tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-778812381312623552024-02-21T00:59:28.231-05:00Dental Nation. . . sharing the love and passion for dentistryPaul Jacobs, DDShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04382562006385889129noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77881238131262355.post-77653193573531471052014-05-28T11:46:00.000-04:002014-05-28T11:46:16.835-04:00Gummy Smile Reduction / Repair In One Hour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQMuHi4KwotVgILii2f1zPHJloR68SKppQDdWwgWvvibDnoM4T5WX_nIbCtkmYraQzLyo_72ZwLb7msvLkMcXtWX2r9AIuAFwqt2VpykBJKJUhWpg0Mdj0EjGz2I4UiopCl81ODsh14lk/s1600/Gummy+Smile+Reduction+Before+After+Paul+Jacobs+DDS+Escanaba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQMuHi4KwotVgILii2f1zPHJloR68SKppQDdWwgWvvibDnoM4T5WX_nIbCtkmYraQzLyo_72ZwLb7msvLkMcXtWX2r9AIuAFwqt2VpykBJKJUhWpg0Mdj0EjGz2I4UiopCl81ODsh14lk/s1600/Gummy+Smile+Reduction+Before+After+Paul+Jacobs+DDS+Escanaba.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
Before and After photos tell the story of Gummy smile repair and reduction in just one hour. The after photo was taken immediately after the procedure. This type of procedure is life-changing. See our other posts for details on laser gum lift procedure and lip repositioning surgery. Paul Jacobs, DDShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04382562006385889129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77881238131262355.post-44333673425330043502014-05-28T11:41:00.000-04:002014-05-28T13:57:05.102-04:00Lip Repositioning In An Hour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWT6WrN9MOb3W-cQ4ngQ1cIuG_IncYcaTFozo8OETaac3m9jEDsLNRoj375rPK-dRLjNZ4lrSSHloNv8PSX6wmK9JPfMGjvkjWjLwJPNF1FxgE0fQCa8858jr8q7BHxUBuctlg0qGIsCU/s1600/Lip+Repositioning+Lowering+Gummy+Smile+Escanaba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWT6WrN9MOb3W-cQ4ngQ1cIuG_IncYcaTFozo8OETaac3m9jEDsLNRoj375rPK-dRLjNZ4lrSSHloNv8PSX6wmK9JPfMGjvkjWjLwJPNF1FxgE0fQCa8858jr8q7BHxUBuctlg0qGIsCU/s1600/Lip+Repositioning+Lowering+Gummy+Smile+Escanaba.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
These photos were taken before and immediately after lip repositioning surgery and laser gum lift. Notice the beautiful fullness of the upper lip, as well as covering of the upper gum tissue. What a joy for our patient to discover the full glamorous teeth hidden for so many years!Paul Jacobs, DDShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04382562006385889129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77881238131262355.post-91200146958406570802014-03-26T17:06:00.000-04:002014-03-26T17:06:24.881-04:00Jacobs Deprogrammer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfom_1uWecXM7Nod0wxC4oknF9FWbp9sEX9VDoaCSlThiLJBPb5d7HbaINKK89Us0I149nV9IoPw4L1F-yu-kmFHqr_QbYK0RZjfFsg5nA697qTp_dgJxkQ2n52sWekBARGenfQya9SEA/s1600/Dentist+Headache+TMJ+Escanaba+Marquette+Jacobs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_594944="null" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfom_1uWecXM7Nod0wxC4oknF9FWbp9sEX9VDoaCSlThiLJBPb5d7HbaINKK89Us0I149nV9IoPw4L1F-yu-kmFHqr_QbYK0RZjfFsg5nA697qTp_dgJxkQ2n52sWekBARGenfQya9SEA/s1600/Dentist+Headache+TMJ+Escanaba+Marquette+Jacobs.jpg" height="278" uta="true" width="320" /></a></div>
Introducing the most effective dental appliance we have found for headache and TMJ relief: the Jacobs Deprogrammer. This is a very light, easy to wear, comfortable appliance. It is custom fit exclusively for the patients of the Jacobs Smile Center, in Escanaba, Michigan. If you have any questions about jaw joint problems, headaches, clenching, or sleep apnea, feel free to call us and see if the Jacobs Deprogrammer is for you.
Paul Jacobs, DDShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04382562006385889129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77881238131262355.post-16943109558647721682012-08-24T07:55:00.000-04:002012-08-24T07:55:16.937-04:00Diode Laser - Oral Magic MarkerIn developing my novel Reversible Trial Lip Repositioning procedure, it was apparent that I needed a way to mark the surgical site that was reproducible. The common method of marking oral tissue is with an indelible marker, but the marks are large, they run quickly, and they don't last long. The predictability of Lip Repositioning rests on being able to capture the surgical site with precision and to reproduce that captured area for up to a two day period.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhkJyp8-1puJrozCophKp5QaIAPsq0QFTRx0rTa0mI6lp0-7a0zCm_bcq20NhfUVq-UmuIJA5TFFS6PZSNH3cNvzrGD1eloclKMCk82PuGq-I3D2wG7KV48mOOEaiZSkrcFmw9omWIi4L/s1600/Lip+Lowering+Laser+Paul+Jacobs+DDS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhkJyp8-1puJrozCophKp5QaIAPsq0QFTRx0rTa0mI6lp0-7a0zCm_bcq20NhfUVq-UmuIJA5TFFS6PZSNH3cNvzrGD1eloclKMCk82PuGq-I3D2wG7KV48mOOEaiZSkrcFmw9omWIi4L/s320/Lip+Lowering+Laser+Paul+Jacobs+DDS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My solution was to incorporate a diode laser used on a low setting to mark a "dotted line" on the oral tissues. These marks are very superficial, and they dissolve within a couple of days without any discomfort or long-lasting evidence.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS0nzXzm2yW2qjljy_RDtYQD4-uEkr-QuyIgVgi1HrmGeWeMMHMbMd5ANG5qcPo7TLtL4ijLR566WS5KZIb1pQBtmev-qXM4Bd67T8pBMF77BoIy507o2rA7uIqXg-6Ce_Z1nB5KRrluB-/s1600/Lip+Repositioning+Marking+Paul+Jacobs+DDS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS0nzXzm2yW2qjljy_RDtYQD4-uEkr-QuyIgVgi1HrmGeWeMMHMbMd5ANG5qcPo7TLtL4ijLR566WS5KZIb1pQBtmev-qXM4Bd67T8pBMF77BoIy507o2rA7uIqXg-6Ce_Z1nB5KRrluB-/s320/Lip+Repositioning+Marking+Paul+Jacobs+DDS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The diode laser has many practical applications for temporarily marking proposed surgical locations in the mouth. Again, necessity is the mother of invention!Paul Jacobs, DDShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04382562006385889129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77881238131262355.post-17010185519192050502012-05-22T07:47:00.000-04:002012-05-22T07:47:28.957-04:00Practice MojoMy good friend and mentor Jim Rhode told me, "you need to look at this Practice Mojo (PM) program for your office." He couldn't have been more right. Practice Mojo automates our appointment confirmations, reminds our patients about their need for followup appointments and tells them when they are past due for ther cleanings. It also allows patients we have seen to complete a survey about their experience in our office.<br />
