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Governor Takes Bite Out of Elder Meals Program – Nearly 250,000 meals cut

Elder advocates reacted with surprise this week in response to Governor Deval Patrick’s proposed 24% cut in the state’s meals program for elders.

“This is literally taking food off the table for older people,” explained Al Norman, Executive Director of Mass Home Care. “This is one of the most visible and popular senior programs in the state. We never would have predicted a cut in such a key service.”

The Governor’s budget slashes the elder nutrition program line item (account 9110-1900) by $1.5 million – from the FY 2012 level of $6.325 million to $4.81 million in FY 2013. This would leave elder nutrition funding for 2013 lower than it was 7 years ago in 2006 under Governor Mitt Romney ( at $5.237 million).

According to Mass Home Care, the loss of funding will cut nearly a quarter of a million meals in 2013. Total meals served under this line item to seniors will plummet from 996,000 meals in 2012 to 754,000 meals in 2013 – a loss of 242,000 fewer meals.

“Old Colony Elder Services estimates its share of the impact would be $75,000 that will cause a reduction of more than 12,000 meals across its service area of 23 communities in the greater Brockton and Plymouth county areas” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of Old Colony Elder Services.

The elder nutrition program is one of several meals programs available for seniors in the state, funded by federal and state monies. A total of 8.8 million meals will be served in FY 2012 counting all senior meals programs. Norman said elder nutrition groups have begun assessing how to best get the lost meals funding restored on Beacon Hill; “I am certain the Governor’s people did not expect us to walk away from the table knowing a quarter of a million meals were being cut.”

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is a private, non-profit corporation designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts:Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.
The agency has 157 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

Governor Takes Bite Out of Elder Meals Program – Nearly 250,000 meals cutRead More

According to Right at Home South Shore president, Love and Companionship Result in a Healthier and Longer Life

Libet Callahan, RN, BSN, president of the South Shore's Right at Home

With the arrival of Valentine’s Day on February 14, February has been designated as the month of love. But dark chocolate isn’t the only sweet gift that is good for the heart – building strong relationships and socializing with others play a vital role in living a longer and healthier life. The medical profession has been telling us for years that eating right and getting regular exercise will improve longevity. However, many physicians are now saying that maintaining positive relationships also can contribute to keeping people healthy. In numerous studies, researchers have found that people who have strong friendships and have the opportunity to socialize with others, age better, recover from illness more quickly, have stronger immunity and live longer, more personally fulfilling lives.

The connection between relationships and life expectancy is not a new theory. In a recent study at Brigham Young University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill involving more than 300,000 men and women across the developed world, researchers found that those who were considered to have poor social connections and limited opportunity for socialization had an average of 50 percent higher odds of death (an average of 7.5 years) than those with “robust” social ties and regular socialization. That is a significant difference not only in longevity, but also, in quality of life.

Among the aging, the lack of ongoing relationships and regular socialization is a common concern. For many aging adults their relatives, neighbors and friends move, go into long-term-care or die, leaving them isolated and alone. One health problem reported by Medical News Today links the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in old age to social isolation. Loneliness was linked to lower levels of cognitive function as well as more rapid decline of general physical function. People who identified themselves as “lonely” experienced double the risk of developing Alzheimer’s than those who described themselves as “least lonely”. It is estimated that 28 percent of Americans older than age 65 live alone, which exacerbates this problem. It is important for seniors and their caregivers to be aware of the potential for social isolation and how to create opportunities to develop personal bonds with others.

Here are some considerations to minimize senior isolation and loneliness:
Encourage your aging loved one to participate in local activities at their church, synagogue or senior center. Many senior centers offer transportation to and from the facility at low or no cost.
Coordinate with siblings and relatives to ensure that your loved one receives a visit or at least one phone call daily.
Adult day care centers can be a great resource for socialization and cognitive stimulation.
Senior Homecare agencies like Right at Home can provide vetted companions that offer socialization as well as help with food preparation, light housekeeping and transportation to doctor appointments, shopping or just to go visit a friend.
Keep in mind that love from friends and family could be the key to ensuring a longer, happier life, not just on February 14, but all year long. Remember your aging loved ones this Valentine’s Day by giving a cherished gift – your time.
About Right At Home

Right at Home provides non-medical in-home care services to seniors and disabled adults throughout the South Shore. Right At Home is among the first in the state to earn Accreditation from the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts. As a private-pay home care agency, Right At Home can provide services in settings other than the home, such as in assisted living facilities, continuing care retirement facilities, skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and hospitals.

