WHAT MAKES OUR DENTAL OFFICE DIFFERENT?

I strive to use the most biocompatible dental materials available. The most noticeable difference this makes to you is that I do not use mercury in fillings, and in crowns that have gold, I standardly use an 88% gold / 10% platinum alloy (the remaining 2% are trace metals) Gold and platinum are “high noble” metals and are very biocompatible. (The problem with the 50% gold alloy that is standard in most dental offices is: what metals comprise the other 50%?)

For the 30% of the population that is susceptible (by genetics) to periodontal disease, we offer state-of-the-art Laser Periodontal Therapy. This is the only periodontal therapy which has been shown to promote regrowth of bone and tissue attachment to the teeth! In addition, we can follow your periodontal (bone and gum tissue) health by viewing the “bugs” with a microscope. This gives us up-to-the-minute information about the state of health or infection in deeper pockets, a significant difference in our understanding of your mouth!

We consider the impact of your mouth on the maintenance of health in your whole body: This is what ‘holistic’ dentistry is. For example, if you have lost molars, then you have lost a lot of your ability to chew food effectively. This impacts your ability to nourish yourself well, which leads to a decline in health. So dentistry’s goal to restore molar chewing whenever possible would also lead to the ability to improve health.

I believe that each of us is responsible for our own health. I respect your right to make decisions about your health. Therefore, I expect you to ask questions about, and strive to understand your health and your treatment options so that you can make the best decisions for you. We have the ability with intra oral cameras to show you exactly what we see in your mouth and discuss it with you.

I believe in and practice “Preventive Dentistry.” Dental treatment can address most dental problems after they occur, but the greatest service we can offer you is to prevent your needing treatment in the first place, or to take care of little problems so they don’t become big problems.

I am truly dedicated to Continuing Education. Dentistry has changed almost completely since I started practicing! I am delighted with the options and services that I can now offer to patients. I will continue to learn about the newest and best ways to do dentistry as they evolve and to bring them into our practice to benefit you, our dental patients!

I continually survey the market for new technology that furthers our ability to provide the most complete and most biocompatible dentistry. Some notable additions in the last few years: We have been using the Diagnodent since 2000 (to diagnose hidden and subsurface decay), we converted to digital x-ray imaging in 2004 (see below), we added a mercury vapor ionizer (to clear the air of mercury particles and vapor), we brought in the periodontal soft tissue laser in spring 2006, and have added a digital panoramic x-ray unit in Fall 2006.

We listen to you. You are the expert on you. Each of us has a unique body chemistry and set of health gifts and challenges. We are not arrogant that “modern” dentistry or medicine has the only answer for everyone. In fact, we believe there are many allied and alternative health specialties that offer benefit. We are seekers, as you are, and have much to learn from the wisdom you’ve gained.

We have converted to Digital x-ray technology because it delivers up to 90% less radiation. I have been asked why I use x-rays if I am committed to my dental practice being as healthful as possible? The sole purpose of dental x-rays is to show us things we could not see in any other way…..things like decay between the teeth, and pathology in the bone, things that could and should be addressed when they are small and more easily treated. So, even though we need x-rays to be able to do a thorough job, it is a great benefit to be able to reduce the amount of radiation needed!

I am committed to creating the most healthful working environment for the dental staff and myself that I can. We believe we offer a unique environment and want to be around for a long time to continue to serve you!

We constantly strive to do necessary dentistry in the most gentle way possible! We also offer comfort aids and music.

I hope this is helpful to you. We are open to discuss anything. If you have family or friends that would appreciate these values in a dental office, please feel free to refer them to us. We are accepting new patients and would love to meet and serve your family and friends.