Welcome To Our News Blog
Our goal is to provide helpful and informative articles related to quality dental care.
The Benefits of High Tech Cone Beam Dental Scans
Did you know not all dental scanning technology is the same? Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans offer a more in-depth and accurate 3-D scan of both your soft tissue and teeth than traditional scanning equipment. A higher resolution and quicker scan means your dentist will have critical information about your oral health before beginning your procedure. Here are five advantages you will receive by your dentist using this innovative technology in your next dental visit.
Making a Difference in the Community
Dr. Hanigofsky and our hygienist extraordinaire, Susan McLain, were spotted donating their time and talents to patients in need of free dental care at the Baptist Dental Bus at Reformation Lutheran Church in Taylorsville, NC.
Dr. Powell’s Practice Voted Catawba Valley’s Finest Dentist!
Thank you to all who voted Dr. Powell the finest dentist in Catawba Valley!
Full Suite of Dental Services in One Hickory, NC Location
Dr. Powell, recently voted the finest dentist in the Hickory area, offers patients a full suite of comprehensive dental services in the same convenient location! No more bouncing from one dentist to the next for these seven common oral health services. Save time and money with in-house procedures like these!
Reduce Medical Costs by Making Your Teeth and Gum Health a Priority!
Looking for more chances to save on your healthcare bills? One of the best ways to keep your medical and dental costs down is to make your teeth and gum health a high priority! Use these five reasons your oral health needs should not be postponed to find more savings in terms of time and money while feeling better about your smile.
2020 Annual Team Meeting
For our annual team meeting this year, we chose to spend some time at Blowing Rock, NC. This was the perfect opportunity to build a more unified vision for our practice family while brainstorming over opportunities for improvement. Of course, we also were able to take advantage of the gorgeous views and unique finds in the local boutiques! View our pics and clips by playing the video below. Then, learn more about ways we are striving to be the best at providing a safe and comfortable experience by making your next appointment at (828) 322-2133 of filling out our contact form online. We look forward to seeing you soon!
COVID-19 Dental Check-In Process
Learn some of the ways Dr. Powell, Dr. Hanigofsky, and the Hickory Dentist team are protecting you from COVID-19 and other potentially harmful viruses in this video. Then, explore more of our safety protocols by clicking on the “COVID-19 Updates” link on our Home page or scroll down to our “How We Protect Our Patients” article posted on our News page. We look forward to seeing you soon!
5 Ways to Save on the Cost of Dental Care!
As we age, we often begin to plan for an increase in dental care expenses. However, with these tips, you can enjoy big oral health savings without compromising on quality. Discover these five ways you can love your smile at any age without breaking your healthcare budget!
Hickory Dentist Welcomes Dr. Jackson Hanigofsky
Hickory dentist, Dr. E. Dean Powell, is proud to announce Dr. Jackson Hanigofsky is joining his Viewmont practice family! Dr. Hanigofsky is excited about this opportunity to return to the area of his childhood and practice alongside his long-time mentor and friend. Gain access to more information about Dr. Hanigofsky and the steps that led to this greatly anticipated announcement in this personal interview with both dentists.
Can Stress or Anxiety Affect My Oral Health?
If you are experiencing heightened levels of stress and anxiety, such tension could be making more problems than you know for your teeth. You may already know these health concerns are commonly associated with a long list of diseases throughout the body, but what about your oral health? Discover what impact your emotional state may be having on your teeth and gums.
How COVID-19 Impacts Your Dental Appointment
After limiting dental appointments to emergency visits during the early stages of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Dr. E. Dean Powell is reopening his office in Hickory, North Carolina to elective procedures such as tooth cleanings, oral cancer screenings, and new patient initial exams in order to care for his patients’ oral health and wellness needs. But, will this ongoing community virus impact your appointment process? Find out what safety precautions will be taken to prevent the spread of illness.
What to Expect With Your Initial Exam at Hickory Dentist
What is an initial exam for new dental patients and why is it necessary? If you live in the Hickory or the surrounding area, you may schedule a free meet and greet consultation with Dr. Powell to discuss any concerns or questions you may have. However, an extensive initial exam will be required before any cleanings or procedures can be performed. Here is why this is great news for you!
Caring for Your Oral Health While Preventing COVID-19
Looking for more ways to help prevent contracting COVID-19 while boosting your immune system? Make these strategies a part of your daily routine at home to improve your oral health while providing support for your body’s natural ability to fight off viral infections like COVID-19. Did you know your gum health has been directly linked with many diseases in the human body that could impact your defense against both viral and bacterial infections? Although you may have to wait a little longer to have your cleaning and wellness visit with Dr. Powell and our team, you can start applying these tips today to protect your overall health, give your immune system a boost, and get a post-worthy smile you can be proud to show off!
5 Reasons for Athletes to Wear Mouthguards
Mouthguards are worn by athletes for more reasons than you may know. From protecting one’s jaw to preventing concussions, these small devices make a world of difference in the sports industry. Find out why dentists and physicians of all fields recommend mouthguards for sports participants of all ages.
The Best in Preventative, Cosmetic, and Restorative Dentistry
When you need a dentist in the Hickory, North Carolina area and you want the best results for all your preventative, cosmetic, and restorative oral health needs in one convenient location, Dr. Powell at Hickory Dentist is the one to call. His holistic painless approach helps hundreds of patients experience dentistry in a new light. From same-day crowns to tooth whitening, Dr. Powell offers the comprehensive services you seek with the expertise you’ll love.
