First up, we welcome Dr. Haldeman’s sweet pup, Jingle! Jingle stays ready for the spotlight – she’s the center of attention in whatever room she enters. If there’s a camera, she’s ready for the close up; Dr. Gillespie was even quoted saying she has the “Best Hair in the office!”

Check out her video debut below – and keep your eyes on our social media for our next GDA Pets spotlight!

The post GDA Pets – Meet Jingle first appeared on Gillespie Dental Associates.

It’s official – our brand new office video and website have launched! Head over to the homepage to check out our video, giving you a peek inside Gillespie Dental Associates and sharing what makes our practice so special.

Our redesigned website provides you the info you need, with a more intuitive, user-friendly experience! Browse around while you’re here, and let us know what you think.

We can’t wait to see you in the office this Fall!

Win Big When You Visit Us!

There’s never been a better time to schedule your appointment! Whether you’re due for a cleaning, have treatment to finish, or want to make the most of your insurance benefits, every visit between October 6 and December 11 earns you automatic entry into our giveaways!

• Weekly Prize: Professional-strength whitening strips to keep your smile shining bright! Every person who attends an appointment during the week will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win. Two appointments? Two entries! Don’t hesitate to call and schedule your treatment needs the same week as your cleaning appointment. Winners will be notified each Friday!
• Grand Prize: A Give One, Get One Package – score a Waterpik, an electric toothbrush, and a $100 gift card to Chestnut Asheville, PLUS a duplicate prize pack to gift a friend! Each appointment you have between October 6 and December 11 is an entry to our grand prize drawing on December 12.

Come in, take care of your smile, and leave with the chance to win something amazing. Schedule your appointment online, or call us today!

The Battle of the Playlists is ON!

Our team has been busy curating the ultimate jams, and now it’s your turn to decide whose playlist reigns supreme! After you’ve found your favorite on Spotify, head over to cast your vote. The winning playlist creator earns bragging rights and a shiny trophy at our holiday party! Don’t miss out – your vote can make all the difference!

Wish a Happy Birthday to Our Team:

The post Fall News and End of Year Updates first appeared on Gillespie Dental Associates.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that has been extensively studied and plays a vital role in preventing tooth decay. It works primarily by interacting with the enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth. When fluoride is present in the mouth, along with calcium and phosphate, it incorporates into the enamel structure, making it stronger and more resistant to acid attacks. Bacteria in plaque produce acids after you eat or drink sugary and starchy foods. This acid can erode enamel, a process called demineralization. Fluoride can actually reverse early stages of this process through remineralization, where it helps to rebuild and strengthen weakened enamel.

While fluoride is crucial for developing strong teeth in children, it’s also highly beneficial for adults. It helps prevent root caries, a common problem as gums recede with age, exposing the tooth root which is softer than enamel. Fluoride also aids in managing tooth sensitivity by strengthening enamel and making it less susceptible to stimuli. Furthermore, it can even play a supportive role in overall gum health by reducing the risk of decay that can exacerbate gum problems.

Types of Fluoride:

• Fluoride Toothpaste: This is a primary source of fluoride for most people. It’s important to use a toothpaste with the appropriate fluoride concentration as recommended by the American Dental Association. Be sure to follow the instructions on the tube and supervise children to ensure they use the correct amount and don’t swallow it.
• Fluoride Mouthwash: Fluoride mouthwash can be used as an adjunct to toothpaste, providing additional fluoride exposure. It’s particularly helpful for people at high risk of cavities.
• Professional Fluoride Treatments: Our office offers in-office fluoride treatments, which are a more concentrated form of fluoride applied directly to the teeth. These treatments are often recommended for individuals with a high risk of tooth decay, those experiencing tooth sensitivity, or young children who need extra protection.
• Fluoridated Water: Many communities add fluoride to their public water supplies, a safe and effective way to provide widespread fluoride exposure and reduce tooth decay rates.

The maxillary sinuses are located in your cheekbones, just above your upper jaw. The roots of your upper molars and premolars are very close to these sinuses, and in some cases, the tooth roots may even extend into the sinus cavity. When you experience seasonal allergies, the lining of your sinuses becomes inflamed. This inflammation can cause a buildup of pressure within the sinuses, which can then press on the roots of your upper teeth, leading to pain that feels like a toothache.