Right at Home provides care services of companionship, homemaking, physical assistance, hygiene and wellness. In addition, Right At Home accommodates clients in special care situations providing home care for Alzheimer’s and other dementia, osteoarthritis, hypertension/stroke, diabetes, heart disease, neuromuscular diseases and disorders, cancer recovery, hospice/palliative care support, mental health, traumatic brain injury and paraplegia/quadriplegia. All Right At Home caregivers are fully insured and bonded, must pass a vigorous background check, complete a training program and pass a competency test before being placed with a client.

The company serves the following areas: Abington, Braintree, Bridgewater, Brockton (East Side), Carver, Cohasset, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Hingham, Holbrook, Hull, Kingston, Marshfield, Middleboro, Milton, Norwell, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Randolph, Rockland, Scituate, Wareham, Weymouth and Whitman. Right at Home has offices located at 800 Hingham Street, in Rockland, MA and 38 Resnik Road in Plymouth, MA. For more information contact 866-681-3545 or visit the website at http://www.rightathome.net/southshore/.

According to Right at Home South Shore president, Love and Companionship Result in a Healthier and Longer LifeRead More

Mass Bay Spine & Sport Physical Therapist Offers 5 Tips for Avoiding Winter Injuries

Brendan Carman, MPT, ATC Physical Therapist, Athletic Trainer Certified, Director of Rehabilitation

The poet Robert Frost said, “You can’t get too much winter in the winter”. According to Brendan Carman, MPT, ATC, Director of Rehabilitation at Mass Bay Spine & Sport Physical Therapy (MBSSPT), if you suffer a strain or injury brought on by too much shoveling, winter activities or from slipping on an icy patch in your driveway – then it is too much winter.

MBSSPT is a state-of-the-art orthopedic outpatient physical therapy practice based in Marshfield.

Carman offers five tips for avoiding winter injuries:

Wear the proper gear. Snow, slush and ice are slip hazards that should be taken seriously. MBSSPT has worked with a number of patients who have injured their wrists, ankles, shoulders, knees and backs from falls in bad weather. One of the best ways to prevent falls is by wearing the proper winter gear, such as sturdy boots with rubber soles. If you participate in winter sports, be sure to wear the appropriate attire and protective gear, especially if you have suffered an injury previously.

Learn the correct technique first. If you’re a “newbie” at any winter sport, from skiing and snowboarding to ice skating, or if you’re switching from one sport to another, understand that posture, balance and weight distribution are different for each sport. Proper technique is imperative to avoid strain or injury that could set you back for weeks or months at a time. Learn before you leap into a new sport. Take lessons through a certified instructor to help ensure you avoid injury.

Choose the right tools. Snow is inevitable in New England and so is shoveling. In a perfect world, we would all be able to employ a snow removal service for even the smallest amount of snow. Selecting the right “tool” for shoveling is key. Choose a shovel that is sturdy and lightweight. Or, opt for a “pusher” shovel with a blade that looks like a snow plow. This type of shovel is very easy on the back because you literally push the snow to the side, as opposed to picking it up. Got ice? Ice melt is one of the best “tools” around for eliminating hazardous ice. Not a fan of ice melt? Sand or kitty litter can provide traction on slippery areas.

Keep your balance. As with winter sports, balance is key when shoveling. To avoid injury while shoveling, bend from the hips and knees to shovel. Tightening your abdominal muscles while you lift the shovel will help support your back. Take care not to twist your back to throw the snow.

Don’t overdo it. Fatigue is the enemy. If you’ve been playing sports or shoveling for an hour or more without a break, you risk overexertion, which leads to pulled muscles. Working tired muscles can lead to serious strain or injury. Don’t skip breaks. If you’re shoveling, you should take a break at least every 15-20 minutes.

According to Carman, “Low back pain, sciatica, herniated discs, muscle strains and shoulder pain are the most common winter related conditions we treat. Following our five key tips will help you avoid strain and injury.”

About MBSSPT

Mass Bay Spine & Sport Physical Therapy (MBSSPT) is an orthopedic outpatient physical therapy practice. MBSSPT, a state-of-the-art facility owned and operated by a physical therapist, has earned a reputation for superior clinical care and delivery of services to South Shore community members as well as physicians from Boston to Plymouth.

