What, Exactly, is Relaxation Dentistry?

Relaxation dentistry provides safe, a method of managing pain and anxiety during professional dental care though the use of medication, is a comfortable dental treatment for patients with special needs.

How can I benefit from relaxation dentistry? You can benefit from relaxation dentistry if you experience one of more of the following:

* High fear of dental care
* Complex dental problems
* Traumatic dental experiences
* Fear of needles and shots
* Trouble getting numb
* Sensitive teeth

The two most common types of relaxation dentistry are:

Anxiety Free Dentistry

Through this type of sedation you will experience very deep relaxation while still being conscious. Your doctor will provide you with an oral medication that is easy to swallow, safe, and low cost. Most adults will receive Halcion (triazolam), though children are usually given a liquid medication like Versed (Medazolan). When the medication takes effect, you will be able to speak and respond to external requests.

Inhalation Sedation

Inhalation sedation uses Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen (laughing gas) to help your body achieve a relaxed state. This is the most popular form of sedation used in dentistry today.

If you have any questions about relaxation dentistry, or about your treatment at Advanced Dental Concepts, please feel free to give us a call!

What's the deal with all that Halloween candy?

It's Halloween, and Dr. Spurlock, as well as Drs. Ed and Forrest Faulkner, understand sour candy is a part of any Halloween celebration. But while sour candies can be delicious, they are arguably as unhealthy for your teeth as sweet candy. The reason is, sour candies tend to be very acidic, and are capable of burning your cheeks and gums while wearing down the enamel on your teeth.

Our team at Advanced Dental Concepts would like to remind you that if you should experience a craving for sour candies on Halloween or in the future, please:

1. Remember to rinse your mouth with water immediately after consuming candy, drink milk, or eat a couple pieces of cheese.

2. Do not brush immediately after consuming sour candy. The candy's acidic nature tends to soften tooth enamel. Brushing your teeth can mean abrading the enamel.

3. Limit the amount of sour candies that you consume on a daily basis. If you do indulge, remember not to suck or chew on sour candies for long periods of time.

If tooth erosion has already begun, ask us about ways to reduce sensitivity and continue to protect your teeth.

Hope this helps! Advanced Dental Concepts wishes you a happy and safe Halloween!

Oral cancer screening with VELscope® at Advanced Dental Concepts

In our continuing efforts to provide the most advanced technology and highest quality dental care, our team at Advanced Dental Concepts is proud to include the VELscope® Oral Cancer Screening System as an integral part of our comprehensive oral cancer screening program. Every hour of every day in the United States someone dies of oral cancer, which is the sixth most common diagnosed form of the disease. The 5-year survival rate is only 50 percent, and oral cancer is one of the few cancers whose survival rate has not improved.

But there's a revolutionary device that provides our team at Advanced Dental Concepts with an easy-to-use oral examination system for the early detection of abnormal soft tissue. Clinical studies have determined that using VELscope after the standard oral cancer examination improves the dentist's ability to identify, evaluate and monitor suspicious areas at their earliest stages. Early detection of pre-cancerous tissue can minimize or eliminate the potentially disfiguring effects of oral cancer and possibly save your life.

So, how does it work? VELscope emits a safe blue light into your mouth, which causes the tissue to appear different colours through the viewfinder. This allows us at Advanced Dental Concepts to tell the difference between normal and abnormal tissue. Best of all, the procedure is quick, painless and potentially life-saving. Ask us about a screening at your next appointment!

Learn more by watching VELscope® at work on the Dr. Oz show!

Happy Monday!

What are patients saying about Advanced Dental Concepts lately?

If you know our team at Advanced Dental Concepts, you know we LOVE hearing from our patients – check out what a few of our patients are saying about Drs. Faulkner and Spurlock & our staff lately! Thanks for writing in, everyone! By the way, Facebook is a great place to tell us how we’re doing, but we also encourage you to head to our Google Places page or our Yelp listing and leave a short review there. Your generous reviews help us build more beautiful smiles!