It can sometimes be tricky to distinguish between a toothache caused by a dental problem and one caused by sinus pressure. Here are some key characteristics of a sinus-related toothache:

• Pain is typically felt in the upper back teeth (molars and premolars).
• Pain often occurs alongside other allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and sinus pressure or pain.
• The pain may worsen when you chew, bend over, or change head positions.
• You may experience a dull, constant ache rather than the sharp, throbbing pain often associated with a dental issue.

Managing your seasonal allergies can help reduce the sinus pressure that leads to tooth pain. Here are some tips:

• Nasal Irrigation: Using a saline rinse or netipot can help clear nasal passages and reduce congestion.
• Decongestants: Over-the-counter decongestants can provide temporary relief from sinus pressure, but use them with caution and as directed, as overuse can sometimes worsen congestion.
• Antihistamines: Antihistamines can help control allergy symptoms like sneezing and runny nose, which can indirectly reduce sinus inflammation.
• Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is crucial for keeping your mucus membranes moist, which can help with sinus drainage.

While allergy symptoms can cause tooth pain, it’s essential to rule out any dental problems. If you experience severe tooth pain, pain that is localized to a single tooth, sensitivity to hot or cold, or any other dental symptoms, please schedule an appointment with us. We can help determine the cause of your pain and provide appropriate treatment.

Are you ready to jam? Dr. Gillespie will be taking the stage with The Culprits at Highland Brewing Event Center on Thursday, May 15th from 6-8PM. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to dance the evening away with great company, satiating drinks, and groovy tunes! Save the date on your calendar now, and keep an eye on your inbox and our social media channels for updates coming soon!

The parking lot at Orange Street Professional Park will be monitored effective immediately. As a patient of Gillespie Dental Associates, you do not need to pay for parking. Please review a few important items to ensure a seamless parking experience.

• Please park in the blue “”client parking”” spaces in front of our office.
• If no spaces are available, you may park in any other blue “”client parking”” space, or in the spaces in the center of the lot.
• No patient should ever pay for parking.
• If you do receive a violation, please inform our office immediately so that we can void this on your behalf.

Make sure to wish “”happy birthday”” to our team members with Spring birthdays!

This spring we’re embarking on a journey of self-discovery and purpose. At our recent GDA Seminar, Working with Purpose, we took a look at what drives us as individuals. Created and lead by Dr. Gillespie and Katie, we took a deep dive in to discovering what truly matters to each of us individually. We uncovered our core values, explored the influences our social identities have on us, and crafted personal purpose statements that resonate with our authentic selves. This seminar was all about cultivating deeper connections, both with ourselves and others, and exploring how to align our daily roles with our overarching purpose. The goal is to create a more intentional and fulfilling work experience, and we hope you see that spilling over into your appointments here.

Do you have questions about the seminar, or are you interested in hosting a Working with Purpose seminar in your office? Give us a call, let’s chat!

The post Spring Updates at Gillespie Dental Associates first appeared on Gillespie Dental Associates.

As our community continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, we are relieved to welcome you back to our office. We are so thankful to be able to provide you essential dental care. Thanks to the dedication and resourcefulness of our team, we were able to source reliable water and install new dry vacs for chairside use. Several members of our team have spent countless hours volunteering to provide resources to our community and surrounding areas; we are so proud of their compassion, resilience, and commitment to our community during this historic time.

Office Updates

We are thrilled to welcome Mandy Testa to the Gillespie Dental Associates team! Bringing over 25 years of priceless experience as a dental hygienist with her, we know you will help us warmly welcome Mandy into the GDA family.

Additionally, help us in congratulating our brilliant Office Manager, Kate, for earning her American Association of Dental Office Managers Mastership!

The post Fall Updates at Gillespie Dental Associates first appeared on Gillespie Dental Associates.

Congratulations on completing your residency! What drew you to pursue dentistry as a career?

First off, thank you for the warm welcome and congratulations! I’m really excited to be part of the team!

