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My tooth was taken out several years ago. Do I still have enough bone for a dental implant?

isj — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:59:32 +0000

It is true that after a tooth is taken out that the bone that used to support it begins to dissolve away. This is usually a slow but progressive problem that may continue throughout one’s life. In most situations the ideal time to have an implant placed is at approximately 6 months after the tooth is removed (if not at the time of the extraction). However, there are many times when one may be unable to proceed with the procedure until several years have passed which increases the chance of bone loss in the area. Fortunately, even if there is significant loss of bone in an area that would benefit from an implant, minor bone grafting may often be used to replace the missing bone, creating a sound foundation in which to place the implant. Some people show much less bone loss than others, and even though many years may have passed, they still may have sufficient bone to proceed with the placement of the dental implant. Evaluation of the bone is one of the first things that your implant surgeon will look at when the consultation is performed, and fortunately replacement of lost bone is usually a relatively simple problem to fix.

My veterinarian recommended that my cat be tested for feline leukemia, even though he looks perfectly healthy. What is this disease, and why should he be tested for it?

isj — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:58:10 +0000

Feline leukemia is a common viral disease in cats. It is the cause of more cat deaths, directly or indirectly, than any other infectious organism in the cat population. Feline leukemia is spread from cat to cat via saliva, blood (frequently from bite wounds), and from mother to fetuses during pregnancy. The virus may remain dormant in an infected cat for weeks to years, so your cat could have the feline leukemia virus even though he appears to be healthy, and if so, he could transmit the virus to other cats. Once clinical disease occurs, a variety of disorders may result, including severe recurrent respiratory infections and lymphoma (cancer). Ultimately, feline leukemia is incurable and fatal. A quick blood test is required to test your cat for feline leukemia (and usually other diseases concurrently). Talk to your veterinarian about testing for feline leukemia and prevention of the disease. If your cat tests negative but is at risk for exposure, vaccination is an effective preventive. If your cat tests positive, your veterinarian will discuss methods of managing the disease and preventing further spread of the virus.Don’t despair when your dog is showing these symptoms. With treatment, your dog may act younger and happier than you dreamed possible.

When I renewed my driver’s license, the clerk asked whether or not I wanted to be an organ donor. She then marked A. organ donor upon my license. Is this legal?

isj — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:57:30 +0000

Idaho Statutes provides a strict formality of signature before two witnesses to be a legal organ donation. The affixating of organ donor upon your driver’s license is just a method to identify to legal authority that you have previously executed an organ donor card. A good family law attorney can advise you of the available options in your situation to become organ donors. Remember that a general informational series is not a substitute for actual legal representation.
As part of its estate planning service, Meyers Law Office, PLLC., provides a free Statutory Living Will
and Durable Power of Attorney.

Does it really matter what I eat or can I just keep my calories low to lose weight?

isj — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:56:45 +0000

It DOES matter. The quality of the food you eat is important – how many vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc. And, as far as weight goes, the old formula of calories in vs. calories out is a bit outdated. Certain conditions such as insulin resistance, diabetes, adrenal imbalance, etc. require care in choosing foods. Call us at 233-0593 to find out how to lose weight AND maximize your health!

Who Needs A Sleep Study?

isj — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:55:56 +0000

It seems the sleep apnea patient is the last to know they have sleep apnea. Their companion tells them they snore like a freight train and it makes them nervous when they stop breathing. The snoring person claims they sleep well, but they are usually tired, forgetful, hungry, gaining weight, and becoming depressed. The real truth is there’s likely a sleep disorder that needs to be identified and treated. I observed this week the Health & Wellness Sleep Institute is having a free in office consultation these next few days. A real sleep evaluation could save a loved one’s life. An astonishing large number of medical conditions are caused by poor sleep. Get the facts. When sleep apnea is diagnosed one of the treatment choices will be the use of an oral appliance rather than the air pump (CPAP.) Success treating sleep apnea and patient acceptance with the oral appliance is very high. If you or someone you know is struggling with snoring or sleep apnea call for a complimentary in-office evaluation!
Call The TMJ Sleep Center at 234-PAIN for sleep apnea, TMJ, headaches, & migraines. drdwight@thetmjcenter.com.