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PM also tells our office about how well we are managing our recare schedule and gives us demographic information about our patients. It allows us to send specialized messages to our patients through email, text messages, or customized message postcards.<br />
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Our experience with this program since inception has been excellent. The first thing we noticed was the appreciation from our patients about enhanced communication. Almost daily, we have a patient call us and tell us that they are surprised and impressed that we have sent them a text message to remind them of their appointment. They actually take the time to call and tell us they are impressed!<br />
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Another patient called to let us know that the postcard we sent was "a cut above the other junk you get in the mail."<br />
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The surveys we have received to date have been 100%. Now I know that it's not possible to have that track record continually, but it has been a great team encouragement to date. The comments patients add to their surveys have been glowing. Remarkably, the dental TEAM has been mentioned in nearly all of the comments.<br />
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Thanks Jim Rhode for a great recommendation. Our patients and all of us here at the Jacobs Smile Center are encouraged by this new technology!Paul Jacobs, DDShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04382562006385889129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77881238131262355.post-1450474472419135922012-05-02T12:00:00.000-04:002012-05-02T12:00:17.004-04:00AACD Washington DC Lip Repositioning LectureProgram attendees at the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry in Washington DC can click on the following link to view the powerpoint slides for Dr. Jacobs seminar.<br />
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<a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/74111245/AACD%20Lip%20Repositioning%20Jacobs.pdf">Gummy Smile Repair With Lip Repositioning Surgery</a><br />
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Dr. Jacobs speaks on Thursday, May 3, 2012 in the Member Pearls section located adjacent to the Operatory of the Future in the Exhibit Hall.<br />
<br />Paul Jacobs, DDShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04382562006385889129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77881238131262355.post-15579279092882959232012-04-20T16:40:00.000-04:002012-04-20T16:42:39.064-04:00Lip Repositioning / Gummy Smile SeminarPaula and I had an enjoyable visit with our son and daughter-in-law recently while in Chapel Hill, NC. I spoke at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry on the subject of Lip Repositioning and management of a gummy smile. It was enjoyable to share my novel technique of Reversible - Trial Lip Repositioning Surgery with a group of Oral Surgeons, Periodontists, and Prosthodontists. <br />
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My next presentation on Lip Repositioning Surgery will be in Washington, DC at the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Annual Session. <br />
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Bryan and I are excited to see the next couple of issues of The Journal Of Periodontics And Restorative Dentistry. Our article on Lip Repositioning has been accepted for publication there, and it will present a case series of patients I treated with my technique of the Reversible - Trial Lip Repositioning Surgery.Paul Jacobs, DDShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04382562006385889129noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77881238131262355.post-10073910620981685942012-03-07T19:00:00.006-05:002012-03-07T19:20:14.943-05:00Biofilm Shifting in Periodontal TherapyA new focus has emerged in the treatment of periodontal diseases. It is known as Biofilm Shifting. <br /><br />Previous emphasis and focus of gum therapies has been on reduction of ALL oral bacteria through professional cleaning and with the use of antimicrobial rinses and medications. The problem with eradication of all oral bacteria, is that the oral environment becomes an open void, and susceptible to reinfection. Any strong pathogenic bacteria that remain will also have a greater chance of recolonization of the mouth. <br /><br />Certain rinses which contain chlorhexidine or alcohol also kill the normal oral flora, which are often what we rely on to keep the "bad" bacteria at bay.<br /><br />Our current goal in gum therapy is to reduce or eliminate the "bad" bacteria which are disease causing, but still keep the healthy bacteria present. This is what the concept of Biofilm Shifting is all about. Biofilm shifting changes the bacterial profile of the subgingival biofilm toward normal using focused therapies. It involves removal, reduction, or inhibition of pathogenic bacteria, while sparing good bacteria. Oral probiotics can be incorporated to keep levels of good bacteria present. Creating a favorable environment for good bacteria, while excluding reintroduction of bad bacteria may include alteration of oral pH levels to make the mouth healthier and less acidic. This is accomplished with proper nutrition and diet, and avoidance of food and drink which will increase oral acid levels.<br /><br />The emphasis of Biofilm Shifting is to guide the mouth's sensitive ecosystem toward normal, and not just indiscriminately kill all oral bacteria.<br /><br />Perio 360 (TM) therapy from the Jacobs Smile Center is uniquely designed to accomplish this biofilm shifting for increased long-term health of the mouth and body.Paul Jacobs, DDShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04382562006385889129noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77881238131262355.post-46627272007660465912012-03-04T00:18:00.004-05:002012-03-04T00:41:28.302-05:00Invest In Your Dentist - PerioeconomicsAccording to a Pew Center report, more Americans are turning to the emergency room for routine dental problems — a choice that often costs 10 times more than preventive care and offers far fewer treatment options than a dentist's office. Many of those emergency visits involve trouble such as toothaches. In Minnesota, nearly 20 percent of all dental-related ER visits are return trips, the analysis said.That's because emergency rooms generally are not staffed by dentists.<br /><br />Simply seeing your dentist for routine checkups and preventive care could save millions of dollars to society.<br /><br /><br /><div>Perioeconomics is about the financial impact of oral disease on society and medical care costs.