As a first-generation college student, I had no idea what to expect as I embarked on my journey toward dentistry. I became involved, shadowed, and immersed myself in experiences to further expand my knowledge of what a career in dentistry could look like. I realized that I was fortunate to have the opportunity to not only work hard and become successful, but also help others along the way. This realization began to sculpt the direction of my future in dentistry.

Before entering dental school, I was able to travel to Trujillo, Peru, to learn and assist in health care across the area. We partnered up with a local clinic and began to shadow physicians and dentists daily. I had the opportunity to work alongside a general dentist and an oral surgeon in the local hospital and assist them as they put numerous smiles upon children’s faces. Through this experience, I was able to get a first-hand look into the daily life of practicing dentists and oral surgeons. During my time in Peru, I saw many procedures such as dental prophylaxis, restorations, root canal treatments, and extractions. One of the most memorable procedures I witnessed was a cleft palate surgery on a young boy that had been paid for by a local organization. I was extremely fortunate to have been given the opportunity to observe alongside the oral surgeons, and the gratitude that the young boy and his family showed was the most rewarding experience of it all – their emotions reaffirmed why I am pursuing my career in dentistry.

It sounds like your hands on experiences solidified your passion for dentistry. After your conversations with Dr. Gillespie, what most attracted you about joining the team at Gillespie Dental Associates?

What most attracted me to joining the team at Gillespie Dental Associates is the strong sense of community and commitment to patient care that Dr. Gillespie emphasizes. The team’s collaborative environment and dedication to continuous learning and improvement aligns well with my professional values and aspirations. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to and grow with such a dynamic and patient-focused practice.

We are excited to learn more about your training at Mountain Area Health Education Center. What were some of the most valuable lessons you experienced during your residency at MAHEC?

My residency experience at MAHEC was incredibly enriching. Some of the most valuable lessons I learned include the importance of patient-centered care and the ability to adapt to a diverse range of patient needs. I also gained significant experience in handling complex cases and improving my diagnostic skills. Furthermore, the mentorship and collaborative environment at MAHEC taught me the value of continuous learning and the importance of teamwork in providing comprehensive care.

We have a long history of building strong patient relationships. What qualities do you think are essential in contributing to this legacy?

I believe that some essential qualities that contribute to this legacy include empathy, active listening, and clear communication. It’s important to make patients feel heard and understood, addressing their concerns with compassion and respect. Building strong patient relationships is fundamental to providing exceptional dental care. Additionally, maintaining a high standard of professionalism, reliability, and integrity helps build trust. Continuously updating one’s skills and knowledge to offer the best possible care also demonstrates a commitment to patient well-being, further strengthening these relationships.

Those qualities are going to be very well-received by our team and patient base. How do you approach putting patients at ease, especially those with dental anxiety?

I start by creating a welcoming and calm environment in the operatory. I make sure to listen to their concerns and fears without judgment, providing reassurance and understanding. Explaining procedures clearly and answering any questions they might have on the front end helps demystify the process and reduce anxiety. Building a relationship based on trust and empathy is key to helping patients feel more relaxed and confident about their dental care.

Do you have a specific treatment philosophy you aim to integrate into your practice?

My treatment philosophy centers around providing patient-centered care with a focus on preventive dentistry. I believe in educating patients about the importance of oral health and empowering them to take an active role in their care. This includes thorough explanations of treatment options and collaborative decision-making to ensure that each patient feels informed and involved. Additionally, I emphasize minimally invasive procedures and evidence-based practices to achieve the best outcomes. My goal is to build long-term relationships with patients, promoting a comprehensive approach to their overall health and well-being.

Providing a comprehensive approach to patients means staying in the know. How do you envision staying up-to-date on the latest advancements in dentistry?

I plan to regularly attend professional conferences, workshops, and continuing education courses to keep up to date of new techniques, technologies, and research findings. I will subscribe to leading dental journals and participate in online forums and professional networks to exchange knowledge with peers. Additionally, being an active member of professional organizations and engaging in peer discussions and study groups will help me stay connected with new trends and innovations.

If you could have any superpower related to dentistry, what would it be?

