| An Expense… or One of the Best Investments You'll Ever Make? |
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| | | | One of the things I have learned after more than 50 years of practicing dentistry is that every family has a value system. We all do. We don't hesitate to spend money on some things because we immediately see their value .ignoring it could lead to a much bigger problem. We maintain the foundation of our homes because a small crack today can become a costly repair tomorrow. We buy smoke detectors, even though we hope we will never have to rely on them to save our home. We change the oil in our cars, not because it's exciting, but because we know |
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| None of us likes spending money on these things. We do it because we understand they are investments in protecting something far more valuable. I believe our health deserves the same perspective. Too often, dentistry is categorized as an expense rather than an investment. A dental visit appears on a credit card statement or insurance explanation of benefits, while the benefits often aren't as obvious as a new television or a weekend getaway. |
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| But here's what I have seen over five decades of caring for patients. The healthiest smiles rarely belong to people who simply "fix problems." They belong to those who prevent them. When a small cavity is treated early, it can prevent the need for a crown or root canal later. When gum disease is identified early and treated, we have a much better chance at preserving the teeth. When your regular checkups reveal a problem before it causes pain, treatment is often simpler, less invasive, and less costly. In other words, preventive care pays dividends. This concept goes far beyond your teeth. You have heard me say it. You have read it here, in these pages. The connection between oral health and overall health has finally become accepted by modern medicine. The research and results of good oral health continue to demonstrate the relationship between oral health and conditions affecting the heart, diabetes, inflammation, and other medical conditions in the body. Your mouth is the gateway to your body; no longer a separate part of it. That is why I have never seen my job simply repairing teeth. My responsibility is to help preserve your health whenever possible. Sometimes that means recommending treatment before something hurts. Sometimes it means watching an area carefully instead of rushing into treatment. Sometimes it means spending extra time educating you so you understand not only what I am recommending, but why. Every family makes financial decisions differently. There are vacations to plan, children to raise, college educations to fund, homes to maintain, and any number of other demands on a family's budget. It comes down to the difference between price and value. Price is what you pay, value is what you get. When you invest in your oral health, you're investing in more than just the ability to eat comfortably, smile confidently, speak without embarrassment, or reduce the likelihood of more extensive treatment in the future. You're investing in your overall health. One of the greatest privileges of my career has been watching families grow. I have cared for parents, then their children, and now, in many cases, their grandchildren. Seeing three, four, and even five generations walk through my door is something I never take for granted. I don't believe those families continue coming here simply because I fix their teeth. I believe they understand something that has become even more rare in today's world: good health isn't something you purchase once. It's something you protect and invest in throughout your life. Some things we buy are forgotten within days. An investment in your health can benefit you, and the people you love, for a long time. That's a return that's difficult to measure in dollars alone. Dr. James Scapillato |
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| A Message from the Army Building |
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| If you've ever watched The Lord of the Rings, you've seen the scenes where Saruman quietly builds an army beneath Isengard. One soldier doesn't seem threatening. Neither do ten. But while no one is paying attention, the army grows... hundreds become thousands... thousands become tens of thousands. By the time they march, the battle has already begun. |
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| The bacteria in your mouth work much the same way. Scientists have identified more than 600 different species of bacteria that naturally live in the mouth. Most are harmless when kept in balance. But when plaque is allowed to remain on your teeth, those bacteria organize into what scientists call a biofilm, a highly coordinated community that works together. Left undisturbed, that tiny colony quietly grows into an army capable of causing cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and even affecting your overall health. Your battle tools are brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings. It is not simply about cleaning your teeth. It is about preventing the army from ever assembling. |
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| Advocate Dental Center: “Good afternoon, Advocate Dental Center. How may I help you?” Patient: “Are you accepting special needs patients who require dental care under sedation or general anesthesia?” Advocate Dental Center: “Unfortunately, at the moment we are not accepting new patients for our special needs department.” This is an actual call made by one of my patients to Advocate Dental Center (dental department at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center). According to historical information, Illinois Masonic Hospital has been providing specialized dental care for patients with developmental and intellectual disabilities, complex medical conditions, and others requiring hospital-based dental services for more than 55 years. In 2024, the hospital opened a new state-of-the-art dental center with dedicated anesthesia suites, including one specifically designed for patients with special needs, expanding its capacity to care for these patients. Prior to finding out this hospital no longer accepted new patients, it was my understanding there was up to a 24 month wait to get into the department. |
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| So, what is a special needs family to do? Google searches for dentists who serve special needs patients. Results = Inclusive Care Clinic (UIC College of Dentistry) & Advocate Dental Center. The Google result also states: “Many practices limit special needs care to pediatric patients, making UIC or Advocate the best choices for adults.” What is next? The next obvious option is calling local dental offices. All are happy to take new patients, however, when they discover it is for a special needs patient, they pass on the patient or attempt to refer to another dentist. It is a vicious cycle. I have heard countless times, “Dr. Scapillato, I am so glad we found you.” If you know someone who has a loved one with special needs, I hope you will think of us. Please don't assume they already have access to the dental care they need. The reality is that special needs families struggle to find a dental office that has the experience, patience, and resources to properly care for their loved one. By sharing our name, you may be doing a tremendous service for a friend, coworker, neighbor, or family member who has been quietly searching for help. This issue is so important to me that I am currently writing a book documenting the challenges special needs families face in finding quality dental care. My hope is to bring greater awareness to these families' experiences and encourage more dental professionals to help meet this growing need. If you have not read my patient, Dan Montville’s book, Disabled Fables, chronically the lighter side of raising a child with special needs, pick up a copy on Amazon, or in our office. Footnote to article: https://powersandsons.com/2025/01/21/advocate-illinois-masonic-medical-center-dental-clinic-now-open |
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| Donate to Special Needs Foundation |
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| One of my greatest rewards is when a patient takes the time to say, "thank you." Whether it is a hug, a note, or simply expressing their appreciation, those moments mean more to me than I can describe. |
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| As grateful as I am for those gestures, it is even more meaningful when my team gets recognized. Dania, Ivone, Wendy, & Dani are the heart of the practice, and they care deeply about every patient. This past Mother's Day, one thoughtful patient (Donald Glover) surprised each of the mothers on our team with a $10 gift as a small token of appreciation. It wasn't about the amount; it was the kindness and thoughtfulness behind the gesture that touched all of us. Thank you Donald. Your generosity reminded us that the relationships we build here extend far beyond dentistry. Acts of kindness, no matter how small, have a way of brightening our day and remind us why we love what we do. |
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