Professional, preventive dental care is extremely important when it comes to staying ahead of any problems with your oral health.
Preventative dental care is much more than brushing and flossing them every day. When you maintain regular checkups and cleanings, you give yourself the gift of healthy teeth and gums that will benefit you for years to come.
Regular checkups and cleanings not only help you to keep your teeth clean, but they also help to prevent bigger, much more expensive problems down the road. That’s why the Boise dentists at Summit Dental Group would like to provide you with the following reasons preventative dental care is so important.
Professional Dental Care
Professional dental care is extremely important when it comes to staying ahead of any problems with your oral health. These include plaque buildup, gingivitis, and tooth decay. At Summit Dental Group, we take the time to educate our patients during their preventative appointments to provide them with the knowledge and tools they need to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
Our Boise dentists go the extra mile for each and every one of our patients when it comes to preventative dental care. Furthermore, it’s our job to help prevent any developing issues you may have in the future. Even if you have existing dental problems, the preventative care we provide will help limit the effect these issues pose to your dental and overall health.
With early intervention, we can prevent future damage to your teeth caused by:
- Periodontal disease
- Gingivitis
- Loss of protective tooth enamel
- Cavities
A typical checkup includes:
- Professional dental cleaning
- A discussion about your oral habits
- Evaluation of teeth and gum health
- Oral cancer screenings
- X-rays and diagnostic procedures
What To Practice At Home
In addition to regular checkups and cleanings, you can prevent tooth decay and gum disease by practicing good oral habits at home. These include avoiding foods and drinks that contain high amounts of sugar, chewy candies and dried fruits, and limiting your intake of acid-containing beverages that erode tooth enamel.
While you don’t have to give these things up completely, it’s important to limit them and to rinse your mouth out with water after consuming them. It’s also a good rule of thumb to wait at least 30 minutes after drinking an acidic beverage before brushing your teeth.
To maintain your dental and overall health, you should also stop smoking. Smoking increases the risks of developing many different cancers and gum disease. You should also limit your intake of alcohol as it can affect the soft tissues of your mouth while contributing to the growth of harmful bacteria. Furthermore, you should never chew on ice or use your teeth as tools to open packages, etc. Doing so can cause tiny cracks and fissures in your teeth.
Summit Dental Group
Even if it’s been a while since your last appointment, there’s no better time to schedule one today. When you neglect your oral health, you put your whole body at risk. In fact, research has shown a direct connection between oral and cardiovascular health. Contact Summit Dental Group by filling out our online form or give us a call at (208) 345-8962 today. Our Boise dentists look forward to seeing you and helping you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts.
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Your smile is the first thing people notice about you. It invites them into your world and conveys who you are. While regular cleanings and checkups are important, there are a number of things you can do to maintain healthy, white teeth. That’s why Summit Dental Group would like to provide you with the following Boise dental tips to improve your smile.
Brush Regularly
According to the ADA (American Dental Association), you should brush your teeth twice daily. This helps to remove any leftover food particles and harmful plaque that forms on teeth. Why? Plaque eats away at tooth enamel, and once your enamel is gone, it’s gone for good. However, it’s important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush instead of a medium or hard-bristled one. These stiffer brushes are much more abrasive and can cause more harm than good.
Avoid Staining Beverages
Although tooth enamel is one of the hardest substances in the body, it is extremely susceptible to staining. The three most common staining beverages are coffee, tea, and red wine. However, you don’t have to give these drinks up altogether. Instead, you can drink them through a straw, so they don’t come into contact with your teeth. You can also drink or swish your mouth with water after consuming a staining beverage. However, it’s important to wait at least 30 minutes after drinking these beverages to prevent acid erosion.
Quit Smoking
While it’s well-known that smoking is bad for you, smoking can also stain your teeth. Even worse, smoking reduces blood circulation to the gums, causing them to recede over time. This, in turn, will give you the appearance of longer teeth and the perfect hiding place for harmful bacteria.
Floss Daily
By flossing daily, you will remove harmful plaque that a toothbrush can’t reach. This prevents the build-up of plaque and tartar from your gum line and between teeth, which can lead to tooth loss.