"Outstanding I have been going to Advanced Dental Concepts for the last 15 years and have always had great experiences. The staff is wonderful and have always gone above and beyond to make my experience pleasurable. They are more than just a dentist office, they are a real part of our overall health care community. Also, I have noticed they are always up to date on the latest techniques. I would recommend them to anyone." - Angel

"The Best I have visited Advanced Dental Concept numerous times over the past several years. Although I am not the bravest patient, I have always been met with patience and understanding from the staff. I don't live very close to this office, however; it is certainly worth the trip. On my last visit, not only did I get the work done that was needed, but I also got the bleach whitening treatment. The difference is amazing. My thanks and appreciation to the entire staff!!! I highly recommend this group of professionals to anyone looking for dental care." - Anonymous

"Excellent! I have suffered from a fear of dental work for years. Advanced Dental Concepts is so wonderful that not only do I no longer have any fear...I actually enjoy my visits. The staff is the friendliest and most caring that I have ever encountered. Their work is superb! Do not hesitate to make an appointment with Advanced Dental Concepts!!!" - Stephen

Denture wearers! Attention!

We hope you're off to a great week! For any of our patients at Advanced Dental Concepts who wear dentures, Drs. Faulkner and Spurlock encourage you to read this helpful article about excess zinc intake and the effect it might have on your overall health.

The study, published in the March/April 2011 issue of General Dentistry, notes that denture wearers should pay special attention to the amount of zinc they consume and highlights that “over time, toxic levels of zinc could cause a copper deficiency, which has been linked to neurological damage.”

If you happen to be a denture-wearer, please let us know if you have any questions, or ask us during your next visit!

At Advanced Dental Concepts, October is National Dental Hygiene Month!

With October here, our staff at Advanced Dental Concepts know this is a great opportunity for us to remind all our patients about the need to take care of your teeth and gums. After all, October is National Dental Hygiene Month.

Your teeth are an important part of your body, and keeping them clean helps keep your mouth and your body healthy. By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet and visiting our convenient office in Pace on a regular basis, you can have healthy teeth and an attractive smile throughout your entire life. We are committed to providing optimum care for all our patients in a compassionate manner, and your health and comfort are foremost in our minds.

We encourage you to check out the official National Dental Hygiene Month website, which provides pointers on keeping your mouth clean and healthy. Lastly, has it been six months since your last visit to Advanced Dental Concepts? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to give us a call at (850) 304-0027 to set up an appointment.

Happy Monday!

In love with your new smile? Tell the world about it!

At Advanced Dental Concepts, we are committed to providing optimum care for all our patients in a compassionate manner. Your health and comfort are foremost in our minds. We will thoroughly evaluate your dental needs and make recommendations to provide you with a complete care program to achieve your goals.

Whether you've been seen by Drs. Faulkner or Spurlock for a week, months or years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our dental practice is faring! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about Advanced Dental Concepts with the rest of the world, but we encourage you to head to our Google Local page and write a review there. Or, you may review us on Yelp or Facebook if you wish. After all, reviews help us create more beautiful smiles in Pace and surrounding communities!

You may write a review here. Thanks in advance and have a great week! We look forward to reading your reviews!

Manual vs. Electric Toothbrushes: What’s the Difference? From Advanced Dental Concepts

Everybody is jumping on the electric toothbrush bandwagon in recent years, with many experts in the dental field claiming electric toothbrushes provide superior dental care. It’s true that electric toothbrushes are recommended for those who can’t do a good job brushing manually or who have arthritis or other conditions. But manual toothbrushes do have some advantages, according to an article we recently found including:

• Cost. While electric toothbrushes may be expensive for many people, manual toothbrushes are both inexpensive and accessible.

• Less pressure on your teeth & gums. While we can feel the amount of pressure we’re using as we grasp our manual toothbrush, we can’t feel the pressure nearly as well with an electric toothbrush. Placing too much pressure on our teeth can wear away at the tooth enamel, which causes pain, sensitivity, as well as an increased risk of tooth decay.

• Simple to pack. Manual toothbrushes are easy to carry around for those business or family trips. People are less likely to let their good dental care habits lapse on vacation with a toothbrush that they can easily bring along!

• Better for kids. Learning at a young age how to properly use a manual toothbrush helps children get a feel for how to properly take care of their oral hygiene.

Electric toothbrushes, on the other hand, are more effective in removing plaque and are considered a better alternative to maintaining gum health. Remember, whether you choose a manual or an electric toothbrush, Dr. Spurlock, Drs. Faulkner and our team encourage you to choose one with soft bristles and be sure to change the bristles on the electric brush when they become worn down. We also encourage you to replace your toothbrush every three months, when the bristles are no longer straight and firm or after you recover from a cold.

Give us a call at Advanced Dental Concepts if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook!
Happy brushing!

Don't throw your insurance benefits away!

Our team at Advanced Dental Concepts would like to give those patients with flex spend, health savings, or insurance benefits a friendly end of the year reminder that it's about that time to schedule your dental visits so you can optimize your benefit.

