Digital Photography:

Our digital photographic system leads to better care in many valuable ways. For instance, it lets us take detailed, close-up images of groups of teeth such as hard-to-reach back molars. Also, it helps us better understand how a patient´s bite functions. And it allows us to send our labs unusually precise color matching information for crowns and other restorations.

Taking Dentistry to a Whole New Level

Dentistry for Life is not only the name of my practice; it embodies a philosophy that’s a radical departure from the way most dentistry is practiced today.

My post-doctoral training at the L. D. Pankey Institute – perhaps the most distinguished advanced dental training institution anywhere – has convinced me that my patients should receive a far superior level of dentistry than that which is generally provided or supported by insurance carriers. The dentistry my staff and I practice is personalized— taking individual needs and goals into consideration. It is preemptive—addressing problems thoroughly instead of offering less complete solutions that will eventually lead to larger problems. And it is comprehensive—for instance, my team and I address the health of a patient’s bite and facial structure along with oral health and aesthetics.

Exquisite aesthetic results give patients a sense of confidence and self-esteem some may never have experienced. Watching truly outstanding aesthetic dentistry change a person’s life is extremely rewarding and inspires my team and I to provide our patients with an exceptional level of care. I’m proud of the fact that all members of my staff share the same ideals. In my opinion, the best results are only possible when philosophy, goals, attitude, experience, training, and teamwork come together. Of course, having all the latest technology at our fingertips doesn’t hurt either.

Taking Dentistry to a Whole New Level

Dentistry for Life is not only the name of our practice; it embodies a philosophy that´s a radical departure from the way most dentistry is practiced today. My post-doctoral training at the L. D. Pankey Institute - perhaps the most distinguished advanced dental training institution anywhere - has convinced us that our patients should receive a far superior level of dentistry than that which is generally provided or supported by insurance carriers. The dentistry we practice is personalized- taking individual needs and goals into consideration.

It is preemptive-addressing problems thoroughly instead of offering less complete solutions that will eventually lead to larger problems. And it is comprehensive - for instance, our team addresses the health of a patient´s bite and facial structure along with oral health and aesthetics. Exquisite aesthetic results give patients a sense of confidence and self-esteem some may never have experienced. Watching truly outstanding aesthetic dentistry change a person´s life is extremely rewarding and inspires us to provide our patients with an exceptional level of care. We are proud of the fact that all members of my staff share the same ideals.

Advanced Technology Means Better Results

Full-mouth X-rays: Our panoramic x-ray equipment travels around the patient´s mouth, giving us a clear image of complete oral structure including the sinuses. Most people do not realize that reoccurring sinus problem can often be eliminated by a simple adjustment to the bite. This sophisticated technology helps us to diagnose the problem and devise an approach to cure.

Digital Vitality Testing: Before beginning a root canal or other procedure in which a patient´s nerve endings will be affected, we rely on specialized hand instruments to help determine the strength, sensitivity and viability of the nerve in question. My goal is to provide the most effective and comfortable treatment possible, and these tools help me to do just that.

Electric Hand Pieces: While most practices are outfitted with pneumatic equipment, we prefer to use electrically driven devices because they allow for greater precision, especially when it comes to sculpting. Having more advanced technology helps us achieve more natural looking results.

How Dentists Can Increase the Oral Cancer Survival Rate

Dr. Matthew Patterson at Dentistry for Life in Lancaster constantly looks for newer and better ways to uncover potential oral cancers in his patients before the cancers reach high stages of development or metastasize to other body parts.

“There are several ways to look for oral cancer,” Patterson explains. “One is a visual exam. Our hygienists can see the upper throat, lips, inside the mouth. They also can do bi-manual palpation, feeling the lips, the cheeks, the floor of the mouth and the tongue for lumps or bumps that don´t belong there.”

Additionally, Patterson uses a VELscope (a device that uses a specific light wavelength) to detect abnormal, potentially cancerous, tissues when his hygienists bring a questionable area to his attention.