Most patients seem to know a little about implant dentistry, so I’m here to fill in the gaps and let you know if you may be an implant dentistry candidate.

Implant dentistry basically involves replacing missing teeth with new ones. In the not so distant past, the only options after losing one tooth or more were dentures or bridges.

Dentures are basically metal or plastic plates that make it hard to talk, eat, and laugh with confidence – most people just end up coping with them. While dentures replace all missing teeth, a bridge replaces one or two missing teeth. It is made of porcelain and cemented in place. Bridges are a good option, but they have not changed for the last 100 years. Implant dentistry has evolved to take the place of bridges and dentures.

What does implant dentistry actually entail?

A dental implant involves placing titanium tooth roots into the jaw, allowing them to heal for three to six months, then placing a post and crown on top of the strong titanium root. You can then chew, brush and floss just like your own natural tooth. This can be done for one or multiple teeth. Implant dentistry has the potential to last a lifetime, and the great news is that implants can’t get cavities.

If you have already lost all of your teeth and have dentures, there is good news for you. By placing either two or four implants in each jaw, your dentures can be “snapped” in to give them a solid, strong, locked-in fit. This has the ability to dramatically improve your confidence, knowing that your dentures are not going to slip or fall out.

Implant dentistry has been proven by science to be affective, safe, and a great long-term solution to missing teeth. Not everyone is an ideal implant candidate though. Patients with diabetes, who smoke, or who have autoimmune disorders have higher risk of failure with implant dentistry. Some patients may also need additional procedures to ensure there is enough strong bone for the implant to lock into.

A tooth implant can also be a serious time commitment. From start to finish, they can take anywhere from three to twelve months, depending on the case. Good brushing at home and regular cleanings at the dental office are also needed to maintain the health of your implant dentistry.

I hope this article has cleared up any questions or confusion about implant dentistry. Dental implants, like cell phones, are now everywhere around us. Ten years ago they were both rare, but now they are commonplace. Technology has rapidly progressed in the last ten years… let me, an implant dentist, restore your smile and confidence. Call me today with any questions and to see if you are a candidate for implant dentistry.

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There seems to be much confusion about the difference and effectiveness of IV sedation dentistry and oral sedation dentistry. Both of these are also known as “sleep dentistry.” I hope to bring clarity to this important topic for you, because I know a good portion of the population is scared as heck to go to the dentist.

Many patients come to my office with a severe fear of the dentist. They come to see me, Dr. Lampee, because they have heard from people that they care about that I can change their whole dental experience. We focus and cater to the highly dental phobic.

These are patients who were traumatized during childhood dental visits, who had maybe one very bad experience, or who are so embarrassed about the condition of their mouth that it causes severely debilitating anxiety. No matter where the fear comes from, it is a real thing and has caused patients to wait 10 or 20 years before finally making that appointment.

So which one – IV sedation dentistry or oral sedation dentistry?

What I do at my dental practice is oral sedation dentistry – safe and extremely effective.

Over the course of 30 to 45 minutes I give you, the phobic patient, a different combination of medications underneath your tongue. The underside of the tongue is rich in thin tissue and blood vessels, allowing the sedation medication to absorb into your system very quickly. It produces an extremely relaxed, sleeplike state, and produces almost total amnesia. Most patients only remember arriving at the office and then waking up in the comfort and security of their own beds. It is really that amazing, even for the most fearful patient!

IV sedation dentistry involves accessing a vein and inserting a needle into it and delivering sedation drugs. Like oral, it is very affective, but there is inherently more risk involved with IV sedation dentistry. Some people have adverse reactions to these drugs, including uncontrolled body actions and extreme central nervous system depression.

Now, since both are very effective, which is best? I solely practice with oral sedation dentistry, mostly because IV sedation dentistry involves more risk due to the potential adverse drug reactions. In addition, oral allows me to have a patient in the chair for eight or nine hours, without the fear of giving too much medication or adverse reactions. This would be more much more difficult with IV sedation dentistry.