The 3 Best and Safest Teeth Whitening Options
Before you head to the nearest pharmacy to buy those whitening strips, check out what Dr. Powell and his team at the Hickory Dentist suggest for the top teeth whitening solutions on the market. If you are looking forward to an exciting event coming up or maybe your morning coffees are starting to dull your smile, you need the top teeth whitening solution that works best for you. Dr. Powell and his team are frequently asked about how to get a brighter smile without causing harm to the teeth and gumline or going over budget. Their response may surprise you!
Pros and Cons of Same Day Dental Crowns, Which is Best?
One of the most common questions patients ask Dr. Hanigofsky and Dr. Powell of Hickory Dentist by Dental Health Concepts concerns the differences between the traditional multiple-day dental crown process and the same day dental crown process. Although both will result in a color-matching crown you can be proud to show off, there are reasons a patient may prefer one process over another. This article shares more information about the two dental crown methods to help you discover which process is the best for your smile and your wallet.
Why Patients Love Dr. Powell AKA The Hickory Dentist
You’ve heard the stories and read the testimonials about patients coming from all over to the small town of Hickory, NC in order to receive dental care by The Hickory Dentist, Dr. Powell, and his experienced team. Comments like “No pain!”, “No longer afraid of visiting the dentist!”, and “Unbelievable results!” are what you hear when you ask about Dr. Powell’s practice. Plus, he does it all with local anesthetics and hypnosis. Does it sound too good to be true? Read on to find out about the training, skills, and technology that set Dr. Powell apart and why his methods work so well patients are willing to drive and fly long distances to see him.
5 Reasons To Love Your Customized Nightguard
Dr. Powell, the Hickory Dentist, is the one to see about your nightguard to help with toothaches, facial soreness, earaches and headaches as these can all be painful signs that you clench or grind your teeth. While making healthy lifestyle changes can help, you might think you have to live with the resulting discomfort. Luckily, there is a pain-free solution to this common problem with a dental night guard, and all it takes to get started is a quick visit to your dentist!
The Link Between Oral Health & Your Overall Health
Several of our Hickory area patients asked Dr. Powell, “How does bacteria in your mouth impact your health in other ways?” We all learned about the bacteria under our nails and on our skin in high school. That lesson scared us into learning to wash our hands after we use the restroom and again before we cook or eat. But, like your hands, your mouth also contains a massive amount of bacteria with up to over 700 strains! What is the big deal about bacteria in your mouth and what does it say about your overall health?
How Important Is Flossing If I Brush Well?
Patients often ask Dr. Powell, the Hickory Dentist, if they can skip the floss by doing a better job brushing. The importance of brushing our teeth is instilled in us from the time our baby teeth begin to show. Some mothers even use a wash cloth to help their babies become used to the idea of brushing before a toothbrush is needed. It is clear brushing twice per day with a soft bristled brush is certainly one of the primary methods we have to clean our teeth. But, is it enough? Is flossing really necessary as long as a thorough brushing job is part of your daily routine?
Your Dental Appointments Are Not Just For Cleaning Your Teeth
Dr. Powell, one of the top dentists in the Hickory and surrounding area, explains about why regular teeth cleanings are so important to our healthy beyond having a squeaky clean smile.
Reduce Your Risk of Getting Sick
Use these measures to prevent contracting viruses, such as influenza, the Coronavirus (COVID-19), & strep throat:
Things to Avoid:
- Coming into close contact (less than six feet) with those outside of your home.
- Crowded venues.
- Shaking hands
- Touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Things to Do:
- Stay six feet away from individuals not living in your home.
- Remain at home whenever possible.
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before touching food and drink items.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, if soap and water are not available.
- Wear a properly fitted face mask with a filter while in contact with the public to protect those around you as well as yourself against the spread of illness.
- Immediately wash or dispose of your face mask after returning home. Try not to place your mask on surfaces in the home or touch your nose or mouth while removing the mask. A designated hamper or closed lid trash can may be helpful to further contain the particle spread.
Please note:
Face masks when properly secured around the nose and mouth using multiple layers of cloth and a filter can reduce the spread of airborne pathogens when worn by those who have been infected before symptoms present and those who are currently experiencing symptoms.
Please follow the CDC recommendations for face mask materials and fit while in public to prevent unknowingly passing potentially harmful illnesses, such as COVID-19, to others who may be at high-risk of developing complications.
Please stay home whenever possible and unless it is unavoidable and follow the above safety precautions while in public. Visit the CDC website to learn how to make a mask at home with a filter to help contain the virus germs.
For Up-to-Date COVID-19
(Coronavirus) Information:
Visit the CDC Website
Preparing for School
This article offers helpful suggestions and questions to ask your dentist before sending your children back to school.
ADA Supports Vaping Regulations
The American Dental Association has joined 75 organizations in an effort aimed at regulating the vaping industry. Click on the image above to learn more.
Cannabis: Oral Health Effects
In this article on the American Dental Association’s website, the following oral health concerns were shown to be linked with the use of cannabis:
- Periodontal complications
- Xerostomia
- Leukoplakia
- Increased risk of both mouth and neck cancers
What You Need to Know About Oral Cancer
Learn who is most at risk and what you can do to prevent oral cancer by clicking on the image above.
The Link Between Periodontal Disease and Other Health Conditions
Click on the image above to check out this great article that highlights the connection between periodontal disease and other health concerns in the body.