Boise Dental Treatments
For an extra boost of confidence, Summit Dental offers the following Boise dental treatments:
- Professional teeth whitening
- Porcelain veneers
- Dental implants
- Best Smile Restorations
Summit Dental Group
The Boise dentists at Summit Dental Group offer an impressive array of education and experience that enable us to restore the appearance and confidence of so many satisfied patients throughout the Treasure Valley. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact us by filling out our online form or give us a call today at (208) 345-8962 today.
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When it comes to dental offices, no two are created equal. Everything from dental technology to staff to the services they offer matters a great deal. That’s why Summit Dental would like to provide you with the following reasons we are Boise’s best dentists in the Treasure Valley!
A Wide Range of Dental Services
Whether you need a basic cleaning or any form of dental restoration, the team at Summit Dental is at your service. Our Boise dentists take great pride in providing Treasure Valley patients with a wide range of dental services. As an example, if you have a damaged tooth or if you are missing one or several teeth, we can provide you with crowns and bridges or permanent dental implants to restore the function and beauty of your smile.
We also provide comprehensive exams, dental X-rays, teeth cleaning, cosmetic dentistry procedures, CEREC Digital Impressions, teeth whitening, Invisalign Aligners, periodontal disease therapy, root canals, extraction, and more. With us, we provide just about every restorative and cosmetic dentistry treatment in one convenient location. In fact, we serve as many people in the greater Boise, Idaho area as possible without forcing patients to look for other dentists in the area.
The Latest Dental Technology
Our dental facility in Boise, Idaho, features the latest dental technology from CEREC Digital Impressions to the Green16 Advanced 4-in-1 Digital X-ray Imaging System. This allows us to provide patients with comprehensive dental treatments without pain to the latest teeth whitening solutions, and beyond. We literally have it all.
Comfortable Dental Treatments
From our Boise dentists to our hygienists and administrative staff, we go out of our way to make sure every one of our patients is as comfortable and relaxed as possible. Treatment always starts with thorough planning using digital X-rays to create detailed images of your mouth. When it comes to procedures, we use specialized equipment that allows treatment to be as gentle and precise as possible.
Ultimate Convenience
Give our Boise dentists the chance to clean, restore, and beautify your teeth. With us, our practice makes the process as convenient as possible. We sweat the small stuff, so you don’t have to. All you have to do is make an appointment, show up on time, and it won’t be long before you leave our office with a beautiful, healthy smile.
Our Patients Love Us!
If you’re still on the fence as to whether Summit Dental is worth your hard-earned money, consider all the 5-star reviews we have on Google. We’ve also been voted Boise’s best dentists office in Boise Weekly’s “Best of Boise Awards” for four years in a row. In fact, plenty of our patients go out of their way to express the merits of our team in terms of customer service and friendliness. We make the comfort of our patient’s top priority. Our aim is to provide top-notch dental care that inspires our patients to recommend us to others in the greater Treasure Valley area.
Schedule an Appointment at Summit Dental
If you’re in search of Boise’s Best Dentists, look no further than Summit Dental. We are here to improve your dental health and the beauty of your smile. Fill out our online form or give us a call at (208) 345-8962 today to schedule an appointment.
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If you have a broken tooth, it won’t get better on its own. That’s why Boise dental crowns are necessary to protect your tooth from future damage and infection. However, many people in the Treasure Valley put off treatment due to the traditional process of receiving a crown. Why? Traditional crowns require multiple appointments, a temporary crown, and other factors.
Thankfully, the treatment process at Summit Dental has changed to same-day crowns using CEREC technology. If you’re in need of a dental crown treatment, you’ll find CEREC Digital Impressions to be an exceptional alternative. That’s why we’d like to provide you with the following benefits to expect.
Boise Dental Crowns
Skip The Putty & Powders
Anyone who’s ever received a dental crown in the past knows that an impression is required to create a detailed model of a damaged tooth. This involved the unpleasant process of mixing powders and biting into a putty-like material.