I believe in the power of sedation dentistry. It has the power to transform lives and smiles and it can turn the most phobic dental patient into the most thankful patient. Once a highly anxious patient undergoes sedation, they usually tell me that I have forever changed their view of dental appointments. They only wish they had known about it earlier.

You can call us today to schedule your sedation dentistry appointment – it will change life. I hope this discussion has helped for you to understand the differences between oral sedation dentistry versus IV sedation dentistry.

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An emergency dentist can be a real asset when you’re in pain.  Many people do not have a regular dentist and other people wait many years to come in, either due to anxiety from childhood visits or financial worries.  Toothaches can come on slow or extremely fast, and it is often through a quick search on Google or through the Yellow Pages that an emergency dentist can be found.

Dr. Lampee performs many roles as a general dentist, but one of the most rewarding is when he acts as an emergency dentist.  An emergency dentist must be well-educated and very patient, since tooth emergencies can vary and most people are nervous when they come in.

As an emergency dentist, he will be sure to see you as quickly as possible.  Our office has time available each scheduled working day for emergency patients.  Emergencies can come at any time, so we try to ensure that you will be seen the same day.

During your emergency dentist appointment, we will begin by taking one or two x-rays, then he will ask you about your symptoms (when did it start, where is the pain, does it feel swollen).  He will then begin his exam within the mouth to see the whole picture.

Tooth and mouth pain can start from a variety of factors.  Some of these include: large cavities, nerve infections, and abscesses.  The pain can often start small, and then come and go with hot and cold drinks and food.  Often it will slowly build up for a month or more, and then it will finally peak.  This is generally when a patient will look for an emergency dentist.

A quick online search for emergency dentist will provide many options.  Dr. Lampee’s role as an emergency dentist is unique and worth the visit.  Our staff understands that a toothache is not fun and we will make the visit as easy as possible.  We also understand you may be nervous (many patients have not been to a dentist in 15 or 20 years), and we offer sedation dentistry to completely relax you.

We get you seen the same day (if a normal working day) and will explain any needed treatment and the cost of treatment.  Most importantly, Dr. Lampee, as the good emergency dentist he is, will get you out of pain!

Your initial emergency dentist visit will prove to be a good one.  This is also a great way to finally get started with regular checkups and cleanings.  The best tool is prevention, but when a toothache strikes, be sure to call Dr. Lampee, the best emergency dentist in Beaverton, Oregon.

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More and more patients are asking Dr. Lampee about Lumineers. During the last twenty years Lumineers have completely transformed thousands of patient’s lives. They are are a special type of porcelain veneer that can provide an instant smile makeover.

With traditional dental veneers, the teeth are ground down in the very front and on the sides and tops. This results in quite a bit of grinding to the tooth. They are then bonded to the teeth to enhance the smile. These new type of veneers are different, and they require much less drilling and less shots.

Very high strength porcelain

Lumineers are made of very high strength porcelain, and they can be as thin as a contact lens (this is why they require less drilling of healthy tooth structure). If the teeth are crooked, sometimes they will need slight recontouring of the enamel to ensure the Lumineers will fit. In most cases, no anesthetic is needed, making for a very happy patient. If the idea of any dental work causes you fear or anxiety, then Dr. Lampee can sedate you prior to your appointment.

Your first visit

At your first visit, he will determine if you are an ideal candidate. He will then take photographs to assess your bite and how to ensure the best cosmetic outcome. He will also discuss the different shades and shapes possible to ensure you are happy with the final result.

Your second visit

During the second visit he will take impressions of your top and bottom teeth, then do any recontouring of the teeth that is necessary. The impressions are then sent to the lab, and it takes two to three weeks for the custom Lumineers to be made.

You’ll be grinning, ear to ear

On your third visit with you will leave with a brand new smile, and it will look awesome. Many patients have waited years to have a cosmetic dentistry makeover, and for most, this is the first day they can smile with confidence.

Many patients ask how long will they last? Lumineers have been shown to last over twenty years if properly cared for. They also come with at least a five-year warranty, and sometimes a lifetime warranty!

