Our scope of care
What we do
Dentistry is one part of your health. This page says where our part begins and ends.
General dentistry
Exams, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, crowns and gum care, provided by general dentists.
Materials, explained
We tell you what each material is made of and what the other options are, and we share the manufacturer's safety sheet when you ask.
Jaw and bite care
We examine the jaw joints, muscles and bite, and make night guards when they make sense.
Sleep appliances
When a physician has diagnosed sleep apnea and recommends one, we make and fit an oral appliance and report back to your physician.
What we leave to others
Where a question is medical, we say so and refer you.
Diagnosing sleep apnea
A physician diagnoses it, usually after a sleep test. We screen with questions and refer you.
Treating conditions outside the mouth and jaw
Headaches, ear pain, neck pain and poor sleep have many causes. We look at your teeth, jaw and airway, and refer you for the rest.
Replacing sound fillings for health reasons
We replace a filling when it is cracked, leaking or decayed, not to treat a condition elsewhere in the body.
Promising results
Night guards and appliances help some people and not others. We tell you what to watch for and when to come back.
- Swelling that spreads to your face, eye or neck, trouble breathing or swallowing, a serious blow to the head, or bleeding that won't stop needs emergency care now. Go to an emergency room or call 911. If a tooth is knocked out or broken, call our office right away.
Specialty status
Interest areas, not specialties
Our dentists are general dentists.
Jaw care and dental sleep care
These are interest areas. They are not recognized as specialty areas by the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards or by the state of Oregon.
When to see a physician first
Tell your physician about loud snoring with pauses in breathing, heavy daytime sleepiness, or jaw pain with fever or swelling. Our care is not a substitute for medical care.
Not sure where your question belongs?
Ask us. We'll tell you whether it is a dental question or one for your physician.