Patient Concerns

Patient Education

We feel patient education is very important. Our goal is that you are completely informed concerning your condition and any treatment that will be performed. We encourage you to ask any questions you may have.

Patient Safety

We take patient safety very seriously and adhere to the highest professional standards of cleanliness, sterilization, and radiation control. Our staff regularly attend safety seminars and are quite knowledgeable on the latest techniques.

Sterilization

We know that preventing the spread of infectious diseases such as AIDS, herpes, hepatitis and even the cold virus is critical and our team takes sterilization very seriously. We use extensive sterilization procedures, going well beyond the guidelines recommended by the American Dental Association and Centers for Disease Control.

We use barrier techniques such as disposable masks and gloves and replace them with every new patient. Each piece of fixed operatory equipment is wiped-down with antibacterial solution prior to every clinical procedure. Sterile water delivery systems are utilized. We use autoclave sterilization for all instruments prior to dental examination and treatment. You can be assured that our staff have been specifically trained on sterilization procedures and their importance.

Pre-medication

Patients with certain medical conditions (e.g. valvular heart conditions and artificial joints) may be asked to pre-medicate with antibiotics prior to treatment. We do this with your safety in mind. Please inform us if you have a condition that might need pre-medication.

Post Treatment Instructions

After treatment, home care and medication instructions will be thoroughly explained. For your convenience, you will also be given printed instructions. Of course, we are always available for questions after treatment.

Patient Comfort

We go to extraordinary lengths to ensure our patients are as comfortable as possible during dental procedures. Please click here for more information on this topic.

In addition, for your convenience, we offer:

• CD Stereo System with a wide selection of music.

• Refreshments.

Special Equipment and Techniques

We strive to stay on the leading edge of periodontal techniques and equipment. In order to do this, we take a great deal of continuing education. We also utilize advanced equipment in our office. This includes:

Simplant
Simplant is computer 3-D imaging software that enhances the overall success of your dental implant. 3-D imaging gives us a more complete and accurate picture of the quality and quantity of your bone support, making it possible for us to better determine the ideal location for your dental implant.

Magnifier Loops
You have probably seen a Magnifier Loop in a jewelry store when the jeweler was closely examining a diamond. Dental Magnifier Loops are made for periodontists to view your teeth and gums in minute detail during periodontal procedures. Dr. Skinner uses periodontal loops in many procedures to ensure more precise treatment.

Advanced Dental Microscopes
Dental microscopes are used to perform periodontal microsurgery. Microsurgical procedures are more comfortable, less invasive, and heal faster. Generally, the results are also better and more aesthetically pleasing.

Platelet Rich Plasma
PRP techniques allow the periodontist to take advantage of the body’s natural processes to accelerate soft tissue healing and increase bone regeneration following various periodontal procedures. Using a centrifuge, the periodontist first isolates platelets from a sample of the patient’s own blood. The growth-factor rich platelets are then applied directly to surgical wounds or grafts to accelerate and enhance the healing process.

Microsurgery Technology
During microsurgical procedures, surgical microscopes are used to illuminate and magnify delicate structures. The periodontist can then operate with greater precision, using smaller instruments and sutures. Microsurgery is less invasive, causes less discomfort, and typically produces better results in less time.