Lumineers can change your life. If you are embarrassed or self-conscious about the color or shape or position of your teeth, then call Dr. Lampee today for a complimentary consultation. In just two weeks you can have a complete cosmetic dentistry makeover with Lumineers.

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So, what’s the big deal about a root canal? There’s a stigma that comes with the words – root canal! Are they painful, do they take forever, what’s the deal with that green rubber dam thing?

Before today’s technology and anesthetics, root canals were not the most fun things in the world to experience. They took three appointments to complete and often you could still feel pain during the procedure. You had to go to a specialist’s office and sometimes it ended up being an emergency dentist. Let’s shed some light on this very simple procedure that the general public views as mystical and painful.

First, why do I need a root canal? Each tooth in your jaw is alive; each one has its own nerve carrying blood, vitamins and minerals. Teeth can do funny things sometimes. They can break, they can get deep cracks from grinding and clenching (most of us do it in our sleep or due to stress), and they can get cavities and fillings. You could either have just one of these problems or a combination.

Each time a tooth undergoes trauma (cracks, breaks, drilling) or bacterial invasion (that’s what a cavity is) the nerve of the tooth gets stressed. The more stress you put on the nerve, its ability to heal after trauma weakens. These stresses are cumulative throughout its life. There comes a day when the tooth cannot take any more trauma and decides to die: slowly or quickly. This is generally painful. It can come on very suddenly or it can build for weeks or months. This is when you need a root canal. If you wait too long you develop an abscess.

At your initial visit with Dr. Lampee…

He will perform a number of tests. Digital x-rays are standard protocol. From there, he will palpate your jaw, and then he will test the affected area with a bite stick and then tap on the teeth. The final test he generally performs is a cold test to see if the nerve is dead or is dying. From these tests, and also from visually inspecting for cavities and cracks, he can determine if a root canal is indeed necessary.

Now in addition, your tooth generally will need to have two other procedures done to it immediately after the root canal. The tooth will have a large hole in the middle of the biting surface: Dr. Lampee will either place a buildup filling or a post – this makes the tooth whole again. Lastly, you need a crown.

Teeth after root canals are weak and brittle since they no longer have their blood supply and are hollowed out. The porcelain crown after the root canal acts to reinforce the tooth. It acts like a helmet, protecting it from all the forces of everyday life and preventing future breaks.

So, what can you expect during the root canal procedure?

Dr. Lampee will first get you very numb to make it quite comfortable. He will then place a rubber dam on your teeth. This is a green, stretchy latex barrier that acts to keep out saliva and to keep your tongue and cheeks out of the way. It also prevents you from tasting the solutions we use to clean with during the root canal. If you need any suction underneath the rubber dam just let us know.

Special titanium files are used to clean out the nerve, then a special filling called gutta percha is warmed up to seal the nerve canals – now germ free. Sensitivity upon biting is the most common symptom after the procedure, which can take 1-4 weeks to subside.

Most root canals these days can be done in one appointment in under an hour with very little discomfort – Dr. Lampee really knows how to get those teeth numb! Some really infected teeth sometimes do need two visits to let the infections settle down. Some root canals take longer because they have extra nerves (most teeth have from 1-4 nerves), or because the nerves have walled themselves off or because they’re curvy.

Dr. Lampee makes the procedure quick and virtually pain free, and uses the newest materials and techniques to ensure that your tooth will stay healthy and happy for years to come.

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Sleep dentistry (aka – sedation dentistry) has become the only way to go the dentist for many thousands of patients. People, for some reason, seem to have an aversion to the dental office. When depicted in movies, dentists are portrayed as dark, maniacal men wielding a huge syringe and an even larger drill! Do you remember Little Shop of Horrors – that’s the idea stuck in most people’s heads. Sleep dentistry will change this for you forever.

