We Respect Your Well Being

There are many safety issues connected with dentistry. Perhaps you have become aware of many of them. We use the latest and best methods of infection control. All of our instruments are either disposed of after a single use or sterilized. We have ultrasonic cleaners, three types of autoclaves in a modern up to date facility. Disposable barriers are changed and surfaces disinfected after each patient. Of course we use masks, gloves, and scrubs. Recently a concern has been raised with the safety of water coming through dental equipment lines. The problem is that bacteria grow along the edges of the small tubes and then may break off. We utilize a recent advancement called “Sterilox” to sterilize our lines. The water may taste a little strange but we know it is safe, bacteria free. We will ask you to complete a medical history and tell us about anything we need to know to keep you safe. Please inquire if you have any concerns. Some people have concerns about radiation exposure. This should not be a cause for worry in any modern dental office. However, we are extreme in our adherence to the ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) concept. We utilize protective coverage with thyroid collars, digital x-rays that minimize the exposure needed to almost 1/8th of that needed for some conventional films, and are extremely conservative on the number of x-rays we take. There are guidelines for the number of films that should be taken. We have never exceeded that guideline and usually are below the recommendations. The state of Utah inspects all facilities that utilize radiation on a regular basis. Our last inspection revealed that our equipment exposes our patients at a level in the lowest 10 percentile of all dental offices in the state. We would be happy to share those reports with you. If I were a patient, my concerns would be does the dentist use a thyroid collar and do I feel that an excessive number of x-rays are being taken. 

Some people have concerns about the mercury that is used in silver dental fillings called amalgam.  There has been an excessive amount of research completed on this subject in the last twenty years.  To date, all the facts indicate that this is not a problem.  We do have alternative materials.  We will be happy to discuss this with you, provide you with all the facts and do whatever you decide. For the record, if I needed a large restoration in a back tooth, I would use gold. If I needed a large, affordable restoration in a back tooth, I would use the “silver” or amalgam. In our office, it is your choice.