If I could have any superpower related to dentistry, it would be radiographic vision. This ability would allow me to instantly and accurately see the internal structures of teeth and gums without the need for X-rays or other imaging equipment. With radiographic vision, I could diagnose issues more quickly and precisely, leading to more efficient and effective treatment plans. It would also enhance patient comfort and convenience, as they wouldn’t need to undergo additional procedures for imaging. Overall, this superpower would greatly improve the quality of care I can provide to my patients.

Between your residency program, preparing for your start at Gillespie Dental Associates, and even getting engaged, you’ve been busy! When you are not at the practice, what are some of your hobbies and interests?

When I am not practicing dentistry, I love staying active and enjoying a variety of hobbies. I’m a big fan of pickleball and also enjoy swimming. Reading is another passion of mine, and I’m always on the lookout for a good book. Spending quality time with friends and family is very important to me, whether we’re catching up over a meal, going for a hike, or just hanging out. I also love cooking and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.

It is clear you’re invested in building relationships and that your hobbies align with all that Asheville has to offer. What plans do you have, or how are you already involved in the Asheville area community?

During my residency, I had the privilege of volunteering with Buncombe County Schools to provide dental care to children (K-5^th grade), which was an incredibly rewarding experience. Looking ahead, I am excited to continue my community involvement in Asheville. I plan to volunteer at the upcoming Mission of Mercy (MOM) clinic in September, where I will have the opportunity to provide free dental care to those in need. Additionally, I aim to participate in local health fairs and educational events to promote oral health awareness. Building strong relationships within the community and giving back through these initiatives is something I am genuinely passionate about as I establish myself in Asheville.

Dr. Patel, we are thrilled to see all you will accomplish at Gillespie Dental Associates. Your exceptional training and commitment to patient care make you an invaluable addition to our team!

The post Get to Know Dr. Sonali Patel first appeared on Gillespie Dental Associates.

A trip to the dentist can be nerve-wracking, especially when you receive a diagnosis. It’s perfectly normal to feel a mix of emotions – maybe a little surprised, maybe a little worried. But don’t let that hold you back from taking charge of your oral health! The best course of action is to ask questions and be clear on your next steps.

This blog is here to empower you with a list of questions to ask your dentist, clinical team, and the front desk staff. By understanding your treatment plan and feeling financially prepared, you can approach your dental journey with confidence.

Questions for Your Dentist:

• Urgency vs. Wait and See: “Can we take a wait-and-see approach for this, or is there a reason for immediate treatment?”
• Treatment Breakdown: “Can you review the treatment process with me step-by-step? Understanding what to expect will help me feel more comfortable.”
• Diagnosis Confirmation: “Can you show me how this was diagnosed on my X-rays?” (Seeing the visuals can be helpful!)
• Preventative Measures: “Is there anything I can do in my daily routine to prevent this issue from happening again in the future?”
• Long-Term Outlook: “How long does this type of repair typically last? Should I expect any further procedures down the line?”

Questions for the Front Desk:

• Treatment Timeline: “How long will this treatment typically take to complete?”
• Insurance Coverage: “Can you provide me with an estimated breakdown of what my insurance might cover for this treatment?”
• Payment Options: “Do you offer any discounts for different payment methods?

Remember, there are no bad questions. Your dentist, clinical team, and front desk staff are there to guide you and ensure you receive the best possible care. Feeling informed and involved in your treatment plan is key to a smooth and successful dental experience. So don’t hesitate to ask away!

The post Taking Charge of Your Smile: Questions to Ask After a Dental Diagnosis first appeared on Gillespie Dental Associates.

Have you heard? Gillespie Dental Associates, along with our four incredible Dentists, are in the running for the 2024 Mountain Xpress Best of WNC Awards! We are deeply honored to receive your votes year over year. One of the most special things about being part of the Asheville community is the way we come together to support local businesses. This year, our staff has created a Gillespie Dental Voter Guide to amplify some of our favorite local hang outs and businesses.

Make sure to check out some of our favorite hangout spots and professional services if you find yourself in need of them. Don’t forget to cast your vote in the Best of WNC Awards!