Anxiety is a fact of life for many people, and dental anxiety can be a debilitating fear. Bad visits during childhood can cause a lifetime of fear and neglect. Most dental anxiety stems from these experiences when a child: not knowing what was going on, painful drilling and injections, and being told to be quiet or held down. Even without a bad experience, people can still be very anxious about making an appointment or getting work done. Some people, prior to becoming sleep dentistry patients, have told me that in their past they would hear rumors or horror stories about one person’s visit to the dentist and that will become engrained in their brain, thus creating a phobia. People are also afraid to go from fear of being scolded, or they feel that their teeth are so bad that it will be very embarrassing to have them examined.

With today’s technologies, techniques, and focus on a good patient experience, the dental industry has evolved into something that no longer needs to be feared. We don’t scold, we don’t hold you down, and we explain everything that we can do for you – we understand your fear and we cater to it… sleep dentistry is the answer!

Sleep dentistry is truly a miracle for so many patients. At your first visit, we will have a comprehensive conversation with you to understand your anxiety. We will talk about where this comes from, what triggers it (sound of the drill, just stepping foot in the office?), and how we are going to eliminate this fear. It also requires you to be in reasonably good health. Some health issues like COPD, asthma, and diabetes require extra care. Most patients are excellent candidates for sleep dentistry.

Sleep dentistry involves different medications given underneath the tongue to produce a sleepy, dreamlike state that results in almost total amnesia. This is considered oral sedation unlike IV sedation dentistry. The medications are placed underneath the tongue, because this is the one of the fastest ways into the bloodstream. Most people only remember coming to the office and then waking up in their bed at home. It works that well!

What is truly amazing about sleep dentistry is that, if you wish, you can have all of your dental work done in one visit! Many patients have not had an appointment for 5,10,15, even 20 years. Well, you might imagine what could be in there after 20 years… we can fix all of that in the course of one appointment. Some people are in the chair for 7 or 8 hours at a time, all the while being comfortable, relaxed, and unaware of all the work being done. Truly remarkable! So many patients thank us after the appointment for changing their lives and, especially, for not remembering the procedure. They can’t believe they didn’t hear about this sooner.

Whether it’s anxiety over a cleaning, a veneer smile makeover, implant surgery, wisdom teeth removal, or a root canal, sleep dentistry will change your view of dentists forever. Call today for a consultation with Dr. Lampee.

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When most people think of going to the dentist, they often think of things that are unpleasant – maybe one of those root canal they heard about, the sting of the Novocain, or that dental office smell.  Well, if you haven’t been to the dentist in a while (some patients wait ten or fifteen years sometimes), then today is the day to change your outlook on dentists.

The 21st century dentist is a new breed of medical professional.  With new, improved techniques and procedures, dentistry is both science, and especially, an art.  With the advent of improved materials, anesthetics, and procedures there isn’t much a dentist can’t do to improve your teeth and gums, and most of all, dentists can do it with you comfortable and relaxed.

Often overlooked for their medical expertise, dentists are often a first line of defense in spotting diseases.  Aside from providing excellent dental care and comfortable office visits, your dentists are vigilantly looking to ensure that the rest of you is healthy too!

Dentists are the health care professionals that people see most frequently.  A majority of people see their dentist at least once or twice a year, while maybe seeing their primary care doctor maybe once every two or three years.  This is an interesting fact for a number of reasons.  Chiefly, if there is a new health issue starting to affect you, it may be a dentist that spots it first!

Dentists are trained not only to be experts of the mouth, gums, and teeth, but they are also are on the front line to detect other diseases and conditions that can afflict a patient.  Through dental school and continuing education, your dentists have the ability to spot the beginning of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and even cancer.

Good dentists will not only screen for mouth related issues and concerns, but will also review your health history and physical status.  Signs within the mouth can also be signals that something is happening to your heart (heart disease), pancreas (diabetes), joints (rheumatoid arthritis), or GI system (Crohn’s disease).  These four are just a small sampling of oral manifestations of systemic diseases.

Dentists have changed a great deal in the last twenty years.  We pride ourselves on the providing our patients with the best techniques, technologies, and knowledge.  And who knows, that next dental appointment might just save your life.  Call today to get scheduled!

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“Does teeth whitening damage my teeth?”