The practice’s highly trained staff is committed to providing clients with an experience that will ensure their condition is resolved effectively and efficiently, while empowering them with the necessary tools and knowledge to prevent future problems and maintain optimal health. All of the practice’s physical therapists are trained to rehabilitate a variety of conditions utilizing treatment techniques that include soft tissue massage/mobilization, therapeutic and strengthening exercises, neuromuscular reeducation, gait training, patient education, and lumbar stabilization, to name a few. MBSSPT accepts Medicare, Workers’ Compensation, auto insurance, and most private insurance plans.

Mass Bay Spine & Sport Physical Therapy is located at 506 Plain Street in Marshfield. For more information, visit www.massbayspineandsport.com or call (781) 319-0024.

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Jeff Garr CEO of HR Knowledge featured on MO.com

‎”Starting a business is no easy task, and once started the next 3-5 years will test you like you have never been tested in business” – Jeff Garr. Read his interview at MO.com http://www.mo.com/jeffrey-c-garr-hr-knowledge-inc

Jeff Garr, CEO

Jeff Garr CEO of HR Knowledge featured on MO.comRead More

Sales guru Jeffrey Gitomer to headline Boston Business Boot Camp, a conference specifically designed for green industry professionals.

Jeffrey Gitomer
Sales guru Jeffrey Gitomer will be speaking at the Boston Business Boot Camp

New York Times best-selling author of “The Sales Bible” featured speaker on Day 2 of Boston Business Boot Camp, to take place at Westin Hotel in Waltham, Massachusetts, March 1-3.

WALTHAM, MA and WESTON, MA…

Early morning sales conferences are renowned for their coffee breaks. Besides being a time to network, it also provides opportunity for attendees to recaffeinate with their hot beverage of choice. With the recent addition of sales guru Jeffrey Gitomer, bestselling author of the The Sales Bible and a weekly newsletter Sales Caffeine, a second cup of joe might not be necessary for the Boston Business Boot Camp, a three-day conference designed specifically to help green professionals grow their  businesses.

“It’s not every day you can add the author of the Bible to your speaker’s list,” joked Keith Upham, founder of the Boston Business Boot Camp. “Seriously though, Jeffrey is one of the most dynamic sales speakers in the world. He not only takes over a room, but provides more of a jolt to an audience than 10 cups of coffee.”

Adds Upham, “We designed this Boot Camp for green industry professionals but the information Jeffrey will be sharing is stuff every small business owner should know.”

Gitomer’s best-selling titles include: The Sales Bible, The Little Red Book of Selling, The Little Black Book of Connections and The Little Gold Book of YES! Attitude. All of his books have been number one best sellers on Amazon.com, including Customer Satisfaction is Worthless, Customer Loyalty is Priceless, The Patterson Principles of Selling, The Little Red Book of Sales Answers, The Little Green Book of Getting Your Way, The Little Platinum Book of Cha-Ching!, The Little Teal Book of Trust, Social BOOM!, and The Little Book of Leadership. His literary efforts also include a weekly syndicated column entitled Sales Moves, with a readership of more than four million.

Gitomer is also a renowned speaker, giving more than 100 presentations per year for corporations like Coca-Cola, D.R. Horton, Caterpillar, BMW, AT&T Wireless, MacGregor Golf, Ferguson Enterprises, Kimpton Hotels, Hilton, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, AmeriPride, NCR, Stewart Title and Comcast Cable. Those presentations include speaking at public and corporate seminars, running annual sales meetings, and conducting live and Internet training programs on selling, customer loyalty, and personal development.

“In creating Boston Business Boot Camp, we wanted to give green industry professionals nationwide a world class event,” said Upham, who is also the owner of Weston, MA-based landscaping/design company The Upham Landscape Company. “With Boston as our location, we were part of the way there. Adding a world class speaker like Jeffrey Gitomer to an already impressive agenda of activities and speakers brings us all the way there.”

Other speakers appearing at the March 1-3 conference to be held at the Westin Hotel in Waltham, Massachusetts, include: Carissa St. Laurent of Constant Contact, Michael Gannon, Esq.; Jeffrey Scott of Jeffrey Scott, Inc.; Bonnie Kirchner of Sea Change Financial Education; Tony Bass of Tony Bass Consulting, Inc.; Frank Crandall of Crandall Consulting and Keith Upham. The range of topics covered will include sales, marketing, financial planning, HR, time management, and more.