</div>81 BILLION dollars was spent in the U.S. in 2006 as a result of oral biofilm (Flemmig et al 2011). Spread the word. Invest in your dentist.Paul Jacobs, DDShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04382562006385889129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77881238131262355.post-30384491927641322002011-10-05T15:57:00.002-04:002011-10-05T16:10:44.541-04:00Successful Gummy Smile Repair<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvkYbyWvYKIUKFfaAjHfXtS3fYiP8U4WQbpNFCa-z_8InCjS_BenoT3pBVfax1MpkPzTd7hAeA0biySacZWAWWp_yRWzfhbErib68QqmKDxQ-sirc4PF1aEVZusGMFB9tfO7qGiz2uvwX/s1600/Lip+Repositioning+Lowering+Before+After+Paul+Jacobs+Cosmetic+Dentist+Michigan.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660100953052367522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvkYbyWvYKIUKFfaAjHfXtS3fYiP8U4WQbpNFCa-z_8InCjS_BenoT3pBVfax1MpkPzTd7hAeA0biySacZWAWWp_yRWzfhbErib68QqmKDxQ-sirc4PF1aEVZusGMFB9tfO7qGiz2uvwX/s320/Lip+Repositioning+Lowering+Before+After+Paul+Jacobs+Cosmetic+Dentist+Michigan.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOkJWO-1-T8t49ASqomYylW6NlQHNEebx_eEXSIgxjrCiILuNopLuSVb0N1NdTPUxaO1U2PUlMu-EpyY-4Cp5qBrNwbIgKpAgmhZnAffcnF-LWrELTQwwCvXqMRoQb9rKNxIPWPmCnVUk/s1600/Gummy+Smile+Repair+Before+After+Lip+Repositioning+Paul+Jacobs+Cosmetic+Dentist+Michigan.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660100944599332290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 283px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOkJWO-1-T8t49ASqomYylW6NlQHNEebx_eEXSIgxjrCiILuNopLuSVb0N1NdTPUxaO1U2PUlMu-EpyY-4Cp5qBrNwbIgKpAgmhZnAffcnF-LWrELTQwwCvXqMRoQb9rKNxIPWPmCnVUk/s320/Gummy+Smile+Repair+Before+After+Lip+Repositioning+Paul+Jacobs+Cosmetic+Dentist+Michigan.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />After consulting several dentists, our New Mexico patient chose care at the Jacobs Smile Center. She felt that the Reversible Lip Repositioning procedure met her needs best, because she was able to visualize her result before making the final decision to have a permanent fix.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The before and after photos above are taken immediately after the surgical procedure which took about 45 minutes. Patients are able to go about their normal activities immediately after the procedure, and only have to avoid "hard" smiling for a few days.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>A fuller upper lip was desired in this case, and it's clear from the photos that the patient's desires were accomplished. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Patients seeking more information about this procedure can send an email to <a href="mailto:dr.paul.jacobs@gmail.com">dr.paul.jacobs@gmail.com</a> with a smile photo or two to have a preliminary evaluation done.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Dr. Jacobs is the creator of the Reversible Lip Repositioning procedure, and one of the top providers of the Lip Repositioning procedure in the world.<br /><br /></div><br /><div></div>Paul Jacobs, DDShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04382562006385889129noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77881238131262355.post-31946022186439073502011-05-19T18:54:00.008-04:002011-06-20T19:57:07.534-04:00Connie BlossomsWhat an enjoyable moment we shared with Connie today! Her drive to Escanaba was uneventful, and she told us that she was more relaxed today and excited to get her treatment completed. Is agoraphobia conquered? No, not likely, but today another battle has been won.<br /><br /><br />Connie's dental restorations from her last appointment were comfortable, and she has been taking good care of everything that was done for her. She is learning to smile again . . . it's a journey.<br /><br /><br />Today, we completed removing all the decay from her teeth - saving and rejuvenating her smile! Connie's confidence has been boosted. All that we take for granted, like the simple ability to smile easily, has now been restored. Connie is smiling brightly.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620305281078993202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxuMwCo7OSPZjYuw4Sdfdm8UOSDUDvUE1rnf1KVpZQj43d-qCRZM5WJ7cCmWMAq2CfDcAlZG8kAVOjayke5Fh9Uuj-ztbzK6McdLZRD-5KNp-LCFmTI5C29tCVzx7-HaUt6Oj5F_RoWQFE/s320/Agoraphobia+progress+Connie+Paul+Jacobs+dentistry+IMG_3458.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><strong><em>Connie, thanks for the smile. Thanks for the tears. Thanks for the bear hugs!</em></strong><br /><br /><br /><br />Most importantly, thanks for reminding us why we do what we do in the dental office. Thanks for allowing us to use our God given talents for what He intended.<br /><br /><br /><br />See Connie's before photos and story at: <a href="http://dentalnation.blogspot.com/2011/03/everybody-has-something.html">http://dentalnation.blogspot.com/2011/03/everybody-has-something.html</a>Paul Jacobs, DDShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04382562006385889129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77881238131262355.post-53995784939949968092011-04-26T19:46:00.012-04:002011-06-20T09:54:43.984-04:00Progress Means More Than Teeth<p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><strong><em>Letter from Connie . . .</em></strong></span></p><br /><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Hello Dr. Jacobs, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>You're an extraordinary man who probably doesn't realize how many people you touch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Thank you for inspiring me...and for taking my case too! </span><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p><span style="font-family:Calibri;"></span></o:p></p><br /><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"></span></span></p><br /><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">….while mired in the perpetual cycling of this disorder I’d often wonder about why this happened to me and how did I manage such blatant disregard for my smile, etceteras...</span></p><br /><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">I have just read Dr. Jacobs’ blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Heavy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Humbling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Thank you!