Q. Tell us about yourself and your practice.
A. My name is Kiono L. Barnes DMD. I earned a BS from Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Fl. From there I earned a DMD degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. I matriculated to a one year general practice residency at the Biloxi VA. Following completion of the residency, I was displaced by hurricane Katrina to Atlanta where I ran a practice for a period of one year. I then made my way back to the gulf coast by way of Keesler AFB where I worked as a contract dentist while preparing my private practice. Currently I run a fully digital practice which employs some of the latest developments in dental technology to evaluate and treat dental infections and disorders. My treatment modality is centered on a phase based approach. Phase 1 places an emphasis on the control of infectious bacteria which attack and degrade the mouth. This begins with a thorough evaluation and cleaning followed by removal of all bacterial retention sites ( cavities, non-restorable teeth, calculus). Phase II begins once infectious bacteria are minimized and controlled. This phase places an emphasis on restoration of protection of large restorations using crowns and bridges and restoration of missing teeth using prosthetic appliances (metal and nonmetal partials, complete dentures, fixed partial dentures (bridges), and implants. Phase III places an emphasis on maintenance.
Q. Please explain the main services you offer.
A. We offer a full complement of restorative services including white (composite) and metal (amalgam) restorations. We preform root canals, custom and prefabricated posts, as well as buildup of severely decayed teeth. We also restore with crowns (full porcelain and porcelain fused to metal), bridges, and veneers. We offer cleanings which are modeled around severity of disease (prophy vs deep cleaning). We provide surgical services including simple extractions, surgical extractions, and wisdom teeth removal, as well as bony re-contouring. Our prosthetic services include metal partials, nonmetal partials, immediate partials, immediate dentures, complete dentures, and bite splints. We offer in office as well as tray bleaching.
Q. Do you accept insurance? If yes, what types?
A. We accept most major insurances, including those offered by Keesler AFB, Casinos, Northrop Grumman, and most businesses on the gulf coast. We do not accept medicaid. Please call (228) 267-0055 to verify that we accept your insurance.
Q. What payment options do you offer?
A. We offer cash, check, credit card, and care credit as available payment options. Care credit offers a variety of no interest financing options. For more information or to apply for care credit please visit www.dentalconceptsbiloxi.com
Q. How does one know when it is time for a check up?
A. Patients should present to a dentist for a check up at least once a year. Patients should present to a dentist for a cleaning at least 2-4 times a year depending on the presence of bone loss
Q. What is the proper way to care for one’s teeth?
A. Everyone should brush their teeth at least twice daily (morning and night before bed). Everyone should floss at least once daily and preferably after meals. Fluoride mouth rinses are recommended on a normal basis, depending on the severity of aggressive bacteria. One should not rinse or eat for 30 minutes following the fluoride mouth rinse.
Q. What is the most common cause of tooth loss?
A. Many people believe that most teeth are lost to cavities. This is untrue. The most common cause for tooth loss is actually unmanaged periodontal disease. Approximately 70-75% of the general population has some kind of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is caused by a different type of bacteria than those that attack the teeth. These bacteria attack the bone which supports the teeth. This is complicated by improper hygiene techniques at home and simple cleaning at the dentist when deep cleaning should be preformed. Some people have a genetic predisposition for periodontal disease. These people will have to work more diligently by maintaining more frequent and thorough habits to maintain healthy gums and teeth.
Q. Are the 6 month checkups really important?
A. Six month checkups are absolutely imperative for proper maintenance of a healthy dentition. This is optimal time to maintain control over destructive bacteria. In cases of moderate to severe periodontal disease 3-4 month checkups are necessary.
Q. How do I get whiter teeth?
A.Whiter teeth can be achieved in a number of ways. It is first necessary to determine what is causing discoloration of the teeth in question. Teeth can be discolored due to intrinsic or extrinsic staining. Intrinsic staining is internal discoloration of teeth due to developmental disorders and/or chemicals which interfere with the normal development of teeth. Some examples an dentinogenesis imperfecta, fluorosis, and tetracycline staining. Intrinsic staining can be very difficult to treat, depending on the cause, therefore treatment options should be discussed in office. Extrinsic staining is discoloration of the outside of teeth mostly due to foods with concentrated color and/ or habits which discolor teeth such as smoking and coffee drinking. External staining is much easier to treat and control. When external staining is the cause, whiter teeth can be achieved by proper cleaning of teeth, diet control, habit control, and bleaching techniques.
Q.I have headaches some mornings. Am I clenching my teeth?
A.As morning headaches could come from a number of causes, a thorough evaluation would be necessary to determine if clenching is actually the culprit. However, many people unknowingly clench and/or grind their teeth at night. This normally leads to soreness and fatigue in the muscles of mastication which can subsequently present as headaches. If it is determined that clenching/grinding is causing headaches, a custom made night guard would be necessary for protection of the teeth, muscles, and temporomandibular joints.
Q.In-store whitening kits, are they effective/Safe?
A.There are so many in store whitening options that it is impossible to group them equally. Fortunately, most in store whitening kits are safe when used as directed. Effectiveness will be determined by the cause and severity of the stain in question. In store whitening will only be effective on teeth exhibiting external stain. Without proper consistent cleaning of teeth and control of diet and habits, effectiveness will be limited. Dental offices are able to offer whitening options which are more effective and controllable. Most importantly they come with the benefit of proper supervision and the ability for the dentist to deal with any negative consequences which may arise from the bleaching procedure. (sensitivity, gum irritation, etc)
Q.What are the benefits of fluoride?
A.Fluoride is a mineral which is imperative to healthy gums and teeth. It has two
primary methods of action. Firstly, fluoride prevents the growth of harmful bacteria. Secondly, fluoride can remineralize early cavities. Enamel (the covering on the outside of teeth which is the hardest substance in the body) is made up of hydroxyapatite. When bacteria breaks down this substance inconsistencies are left in the enamel. Proper concentrations of fluoride can help rebuild teeth by forming fluorapatite, which is stronger and more durable than the original hydroxyapatite substance. Too much fluoride at the wrong time can also be problematic. For instance if children or pregnant women swallow too much fluoride during the development of teeth, fluorosis may ensue. This can present as permanent internal staining of teeth which can be very difficult to treat.
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