ABOUT OUR OFFICE

Our Concerns about you
We realize that going to the dentist may not be your favorite thing to do. For this reason, we try to make you feel as safe and comfortable with the experience as possible.

The staff does weekly sterilization monitoring to ensure a totally clean working environment. What does not get sterilized is disposable.

In our relaxed atmosphere and with state-of-the-art technology available, there are many procedures that do not even need anesthesia. We have TV's with individual headphones in each operatory with a choice of DVD's or Satellite TV to enjoy. If you do need a little extra TLC, we can prescribe a mild sedative for you prior to your appointment to make things go easier. Our goal is to have you leave saying, "That wasn't so bad after all!"

Digital X-Rays
Recent advances in Digital Radiography have taken dental diagnostics into the next level. Digital Imaging allows us to use 1/10th of the traditional amount of radiation required to expose a routine x-ray film. Bottom line.... our patients receive alot less radiation exposure and we see much more than ever before.

Air Abrasion
Air abrasion also called "microabrasion" and kinetic cavity preparation, is a method of tooth structure removal considered to be an effective alternative to the standard dental drill. This new technique allows dentists to remove decay from teeth without even touching them in about the same time as using a drill and usually without the need to administer an anesthetic.

Air abrasion works by blowing a stream of powerful dry clean air, mixed with minute abrasive particles of aluminum oxide onto the surface of the teeth. Air abrasion uses the kinetic energy principle, in which particles bounce off the tooth and blasts the decay away.
This mixture of air and aluminum oxide particles can generally be used in two ways. The first way is as a cleaner to remove any stains or decay from teeth, so that a sealant can be applied for tooth bonding. Alternatively it can be used to expose hidden cavities, which can then be removed, and a filling added. Some limitations of air abrasion do exist, particularly when trying to remove decay between teeth, preparing a tooth for a large filling, or a crown, or a very large silver amalgam filling. Traditional drills must be used in these cases.

Air abrasion procedures are virtually painless eliminating the need for an anesthetic injection. Air abrasion systems produce no vibration and no heat from friction. The technology can't harm soft mouth tissue and they operate very quietly. Because air abrasion cuts tooth surfaces with great precision, it removes less tooth material than the drill and it reduces the risk of enamel micro fracturing, preserving more of your tooth. Added advantages of this treatment include little or no discomfort, no anesthetic numbness as no anesthetic is needed, and treatment time is usually shorter.

Air abrasion procedures can leave an accumulation of harmless, dusty particle debris in the patient's mouth, resulting in a grainy feeling that is easily eradicated by washing your mouth with clean water. To reduce dust buildup, we use a high velocity suction tube and a large vacuum hose while administering air abrasion. One of air abrasions best features is that due to its quiet operation it is especially helpful in treating young patients who would normally be afraid of the dentists drill.

Besides removing decay, air abrasion works well in procedures ranging from repairing chipped, fractured or worn teeth, preparing teeth for cosmetic surgery, removing stains and spots, repairing old fillings and sealants and repairing broken crowns and bridges.

Staying Current
In addition to receiving numerous dental journals each month, we regularly attend continuing education seminars given locally and regionally. We also stay in touch by using the internet for educational information.

Dr. Golden is a member of the Inland Implant Study Group, the Inland Cosmetic Dentistry Study Group, and is a past member of the Mt. Baldy Study Club, a division of the Seattle Study Club.