</span></p><br /><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">My smile has become collateral damage and as awful as it is debilitating to exist with a disorder such as agoraphobia, I would take it on again because I have come away with more than I started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dr. Jacobs’ blog has given me solace in re-appreciating that life is a journey and it is time to buckle up and appreciate every aspect of this "stop and go" ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></p><br /><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">I had become a bit jaded regarding life, and how much longer could I get away with telling my son and daughter that people are good and the world’s great, when I wasn’t so sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Why did I keep making excuses for misguided strangers as well as my very own family?.."they just don't understand" or "they have no experience with this issue."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That perception is a lonely place to be. </span></p><br /><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Agoraphobics suffer in silence and will endure outrageous treatment from the world because,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>after all, simply reaching the destination was a battle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Avoidance is often mistaken for relief or control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Can you imagine compounding the burden with the fact that you must keep your mouth closed to avoid the obvious?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In our culture, our smile conveys so many different messages, and when you can’t utilize your mouth…well, communication is next on the list of things to avoid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Brutal! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span></span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;"></span></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">An already "fragile" person will internalize the negativity, and tah-dah…perpetual cycling! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>Communication is essential to getting a sensible handle over the crippling effects of agoraphobia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It took me years of avoidance/neglect, and the destruction of the smile I had been so proud to flash. Recognizing there is something wrong is critical for progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Regardless of which side of the spectrum you think you are, many would benefit by demonstrating compassion for each another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span><br /></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">My feeling is that I hit the jackpot when I drove the hour and a half (one-way [can anyone say agoraphobia]) to see the Jacobs Smile Center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Honestly, I was a bit skeptical in the beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was somewhat discombobulated because everyone there is so nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Turns out, they’re even better than that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They’re people who have empathy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Not sympathy (not good), EMPATHY (good).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This friends, is why I wouldn't change a thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Good, caring people do exist and the world itself is inherently good too!</span></p><br /><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">If you’re reading this, then you had to have read the original blog…awe inspiring altruism (good) -</span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"><strong><em>Connie</em></strong></span></p><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Agoraphobia is not a final "sentence".</strong></span> Connie's second appointment was constructive and successful. Below is a photo taken before we started today, showing the beginnings of a beautiful, confident smile. I was able to share with Connie that not only had she benefitted from the time we spent together dentally, but that my friend who also experienced agoraphobia had been enriched to know she helped Connie.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrbxALrcnfYFIbCdlhzdQ9P7CQoO-__XRp6ks1bXMOOjNVOwLYnzkFuZUZfxt5gHai0AW2Lh3lMflu4pQJLezYlClqgBqhZc4boC_lxO7PbHuYYr3YHB1jZUFOS3MutHX7JInFKQzOfIu/s1600/Agoraphobia+Progress+Paul+Jacobs+dentistry+IMG_3382.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600043420288773714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHrbxALrcnfYFIbCdlhzdQ9P7CQoO-__XRp6ks1bXMOOjNVOwLYnzkFuZUZfxt5gHai0AW2Lh3lMflu4pQJLezYlClqgBqhZc4boC_lxO7PbHuYYr3YHB1jZUFOS3MutHX7JInFKQzOfIu/s320/Agoraphobia+Progress+Paul+Jacobs+dentistry+IMG_3382.JPG" /></a>Everyone benefits when we take the time to share our human feelings and talents with each other. Who would have known that the silent sufferings of one person could serve to begin unlocking the chains that bind another. Actually, silence would have probably gone nowhere. For it is in the sharing that all are enriched - the patient, the dentist and his wife, the dental assistant, the agoraphobic friend. It's true: As you sow, so shall you reap!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Today, we repaired Connie's other three upper front teeth and all of the teeth on her right side. Connie should be smiling well these next few days! Progress with teeth . . . but oh, so much more!Paul Jacobs, DDShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04382562006385889129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77881238131262355.post-89582019308426626302011-03-18T13:50:00.006-04:002011-03-18T14:23:08.303-04:00Everybody Has SomethingMy wife Paula reassured our new patient, "everyone has something." Our new patient Connie presented last week, and was able to share with us that she had difficulty going to the dentist because of her agoraphobia. Her travels from a neighboring town and venturing into a new environment was difficult, but she knew that something had to be done about her teeth.<br /><br /><br /><br />"Some people are afraid of heights, others worry about getting cancer or losing a loved one. You just happen to have difficulty with new situations, people, and traveling to unfamiliar places." Paula explained to Connie. "Everyone has something, whether you realize it or not."<br /><br /><br /><br />Connie came for her first treatment appointment today, and did well. She had three root canals done, laser gum removal to get at her decay under the gums, and four teeth built up so they are white and shiny again.