With CEREC Digital Impressions, there’s no need for putty’s or powders. Instead, your dentist captures a 3D impression of your tooth using a handheld wand. This collects all the necessary images of your tooth to create a detailed 3D model. Next, this information is used to generate a dental crown that can be fitted perfectly over the top of your damaged tooth.
Exceptional Accuracy
CEREC is an abbreviation for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. This means it is used for making crowns more easily and in-house. While many dentists still rely on Boise dental labs to fabricate restorations, Summit Dental keeps this process in-house, meaning we can personalize your crowns more effectively with exceptional accuracy.
Fewer Appointments
Traditionally, the turn-around rate for a dental crown was approximately two weeks. This means you would have to wear a temporary crown to protect your tooth while a permanent crown was being fabricated. The drawback? Temporary crowns can come loose, causing sensitivity and discomfort. With same-day, in-house CEREC Digital Impressions, there’s no need to wait, meaning fewer appointments and less down-time.
Furthermore, the milling process often takes less than an hour to create a dental crown. Need a dental crown but don’t want to wait? Schedule a Boise dental appointment with Summit Dental today!
Summit Dental Group
The dentists at Summit Dental Group are proud of the work they provide our Treasure Valley patients. With us, every restoration is created based on your unique, individual needs. Our collaborative approach to restorative dentistry ensures your crown looks great and feels comfortable while providing you with long-term protection. To learn more about CEREC Digital Impressions, schedule an appointment with the best dentists in Boise, Idaho. Fill out our online form or give us a call at (208) 345-8962 today!
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At Summit Dental Group, we know our patients would rather be doing other things than sitting in their dentist’s chair. However, getting your teeth cleaned can prevent many serious and unpleasant problems. That’s why we’d like to provide you with the following five reasons not to skip your Boise dental cleaning appointments.
It’s Not All About Your Teeth
When you visit Summit Dental for a cleaning, your hygienist and Boise dentist will not only examine your teeth and gums, but your tongue, face, and lower jaw as well. The reason we do this is to look for any signs of cancer or disease that can show up during an oral exam.
Cardiovascular Health
Gum disease and cardiovascular health are directly linked. While we’re not entirely sure how we do know that gum disease can cause inflammation throughout your body, which can contribute to cardiovascular disease. That’s why it’s important to get regular Boise dental cleaning to prevent gum disease and keep your heart healthy.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Most people try to maintain a healthy, nutritious diet. However, you may be missing the mark and putting yourself at risk for unnecessary health conditions. During a Boise dental cleaning, your hygienist and dentist will look for signs that you may be lacking any particular vitamins or nutrients.
Prevention Is Easier Than Treatment
No one likes having a tooth pulled, cavity filled, or root canal done. Maintaining regular Boise dental cleanings is the best way to prevent these kinds of treatments down the road. In addition to cleaning your teeth, we will educate you on the best flossing and brushing techniques while answering any questions you may have about your oral care.
Your Smile Is Important
Keeping your smile bright helps you to look and feel your best. Regular Boise dental cleanings will keep your teeth free of stains and tartar buildup. To compliment your cleaning, we will also polish your teeth to make them shiny and beautiful. The best part? A clean, bright smile can provide you with a more youthful appearance.
Summit Dental Group
Regular Boise dental cleanings make a big impact on your overall health while preventing tooth decay and gum disease. No matter how busy you are, it’s important not to skip your-annual dentist appointments. To schedule a cleaning or checkup, contact Summit Dental Group by filling out our online form or give us a call at (208) 345-8962 today.
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Do you have multiple imperfections when it comes to your smile? Do you have missing teeth and want to know your replacement options? How about loose, damaged, or yellow teeth? Patients in the Treasure Valley who are faced with a wide variety of dental problems should talk to a Boise dentist who offers full mouth restorations. At Summit Dental Group, we help patients not only restore the health and function of their smile but restore beauty as well.