The Boston Business Boot Camp anticipates up to 200 attendees from a variety of green industry disciplines, including landscapers, lawn care pros, tree service specialists, pest control business owners, masons, fence companies, nursery/greenhouses, outdoor lighting, and pool installers. The cost to attend is $995 per person. Companies signing up three or more attendees will receive a five percent discount. Companies signing up five or more may deduct 10 percent from the total.

In addition, a variety of sponsorship opportunities are available. Those include the Platinum Sponsorship ($15,000), Silver and Silver Lanyard ($3000) and Bronze ($750).

Interested attendees and sponsors may contact Keith Upham directly at 617-839-1451 or visit http://www.bostonbusinessbootcamp.com for more information.

Sales guru Jeffrey Gitomer to headline Boston Business Boot Camp, a conference specifically designed for green industry professionals.Read More

Action Bearing Boston Helps Keep Ski Areas in Tip Top Shape

The key to keeping the slopes in superb condition for skiers and snowboarders is not technique. Nor does Mother Nature help with slope grooming. It’s having the right tools for the job.

Action Bearing of Boston provides the 24 hour service, product knowledge and the right bearing at the right price (whether it be for lifts, groomers, bullwheels or pump and compressor houses) to ski areas, ensuring that all of their maintenance needs are met.

Action Bearing are providers of bearings and related products for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations) global markets. They have recently established a dedicated Recreation Division, which primarily focuses on Ski Area Maintenance.

The company offers special solutions and carries a full line of bearings for Riblet, Yan, Hall and other manufacturers. They also offer related products such as Lubricants, Oil Seals, Linear Motion, Ball and Roller Bearings.

Action Bearing is a member of the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA). Among their esteemed ski area clients, Action Bearing provides bearings and more to Cochran’s Ski Area, the nation’s first non-profit, IRS 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt ski area in Richmond, VT. Since the 1960s, many of the Cochran family members have followed in World Cup winner Marilyn Cochran’s footsteps and been on the U.S. and Olympic Ski Teams. Cochran’s Ski provides affordable skiing and snowboarding, lessons and race training, in the Cochran tradition.

According to Steve Katz, Action Bearing Boston’s president, “Weekends and holidays are the busiest and most lucrative days for ski areas. To not have a working lift due to a bearing failure or to be unable to efficiently groom the slopes because a part is needed, affects operations and is costly. We have a vast warehouse of bearings, with same day shipping and even same day delivery as needed, to ensure the smooth, continuous operation of all equipment.”

For more information, contact Rick Piracini, Marketing Specialist and industry expert at Action Bearing Boston at 866-995-8760 or email rickp@Actionbearing.com.

The Action Bearing Difference

In a proud tradition, the same families that started the company in 1957 keep Action Bearing rolling by specializing in bearings for OEM and MRO markets. Action Bearing’s highly knowledgeable staff housed in their 23,000 square foot facility provide bearings ranging in size from 3mm to tunnel-boring 15-foot-diameter giants.

Action Bearing provides solutions to a variety of industries including: aggregate, concrete, mining, machine tools, electric motor repair, marine, material handling, metal processing, packaging, food processing, paper converting, printing, wind/power generation, recreation, heavy construction, robotics, automation, transportation, wood products, wastewater treatment, pump, compressor and oil field.

Action Bearing offers customers a one-stop shopping experience. With an online product catalog with over 3 million bearings; a vast inventory of bearings; worldwide sourcing; a fixed price program; a knowledgeable staff dedicated to delivering; same day shipping and 24/7 service, Action Bearing is the leading provider of bearings to OEM and MRO markets in New England. Action Bearing maintains headquarters at 201 Brighton Ave. Boston, MA. For more information, contact 617-782-1400 or toll free, 800-225-4587, email info@Actionbearing.com or visit www.Actionbearing.com.

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State Lawmakers Heat Up Fuel Fund

Advocates for elders and families scored a major victory this week when the State Legislature added $21.2 million in state funding for the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Mass Home Care initiated this effort back in November by approaching the National Consumer Law Center to work with us to set up meetings with key state lawmakers. From there, the support of local Community Action Programs (CAPs) was sought, and the advocacy effort began.

