We would rather prevent problems that have patients wait until damage occurs, and then take corrective action. For many patients this requires an examination and prophylaxis (cleaning) every six months, while others with special needs will be seen on a three or four month interval.

Preventive appointments are in great demand. Therefore, when you come in for your exam, we recommend that you schedule your next one in advance. A confirmation card will be mailed to you two weeks prior to your appointment.

Dr. Pippin offers the NTI Tension Suppression System for the prevention of medically diagnosed migraine pain, tension-type headache, and jaw disorders ("TMJ"), without drugs or surgery. The NTI device is a plastic mouth piece that snaps into place and fits comfortably on either the upper or lower front teeth. It is worn during sleep and it prevents the intense parafunction of the jaw muscles, which occurs during night time tooth grinding or clenching. For a detailed description of how it works go to headacheprevention.com.

Sedation

Are fear and anxiety preventing you from seeking necessary dental care? If so, conscious sedation may be the answer. For more details see the Sedation FAQ page.

You can have the smile you have always dreamed of having. I do bleaching, bonding,  porcelain veneers and all ceramic crowns. These techniques are used to whiten and reshape teeth, and to close unsightly spaces. With our cosmetic imaging software you can view your potential results on the computer screen before treatment is started. Back to Top

Advances in restorative dentistry mean less time in the dental chair for you and more of your healthy tooth tissue being conserved. For example single appointment root canals have replaced multiple visit procedures. Tooth colored or gold onlays in back teeth require removal of less tooth tissue than full crowns do.

Placement of tooth colored fillings in back teeth requires removal of less tooth tissue than silver amalgam fillings. Not only are they more pleasing in appearance, but the bonding of these materials to the tooth strengthens it more that silver amalgam. Many small to moderate sized tooth colored fillings can be done without shots or drilling using air abrasion and lasers. Post-operative tooth sensitivity is dramatically reduced or eliminated.

Eighty percent of adults over the age of 35 have some signs of periodontal disease.  Seventy percent of tooth loss in adults is due to this condition.  If left undetected and untreated until symptoms appear, the condition can require costlier surgery to correct or result in unnecessary tooth loss.  In the event that periodontal disease has already progressed to the point where surgery is unavoidable, I perform the procedure with a laser. Lasers allow for surgical procedures to be accomplished with minimal bleeding and minimal post-operative pain or swelling. I incorporate a periodontal screening into each examination in order to detect the disease in its earliest most treatable stage. Back to Top