Now is the time to reserve you appointment with us. Space is limited and we get VERY busy this time of year, so don’t wait to give us a call at (850) 304-0027! Happy MOnday!

September is National Gum Care Month!

At Advanced Dental Concepts, we know that gingivitis, which is the early stage of periodontal disease, can be difficult to recognize if you're not a trained dentist. Many people don't recognize the warning signs - bleeding and swollen gums - as a precursor to periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. This month, a national campaign is under way to raise awareness about gum health and periodontal disease, and we wanted to help do our part to spread the word!

Drs. Faulkner, Spurlock and our team will tell you early recognition and taking action are the most important steps to health gums, and ultimately a health body, too! Studies are published every year linking oral health, including the gums, to the health of other areas of the body, such as your heart. One of the most important steps to improving the care of your gums is recognizing the warning signs for gum disease.

Our staff knows these can include:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent halitosis, or bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position

If you happen to notice any of these signs, please schedule an appointment at our convenient Pace, Florida office by calling us as soon as possible. We can take proactive steps to prevent gingivitis and gum disease, while showing you how to improve gum care in your daily oral hygiene habits.

Ask Dr. Spurlock: What’s the deal with coffee and tea?

At Advanced Dental Concepts, we know most folks enjoy a hot-brewed coffee or tea in the morning, followed by a cola (or more coffee) in the afternoon. But what many don’t know is that both coffee and tea are especially tough on your teeth, because tannic acid (the substance that makes the dark color) etches into the pits and grooves of tooth enamel, and can stain your pearly whites brown.

So, if you can’t give up that morning cup o’joe, what can you do? Drs. Faulkner and Spurlock suggest rinsing with a glass of water after every cup. If you enjoy iced coffee or tea, drink your beverage with a straw so that tannins don’t make contact with your front upper and lower teeth. Even if you’re not a big coffee drinker, we encourage you to swish and swallow some water at the end of each meal. Water, after all, helps neutralize acids left in your mouth after eating and also reduces cavity-causing bacteria.

We also invite you to visit our convenient Pace, Florida office for whitening options. We can help bleach your teeth with proven and professional products. To learn more about whitening options at our office, please visit our website, ask us on Facebook or give us a call!

Dental fun facts with Advanced Dental Concepts!

Everyone loves fun facts and dental tips. Fun, fun, fun! Our team at Advanced Dental Concepts came across these dental fun facts recently and thought you might enjoy!

• The second most common disease in the United States is cavities. The first is the common cold.
• There are almost 9,000 accidental pockings and piercings with toothpicks per year.
• X-rays may be an effective tool in preventing strokes.
• A child will have 20 baby teeth by the time he or she is 2 years old. Through childhood, kids gradually lose baby teeth and grow 32 permanent teeth, including wisdom teeth.
• According to consumer reports, dentists are among the 5 most trusted professionals in the United States.
• Approximately $2 billion a year is spent on dental products like toothpastes, mouthwashes and dental floss.
• The average American spends about 38 days brushing teeth over his or her lifetime.
• Kids in North America spend half a billion dollars per year on chewing gum.
• Approximately 94 percent of Americans say they brush nightly while only 81 percent say they brush first thing in the morning.
• Grand Rapids, MI was the first American city to fluoridate its water.
• Earliest record of a toothbrush was found in Chinese literature about 1600 AD
• The natural bristles of early toothbrushes were taken from the necks and shoulders of swine, especially pigs living in colder climates like Siberia and China.

Lastly, has it been at least six months since your last checkup? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to give us a call!

Tell us about your summer!

The dog days of summer are upon us, and what better time for our team at Advanced Dental Concepts to ask our patients about their summer!

Whether you visited Disney World, went on a camping trip, visited the state fair or just stayed in town and hung out with friends, we want to know how you’re all spending your summer! Please feel free to share your summer plans and experiences with us below or on our Facebook page as the summer comes to an end soon for a lot of our patients at Advanced Dental Concepts!

We look forward to reading all about your adventures! Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Dr. Spurlock Receives 2011 Mastership Award from The Academy of General Dentistry

We are excited to announce that Dr. Noel Spurlock received the 2011 Mastership award, which is the highest honor available at the Academy of General Dentistry and one of the most respected designations within the profession. To accomplish this goal, Dr. Spurlock completed 1,100 hours of continuing dental education. Dr. Spurlock was awarded during the 2011 AGD Annual Meeting, held July 28-31 in San Diego, California.