A meeting was held with State Senator Katherine Clark (D-Melrose) on November 22nd, and a second meeting took place with Rep. Paul Donato (D-Medford) on December 1st. Mass Home Care and advocates asked lawmakers to consider a fund of $30 million in fuel aid. The language had a provision that if federal funding exceeded $150 million, the state funding would begin to revert back to the state coffers.

On January 11th, the House Ways and Means committee, led by Rep. Brian Dempsey (D-Haverhill) reported out a supplemental budget for FY 2012 that included $21.2 million in new state funding for the fuel aid program. The House budget was adopted on January 18th, and the Senate concurred the following day, on January 19th. In all, it took nearly two months for advocates to achieve the added state fuel funding – but as a result, as many as 21,000 new households will be able to get fuel assistance this year. Last winter 250,000 Massachusetts residents received fuel assistance. This state funding represents the 15th time that state funds have been added to the federal program to help low-income elders and families cope with winter heating expenses.

Last year Massachusetts received approximately $182 million in LIHEAP funding from the federal government. This year the state is slated to receive $132 million ($50 million less than last year). The state supplement of $21.2 M brings the available funds to the level of $153.2 M, or about 84% of what was available last year. Based on language in the House budget, if the federal funding exceeds $163.77 million, funds would begin to revert back to the state; federal funding is not expected to change at this point.

The Commonwealth’s highest heating oil benefit for the poorest families is currently $1,025 compared to $1,240 in 2009. Compounding the pain is the rising cost of oil, up from about $3 a gallon last year to $4 a gallon today. At this price, the highest fuel assistance benefit will provide only one tank of oil. The average household needs three to four tank refills to get through the winter. This means many households will run out of oil sometime in January.
In some parts of the state, elderly households comprise as much as 20% or more of the applicants. Elders are particularly at risk for heating problems because they are more susceptible to hypothermia, live in homes that are poorly insulated, and go out less often than younger people, thus spending more time in a cold home.

“This state supplement for fuel aid is a great victory for seniors and advocates,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of Old Colony Elder Services. “The classic dilemma facing seniors is a ‘heat or eat’ choice,” DiGiorgi explained. “We know that the total fuel aid this year will not be enough to protect all seniors who need this help—but it’s definitely going to warm up the homes of many of our frail elderly population.”

About Old Colony Elder Services

Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is a private, non-profit corporation designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts:
Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

The agency has 157 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org
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Speakers added to Boston Business Boot Camp, a conference specifically designed for green industry professionals.

Keith Upham
Keith Upham, founder of Boston Business Boot Camp

First annual conference to take place at Westin Hotel in Waltham, Massachusetts, March 1-3.

WESTON, MA…

The Boston Business Boot Camp, a three-day conference designed specifically to help green professionals grow their respective businesses, recently added Carissa St. Laurent of Constant Contact and Jeffrey Scott of Jeffrey Scott, Inc. to its roster of speakers.

St. Laurent’s segment, entitled “Growing your Business Using Email & Social Marketing” will focus on how business owners can utilize the Internet and social media to grow their business. Scott will speak on two topics, entitled “The Seven Habits of Highly Successful Green Industry CEO’s” and “Growing Your Landscape Business by Referral”.

“We have some incredibly talented people in the green profession that can literally turn a backyard into a work of art. When it comes to turning leads into customers, branding or marketing their business, let’s just say they’re green in another way,” said Keith Upham, founder of Boston Business Boot Camp and owner of The Upham Landscape Company. “We designed the Boston Business Boot Camp help those folks raise their business acumen to the level of their skill as green professionals. Having speakers the caliber of Carissa and Jeffrey only sweetens the pot.”

Other speakers appearing at the March 1-3 conference to be held at the Westin Hotel in Waltham, Massachusetts, include: Michael Gannon, Esq.; Bonnie Kirchner of Sea Change Financial Education; Frank Crandall of Crandall Consulting and Keith Upham. The range of topics covered will include sales, marketing, financial planning, HR, time management, and more.

“It’s ironic that we refer to this as a boot camp, because we’re not focusing on any activity that requires boots. It’s all about running your green industry business better,” said Upham. “Beyond speakers with a variety of different specialties—sales, marketing, financial planning, HR, time management—we have an abundance of networking opportunities with fellow green business owners.”