Full Mouth Reconstruction Candidates
At Summit Dental, our Boise dentists provide full mouth restorations for patients ready to tackle the look and function of their smile. In fact, many patients have more than one problem that they would like to address. These include:
- Loose or missing teeth
- Severely damaged, diseased, or decayed teeth
- Teeth with old or lost fillings
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Yellow, stained teeth
- Teeth with old or broken restorations
When you are ready to improve your smile, we welcome you to work with our Boise dentist, who offers full mouth restorations. Also known as a best smile restoration, a full mouth reconstruction combines a variety of treatments to enhance your entire smile. At Summit Dental, we can break up these treatments or perform most of them all at once during an extended visit to our office. These include:
- Professional teeth whitening to eliminate any yellowing or superficial stains.
- Porcelain veneers to cosmetically correct visible issues.
- Dental crowns to repair broken or otherwise badly damaged teeth.
- Dental implants or bridges to replace one or multiple missing teeth.
- Invisalign® aligners to correct crooked teeth without the use of traditional braces.
Summit Dental Group
A full mouth restoration can incorporate multiple procedures to address your entire smile. During an initial evaluation with our Boise dentist, patients can express their concerns and come up with a plan to achieve the smile of their dreams. Interested in restoring your smile? Contact Summit Dental Group by filling our online form or call us at (208) 345-8962 regarding our full-mouth restoration services.
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Most people want a white, gorgeous smile. In order to obtain one, many people in the Treasure Valley choose to have a professional Boise teeth whitening treatment. In-office teeth whitening is a common cosmetic dentistry treatment that provides a wide variety of benefits. At Summit Dental Group, we are proud to help our patients achieve a white, bright smile. That’s why we’d like to provide you with the following benefits of an in-office teeth whitening treatment.
Individualized Care
When it comes to optimal dental care, the needs of our patients are quite diverse. At Summit Dental Group, we utilize our education and knowledge to examine your teeth to establish the cause of any discoloration. We will also take the time to review any previous or future dentistry treatments or restorations that might impact your whitening outcome. This will allow us to create any dental crowns or veneers that need to blend with the coloration of your recently whitened teeth.
Based on your individual evaluation, the dentists at Summit Dental will design a personalized whitening treatment that is appropriate for you. We will also let you know how many treatments you may need to achieve your outcome goals.
No Tooth Sensitivity
Those that choose to whiten their teeth using over-the-counter products might suffer from tooth pain or sensitivity. This is due to a high exposure of hydrogen peroxide that can permeate the exterior enamel of teeth while aggravating surrounding gum tissue. The dentists at Summit Dental Group will take careful steps to prevent these issues during a Boise teeth whitening treatment by ensuring the lips and gums are covered to prevent any pain, sensitivity, or irritation.
Long-Lasting Results
The results of a Boise teeth whitening treatment last much longer than compared to over-the-counter products. Depending on your individual treatment, you can expect to maintain optimal results for 2-3 years with regular dental care. Furthermore, those who avoid the common causes of tooth discoloration like smoking or drinking coffee will experience longer-lasting results.
Higher Self-Esteem
Whiter teeth not only provide you with an appealing smile, but it can also boost your self-esteem as well. In fact, most people experience increased self-confidence after a Boise teeth whitening treatment, which helps them to open up and function more confidently. The best part? Whiter teeth can take years off your appearance, making you look younger.
Summit Dental Group
The awesome results generated by a Boise teeth whitening treatment will help you look and feel your very best. At Summit Dental, our dentists are ready and more than happy to help you develop a truly stunning smile. Contact us by filling out our online form or give us a call at (208) 345-8962 for an appointment today.
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Thousands of Treasure Valley residents have one or missing teeth. While common, missing teeth can seriously impact an individual’s overall health aside from the visual appeal of their smile. That’s why the Boise dentists at Summit Dental Group are proud to offer the best tooth restoration treatments to help patients address their tooth loss and enjoy optimal wellness.
The Consequences Of Missing Teeth
Losing a tooth can impact a wide variety of factors regarding your mouth, overall health, and day-to-day functions. In fact, many patients deal with life-altering issues after losing a tooth. These include:
General Function
Missing teeth can affect your ability to speak and eat comfortably. A missing tooth can significantly interfere with the ability to eat your favorite foods and how you communicate with others.