As a recipient of the Mastership award, Dr. Spurlock joins the active AGD Masters who understand that providing great smiles and good oral health for their patients are the result of going above and beyond basic requirements.

“We are proud to honor Dr. Spurlock for his commitment to provide the highest quality of oral care to his patients,” says AGD President Howard Gamble, DMD, FAGD. “There are more than 100,000 general dentists in the country and less than one percent of those are Masters with the AGD. It’s a remarkable accomplishment for Dr. Spurlock”.

Dr. Spurlock graduated from Emory University in 1974 and currently practices dentistry in Pace, Florida at Advanced Dental Concepts. In addition to the AGD, Dr. Spurlock is a founding member of the Pace Area Chamber of Commerce, a member of Dental Foreign Missions, on the Advisory Board at United Methodist Girls Home, and President of Finance Committee at Cokesbury United Methodist Church.

Dr. Spurlock and his wife Kay have one child, Amy who lives in Norfolk, VA.

Congrats, Dr. Spurlock, from all of us at Advanced Dental Concepts!

Your oral health and overall health, from Advanced Dental Concepts

Don’t put off your next visit to visit Advanced Dental Concepts! As we’ve shared in previous blog posts, oral health issues have been increasingly linked to other health concerns, such as heart disease. Cardiovascular disease remains American's number one killer, claiming more lives than the rest of major causes of death, according to the American Heart Association. Believe it or not, an estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of gum disease. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care.

Studies are also beginning to suggest that patients, especially those with periodontal disease, are believed to have an elevated risk of heart attack and stroke. Since most patients are not regularly visiting a heart specialist, their regular visits to Advanced Dental Concepts can help detect early warning signs of heart issues, prevent gum disease or at least catch it in its early stages. We’d also like you to know your numbers: blood pressure (less than 120/80), cholesterol (less than 200) and BMI (less than 25).

Additionally, if it’s been more than six months since your last visit to our office, please give us a call! Summer makes for a great time to check in with us!

Teeth grinding and you

At Advanced Dental Concepts, we want you to know that if you grind your teeth, you're not alone. Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a problem experienced by millions of Americans, caused by a misaligned bite (malocclusion) or nervous tension. If the condition is left untreated, teeth grinding can actually wear down your teeth, says Dr. Weil, an American author and respected physician.

If you're a tooth grinder, we encourage you to check out an article by Dr. Weil that includes three ways to quit tooth grinding. We also encourage you to ask us for a plastic mouth guard to wear while you sleep, which can help to ease some of the side effects of bruxism.

For more information on malocclusion, teeth grinding or your ongoing treatment at Advanced Dental Concepts, please call our office. Enjoy the rest of your week!

What’s on your mind?

Week after week, our team at Advanced Dental Concepts blog about important topics pertinent to dental care and your well-being. This week, we thought we’d step back and ask you, our wonderful patients: what’s on your mind?

What would you like to know about the always-changing field of dentistry? What would you like us to focus on our blog? Perhaps there’s something you’ve been wanting to ask us for a while now? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook fan page!

So… take it away and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have!

We proudly offer the KoR Whitening Deep Bleaching System!

Are you getting ready for a wedding, date, job interview or a class reunion this summer? At Advanced Dental Concepts, we use many different formulas and treatment options for whitening your smile. And now, one of the treatments we proudly offer is the KoR Whitening Deep Bleaching System, a powerful combination of office and home whitening techniques that maximizes the whiteness potential of your teeth.

Thousands of dentists around the world agree that KoR Whitening is by far the most reliable and effective system ever developed. To find out which whitening system is best for you, please call (850) 304-0027. We hope you're having a great week and are enjoying your summer!

Happy Independence Day!

America turns 235 years old today! It’s a day to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence and also a time for every American to pay homage to our soldiers - past and present - who have placed themselves in harm’s way so that we may continue to enjoy our freedom.

Our team at Advanced Dental Concepts would like to know: what are your plans for the 4th of July? Are you out in the sun? Have you stocked up on fireworks? Are you going to grill up your favorite summer foods? If you have a 4th of July tradition, we would love to hear all about it.

We hope you have a fun and safe holiday! Feel free to upload your 4th of July photos to our Facebook page and let us know how your Independence Day turned out this year.

Let us know how we're doing!

At Advanced Dental Concepts, we are committed to providing optimum care for all our patients in a compassionate manner. Your health and comfort are foremost in our minds. We will thoroughly evaluate your dental needs and make recommendations to provide you with a complete care program to achieve your goals.

