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. 

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.

Idaho Statutes provides a strict formality of signature before two witnesses to be a legal organ donation.  The affixing 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. 

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!

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.