Dr. Doi's Talking Story

testimonials

Summer 1998 Edition - Dr. Doi's Talking Story

NEW DENTAL X-RAY TECHNOLOGY

An exciting and emerging x-ray system has literally revolutionized the practice of dentistry. It uses 50-90% less radiation than traditional x-ray units and computer technology instead of conventional film that must be developed. The Computed Dental Radiography (CDR) system has introduced to the dental profession a new era of patient safety and environmental responsibility. This system was developed by David Schick, a Queens, New York engineer who is president and owner of Schick Technologies, Inc. Schick Technologies is the largest manufacturer of digital x-ray systems in the the world and the only U.S. company in the market.

The system uses a sensor that is placed in the mouth where it reacts to the x-ray emission in the same manner that a video camera records light to form images. The x-ray image is then transmitted from the sensor to a computer screen.
The dentist and the patient together can look at the image on the monitor almost immediately. Like other computerized images, the dental picture can be highlighted in colors, enlarged, stored on the computer's hard disk, transmitted over phone lines to other dentists, specialists or insurers, and printed out for the patient to take home.

A significant benefit of the CDR system is its environmentally-responsible qualities. "Dental offices handle and dispose of large quantities of hazardous chemicals each day to process x-ray film," Schick said. "The costs of hazardous waste disposal are high and the risk to human health and the environment can be significant. The digital radiography system a significant contribution to the practice of dentistry and an even more important contribution to the health of our environment. As a parent, I am particularly proud of this benefit of the CDR system."

Many of the staff attended the annual Hawaii Dental Association meeting this past April. In addition to informative lectures, the convention gives dental personnel the opportunity to examine and purchase the newest in dental equipment and supplies. At this convention, I upgraded my magnification system as well as purchased long-awaited technology – the Schick digital x-ray system. Magnification should be considered an essential instrument for producing quality dentistry. Even routine procedures, such as examinations and restorations, can be improved by doing them under magnification. It's just common sense – if I can see better, I'll work better. The ability to see more clearly what I am doing makes clinical practice less stressful and more enjoyable.

Using a headlight is just another step beyond magnification. Headlights eliminate shadows, since my head can never get between the source of the light and the object being illuminated. With the light following my eyes, the object I am viewing is always fully illuminated. I know I would not feel comfortable practicing without magnification and fiber optic headlighting. These features, along with friendly service from our staff, are designed to provide you optional dental care.

Lip Protection is Important!

I hope you are all taking advantage of our gorgeous beaches and oceans. As we move through the summer season, I can't help but notice more dried and burnt lips.
The lip is unlike other skin in that the outer layer is extremely thin. As a result, moisture rapidly evaporates from the lips, causing them to dry out very easily. Lips have almost no melanin, the natural pigment in skin that helps screen out the sun's harmful rays. As a result, lips burn easily and long lasting damage can occur. Sun exposure is also one of the most frequent triggers of cold sore lesions. Lips need to be protected from the sun all year round.

***Please use lip block with at least SPF15.

TESTIMONIALS

June 25, 1998

Dear Dr. Doi,
As an advocate of alternative medicine and biological dentistry for many years, you cannot imagine how grateful I am to have finally found a dentist whose methods and ideology in dental health are those I can trust.
One could not ask for a more highly skilled dentist than you are, and I was especially impressed by your cheerfulness, patience, and stamina when one of the sessions for my dental bridge required unusually long and tedious work. I certainly appreciate your wide range of knowledge and your enthusiasm for sharing a wealth of information in the health field both inside and outside of "teeth issues".
People usually gasp in disbelief when I tell them that I travel from Honolulu to Kona to go to the dentist. My response is always, "This dentist is worth the trip!" And while I'm not much of a traveler, the peaceful and relaxing drive from the Kona airport to Kamuela, combined with a nice breakfast at one of the beautiful hotels along the way, have actually made me look forward to those dentist appointments!
You have made me realize that good dental care is essential to one's overall health. As I explain to my fellow senior citizen friends, if necessary, I'd rather be spending a couple hundred dollars on a beautiful hotel room than thousands on a hospital room!
Your entire staff is always so wonderful, and your assistant, Julie Kidani, has been very helpful in working with my travel schedule; even managing to arrange the emergency appointment that became necessary last month to take care of a problem tooth.
Thank you for all you have done for me. I'm glad that you're a lot younger than I am so that I'll have a dentist I can count on for the rest of my life! God bless you.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Gladys Yoshimura
Honolulu, HI

June 16, 1998

I would like to share my personal experience with you regarding the removal of my amalgam fillings. Shortly after the replacement of amalgams with composite fillings, I no longer continued to repeatedly clear my throat or cough. This has been such a relief! Thank You.

Sincerely,
Richard D Fox
Kailua-Kona, HI