Whether you've been seen by Drs. Faulkner or Spurlock for a week, months or years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our dental practice is faring! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about Advanced Dental Concepts with the rest of the world, but we encourage you to head to our Google Local page and write a review there. Or, you may review us on Yelp or Facebook if you wish. After all, reviews help us create more beautiful smiles in Pace and surrounding communities!

You may write a review here. Thanks in advance and have a great week! We look forward to reading your reviews!

Connect with Advanced Dental Concepts on Facebook!

At Advanced Dental Concepts, we are committed to providing optimum care for all our patients in a compassionate manner. Your health and comfort are foremost in our minds.

Even if you only see us for your appointment on a regular basis, did you know that you can now connect with us on Facebook?

There, we share office news and updates, so check it out! By Liking our page, you will receive updates from our office automatically in your news feed!

See you on Facebook!

Bad breath? We can help!

At Advanced Dental Concepts, we know bad breath can be a real downer, especially when you're out on a date with that man or woman you’ve had a crush on all these months! However, we want you to know bad breath can be prevented!

Bad breath, or as Drs. Faulkner or Spurlock may call it “halitosis,” is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grows in your mouth. This bacteria gathers on bits of food in your mouth and between your teeth and release sulfur compounds making your breath smell.

Here are three ways you can prevent bad breath, courtesy of Dr. Andrew Weil:

1. Brush your tongue.

2. Keep your mouth hydrated.

3. Freshen your mouth.

Also, here are some common myths about halitosis:

Myth #1: Mouthwash will make my breath smell better

Mouthwash will make your breath smell better, but it is only a temporary fix. If you use mouthwash, just know that you will still need to brush and floss when you get the chance as mouthwash alone will not kill all of the bacteria producing germs in your mouth. When choosing a mouthwash, pick an antiseptic with plaque-reducing compounds. Also make sure any dental products you choose comes with the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of approval!

Myth #2: I brush my teeth; I will never have bad breath

Brushing your teeth will save you from having breath, but the truth is most people only brush their teeth for about 30-45 seconds! You need to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes, twice a day to give your teeth a thorough cleansing. It’s also important to brush your tongue, which is where a majority of odor causing bacteria like to hang out. Lastly, flossing to remove food and plaque between the teeth will also help reduce your chances of having bad breath!

Myth #3: If I don’t smell it, then my breath is fresh

This is a false assumption in every sense of the word! The truth is that the breath you breathe out is not the same breath coming out when you talk to someone. When you breathe you are not using your throat as you do when you are talking; and when you talk more breath moves over the back of your mouth where bacteria is causing bad breath.

For more information on halitosis, we encourage you to give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

Smile! June marks National Smile Month!

Our friends at the American Dental Association discovered that a person's smile was important than their eyes, hair and body as the most important physical feature. After all, there's a big reason why Americans spend about $2.75 billion each year on cosmetic dentistry: people want to look (and feel) great.

That brings us to June, also known as National Smile Month. It's a great time for Drs. Faulkner and Spurlock to remind all of our patients to practice good oral hygiene between your visits to Advanced Dental Concepts.

Here are a few simple steps you can take to improve your oral health so that you may celebrate National Smile Month for many years to come:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks.
* Visit our office regularly (usually every six months).

If you have questions about any of these tips, we encourage you to give us a call at (850) 304-0027. We hope you have a wonderful weekend! Get out there and share your beautiful smiles with the world!

Advanced Dental Concepts, honoring our veterans and heroes

Memorial Day weekend is a time Americans remember all those who bravely gave their lives for our country. It’s also the unofficial start of summer, and for many kids, getting out of town for three days with parents after being in school all these months is sure to be sweet, sweet relief.

At Advanced Dental Concepts, we know Memorial Day weekend is ripe for travel. After all, it’s unofficially the start of summer and time for a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories with parents or friends. What are you up to this Memorial Day weekend? What will you be doing on your day off from school or work?

Whether you are headed to a barbeque, a camping trip, or just having fun in the Florida sun this weekend, we’d like to hear all about it! Enjoy the holiday!

Why are regular checkups so important, anyway?

Are you flossing and brushing your teeth twice a day? If the answer is yes, that’s great; but, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit our Pace, Florida office every six months (or as recommended) in addition to brushing your teeth a couple times a day. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health.

During your scheduled checkup, Drs. Faulkner or Spurlock can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show you how to properly brush and floss

During an oral exam we can also check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not visited Advanced Dental Concepts in the last six months, give us a call to schedule an appointment!