Sleep Apnea! Can I get rid of CPAP?

isj — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:17:14 +0000

The two most frequently asked questions by my patient are: Why didn’t someone tell me there was a choice of an oral appliance or CPAP for my sleep apnea? The answer to that question is: You will have to ask them why they did not give you a choice. The second question is: Can I get completely rid of my CPAP? My answer is: Usually patients can be treated without the use of the CPAP. My sleep apnea patients come in two varieties. The most common is the patient who has rejected the CPAP machine and are quite simply not being treated and are at great risk. For them it is a matter of trading an unsuccessful treatment for a good treatment. The second group of patients is using the CPAP and wish they could get rid of the CPAP. The patients have difficulty believing there is another treatment that will completely replace the CPAP and effectively treat their sleep apnea. This oral appliance alternative is FDA registered, and has been very well accepted with great results. If you or someone you know is struggling with snoring or sleep apnea come see us at the health fair or call for a complimentary office evaluation! Call The TMJ Sleep Center at 234-PAIN concerning sleep apnea, TMJ, headaches, & migraines. drdwight@thetmjcenter.com.

Why do I need a local insurance agent, instead of just calling an 800# for insurance?

isj — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:16:45 +0000

It’s all about service. At the Dave Reichelt Agency we offer not just Nationwide Insurance, but other carriers like Progressive and MetLife as well. Therefore when you need to ask a question about your policy, make a change, or pay a bill, you don’t have to sit on the phone and wait for someone you don’t know to help. Calling 232-DAVE is quick and easy. Best of all, if you do need 24 hour assistance, all of our carriers have a toll free number to help. We also have the ability to shop your rate, so that if one carrier raises your rate, we can hopefully find you a lower premium. All this while staying with our office.

Who should wear a mouthguard?

isj — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:16:09 +0000

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), an athlete is 60 times more likely to suffer harm to teeth when not wearing a mouthguard. While mouthguards are most commonly used for contact sports, the ADA suggests athletes might need a mouthguard when participating in any of the following activities: acrobatics, baseball, basketball, bicycling, boxing, equestrian events, extreme sports, field hockey, football, gymnastics, ice hockey, inline skating, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, rugby, shot-putting, skateboarding, skiing, skydiving, soccer, softball, squash, surfing, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting and wrestling. When considering a mouthguard it is important to recognize ones options. Most are familiar with the semi-custom mouth pieces which you “boil and bite”. These work well but may be a little bulky and lead to decreased use. Custom mouthguards may be made which are fabricated in a lab to exactly fit the person’s mouth. While these are more expensive, they do offer an improved fit and many people find it easier to breath well and tolerated the custom forms. The most important thing is to have a mouthguard in place, whether custom or semi-custom, whenever there is a chance of being struck in the face. Think of your mouthguard as cheap insurance for your teeth and jaws.

I just moved to southeast Idaho with my dog and cat. Do I need to worry about fleas here? What about ticks?

isj — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:15:28 +0000

The answer is yes to both. Ticks are very common in Idaho, even in pets that never leave their backyards. Ticks have the potential to transmit several quite serious diseases. Fleas are not as common here as in other parts of the country, but we do see them, especially on cats that go outdoors. Fleas may transmit serious diseases that affect people as well as pets. Fleas also carry tapeworms. Some years are worse than others for fleas; last year, for instance, we diagnosed many more flea-related illnesses than usual. This year, due to the very mild winter, we are seeing strong tick activity far earlier than usual. The key is easy, affordable prevention! Ask your veterinarian today for recommendations on flea and tick control.

My wife and I are getting divorced. My parents passed during my marriage. I received a sizable inheritance from their estate. I put this money into a separate account, where it has remained since I got it. My wife is claiming that she is entitled to half of that amount. Is that right?

isj — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:14:49 +0000

In Idaho, there is a presumption that all property acquired during the marriage is community property. However, all property acquired by a spouse after marriage by gift, bequest, devise or descent constitutes separate property. Therefore, since you inherited this money and kept it segregated from any of the community funds, it is very likely that it is separate property and that your wife is not entitled to any part of that money. Also any investment income from separate property may be considered community property. Remember that a general informational series is not a substitute for actual legal representation.