• Corner Kitchen
• Chestnuts
• Del Vecchios
• Bruegger’s Bagels
• Rhubarb
• Red Ginger
• Tall John’s
• The Smokin’ Onion
• Bear’s BBQ
• Luella’s BBQ
• Jettie Rae’s
• Hot Dog King

• Baldwin Real Estate, Inc.
• Jim Diaz, Home James Realty
• Randi Beard, Broker/Realtor

• The Asheville Club
• Highland Brewing
• Bottle Riot
• Wedge Brewing
• Burial Beer Co.

• Alexander & Lehnert Fine Jewelry
• Ignite Jewelry Studios
• North Carolina Glass Center
• Reggie Tidwell, Curve Theory Design & Photography
• Lynne Harty, Lynne Harty Photography

• Christy Hunt, OB-GYN, Asheville Women’s Medical Center
• John Larrabee, OB-GYN, Asheville Women’s Medical Center
• Mary Katherine Goodwin, OB-GYN, Asheville Women’s Medical Center
• Lisa Pham, OB-GYN
• Oliver Binns, Cardiothoratic Surgeon, Asheville Heart
• Richard Jones, Orthopedic Surgeon, Southeastern Sports Medicine
• Tally Eddings, Orthopedic Surgeon, EmergeOrtho
• Chris Lechner, Orthopedic Surgeon, Carolina Hand & Sports Medicine
• Gordon Groh, Orthopedic Surgeon, Asheville Orthopedic Associates
• Robert Delbene, Podiatrist, Smoky Mountain Foot & Ankle
• Katy Fleer, Psychologist
• J. Robert Anderson, Primary Care Physician, Biltmore Family Medicine
• James Lowery, Internal Medicine
• Rob Steward, Primary Care Physician, The Family Health Centers
• Jim Patton, Neurologist, Asheville Neurology Specialists
• Jon Silver, Neurosurgeon
• Larry Golson, Optometrist, Envision Eye Care

Bonus – we have to shout out our own phenomenal dentists here at Gillespie Dental Associates – Tim Gillespie, Jaime Peterson, Amy Haldeman, and Virginia Plaisted!

• Zach Levin, DMJPS, Accounting & Tax Consultants
• Ed Towson, Gould Killian, CPA
• Forvis, CPA
• John Rose, Goosmann Rose Colvard & Cramer, P.A. Attorneys
• Greg Goosmann, Goosmann Rose Colvard & Gramer, P.A. Attorneys
• Larry McDevitt, The Van Winkle Law Firm
• Carter Webb, The Van Winkle Law Firm
• Vince Childress, Roberts & Stevens
• Legerton Architecture
• Mountain Motor Tours

• Terri Lynn Queen, iHeartRadio
• Jason Boyer, WLOS
• Karen Wynne, WLOS
• Holly Hedrick, WLOS
• Kimberly King, WLOS
• Ty Russell, WLOS

Head on over to vote in the Mountain Xpress Best of WNC Awards today. We appreciate your vote for Gillespie Dental Associates as Best Dental Practice, and Tim Gillespie, Jaime Peterson, Amy Haldeman, or Virginia Plaisted for Best Dentist!

The post Gillespie Dental Voting Guide first appeared on Gillespie Dental Associates.

This is a great starting point for your search into eco-friendly dental products. Keep in mind recommendations from your hygienist and dentist as you seek out products that make a difference to customize your choice to fit in with your goals and lifestyle!

Sustainable Toothbrushes

Toothbrushes create a ton of unnecessary waste. Although toothbrushes are recyclable, about 1 million end up in landfills in the US each year! They may be small, but THIS ADDS UP FAST! There are plenty of eco-friendly options available on the market, with bamboo being the most prevalent. Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource and is naturally biodegradable, creating far less of an environmental impact. There are even toothbrushes available made from recycled ocean plastics. Talk about a win- win! Check out Preserve’s line of sustainable toothbrushes here.

Dental Floss

Traditional dental floss is non-recyclable, not bio-degradable and some may contain toxic chemicals, but rest assured, there are plenty of earth-friendly options available. These environmentally- safe options are derived from plants such as corn and bamboo. Silky coatings on traditional floss are replaced with beeswax, vegetable wax or candelilla wax making them both safe and sustainable. There are even vegan options available. Check out a compiled list of floss options here.