Visual Appearance
Aside from an unwanted gap between teeth, a missing tooth can result in a deflated look in your facial features near your mouth and mandible. Teeth help to support your face, making it look fuller and normal in shape.
Tooth Position
Many people aren’t aware that their teeth actually depend on one another to retain their proper position in your mouth. When a tooth is missing, the adjacent and opposing teeth around it can shift into the empty space.
Jawbone Loss
Your jawbone requires stimulation from the roots of teeth to maintain optimal health. Missing teeth removes this stimulus, causing the jawbone to break down. Even worse, bone deterioration has its own range of consequences, which can make it more challenging to replace missing teeth with implants.
Quality Of Life
Missing teeth can affect the overall quality of your life. These factors range from decreased function to low self-esteem as teeth have a huge influence on your smile, lifestyle, and health.
Tooth Replacement Solutions
At Summit Dental, our Boise dentists often recommend dental implants as a better, less invasive, and long-lasting solution to missing teeth. We use the best materials and practices to restore the natural function and visual appeal of your smile.
Dental implants work as a total tooth replacement that is made up of three components: a post, abutment, and crown restoration. The dental implant post resembles a screw made of titanium that is anchored into the jawbone like the natural root of a tooth. An abutment is then attached to the post, and the crown restoration is attached to the abutment.
Dental implants not only restore the beauty of your smile, but they also prevent your teeth from shifting, while conserving your jawbone, and help you to eat and speak without any issues.
Summit Dental Group
If you have missing teeth, you owe it to yourself to learn more about dental implants. Contact the Boise dentists at Summit Dental Group today by filling out our online form or give us a call at (208) 345-8962 to schedule an appointment. We would be more than happy to provide you with further information and answer any questions you may have.
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We’ve all been there. At the most inopportune time, someone tells us we have bad breath. While embarrassing, bad breath doesn’t need to haunt your memories. In fact, it’s completely treatable in almost all cases.
Causes of Bad Breath
In order to keep bad breath from happening, it’s important to understand what causes it and how to treat it with the help of your Boise dentist.
Poor Boise Dental Health
Brushing and flossing on a daily basis is an essential way to remove food particles leftover from eating. Leftover food particles not only cause bad breath but other issues like gingivitis and cavities as well. It’s also important to visit your downtown Boise dentist for regular cleanings to remove any plaque or tartar buildup for a minty fresh, clean mouth.
Food Choices
Delicious foods with strong odors like garlic and onions are often the cause of bad breath. By allowing leftover food particles such as these to remain in your mouth, they will start decompose, emitting an unpleasant odor. In order to indulge in your favorite foods while preventing bad breath from happening, it’s important to brush and floss your teeth immediately after eating. Another suggestion? Avoid certain foods with strong odors when you have a planned social engagement like a date, etc.
Dehydration
Another common cause of bad breath is dehydration. Without proper hydration, your mouth cannot produce enough saliva to neutralize acids and rinse the mouth. While there are some medications and diseases that can cause chronic dry mouth, it may be helpful to chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production and drink plenty of water.
Treating Bad Breath
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day
- Floss after eating and before bed
- Chew sugar-free gum
- Use mouthwash
- Clean your tongue
- Drink plenty of water
Professional Help
If at-home treatments fail to eliminate your bad breath, an underlying issue like an infection or something more serious may be the cause. In that case, it’s important to visit your downtown Boise dentist. At Summit Dental Group, we can help you determine the cause of your bad breath and treat it if necessary. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact us at (208) 345-8962.
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Summit Dental Group is known around the Treasure Valley area for our outstanding array of treatment options, state-of-the-art equipment, comfortable facility, and our skilled Boise dentists. While all four of our doctors may come from different dental backgrounds, they all share in common comprehensive training and education, extensive experience, and a passion for working with their patients to maintain optimal dental health.