Love your smile? Tell the world ALL ABOUT IT!

At Advanced Dental Concepts, we are committed to providing optimum care for all our patients in a compassionate manner. Your health and comfort are foremost in our minds. We will thoroughly evaluate your dental needs and make recommendations to provide you with a complete care program to achieve your goals.

Whether you've been seen by Drs. Faulkner or Spurlock for a week, months or years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our dental practice is faring! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about Advanced Dental Concepts with the rest of the world, but we encourage you to head to our Google Places page and write a review there. Or, you may review us on Yelp or Facebook if you wish. After all, reviews help us create more beautiful smiles in Pace and surrounding communities!

You may write a review here. Thanks in advance and have a great week! We look forward to reading your reviews!

Ask Advanced Dental Concepts: Which insurance providers do you work with?

Our office is currently a "preferred provider" for Delta Dental and United Concordia dental insurance plans. We have recently decided to also become a preferred provider of the dental insurance Met Life. If you have any of these dental insurance plans, coming to our office will save you cash out of your pockets! We will be happy to do a complimentary benefits check!

Lastly, we'd like to wish all the wonderful moms who come to our office a HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! Enjoy your special weekend!

Advanced Dental Concepts sponsors the annual Stonebrook Golf Tournament

On Friday, April 29th Advanced Dental Concepts helped sponsor the annual Stonebrook Golf Tournament. This Golf Tournament raises funds for the Pace Area Chamber of Commerce. We had two teams participating and ended up taking 3rd place. We had a great time!

Here are a couple photos from the event. To see all the photos of the Advanced Dental Concepts team at the Tournament, visit our Facebook page.

Dentistry From the Heart 2011!

Our annual free dental day - Dentistry From the Heart - was again a success on Friday, April 15, 2011. We were able to help 163 people! Drs. Spurlock, Faulkner, Faulkner, Shehee and Congiundi worked to do as many fillings and extractions as they could and four of Advanced Dental Concepts' hygienist cleaned as many teeth as they could. We also had a lot of needed help from many volunteers and many sponsors. We are looking forward to next year's event already!!

Head to our Facebook page for more photos!

What are happy patients saying about Advanced Dental Concepts?

"Dr Spurlock is the best dentist I have ever seen. Cracked a filling yesterday, I was able to get in, get it fixed and back out in less than a hour. As always his awesome staff was courteous and helpful. I gladly pay the out of network costs to continue seeing him."

"Had a WONDERFUL experience when I took my 3year old, Daylin, to see Dr Forrest. She had knocked out her front tooth and I was very concerned. The doctor, tech, and office staff were all so pleasant and eager to help. The amount of sensitivity and compassion that was expressed for me and my daughter was overwhelming. My entire family now uses Advanced Dental Concepts and would highly recommend anyone of all ages to do the same.‎"

"I have been going to Advanced Dental Concepts for the last 15 years and have always had great experiences. The staff is wonderful and have always gone above and beyond to make my experience pleasurable. They are more than just a dentist office, they are a real part of our overall health care community. Also, I have noticed they are always up to date on the latest techniques. I would recommend them to anyone."

"A great office staff, hygienists and Dentists, Advanced Dental Concepts is top notch. As patients of theirs for the last 5 years, my family and I have the best dentist in NorthWest Florida."

Tasting metal? From Advanced Dental Concepts

Our team at Advanced Dental Concepts came across this article from Dr. Andrew Weil recently and thought we'd share it with all our patients. If you're tasting metal on a regular basis, there may be a variety of causes, the most typical are related to medications and dental issues. If you're experiencing a metallic taste in your mouth, Dr. Weil recommends trying the following:

1. Review your medications. Discuss any you are taking with your physician to rule out ones that may contribute to the problem at hand.

2. Get a thorough general checkup to rule out any undiagnosed health problems.

3. Visit Advanced Dental Concepts to address any dental health issues such as gum disease or previous dental work that needs to be repaired.

4. Practice good oral hygiene - brush and floss your teeth carefully at least twice a day and use a tongue scraper to remove the bacteria and debris that can collect on your tongue.

5. Increase the amount of water you drink. Keep quality water with you and drink a little more than you think you need.

Dr. Spurlock featured on WEAR Channel 3!

This past Thursday, our very own Dr. Spurlock was featured live on WEAR Channel 3 on the Dayside segment! Check out the full clip here!