Toothpaste

Toothpaste recycling can get muddy and be a little confusing. Many tubes are made of mixed materials rendering them not recyclable. However, there are tubes that can be recycled. Read the labels carefully and cross reference them with your local recycling regulations. Colgate recently launched a recyclable tube with “Recycle Me” packaging to not only alert consumers but also to make it visibly apparent to recycling sorting facilities. With over 400 million tubes of toothpaste being disposed of in the US alone each year; this is huge! By 2025, major toothpaste brands have collectively committed to utilizing recyclable packaging.

As Earth Day approaches, it’s a good time for all of us to evaluate what we can do better to help preserve our planet for future generations. Together, these small steps can make a huge impact.

The post Green Dental Options first appeared on Gillespie Dental Associates.

Leah became a LEED Accredited Professional in 2009, but her devotion to improving the environment began as a child. She rescued critters out of pools, made cozy dwellings for abandoned baby birds, and even saved insects from impending weather. As young as 5, she was donating allowances and spare change to organizations working to stop the Canadian Baby Seal Hunts, and she later went on to work for the Bear League in Lake Tahoe. She continues to donate to a variety of animal organizations, with Sea Shephard being closest to her heart. She’s also maintained a strict vegetarian diet for over 30 years.

One of Leah’s proudest accomplishments came from an opportunity for collaboration with her father and his architectural firm, John N. Gruitza Associates in Sharon, PA on a LEED Accredited project. This project became the first LEED Silver building of its kind attained in the nation under the HUD Section 202 program which provides housing to seniors.

LEED focuses on sustainability throughout all phases of design, construction, and building operations. The rating system consists of stringent prerequisites and credit requirements that must be met in order to achieve one of four levels of certification: Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum. It accounts for a broad spectrum of what is deemed “globally sustainable” and can be applied to new or existing buildings, interiors, homes, neighborhoods, and even cities. Certification prioritizes a variety of categories, including but not limited to:

• Sustainable Site Selection
• Water Efficiency
• Energy and Atmosphere
• Materials and Resources
• Innovation and Design
• Indoor Air Quality

Although LEED Certification is challenging and expensive, it is recognized as the “Gold Standard” in green design and is considered an honor to attain.

Leah is driven to uncover opportunities for Gillespie Dental Associates to stay at the forefront of green initiatives. Through careful research and planning, she identifies areas of improvement and provides feedback and training to our team to implement change both short and long term. We can’t wait to continue to share our environmental contributions with you as we roll out our Green Series this year! Next time you’re in the office, make sure to ask us about what we have been up to, and keep an eye on your email and social media for more updates!

The post Our Commitment to Green Practices first appeared on Gillespie Dental Associates.

I simply can’t say enough about animals and the countless, selfless benefits they provide us day to day.  Our pets love unconditionally, greeting us with doggie smiles and wagging tails each and every time we enter the door – even if it’s only after a few minutes.

Donna & “Carly”

Many health and social benefits have also been associated with pet ownership such as:

• Studies show a correlation between pet ownership and decreased cholesterol, cortisol and blood pressure
• They provide companionship
• Dogs inspire us to exercise more and enjoy being outside more
• Our furry companions help prevent loneliness and studies show a link between pet ownership and decreased anxiety and depression
• Dogs can offer protection from danger & deter burglars
• Certain animals act as service/therapy dogs – assisting the blind or even helping to warn their owners of an upcoming health episode such as an epileptic seizure
• We may meet new acquaintances while out on a walk or at a dog park, increasing our socialization

Doreen’s daughter, Eden & “Zoe”

Aside from the benefits we receive as pet owners, our furry companions are also fortunate! They are lucky to live where we do, being that Asheville is recognized as one of the top pet-friendly cities to reside! From the spectacular Blue Ridge Mountain hikes and swimming holes, to the endless dog parks as well as pet-friendly restaurants and breweries – there aren’t many places you CAN’T bring your pet. See a list of local pet friendly activities here: https://www.exploreasheville.com/trip-ideas/pet-friendly/

Leah, Brady and “Vinny”

If you’re considering adding a pet to your family, keep adoption in mind. There are several local shelters seeking loving homes for pets in need. https://www.asheville.com/directory/bd-categories/animal-shelters-community/

The post We Love Our Pets first appeared on Gillespie Dental Associates.