<br /><br /><br /><br />Connie shared with us that she has been ashamed of her smile and of how she has let this go so long. She told us that she doesn't even kiss her husband anymore because she won't let him get that close to her decayed smile. A few short years ago, she had a beautiful smile and felt so much better about herself, but her agoraphobia kept her from maintaining her teeth. They had suffered greatly, as you can see by her before photo.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_b4z5159rTOv5vfegRsR0LvS5yHWRYBqEzLzOuiatzpDehiUzraQU5jeB_YmuHZ1r5BYmG3OYLErDYUJa5WriZl2sa9cqD_eDPxX_4yaRWiyGQcZ1cUyYtVf-fjKVeHdUSShssVTKeoq/s1600/Agoraphobia+Paul+Jacobs+dentistry+IMG_3277.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585483950185994754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_b4z5159rTOv5vfegRsR0LvS5yHWRYBqEzLzOuiatzpDehiUzraQU5jeB_YmuHZ1r5BYmG3OYLErDYUJa5WriZl2sa9cqD_eDPxX_4yaRWiyGQcZ1cUyYtVf-fjKVeHdUSShssVTKeoq/s320/Agoraphobia+Paul+Jacobs+dentistry+IMG_3277.JPG" /></a>Connie asked that I share her story with others, and that she is continuing to make progress, both with her agoraphobia and also with her dental treatment. She did great today! At her request, I took this photo so she can have it as a record of her progress and so that it may serve as an inspiration to others. Our ability to take care of Connie is mostly because of our understanding of agoraphobia. Someone who is very close to me has struggled with agoraphobia for years. Few people know this, and fewer understand that someone's hardship can be a comfort to others.<br /><br /><br /><br /><em>Dear Friend;</em><br /><em>It is because of your struggles and sharing your experiences with agoraphobia that I have been able to care for this precious young woman Connie. Without your help and without your suffering, I could never have understood what she was going through or what I could do to improve the quality of her life. You must know that I appreciate you so much and that Connie's life will be enriched more than you can know. Thank You! </em><br /><em>God Bless You - Paul</em>Paul Jacobs, DDShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04382562006385889129noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77881238131262355.post-39844147371896716062011-02-15T22:19:00.003-05:002011-02-15T22:33:02.690-05:00Gummy Smile RepairGummy smile repair is now accomplished with lip repositioning. At one time, the only option for someone who showed too much upper gum and jaw tissue was complex surgery to remove some of the upper jaw bone and wire the jaw into a different position. Today, thanks to modern conservative techniques, Dr. Paul Jacobs is able to limit the movement of the upper lip with a simple intraoral procedure.<br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574123053911551490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_E5zmEIX1Pdm2i1mnTsIb4I9QGpcBQ5tEQgZKuJs93d9uCCrqZR5iFWN0UEcpPf88OXluTbqffW8fVICcj02XbGdxx02PD8nTzJQY4w6E8qezxexc2B3Sypr0xO945rubu0Aa_yfqg4lu/s320/Gummy+Smile+Repair+Lip+Repositioning+Paul+Jacobs+Cosmetic+Dentist+Michigan.jpg" border="0" /></p><p><br />During the surgery, Dr. Jacobs employs his technique of <em>Reversible Lip Repositioning</em> first. The patient is able to view their approximate gummy smile repair in the first few minutes of the procedure before deciding to proceed with the permanent procedure. The reversible procedure enables the patient to decide if they want more or less change in their smile, thereby giving them more control over the final esthetic result.</p><p>Our patient pictured above was able to choose the degree of change that she was comfortable with prior to her surgery. She is shown before and after the Lip Repositioning with her maximum smile.</p>Paul Jacobs, DDShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04382562006385889129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77881238131262355.post-3145862440109371972011-01-10T21:27:00.006-05:002011-01-10T21:51:05.513-05:00Shout It Out Loud: 2011 Is The Year of The Mouth!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfPRf_c59q3VVKae3iPV9IhBOyBTLiK1ruM2W82qdpSpBBkRUS1jI8y63xMoGqDt6R8u7NHkZMwHAD00854GY0BTmYjcm36Jeerwk1riTOYwar2scBgkPRpMXApiIZ0SiSwGpqS3-qohK/s1600/AAOSH+Jacobs+Kammer+IMG_0466.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560752810029782194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfPRf_c59q3VVKae3iPV9IhBOyBTLiK1ruM2W82qdpSpBBkRUS1jI8y63xMoGqDt6R8u7NHkZMwHAD00854GY0BTmYjcm36Jeerwk1riTOYwar2scBgkPRpMXApiIZ0SiSwGpqS3-qohK/s200/AAOSH+Jacobs+Kammer+IMG_0466.JPG" /></a> Founding Members: President Dr. Chris Kammer, Paula Jacobs, RN, and Dr. Paul Jacobs<br /><br /><div><br /><br /><p>The Chinese have designated 2011 "The Year of the Rabbit," however, the bunnies are being asked to step aside because the president of North America's fastest growing health organization, The American Academy for Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH) is proclaiming the year 2011 as the "Year of the Mouth." </p><br /><br /><p>"Because the Mission of the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health is to educate the world this Proclamation serves to illustrate the Academy's commitment to put its money where its mouth is." declares Paul Jacobs, DDS, professional speaker and Founding Member of the Academy.</p><br /><br /><p>AAOSH is taking a stand that the mouth is the first place to start for overall body health and longer life. In recent years the studies have been piling up connecting poor oral health to the deadliest of diseases including heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes. Oral health problems have also been shown to have close connections to many other serious health concerns like Alzheimer's, arthritis, pneumonia and pregnancy complications. Founding member Paul Jacobs from Escanaba, Michigan shares his concern and goal, "Unfortunately, it just isn't common knowledge that oral health can add years to your life. Our group is committed to changing that!"