In 1981, at the age of 8, Carson became a patient of Dr. Pierce. Skip played a big part in Carson’s early interest in the field of dentistry. As a high school student, Skip invited Carson to observe the practice, and Carson quickly knew what his path would be. In 1991, Carson graduated from Boise High School, then went to Pepperdine University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree. In 2001, Carson earned his Doctorate of Dental Science from Creighton University and was privileged to return to Boise to practice with his longtime friend and mentor, Dr. Pierce. Carson practiced for 5 years as an associate for Skip and became a partner in Summit Dental Group in 2006. Dr. Mooney is a former President of the Southwest Idaho Dental Society and a current member of the American Dental Association and the Idaho State Dental Association. Married to his wife Cori for 10 years, they have a 3-year-old daughter, Maci, and two Weimeraner dogs. As an Idaho native, Carson enjoys much of the recreation this community offers. He has been competitive in both golf and skiing, and also enjoys mountain biking, road cycling, and hiking the foothills with his wife, daughter, and dogs.
Rob was born in Moscow, Idaho and his family moved to Twin Falls when he was young. He graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1993. After high school, he attended the College of Idaho and graduated in 1998 with honors and a degree in Biology. During college, Rob worked as a river guide on the Colorado River and has whitewater kayaked throughout the U.S., Central America, and Greenland.
Dr. Studebaker attended Creighton University for dental school and graduated Cum Laude in 2005. While in dental school he received his class award for pediatrics and endodontics. After dental school, Rob returned to Idaho and completed a one-year residency program in advanced general dentistry with Idaho State University. He has served as president of the Southwest Idaho Dental Society and is a member of the Idaho State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Rob has been with Summit Dental since 2006.
Rob is married to Barb (Brazier), a Boise native, and they have two sons, Alex (11) and Will (7). Their family has two dogs who love to bird hunt with Dr. Studebaker and his boys. Rob loves being outdoors hiking, fishing, snowboarding, rafting, and kayaking. He also spends time helping coach his boys in their various activities.
Dr. Ritchie has been a patient of Dr. Pierce since he was very young. He was raised in Boise and graduated from Centennial High School in 1998. Lance graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Linfield College in 2002, and a Doctorate of Dental Science from Creighton University in 2007. He also completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry at Idaho State University, where he received additional training in the placement of dental implants and complex case management. Dr. Ritchie is a member of the American Dental Association, the Idaho State Dental Association, and a participating member in the Boise Spear Study Club. Dr. Ritchie also has Spanish speaking ability. Lance has enjoyed a return to the Boise community to live, practice dentistry, and enjoy the abundance of outdoor recreation here in Idaho. Outside of the office, Dr. Ritchie enjoys whitewater rafting, mountain biking, skiing, and traveling.
Dr. Richardson has been a patient of Summit Dental Group since he was in grade school. Skip Pierce was a big influence in Zach’s life and his decision to choose dentistry as a career. Zach was born and raised in Boise and graduated from Capital High School in 2004. He went onto earn a Bachelor of Science at Carroll College in Helena, MT while competing on the collegiate football team. Zach then went onto graduate at the top of his class with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. Currently, he is an active member in the American Dental Association and Idaho State Dental Association, and enjoys staying up-to-date in all the latest trends and dentistry techniques by attending various continuing dental education courses each year.
Zack has been married for six years to his high school sweetheart, Hannah, and together they have an 18-month old son named Maddox. Zach enjoys everything the Idaho outdoors has to offer, spending most of his free time golfing, camping, mountain biking, boating, and skiing. A fun fact about Zach is that, outside of dentistry, he has taken a couple of local improv comedy courses since he enjoys bringing a smile and lots of laughs to the people around him.
“I look forward to getting to know each and every one of my patients. I truly believe the best part of dentistry is getting to walk through each stage of life with all the families and patients I see.”
Visit Our Boise Dentists!
At Summit Dental Group, our mission is to provide you with the best family dentistry in the Treasure Valley – always tailored to your unique, individual needs. With us, your smile is incredibly important, and we want you to feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible. Our talented Boise dentists are honored to work with so many different people in our caring community. To learn more about our dentists or to schedule an appointment, contact us by filling out our online form or give us a call at (208) 345-8962 today.
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