The Big Picture.
Simply stated, our goal is to help our patients achieve the highest level of oral health and thereby realize optimum general health. Countless scientific studies have confirmed the relationship between oral and systemic health. Such a goal always begins with…
Prevention.
Fortunately, most dental diseases, including caries (cavities), periodontal (gum), or oral cancers, are easily avoidable by following a few simple prevention strategies. Fluoride supplementation, proper diet, and dental sealants are very effective in preventing dental caries in children and adults. Appropriate oral hygiene procedures go a long way toward preventing many of the more common periodontal diseases. Regular oral cancer screening, avoidance of tobacco products, and limiting alcohol intake are wise practices to avoid most types of oral cancers. Our role is to evaluate your risk for developing these dental diseases and to design an effective prevention program to help you avoid them. It‘s just good common sense.
Periodontal Treatment.
According to the American Academy of Periodontology, periodontal (gum) disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and it is estimated that over 85% of adults have some form of this disease. Given the prevalence of periodontal disease, our role is to perform a thorough examination, make an accurate diagnosis, and provide appropriate therapy to control the disease. In most cases we are able to provide the indicated non-surgical and/or surgical treatment. In those cases which are more advanced, we will refer you to an appropriate specialist and will work with him/her to coordinate your care. These doctors are talented, compassionate, and ethical colleagues with whom we have worked for years and who share our philosophy of patient care. In all situations your best interests guide our decision making.
Dental Implants.
Since being introduced in North America in 1982, dental implant therapy has seen such dramatic growth that it is now recognized throughout the world as the standard of care for the replacement of missing teeth. The safety, predictability, and longevity of dental implants has been well established and millions of patients have had their oral health rehabilitated utilizing this marvelous technology. We have, in cooperation with our surgical colleagues, been providing dental implant therapy to our patients since 1989 with great success. In addition, as active members of the Academy of Osseointegration, we work hard to maintain our knowledge and expertise in this rapidly changing field.
“I have found Dr. Kaufman to be a man of high moral character who is an exemplar in the dental profession. He has been dedicated to the improvement of the profession and to oral health care.”
Restorative Dentistry.
Despite our best efforts to preserve healthy teeth, there are occasions where it is necessary to restore teeth that have been damaged by dental caries (cavities), fractures, or erosion (damage by acidic products). Fortunately, we have a variety of very good, although not ideal, materials with which to treat these teeth. While many doctors proclaim a certain material or technique as a panacea, there is no perfect option for all cases. We have experience using all of the currently available materials, and our goal is to restore your dentition to health, function, and aesthetics. However, before proceeding with treatment, we will consult with you so that you have the necessary information about the treatment options in order to make an informed decision.
Pediatric Dentistry.
While we do not specialize in the treatment of children, we do have a family oriented practice, wherein we typically treat the children of our adult patients. We recognize the importance of caring for these young patients in a comfortable environment. Having treated hundreds of underprivileged children for over 13 years at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center has only reinforced this belief. We know that children remember their first dental experiences for years, and we want to make those first impressions good ones.
All the Other Stuff.
Many dental websites present an endless litany of the services they purport to offer. The truth is that we have seen those sites, know the doctors personally, and know that they don’t do everything on the list. Dentistry is too complex for one person to be an expert in everything. We focus on those services which we are able to provide at the highest level. When a procedure is best provided by one of our specialist colleagues, we comfortably refer you to that person and work with him/her to achieve the best result. Our view remains that this profession always starts with you the patient, because you are the reason we are here.