</p><br /><br /><p>"AAOSH is aware we can only get so far with this "most important message ever" using the regular scientific and medical information outlets." AAOSH President Dr Chris Kammer says, 'It's time to open new doors for the public and use new ways to communicate this message about the body-debilitating and life-shortening consequences of poor oral health." Since one of the primary missions of AAOSH members is to "Shout It Out Loud" and communicate the importance of this mouth-body connection, they have borrowed the popular song title from the legendary rock group KISS as their rallying cry. The organization hopes to make it official as well; since adding a rock-and-roll theme to this life enhancing and life extending message will likely get it heard by more people in their public service announcements. "When lives are at stake, our group will go the distance to get the public's attention," continued Dr. Jacobs. "That's what 'The Year of the Mouth" is all about." </p><br /><br /><p>For more information on AAOSH, please visit, <a href="http://www.aaosh.com/">http://www.aaosh.com/</a> </p></div>Paul Jacobs, DDShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04382562006385889129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77881238131262355.post-22264550997172285292010-12-17T13:58:00.004-05:002010-12-17T14:13:45.012-05:00Deformed Permanent MolarThomas, age 9, came in yesterday with what looked like an infected baby tooth. After looking closer, I decided to take an x-ray and was surprised to see that his lower right first PERMANENT molar tooth was infected. There was no apparent explanation for this other than it had developed abnormally.<br /><br />I hadn't ever seen this before, so I thought it might be interesting to others. Below are his panoramic x-ray and a photo of the deformed, infected tooth removed. Time will tell what will happen on the other side, as the permanent molar tooth there also appears to be developing the same way.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qDJCWbTVE7PY4LNMhiM9nBQguQTEFy0HQ5nt9BHfRlbdhybRcIlWmQjM1TS8iWvP3cq4Ueq39blY6bzreWLAKoaJ2PO2u2UErAXSBY2fppupy0y6Y8HKch4TNsuS8sGJ26p1jPmKFW3n/s1600/Deformed+Molar+Xray+Paul+Jacobs+DDS.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 106px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551727989962621250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qDJCWbTVE7PY4LNMhiM9nBQguQTEFy0HQ5nt9BHfRlbdhybRcIlWmQjM1TS8iWvP3cq4Ueq39blY6bzreWLAKoaJ2PO2u2UErAXSBY2fppupy0y6Y8HKch4TNsuS8sGJ26p1jPmKFW3n/s200/Deformed+Molar+Xray+Paul+Jacobs+DDS.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZPeXxlHzdhfAnUbnb6fIdAGl5W7eQlEyuFr6MoShFLocL0K1xYSLC0XwegoxgYaTTJNg1sSVvs6sIuIkr3e6nH-XNjPTNYPXXTw4Z9WNOkBA3X3CnCCaoJBa8ySvUad39YNqL0NX6Mni/s1600/Deformed+Molar+Paul+Jacobs+DDS.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551727985980392466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZPeXxlHzdhfAnUbnb6fIdAGl5W7eQlEyuFr6MoShFLocL0K1xYSLC0XwegoxgYaTTJNg1sSVvs6sIuIkr3e6nH-XNjPTNYPXXTw4Z9WNOkBA3X3CnCCaoJBa8ySvUad39YNqL0NX6Mni/s200/Deformed+Molar+Paul+Jacobs+DDS.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Paul Jacobs, DDShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04382562006385889129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77881238131262355.post-82068505656708407642010-11-02T18:05:00.004-04:002010-11-02T18:21:22.741-04:00Gummy Smile Solution with Lip Repositioning SurgeryThere is new hope for gummy smiles with lip repositioning surgery. Below is our most recent patient just one week after her procedure. Smiling big! But . . . fortunately not as big as before her lip repositioning. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioX8DGSneo4nQ8nxQTV9wZYN6vA63fDWhWT6Ab-a-ZE3bcwCp7vlk8RdojaLZ0D_Xfb3g545V1BaD8o6EkpCAgdr8YKWDcnGQ__BAZ_YOKueiozFBvDKIdNa5pt6Ut_QOjTTJ_W7JsxH3A/s1600/Gummy+Smile+Lip+Repositioning+Jacobs+DDS.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535077494592813586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioX8DGSneo4nQ8nxQTV9wZYN6vA63fDWhWT6Ab-a-ZE3bcwCp7vlk8RdojaLZ0D_Xfb3g545V1BaD8o6EkpCAgdr8YKWDcnGQ__BAZ_YOKueiozFBvDKIdNa5pt6Ut_QOjTTJ_W7JsxH3A/s400/Gummy+Smile+Lip+Repositioning+Jacobs+DDS.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Just the right amount of change resulted from this procedure because of our use of a new technique developed by Dr. Paul Jacobs called the Reversible Lip Repositioning<span style="font-size:78%;">TM. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Patients are able to preview their intended result and adjustments can be made for more or less change to the smile depending on the desires of the patient. This new technique is more predictable and controllable than other methods used in the past. </span><br /><br />Dr. Jacobs can be consulted by patients and practitioners for more information on the Reversible Lip Repositioning procedure. He speaks in different locations throughout the United States and is available in his office in Escanaba, Michigan for one on one training. This exciting new procedure is making a difference in the lives of many people.<span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><br /></span>Paul Jacobs, DDShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04382562006385889129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77881238131262355.post-13681084332681737302010-09-14T22:15:00.004-04:002010-10-06T15:47:40.248-04:00Reversible Lip Repositioning SurgeryWorld's first <strong>Reversible Lip Repositioning</strong><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">TM</span> Surgery!<br /><br />I continue to enjoy incredible interest in my lip repositioning procedure from all over the world. In response to the demand, I developed a technique where our patients can visualize the final result prior to the actual surgery. During this procedure, no cutting is done, and the patient can "trial" the lip repositioning for feel and appearance for a day or for five minutes before fully reversing the procedure.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMmAZ51R8b4deQgMb12poTMgX5MICVPQLDW0ZEsjvKlyP1lKaE3HEmj9eZerjFuTikL2PuNzqbPxpfKbejbVgqbqBsbLHLGeuWGwiLHQxDuOZB9zyabBHgRl9CleLjSB8rSYV8aboO6wpE/s1600/Lip+Repositioning+Surgery+Before+After+Paul+Jacobs+Cosmetic+Dentist+Michigan.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516958719647422082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMmAZ51R8b4deQgMb12poTMgX5MICVPQLDW0ZEsjvKlyP1lKaE3HEmj9eZerjFuTikL2PuNzqbPxpfKbejbVgqbqBsbLHLGeuWGwiLHQxDuOZB9zyabBHgRl9CleLjSB8rSYV8aboO6wpE/s400/Lip+Repositioning+Surgery+Before+After+Paul+Jacobs+Cosmetic+Dentist+Michigan.jpg" /></a><br />Patients have control to decide whether to have more or less of their gums showing in the permanent procedure after they have seen the temporary, reversible procedure.<br /><br />The photo above shows the Before and After of the Reversible Lip Repositioning. You can see that there is less of a gummy smile. There is also the added benefit of increasing the fullness of the upper lip for this young lady. The entire procedure including the permanent lip repositioning takes about 40 minutes.Paul Jacobs, DDShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04382562006385889129noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77881238131262355.post-17881068647453123722010-09-02T16:53:00.005-04:002010-09-02T17:36:30.842-04:00Invisalign Colors Rock!Invisalign Colors rock at the Jacobs Smile Center in Escanaba, Michigan!