Advanced Dental Concepts support Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Visiting Advanced Dental Concepts on a regular basis will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy, but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy as well. The fact is, every hour of every day in the U.S., someone dies of oral cancer, which is the sixth-most common diagnosed form of the disease. The five-year survival rate is only 50 percent, and oral cancer is one of the few cancers whose survival rate has not improved. Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our patients about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.

As your dentists, Drs. Faulkner and Spurlock are specialists who work to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. Please let us now if you have any questions about your oral health during your next appointment. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

ADC at the Annual Health Fair

This past Saturday our office participated in the Annual Health Fair located at the Pace Medical Park, which is put on by Sacred Heart Hospital. There were many local vendors including doctors, weight loss clinics and insurance providers all promoting health and wellness for our community.

How important is your smile? From Advanced Dental Concepts

At Advanced Dental Concepts, we are committed to providing optimum care for all our patients in a compassionate manner. Our motto is, "We want to keep you smiling!"

And speaking of smiling, in a new poll conducted by Glamour Magazine, people were asked, “If you had to pick between having perfect teeth, eyesight or hair, which would you choose?

Well, 44 percent of folks out there are choosing teeth! In addition, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, or AACD, conducted a study and found that 99.7 percent of those polled believed a smile is an important social asset. Respondents said straightness, whiteness, cleanliness, as well as the sincerity and sparkle of a person’s smile were all important factors not only socially, but career-wise as well.

Drs. Faulkner and Spurlock & team are here to help you and your family achieve optimal dental health for a lifetime of wonderful smiles. Please feel free to contact our Pace, Florida dental office to schedule an appointment with one of our friendly doctors. We can’t wait to welcome you into our dental family! Call today.

ADC in the community

On Saturday, March 5, Dr. Noel Spurlock, Michele Williams RDH and Vonda Thomas CDA from Advanced Dental Concepts, participated in a free dental clinic day. This yearly event was held at the Chumuckla Community Church and organized by Dr. Dan Henry. In all, about 96 people were treated, mostly children. The clinic provided free dental cleanings, tooth extractions, fillings and sealants. We are very proud to have participated in this local community event.

Also, this past Saturday, March 12, Dr. Ed Faulkner, Corie Stull RDH, April Enfinger CDA, Jennifer Cutler and Gina McDiarmid from Advanced Dental Concepts participated in the yearly Give Kids a Smile event, organized by Dr. Ed Shehee. This huge event took place at PJC Warrington Campus and was a great success!

For more photos, head to our Facebook page!

CPR certification at Advanced Dental Concepts

Today, the whole team at Advanced Dental Concepts did their biennial CPR training and certification. Dave and Jo Volmer brought their adult, child and infant manikins along with ambu bags and AED's to show the correct life saving technique.

Access your account—any day, any time, anywhere!

Access to your account, 24/7. Sounds simple, great and convenient, doesn’t it?

At Advanced Dental Concepts, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative dental treatments we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern office conveniently located in Pace, Florida.

Did you know that patients at our office have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! And, because we know folks sometimes forget, you can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You, too, can sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

Connect with us on Facebook!

At Advanced Dental Concepts, we are committed to providing optimum care for all our patients in a compassionate manner. Your health and comfort are foremost in our minds.

Even if you only see us for your appointment on a regular basis, did you know that you can now connect with us on Facebook?

There, we share office news and updates, so check it out! By Liking our page, you will receive updates from our office automatically in your news feed!

See you on Facebook! Have a great weekend!

ADC "Tooth Fairies" in the community!

Two of our "Tooth Fairies" visited Chumuckla Elementary School on February 7th and gave a presentation on healthy mouths, how to brush and floss and healthy foods to eat!

First Responders Appreciation Luncheon on Feb. 21

We are sponsoring the "First Responders Appreciation Luncheon," on Monday, Feb. 21st, along with WXBM 102.7. This free luncheon is available to all first responders to include military, law enforcement, fire and rescue. It's our way of honoring them and the sacrifices they make to protect our country. The luncheon is scheduled to be held at Carrabba's Italian Grill - there will be door prizes, drawings and everyone attending will receive a bouquet of flowers. We are raffling off a free take home teeth whitening kit and gift basket!

February is American Heart Month, from Advanced Dental Concepts

You may remember our post from last week, when we discussed February being "National Dental Health Month." But did you know February is also American Heart Month? It’s a great time to take good stock of the health of your heart, say Drs. Faulkner and Spurlock. Cardiovascular disease remains American's No.1 killer, claiming more lives than the rest of major causes of death, according to the American Heart Association. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care.

