“I asked three times what the filling was made of, and nobody rushed me. The dentist wrote it down and gave me the safety sheet to take home.”
Jonna P.Teacher
Our Services
Care for teeth, gums, sleep and jaw
General dentistry, with the time to explain the materials we use and to look at how your jaw and airway fit in. We are not a substitute for medical care.
Materials and restorations
Fillings, crowns and inlays, with the choice of material explained in plain words: what it is made of, how it is placed, how long it tends to last and what the other options are. We keep sound tooth structure wherever we can.
Tooth-colored fillings
Ceramic crowns and inlays
Gold restorations
Material safety sheets on request
Repairs before replacements
Sleep and airway
Screening questions, a look at your airway and bite, and oral appliances for sleep apnea that your physician has diagnosed. We do not diagnose sleep apnea. A physician does, usually after a sleep test, and we send our notes back to your physician after each follow-up.
Airway and bite screening
Appliances made on a physician's recommendation
Follow-up with your physician
Appliance adjustments
Referral when it is a medical question
Jaw pain and clenching
An exam of your jaw joints and the muscles around them, a look at how your teeth meet and wear, and a night guard when it makes sense. We cannot promise how you will feel afterward, and we refer you to a physician, a physical therapist or an orofacial pain dentist when the pain may come from somewhere else.
Jaw joint and muscle exam
Night guards (occlusal splints)
Bite and habit review
Referral to a physician or physical therapist
Follow-up adjustments
Check-ups and gum care
Exams, cleanings and the X-rays your dentist decides you need, with a hygienist who leaves time for your questions. Gum care is part of every visit, and your dentist sets how often you come back.
Comprehensive exams
Professional cleanings
Digital X-rays when needed
Oral cancer screening
Gum health check
How Treatment Works
Every treatment follows the same unhurried order.
- 01
Consultation
We listen to your concerns, examine your teeth, gums and jaw, and answer your questions without pressure.
- 02
Treatment Plan
You receive your options in writing, with what each is made of, how many visits it takes and an estimate. We answer every question.
- 03
Comfortable Treatment
We numb the area before we start, and you can ask for a break at any time. Sedation, where you want it, is described below.
- 04
Follow-Up Care
We check in after treatment and tell you what to watch for. When a question is medical, we refer you.
Sedation, in plain words
Some patients want help relaxing. This is what we offer, who gives it and how you are watched.
What we offer
Local numbing for treatment, and nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or a single oral sedative for patients who ask. IV sedation is not offered here; if you need it, we refer you to a dental office that does.
Local numbing
Nitrous oxide
Oral sedation by appointment
Who gives it
Your dentist gives it, under the sedation permit the Oregon Board of Dentistry requires for that level of sedation.
How you are watched
Your pulse and oxygen level are checked through the visit, and a trained team member stays with you until you are ready to leave.
Before and after
Oral sedation needs an adult to drive you home and to stay with you for the rest of the day. We give you eating and drinking instructions when you book.
You stay awake and able to respond with every option here, and sedation does not replace a conversation with your dentist about your health and your medicines.
Patient Experiences
A few words from patients about their visits.
“My physician ordered a sleep test. Dr. Salas explained how an appliance would fit with that plan and said she would send her notes to my doctor.”
Bruce J.Retired electrician“I clench at night. Dr. Alawi looked at my jaw, explained what he saw and told me when to check with my doctor instead.”
Cierra C.Bookkeeper“I had the estimate in writing before I decided anything. On the day, there was nothing I hadn't already read.”
Perry M.Bus driver
Sample reviews.
Bring your questions
Request a visit, and we will give you your options in writing.