The Boston Business Boot Camp anticipates up to 200 attendees from a variety of green industry disciplines, including landscapers, lawn care pros, tree service specialists, pest control business owners, masons, fence companies, nursery/greenhouses, outdoor lighting, and pool installers. The cost to attend is $995 per person. Companies signing up three or more attendees will receive a five percent discount. Companies signing up five or more may deduct 10 percent from the total.

“This is a $15 billion a year industry that’s been growing at 12-15% annually,” Upham says. “We (business owners) need every bit of business education there is available to help us manage our businesses better and be more competitive with the large franchises. As a whole, we’re great at landscaping, but our business skills need constant sharpening.”

In addition, a variety of sponsorship opportunities are available. Those include the Platinum Sponsorship ($15,000), Silver and Silver Lanyard ($3000) and Bronze ($750).

Interested attendees and sponsors may contact Keith Upham directly at 617-839-1451 or visit http://www.bostonbusinessbootcamp.com for more information.

Speakers added to Boston Business Boot Camp, a conference specifically designed for green industry professionals.Read More

Missing a tooth or need one replaced? Dental implants provide a permanent solution.

Dental implant
Smiles by the Toothboss, located in South Weymouth, MA, performs dental implants

SOUTH WEYMOUTH, MA

As a child, a missing tooth is a rite of passage and cause for children to celebrate an anticipated visit from the Tooth Fairy. As adults, a missing tooth or tooth that might need to be replaced is cause for discomfort on many levels, most notably emotional and financial. Unfortunately, many people opt for a quick fix or least costly fix and that can lead to more problems.

“The emotional impact of losing one of your teeth combined with the financial cost associated with repairing it leads people to some rather hasty decisions without considering all the factors,” said Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD and owner of Smiles by the Toothboss in South Weymouth. “We recommend dental implants because it offers a permanent solution without altering any teeth besides the missing one.”

Treatments for missing teeth or teeth that need replacing include:

  • Transitional replacement – Merely an aesthetic solution that offers limited functionality.
  • Bridge – This involves a tooth replacement and trimming adjacent teeth to transition smoothly with the false tooth. Trimming teeth can increase risk of the tooth abscessing or gum disease.
  • Dental implant – A Titanium based cylinder that replaces the missing tooth root. After a period of time and when the implant has integrated other parts will be placed on the implant, enabling your dentist to eventually place a crown (cap) on the implant.

The process of replacing a tooth via dental implant takes three to six months. An oral surgeon performs the initial phase, which involves replacing the root. Typically, your regular dentist will complete the remainder of the procedure, placing the crown/cap on the implant.

The cost of a dental implant can vary depending on the extent of the repair. Most dental plans will not cover the surgery portion of the procedure. Most plans will cover the crown portion of the procedure up to a certain amount (for most plans, it’s around $1500). You should check with your dental plan provider before committing to a dental implant to be certain of exactly how much is covered. 

“A dental implant is certainly a conservative approach,” said Wolfert. “More and more dentists are recommending dental implants as the preferred method of tooth replacement because of its durability and the lack of potential side effects.”

In addition to crowns for dental implants, Dr. Wolfert offers a wide range of dental services, including comprehensive examinations, cosmetics, tooth-colored restorations, partial and full dentures; periodontics (early cases treated) and emergency services (24-hour emergency phone number available).

Dr. Wolfert’s practice, Smiles by the Toothboss, is located at 1121 Main Street in South Weymouth, Massachusetts. For more information, you can visit Dr. Wolfert’s website at www.toothboss.com or call 781-335-0604 to schedule a consultation.

About Smiles by the Toothboss

Smiles by the Toothboss offers: comprehensive examinations (written treatment and treatment plan provided); cosmetics; crowns, bridges and tooth-colored restorations; partial and full dentures; periodontics (early cases treated); oral surgery; restoration of conventional and small diameter implants; and emergency services (24-hour emergency phone number available).

Smiles by the Toothboss accepts most insurance plans. They also accept payment from most PPO and indemnity plans, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Delta Dental. They also accept all major credit cards and have arranged payment plans through CareCredit.

To schedule an initial consultation, please call 781-335-0604. For more information, visit www.toothboss.com.

Missing a tooth or need one replaced? Dental implants provide a permanent solution.Read More