"Phase 1 Procedures" or "Disease Elimination Procedures". These include cavities, deep cleaning, root canals and extractions. It is important to understand that these are done first because they tend to get worse and cause more problems in the future if left untreated.

"Phase 2 Procedures" or "Reconstruction Procedures" are usually treatment planned next. These include crowns and bridges, implants, bite corrections, braces, partial dentures and others. These procedures are used to restore missing teeth (or missing tooth structure), and in that regard are considered to "reconstruct" the mouth to where it used to be when it had all its working teeth. A mouth free of disease is a prerequisite for Phase 2.

"Phase 3 Procedures" are "Maintenance Procedures" These include your regular dental cleaning, periodic cavity-detecting radiographs and doctor’s examinations. These are the preventive procedures that keep your oral health intact! It is important to adhere to the maintenance schedule set for you by your doctor. Most patients are seen every 3 or 4 months. The 6-month recall schedule is grossly inadequate for most adult patients. In order to control periodontal disease, our aim is to clean your mouth before it gets dirty. Remember, early detection of dental disease is the best protection against future costly bills.

"Cosmetic Procedures" are usually done electively sometime between Phase 2 and Phase 3. Cosmetic procedures include bleaching or teeth whitening, porcelain jacket crowns to correct discoloured or crooked teeth, and porcelain veneers or facings to close gaps between front teeth. With cosmetic procedures you can have the "nice smile" you have always dreamed!

Whenever necessary, a Periodontal Consultation will be included if your case warrants a gums specialists to review your mouth. Dr. Robert H. Kaufman will assist you with the surgical phase of periodontal treatment. This consultation is typically done during Phase 1 as it is important to get clarity and direction on your gums or implant treatment. Oftentimes, Phase 2 treatment will depend on what is determined during this consultation.

Similarly, an Orthodontic Consultation will be requested on all children desiring braces and/or adults requiring up-righting of teeth to make suitable bridge attachments. Dr. Ciro A. Sotomayor will assist you in determining the readiness, need and feasibility to have orthodontic treatment.