<br /><br />Invisalign straightens teeth with a series of invisible, clear aligners, but what about teenagers who feel the need to express themselves with the colors of rubber bands on braces? Now Invisalign wearers can custom design any shape, size or color to wear on their teeth. The greatest thing about this awesome option is that every two weeks they can change it to something different or just go "wireless" again.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512429390604803890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0SeUF5QhpyM4MSK9erJAY51q-6W_lrmccldbfRJBWVpJ9KIEseT749xPbNGRHpRrZWhuwUX5H-GKePhAem7YMAv5YW5ETkHosRhPjrUdmbP4vKTsUBw6Nl_P8UdxwqDG-4_AAdrbnsSUf/s320/Invisalign+Colors+Paul+Jacobs+DDS.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />Above is an example of an Invisalign aligner with bling for the holidays using a permanent marker. Patients can even pretend they're wearing the old fashioned "wires" if they want to surprise their friends.Paul Jacobs, DDShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04382562006385889129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77881238131262355.post-31505069597463292232010-06-17T17:15:00.000-04:002010-06-17T17:17:30.693-04:00Twinsburg Dentistry<div>Recently, one of our patients presented with a unique request. He wanted his teeth fixed so they would look better, but was hesitant about finalizing plans for the treatment.</div><div><br /> </div><div>My wife Paula was reassuring him that he would get the smile he desired, but she sensed that there may be a barrier to his decision making. She asked if there was some unanswered questions that he had, or if there was some issue that she was not aware of that might be giving him cause for reticence.</div><div><br /><br />He explained that, yes, there was a concern he had. He went on to tell Paula that he had a twin brother, and that they looked forward to attending a meeting of twins called <em>Twins Days</em> in Twinsburg, Ohio. He wanted to be sure that his teeth looked nice when they were fixed, but "not too different" so that it wouldn't affect his twinness with his brother.</div><div><br /> </div><div>Dental treatment was completed in short order, and he was elated to let us know that he actually looked more like his brother than he did before. We were graced by a visit from the twins a few days later at our office, and had the welcome opportunity to meet our patient's brother and to get the photo below. Uniquely, you will notice that they are "mirror image twins."</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483853459409853282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvtAYJO7xF4LJGyCdZWQZBbpiQV58MRRlz_FaYWQJTldOt_6K9tFZ9XyRX4tY7BpKXFFKD6ZVGNM6fTBC5wRLhmpSZOQ8V6gbP9piYmNkFs3KaIVv8dfiIuqtXT-a9bHBkLSJ-81iYgLk/s320/Paul+Jacobs+dentist+twins.JPG" border="0" /></div>Paul Jacobs, DDShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04382562006385889129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77881238131262355.post-90924052909888642342010-05-30T06:05:00.001-04:002010-05-30T06:05:00.740-04:00Cosmetic Dental ContouringCosmetic dental contouring can make a lackluster composite restoration lifelike and realistic. The most obvious feature corrected is the elimination of the mamelons, or the small bumps on the edges of the front teeth.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467153429079893714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vG8dN_tm5OP4v462G1CJum1x0UpoesYnKiwLopu0TLeYNZ9-ey5tCfrTEF0Gs4hFlTj294f-qGy_tx8c64dxQCub6BymCB0U2Rwf_OkJ9SgUMAfU467cSMy7gaoY_pn_8rOzgOqr23sA/s400/CosmeticDentalContourBefore.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />The feature in a smile that is the most overlooked, and the one which makes the teeth look so much more natural is the contour and surface texture of the front teeth. In the first photo, you can see the dull, round surface of the tooth just to the right of center (right on the photo.) In the second photo, the restoration has not been replaced, but only carved and recontoured so that the light reflection is similar to the tooth next to it. This improvement was done quickly, without anesthetic, and at very minimal time and cost.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBPE7sVvlez_m6ZOJqIMEOWfjsR3fuAWAbh1gbHH5gTWg8V_h9RF30w7V7OihsYtH9sgivLlD6dHRsuBZKnTL2lShMQBgSJrYBkxmmmMSti-Sy_s4h2kzpa0O3xYHZSUgAjGbjcYHn3UM/s1600/CosmeticDentalContourAfter.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467153417249444786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBPE7sVvlez_m6ZOJqIMEOWfjsR3fuAWAbh1gbHH5gTWg8V_h9RF30w7V7OihsYtH9sgivLlD6dHRsuBZKnTL2lShMQBgSJrYBkxmmmMSti-Sy_s4h2kzpa0O3xYHZSUgAjGbjcYHn3UM/s400/CosmeticDentalContourAfter.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Paul Jacobs, DDShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04382562006385889129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77881238131262355.post-77220678320741746342010-03-13T16:30:00.000-05:002010-03-13T16:30:17.717-05:00Sturge-Weber Syndrome - Oral ManifestationsSturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS), also known as encephalotrigeminal angiomatosis occurs in about 1 of 50,000 births as reported in Nelson's Textbook of Pediatrics.<br /><br /><div><div>SWS usually occurs at birth and sometimes is associated with seizures or mental retardation. It's visual characteristic is a facial port wine stain. Few intraoral photos are available of SWS, so I took the following images with permission from one of our patients at the Care Free Dental Clinic in Escanaba, Michigan: </div><div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448231665759176898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLoDMbZnbvlS_h-BlUc3xglsZ4M75B0l3vZGMFR5QAUbN__pjt_G2EKs4A8HkJqiMahENv1D8ZfRrjDs4kLGoZxQHZ6XwLWA9oExBunU47FkYLdn3sV28Os78yfolT7OyBIJMi8MvPlNlM/s400/Sturge+Weber+Palate+Paul+Jacobs.jpg" border="0" /></div><div></div><div>Most apparent on the hard and soft palate are the bright red striations caused by oversized blood vessels.</div><div></div><div></div><div>He reports being told that he is very fortunate, because he has no mental retardation or seizures.</div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448231668299661666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7KtUyRoOWE8LRDj7UmPlD1MOGcqTSub0600U-mg0z9nTU0Ej7V4vrcpUCRD-hLUc2gMIi9eGzOPiuiHQRFUyIK7bxWBuZbUVXtEd54QhY1SGi0pRlqPiaAYdotPTbJK96PQRfjOU4BvHq/s400/Sturge+Weber+Face+Paul+Jacobs.