Pits and Fissures

• Naturally occurring pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of teeth are impossible to keep clean.
• Everyone has these "developmental defects" that collect plaque and bacteria.  
• This debris contributes to mouth odor and can cause decay.
• Neither tooth brush bristles nor dental instruments can effectively clean deep within these tiny irregularities.
• As a result, decay-causing bacteria lodge in pits and fissures, and remain there even after conventional placement of sealants.
• If pits and fissures are left untreated until decay has grown beyond the confines of the original defects, in most cases dental offices anesthetic, drills, and large fillings become necessary.

• We have the diagnostic capability to identify early-stage cavities and the treatment capacity to provide conservative  care.
• Our laser scanner accurately identifies decay within pits and fissures.
• A harmless beam of light penetrates far beyond the reach of a dental probe and beyond the limits of vision.
• The instrument's audible "beep" allows us to "listen for decay" within a problem area.
• With this technique, we do not "watch" suspicious areas only to see them get worse over time.
• Instead, we use air abrasive and laser technology to conservatively restore every tooth in which is found even the tiniest area of decay.
• The last thing we thing we want to do is place a large filling using conventional drills that might cause problems or require retreatment later on.
• Because of early diagnosis, we are able to treat defects comfortably while avoiding anesthetic, drills, and large fillings.
• During pit and fissure cleaning or decay removal, adjacent healthy tooth structure is preserved.
• Then we flow invisible filling material right into the minimally invasive preparations.
• Treated areas blend right in, are easy to keep clean, and look just like the natural healthy tooth.
• By applying the principles of conservative care, the tooth is protected from the damage that would otherwise have resulted from a neglected hidden cavity.
• Third-party payers (insurance companies) recognize the benefits of conservative care and typically reimburse 50% - 85% of the fee for each procedure.
• By the way, if the laser scanner confirms the absence of decay, we utilize the same conservative care technologies to place superior sealants within the defects.

A Sound Investment

You know how smart it is to take care for dental problems when they are small.  However, you may not be aware that even with the utilization of high tech instruments, there is no additional fee for this service.  It follows that conservative care is excellent insurance at a reasonable cost against more expensive problems down the road.  (Click on these links for more information: Care at The Center, Center for Advanced Dentistry, Dentistry without Drills, Laser Cavity Detection, Single Visit Crowns, and Soft Laser Therapy).

Clearly, we prefer to treat most teeth that have developmental defects because with conservative care, more aggressive conventional therapy later on can be avoided.  Our team has been trained in the use of the intra-oral video camera to vividly illustrate for you which of your teeth have significant defects and would benefit from treatment.  We will be happy to show you how you can enjoy better oral health through the application of this modern technology.

The care we provide is designed to save you time, trouble, and expense in the long run.  The doctors in our practice have given over 150 seminars in more than 30 states and 8 foreign countries teaching other dentists how to provide minimally invasive dentistry for their patients.  Dr. Phil Hudson is an Educator for The Academy of Laser Dentistry, and has received the Leadership Award from The World Congress of Minimally Invasive Dentistry in recognition of his contributions to the profession.  If your friends are as interested as you are in the benefits of conservative care, we would be happy to welcome them as patients in our practice. 

We want you to enjoy a healthy mouth and pleasing smile.  Minimally invasive conservative care dentistry is one example of the new equipment, materials, and methods we have incorporated into our practice that improve our ability to provide oral health care of the highest quality in an atmosphere of mutual trust and acceptance.  We value our reputation that is built upon service, and invite your participation to help us achieve our goals.