At Willamette Dental Group, we practice proactive, evidence-based dentistry. Our treatment philosophy is to first diagnose and treat urgent conditions that pose an immediate threat to your oral health. The next priority is prevention; controlling the disease process.

Proactive dental care builds on two fundamental beliefs; that healthy teeth should last a lifetime and that proper care doesn’t always mean invasive treatment. It’s about practicing dentistry responsibly: with honesty, integrity and a dentist-patient partnership focused on promoting long-term health. We use the latest scientific evidence with clinical experience to develop an individualized, health-based treatment plan specifically for you. By providing you with the treatment that directly leads to long-term health, we aim to stop tooth decay before it happens and help you maintain or regain a healthy mouth with fewer invasive treatments so your teeth can stay intact longer.

Are evidence-based dentistry and proactive dental care the same thing?

Proactive care means we focus on preventing disease rather than treating it surgically. We achieve this by practicing evidence-based dentistry, evaluating your specific circumstances scientifically then creating a treatment plan tailored to you. All of our services are based on the latest research and years of reliable science, leading to the safest, most effective treatment available.

What are the alternatives to drilling and do they really work?

It’s our promise that you won’t undergo any treatment not directly contributing to your long-term dental health. That means that drilling, because it’s so invasive, is a last resort. And yes — the alternatives do really work! Remineralization is a process that helps teeth actually grow stronger so that an early soft spot doesn’t turn into a cavity. Sealants are another great option to prevent the formation and spread of decay. It’s only in cases where less invasive treatment isn’t successful that your dentist may decide to drill.

What are the things I can do as a patient to proactively improve the health of my mouth?

More important than any treatment you receive in our offices, your personal, daily efforts to improve your teeth, gums, and diet contribute to life-long oral health. This includes brushing, flossing, prioritizing good nutrition, quitting smoking, minimizing soda consumption, controlling your risk for diabetes and heart disease, and generally loving your mouth.