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTmZuuX9681vN2QFiT5QA5o_YYcME4yl68pqHtL-9p_EbVBL-do3r7hX6ZYydzWNeJ9l2xFPYMwOBvMAckIK2oh-zr8BEgbRBas-_9qrhx7NwBXAOeCLhfr-eBN6Tnj76I7opYXV3YUda/s1600-h/Sturge+Weber+Syndrome+Palate+0244.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6oyhQvugPGiKupk3oLj3c1fq_uOWz8A2eFUDhKgqNYea8G_xPjIXO5ZUPFpP0Ol4QBaCxk2vpzejTp5wsX-2ai7oRtVumoZbL7zl_TqqqntZ7VRsf1nEXe2dK87n92yIjJF8pD76pT2y_/s1600-h/Sturge+Weber+Syndrome+Face+0251.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Paul Jacobs, DDShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04382562006385889129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77881238131262355.post-43202319649652081062010-03-13T11:49:00.000-05:002010-03-13T15:19:01.143-05:00Caries, Decay, Cavities, Acid ErosionCaries and acid erosion can be seen between these two teeth below:<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDPwtKH2ua4y8koAx2Ko83bqZd7347cx1Xz36R07gugpY9llNaWqbgNKKp4zGeFjBJXaVxuArlnkQZK-ZJkqDIeLvC-3pwj_x2rMzNQla31rIptYhnRBMyU79CrF5KFQRtA6MGdEZZw93/s1600-h/CariesInterproximal+Paul+Jacobs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443708821772691378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDPwtKH2ua4y8koAx2Ko83bqZd7347cx1Xz36R07gugpY9llNaWqbgNKKp4zGeFjBJXaVxuArlnkQZK-ZJkqDIeLvC-3pwj_x2rMzNQla31rIptYhnRBMyU79CrF5KFQRtA6MGdEZZw93/s400/CariesInterproximal+Paul+Jacobs.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>I recently cared for a young woman who has had recurrent episodes of decay (caries) between her back teeth. She's a soda drinker, and admits that she isn't flossing enough. When I began to remove the decay from between her teeth, I saw what is in the image above. I showed the patient this area, and she remarked that she "would really start flossing and stop drinking pop."</div><div></div><br /><br /><div>I thought that if the image was helpful for her, perhaps others would benefit by seeing the damage caused by acid attack between teeth. These areas are usually invisible to the patient, and even to the dentist without an x-ray. </div><div></div><br /><br /><div>The photo is of the area between two teeth. The caries is in it's initial state, as it doesn't show a hole between the teeth yet. Decalcification occurs first, which is the whiter area in the photo. This is the outer layer of the enamel of the tooth that has been thinned or weekened. The next layer of the tooth as you proceed deeper is the dentin. The tooth on the right has begun to have caries form in the dentinal layer, while the tooth on the left has progressed much farther. This second layer of the tooth is much softer than the enamel, and decays and washes out much faster, even traveling laterally undermining sound enamel.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Acid erosion from lack of flossing or from too much soda or sports drinks can cause destruction in a tooth from the inside out. Seeing is believing in this case. </div>Paul Jacobs, DDShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04382562006385889129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77881238131262355.post-26799899972230227622010-02-22T17:25:00.005-05:002010-02-22T17:38:08.454-05:00TonsillolithA tonsillolith is a semi-hard, cheesy yellow substance found in the side of the throat at the base of the tongue.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfPWh1p289d2mfyulHqdeeAsOTP8-lUPgeDT65RzCWTEtbxUf3mNa2bv8WJiBb-lyKWJF4MuQNVMHDFkNfSjZ0bGTAgHMcxc60WX8d2Hn3iHxzdOFNTVb5Zsna0YO4RHXTWIEvN-83i5m/s1600-h/Tonsillolith+Paul+Jacobs+DDS.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441197867809805506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfPWh1p289d2mfyulHqdeeAsOTP8-lUPgeDT65RzCWTEtbxUf3mNa2bv8WJiBb-lyKWJF4MuQNVMHDFkNfSjZ0bGTAgHMcxc60WX8d2Hn3iHxzdOFNTVb5Zsna0YO4RHXTWIEvN-83i5m/s400/Tonsillolith+Paul+Jacobs+DDS.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />A patient reported to my office today with the complaint of a feeling of "something hard or lumpy in the back of my throat." He said that it was present for about a week, and didn't hurt, but he didn't know what it was. His concern was if it should be removed. After examining the area and taking this photo, I removed a small, yellow-white mass which felt like hard cottage cheese. The piece popped right out with a small curette. The most apparent quality of the tonsillolith was an extreme bad smell.<br /><br />A tonsillolith is reported to be a calcareous mass that can accumulate in the tonsillar crypts in the lateral throat. It is believed that it is generated from an accumulation of food or bacteria in the area, possibly actinomyces bacteria. They are usually not harmful but can contribute to bad breath.Paul Jacobs, DDShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04382562006385889129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77881238131262355.post-37415735805223838842010-02-02T16:12:00.001-05:002010-02-02T22:23:47.000-05:00Proud Father and Mother<div>Last Saturday, Paula and I had the honor of attending a luncheon of the American College of Dentists in Boston at the Yankee Dental Congress Meeting. Our son Bryan Jacobs was presented with a distinguished student award for ethics and leadership in dentistry. The award was introduced by the Dean of Bryan's Harvard School of Dental Medicine, R. Bruce Donoff, DDS, MD.<br /></div><div><br /> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 257px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433851111420456354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkuBtuaA-yve_4M2o9MrEM94WdZrDx4j4kVX52qGCKEDQAJOhEI2kRK7XJhihziEHkvlKnnRQ8oLgX-tJKMS7u0GYVk2sVqLkSUBR673FXh_qL2YS61MCs4_UhEGeZ6oQdH1UXKnEnVqH/s320/Bryan+Jacobs+Harvard+Award.jpg" /><br /><br />In attendance were the deans of 4 dental schools, the president of the ACD, the executive director of the American Dental Association, past presidents of the ADA, among others.<br /><br />Bryan has worked hard and persevered through the demands of dental school at Harvard. He has kept his sights on the goal of completing a quality education in dentistry. He is passionate about his profession and I know he will continue his lifelong quest for learning.<br /><br />Bryan will soon be the fourth generation of dentists in our family. He will be the first Harvard grad. Paula and I are so proud of him - almost as much as we love him. His grandparents are so proud of him. All of his family, friends, cousins, neighbors, even Linda (soon to be Dr. Linda) are proud of him. What a great example. Way to go Bryan!Paul Jacobs, DDShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04382562006385889129noreply@blogger.com1