Visiting our office regularly can help prevent gum disease or at least catch it in its early stages. And because people with dental insurance are more likely to visit a dentist, a healthy mouth begins with a visit to Advanced Dental Concepts. In observance of Heart Month, we also know it’s vital to know your numbers: blood pressure (less than 120/80), cholesterol (less than 200) and BMI (less than 25). If you have any questions about heart health, or about your treatment at our Pace, Florida office, please give us a call today.

February Marks National Dental Health Month at Advanced Dental Concepts

Did you know February is National Dental Health Month? It's a great time of the year to renew those resolutions about continuing to practice great dental hygiene at home and by visiting Advanced Dental Concepts. Today, we thought we'd discuss the importance of preventative oral care. While most people are familiar with traditional heart-saving practices such as eating healthy and exercising regularly, lesser-known are the benefits that great oral hygiene provides to one’s cardiovascular health.

Here are a few tips to help you continue those New Year's resolutions:

*Remember that poor oral hygiene is linked to serious common diseases such as cardiovascular disease, bacterial pneumonia and osteoporosis.

*Brush and floss every day to remove the plaque that can lead to cavities. Flossing daily removes food debris that your toothbrush cannot reach after meals.

*Replace your toothbrush on a regular basis. You should replace your toothbrush every three to four months or after a cold or illness to prevent re-infection. Remember to use a soft toothbrush so you won’t wear off the enamel of your teeth.

*Visit our Pace, Florida office regularly. The American Dental Association recommends you visit Drs. Faulkner and Spurlock every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. Fluoride treatments twice a year will help prevent tooth decay.

Each February (and all-year round), our team at Advanced Dental Concepts focus on the preventive oral care of our patients. Have you visited our office the past six months? If not, it’s time to give us a call and schedule an appointment!

What are patients saying about Advanced Dental Concepts?

"If you know our team at Advanced Dental Concepts, you know we LOVE hearing from our patients – check out what a few of our patients are saying about Drs. Faulkner and Spurlock & our staff lately! Thanks for writing in, everyone! By the way, Facebook is a great place to tell us how we’re doing, but we also encourage you to head to our Google Places page or our Yelp listing and leave a short review there. Your generous reviews help us build more beautiful smiles!

Had a WONDERFUL experience when I took my 3 year old, Daylin, to see Dr Forrest. She had knocked out her front tooth and I was very concerned. The doctor, tech, and office staff were all so pleasant and eager to help. The amount of sensitivity and compassion that was expressed for me and my daughter was overwhelming. My entire family now uses Advanced Dental Concepts and would highly recommend anyone of all ages to do the same." ~ Jill

"We just started. However, my visit I was impressed with the level of attention given my by the staff and the overall professionalism of the entire office. I'm 47 and I have to say it was the most pleasant visit I have ever had to a dentist." ~ Jay E.

"Dr. Spurlock and his staff really care about their patients. I never worry that he might be doing a procedure that may not be necessary." ~ Jeanne S.

Dr. Spurlock named 2011 Pace Area Chamber Man of the Year

Great news! This past Friday night the Pace Chamber Banquet Committee awarded Dr. Noel Spurlock with the title "2011 Pace Area Chamber Man of the Year." The event was the 12th Annual Awards Banquet, held at the Farmers Opry House.

Dr. Spurlock was given this award for all of his community involvement and his mission service out of the country.

Our entire staff at Advanced Dental Concepts would like to congratulate Dr. Spurlock on his achievement!

The third annual Dentistry From The Heart at Advanced Dental Concepts

On Friday, April 15, Dr. Noel Spurlock, Dr. Forrest Faulkner, Dr. Ed Faulkner and our team at Advanced Dental Concepts will host the third annual Dentistry From The Heart at our Pace, Florida office, a day that we will offer free smiles to anyone who needs dental work. It was a huge success last year and we are hoping to be able to serve as many this year.

Starting at 8am, Drs. Spurlock, Faulkner and Faulkner and our volunteers will treat the first 150 adults (18 years old or older), or however many they can service by 5pm. We will be providing free fillings, extractions and cleanings on a first come, first serve basis.

Dentistry From The Heart (DFTH) began in 2001 as one man’s charitable act for the Tampa Bay community. In the years since, it has grown steadily, and is now hosted by dental offices across the country. Dentistry From The Heart took its potential to a new level, becoming an officially registered national non-profit organization. DFTH has now helped over 50,000 people and given away millions of dollars of free dental work. For more information, visit www.DentistryFromTheHeart.org or give us a call at 850-994-8185.