Patient Education

We feel patient education is very important. Our goal is that you are completely informed concerning your condition and any treatment that will be performed. We encourage you to voice any questions you may have.

Patient Safety

We adhere to the highest professional standards of cleanliness, sterilization, and radiation control. Our staff regularly attend safety seminars and are quite knowledgeable on the latest techniques.

Sterilization

We know that preventing the spread of infectious diseases such as AIDS, herpes, hepatitis and even the cold virus is critical. We use extensive sterilization procedures, going well beyond the guidelines recommended by the American Dental Association and Centers for Disease Control.

We use barrier techniques such as disposable masks and gloves and replace them with every new patient. Each piece of fixed operatory equipment is wiped-down with antibacterial solution prior to every clinical procedure. Sterile water delivery systems are utilized. We use autoclave sterilization for all instruments prior to dental examination and treatment. You can be assured that our staff have been specifically trained on sterilization procedures and their importance.

Pre-medication

Patients with certain medical conditions (e.g. valvular heart conditions and artificial joints) may be asked to pre-medicate with antibiotics prior to treatment. We do this with your safety in mind. Please inform us if you have a condition that might require pre-medication.

Post Treatment Instructions

After treatment, home care and medication instructions will be thoroughly explained. For your convenience, you will also be given printed instructions. Of course, we are always available for questions after treatment.

Patient Comfort

We go to extraordinary lengths to ensure our patients are as comfortable as possible during dental procedures. Please click here for more information on this topic.

Special Equipment

We strive to stay on the leading edge of periodontal techniques and equipment. In order to do this, we take a great deal of continuing education. We also utilize advanced equipment in our office. This includes:

Advanced Digital Imaging
In addition to expert surgical knowledge on the part of Dr. Williams and his team, we also utilize the most advanced dental and facial imaging equipment available. This helps us ensure optimal success for every procedure.

i-CAT™ – In Office CAT Scans
A key to dental implant safety and success is advanced radiography. I-CAT™ digital CAT scanning allows us to take 3-Dimensional, high resolution CAT scans of your facial anatomy. We can then view these images from different angles, take precise measurements, and easily share 3-D data with other doctors. A CAT scan ensures that every possible precaution has been made to reduce the risk of involvement of the nerves in the lower jaw, and the sinuses and nose in the upper jaw.

The i-CAT™'s scans are also used for bone reconstruction, bone grafting, TMJ evaluation, airway management and pathology detection.

Until recently, CAT scans were only done in hospitals or medical facilities. Our office is one of the very few in the United States with the latest in digital CT scanning, the i-CAT™.

The i-CAT™ is ideal for patient comfort. It offers an "open-environment" design that reduces anxiety, and images can be taken in as little as 20 seconds, limiting discomfort and exposure to radiation. For more information about i-CAT™ imaging, please click here.

SimPlant Pro Version™ - Computer-Guided Implant Placement
Correct implant placement maximizes safety, longevity and the cosmetic end result. Precision implant placement begins with a CAT scan that must be extensively analyzed. Prior to the i-CAT™, a cat scan was done at a medical facility and then sent to an analysis facility.

The SimPlant Pro Version™ is a computer system that automatically analyzes i-CAT™ information and provides exact placement perimeters for optimum results. This advanced system gives immediate guidance as to the exact size of implant needed and the ideal placement location. Case planning between Dr. Williams and your restorative dentist can then be done.

Additionally, the SimPlant Pro Version™ analysis can be immediately sent to our dental lab who will use it to manufacture a surgical guide. Implant placement becomes completely computer-guided eliminating any possible surgical error.

Low Radiation Digital X-Rays
Digital x-rays are taken with very low radiation and have more flexibility in terms of rendition. They are more convenient when planning joint treatment between a periodontist and other dental professionals.

Computerized Charting
As leaders in our field, we maintain a fully computerized office. This includes our charting; digital charting is a efficient means of tracking a patient's dental history. It also provides high-quality visual aids for our patients.

Advanced Bone Grafting
We provide advanced bone grafting procedures, such as ramus and chin grafts.

Lasers
Lasers can be used to get rid of periodontal bacteria in coordination with traditional techniques, such as Scaling and Root Planing or Pocket Depth Reduction (see the Periodontal Treatment section). In some cases a dental laser can be used to go deeper in the pockets around teeth in a less invasive manner. Lasers can also be used in several other procedures, such as gum contouring and crown lengthening. Dental lasers have been in use for nearly 20 years.

Piezosurgical Osteotome
Pieziosurgery utilizes controlled three-dimensional ultrasonic vibration to precisely shape bone, but not soft tissues. This technique is ideal for delicate procedures, such as periodontal surgery, bone augmentation, sinus grafts and alveolar ridge augmentation. It allows for more precision, faster healing, and less invasion.

Magnifier Loops
You have probably seen a Magnifier Loop in a jewelry store when the jeweler was closely examining a diamond. Dental Magnifier Loops are made for periodontists to view your teeth and gums in minute detail during periodontal procedures. Dr. Williams uses periodontal loops in many procedures to ensure more precise treatment.

Advanced Dental Implant Placement
As leaders in dental implantology, we provide a new standard for care; we offer advanced imaging technology and computer-guided implant placement. Recent advances in dental implant technology and bone regeneration allow trained periodontists to place dental implants, anchoring dentures and partials immediately. Single tooth implants can also be restored immediately in a number of cases.

Advanced Cardiac Life Support Training
Dr. Williams and his staff are fully trained in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).