This is what several people have asked me over the past few months. The answer will follow, but I feel it is pertinent to offer some history of teeth bleaching first.

Since the dawn of man, a strong, healthy smile has often been judged by the whiteness of one’s teeth. During Egyptian times, pumice and wine vinegar were tried to whiten teeth. In the 1800s, people would go to their barber for a treatment of nitric acid, which would temporarily whiten the teeth but would also dissolve the enamel, causing severe tooth decay. Many other chemicals (including urine) have been tried; most were not safe and most did not actually change tooth color.

In the past 10 years, a huge interest has been blossoming in cosmetic dentistry with teeth whitening. Patient interest has translated to development of safe and effective technologies in teeth whitening. There are now two main chemicals used to whiten teeth: hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide gels. They come in different strengths, with hydrogen peroxide generally being a little stronger. Both work nearly the same though and both are safe products for your teeth. Research has shown that no long-term damage comes from teeth whitening.

The number one complaint when using a whitening gel is tooth sensitivity after use. This ranges from mild to moderate sensitivity, generally lasting for a day or two. Most whiteners now incorporate a desensitizer and fluoride, in the hopes of reducing sensitivity.

Each patient will experience a differing level of sensitivity while bleaching. Some people experience none, others more (my teeth are generally mildly sensitive the day after I bleach). Patients with gum recession, periodontal disease, and many crowns and fillings experience the most sensitivity. It is also wise to say that crowns and fillings do not bleach (only natural tooth structure does). If sensitivity is an issue, I recommend stopping for a day or two and also whitening for a shorter amount of time.

Once you reach your desired whiteness, daily bleaching is no longer necessary, and I encourage you to do a once weekly or once monthly maintenance session.

In summary, many methods have been tried over the last 3000 years, but with today’s technology and products, teeth whitening is now safe, effective, and does not harm the teeth on a long-term basis. Tooth sensitivity is the number one complaint, but is generally mild and goes away within a day or two of stopping bleaching.

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Has anyone ever said you have a gummy smile?

One of the first things you notice is someone’s smile. Whether it’s at the grocery store, a first date, or in the mirror, your smile can be a window to your soul.

Teeth come in all shorts of shapes, sizes, alignments, and shades of white. Most of this is in your DNA, your genetic code, and nothing can be done about that! Teeth are only one part of your smile though. Another huge factor is your gums. The gum tissues and surrounding bone are what keep your teeth strong and healthy. In essence, there are two key elements to a healthy, beautiful smile: teeth and the surrounding gum tissues.

Many people come to me saying: “I don’t like my smile”. Can you change the color or position of my broken down or crooked teeth with Lumineers?” Well, the answer is yes, but most of the time patients don’t ask me this very important question: “Can you change the shape and position of my gums?”

The amount of gum tissue we show when we smile is another genetic predisposition that we were born with. Luckily, like the teeth, we can change that. Ideally, at full smile you should show no gum tissue or 2-3mm of gum tissue at the tops of your front teeth. Some people, however, show 5mm or even 10mm of tissue when they smile. Hence the term “gummy smile.” For many people this can cause hesitation or embarrassment when it comes time to show off those pearly whites.

With today’s technology and procedures, we can change that gummy smile. The procedure has a couple of different names: gingivoplasty or crown lengthening. Most cases can easily be taken care with a soft tissue dental laser, which is what we use. It can be done with or without doing crowns or veneers on the front teeth. In the course of about 30 minutes, we can remove the excess gum tissue that causes the gummy smile. You walk away with a smile that’s more confident and most importantly, whiter (since you’re showing so much less of that red gum tissue). Healing time is generally about seven days, but the results last a lifetime!

If you’ve ever been self-conscious about the gum tissue in the front of your mouth (either too much or uneven) or if you know people who may benefit from this procedure, feel free to call our office for a consultation.

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is a native Oregonian, raised in Salem and educated at Oregon State University and Oregon Health Sciences University School of Dentistry. An avid tennis player and snowboarder, he also enjoys hiking, music, and fitness. His motto: Balance and dedication in all you do.

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