Letter re: periodontal screening Van Haren Family Dentistry patients

Dear patients of Van Haren Family Dentistry in Grand Rapids Michigan,

The purpose of this letter is to inform our patients about our procedures to screen and treat periodontal disease here at Van Haren Family Dentistry. Periodontal disease is an infection in the gums that is the leading cause of tooth loss. Periodontal disease can be associated with broader health problems from bad breath to osteoporosis to heart disease. Please see your favorite medical website such as Mayo Clinic to learn more about periodontal disease and its treatment.

As some of you may already know, Van Haren Family Dentistry now screens all patients for periodontal disease by taking painless measurements of your gums around each of your teeth during your maintenance exam. If we do not find signs of periodontal disease, your appointment will continue with a cleaning, appropriate x-rays, and an oral health exam.

If, however, we find signs of periodontal disease, the “usual cleaning” is no longer the appropriate hygiene treatment since a regular teeth cleaning does not address the bacteria in your gums. Accordingly, please be prepared that your appointment will not proceed with a regular cleaning. Rather, we will discuss your specific treatment recommendations and address any questions you have. Depending on the particular health of your gums and your readiness, we may or may not proceed with periodontal treatment the same day.

Modern periodontal treatment can dramatically improve your immediate and long-term oral health. We look forward to providing your household and all of our patients with the best chances for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Sincerely


Ryan Van Haren, DDS and staff
Van Haren Family Dentistry

Affordable whitening for life program

Van Haren Family Dentistry in Grand Rapids appreciates its patients and cares deeply about their oral health. To show appreciation and encourage ongoing oral health care, Van Haren Family Dentistry now offers whitening for a nominal fee to all patients who are up to date with recommended dental care.

This is not intended to be a temporary special, but an ongoing policy. Van Haren Family Dentistry is proud to be the only practice in Greater Grand Rapids making a lifetime of professionally whitened smiles affordable for all patients.

Here are the details:

· There is a one-time cost of $50 for custom whitening trays.

· Patients get custom whitening trays and professional whitening gel.

· Patients get whitening gel refills at no additional cost as long as they meet participation requirements.

· Participation requirements:

o Up to date with recommended exams, x-rays, cleanings, and periodontal care.

o 18 years old or have parent’s permission.

o Meet health requirements for whitening.

o Account paid in full.

Van Haren Family Dentistry asks that patients inform the office of their desire to participate in the whitening program in advance of their appointment so the office can make accommodations in the schedule.

Grand Rapids Dentist Blog launch

Grand Rapids Dentist Blog provides a forum for select dentists in Grand Rapids Michigan to gain exposure and a voice on the Internet. This blog launch post honors a Grand Rapids Family dentist, Dr. Ryan Van Haren of Van Haren Family Dentistry, who has exceptional skill and takes exceptional pride in delivering top notch dental care.