns?

All-porcelain crowns feel just like your natural teeth.  The porcelain used for the crown resembles natural tooth structure and comfort by being able to expand and contract with hot and cold at almost the same rate as your natural tooth. The material used also wears at almost the same ...

Three Reasons Not to Worry About Digital Dental X-Rays:

1. New “digital” x-rays have an 85% reduction in radiation from old film-based x-rays.  1 digital x-ray is only 1/10 the amount of radiation you are exposed to on an average day.

2. The cost is typically covered by dental insurance at 100% or included with an in-office membership plan such as the (Northern Hills ...

If you are going to do it, you might as well do it right.  The right toothbrushing technique is important.  You should hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, pointed towards the gum tissue.  Use a “back and forth” motion of short strokes.  If you are using a powerbrush, point the brush at a 45-degree angle and let it do ...

We’ll just get it out there and acknowledge that one of the main reasons for removing your natural teeth and going into dentures is that you will not have to see a dentist again, right?  Whether the reason you don’t want to see the dentist is due to fear of the dentist, or the fear of pain, or the fear ...

Have you ever thought about whitening your teeth?  We can help you get that brighter, whiter smile!

To begin, Dr. Stone will complete a thorough dental examination, dental cleaning and x-rays to determine the health of your mouth.  Also, Dr. Stone will check for any white fillings or crowns on the front teeth that may not change during the whitening process.  ...

Watch Dr. Stone's video!

Contact us via the Internet: http://www.northernhillsdentist.com/Contact-Us-Schedule-Appointment or call us at (605) 584-2983 for an appointment today!

1.The Dental Plan is Insurance

Not to get too far into semantics, dental insurance is not insurance.  Sure you have a card that states you have coverage and pays for your cleaning visits, but it is nothing like any other insurance policy out there that you may have.

For instance, many of you can relate to home owners or auto insurance.  With ...

Now that we understand the difference between dental plans and insurance, here is the second half of the dental insurance myths blog:

2.I Can’t see the Dentist Without Insurance

Several times we have phone calls to cancel an appointment as they can’t go to the dentist without dental coverage.  In fact, in most cases it is probably cheaper to see the dentist ...

I don’t know about you, but I really like a nice steak; nice cut, cooked to order, tender, properly seasoned, and a good marbling.  For those who share the same sentiment, I apologize for the craving I may have started.  For those of you who do not share the same affinity for steak, substitute it with your favorite food/meal.

Now that ...

For some reason, most people I talk to have the same feeling toward bleeding gums. In my life before dentistry, I was part of that group thought too.  What is it about our oral health or bleeding gums that is so “shrug” ready?  Are bleeding gums something you should be concerned about? If you started bleeding from your hand from ...