PATIENT-CENTERED PHILOSOPHY

Your health is our No. 1 priority. We evaluate today’s materials and techniques looking for the most effective, natural, and balanced solutions that address both your dental health and general health needs. We choose the most biocompatible options available and safest methods to provide care for you.

Open communication is vital to developing a strong relationship. We respect your choices and are committed to your well-being. We are open to alternative treatments and have fluoride-free options available.

Each of us is unique, and our approach to dentistry takes that into account.

During your oral health evaluation, we will carefully examine your mouth and jaw joints checking for oral cancer, tooth issues, gum tissue health, and bite concerns. We use the digital x-rays; thereby, reducing your exposure to lowest amount possible. We utilize intra-oral cameras, light translumination, and fluorescent light to identify bacteria, cracked teeth, gum disease, and other issues.

Diet, lifestyle, and stress can contribute to your health

Your oral health has a huge impact on your entire body. If you can’t chew properly or your mouth hurts, it is difficult to eat and fuel your body. The foods you eat provide the nutrients necessary to manufacture hormones and enzymes to control your cell functions.

Bleeding gums are infections which cause tooth loss. The bacteria from the infected gum tissues circulate throughout your body in the blood stream, digestive system and respiratory system having the potential of creating disease in organs and systems.

Reseach is showing links between gum disease (periodontal disease) and heart disease, ischemic stroke, respiratory disease, diabetes, pancreatic cancer, osteoporosis, head and neck cancer,osteoarthritis and increased risk of pre-term delivery.

Brushing and flossing add an additional 7 healthy years to your life span. Unfortunately, untreated gum disease is a major obstacle to optimal health for a large percentage of the population.

• Developing a non-judgmental, personal relationship with you, where you can communicate openly. We respect your challenges and are here to serve you, because our commitment is for your well-being.

• Relaxing environment and Relaxation Menu includes: noise reduction headphones, music choices, blankets, neck pillows, Paraffin hand softening, lavender towels, homemade lip balm, sunglasses, and eye pillows that can help you feel more comfortable.

• NuCalm is a system designed for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). NuCalm naturally creates a 'relaxation response' for patients by using biochemistry, physics, and neuropsychology to rapidly and reliably relax the brain and parasympathetic nervous system. It takes about 3 minutes to administer the NuCalm components.
  • 1st—a topical cream made of magnesium, GABA, and Lactium is rubbed on your neck, which counteracts the effects of adrenaline.
  • 2nd—patches are placed behind each ear for a micro-current stimulation facilitating the relaxation response.
  • 3rd—noise-dampening headphones are used to deliver music assisting your brain to pre-sleep stages.
  • 4th—light-decreasing sunglasses or eye masks are used to reduce visual stimuli. We recommend this option for mild to high levels of anxiety.

• Laughing Gas (Nitrous Oxide) provides you a calm, relaxed feeling while in the dental chair. It is reversed quickly with oxygen, so that most people can drive and resume normal activities after their appointment. We recommend this to take the edge off mild to moderate anxiety.
• Oral Sedation Dentistry (Take a pill and relax.) The night before your appointment you will take a pill to assist you in getting a better night's sleep. An hour before your appointment, you will take another pill. A companion will bring you to the office. We will make certain that you are relaxed and comfortable. We will monitor you closely while you are sedated, then your companion will take you home. We recommend prescription anti-anxiety medications for patients with mild to moderate anxiety.
• Sedation Dentistry (IV sedation by a nurse anesthetist.) provides you a deeper level of relaxation or sleep and most people remember very little about their appointment. Your level of sedation and blood pressure are controlled more effectively with IV medications. Sedation dentistry works well for patients with moderate to severe anxiety.

We feel it is very important to safeguard everyone involved during the removal of silver/mercury fillings. The American Dental Association has indicated that mercury

vapor and metal particles are released when these fillings are removed. The following protocol is used when working on teeth containing amalgam/ mercury/ silver fillings.

• The teeth are isolated by a rubber dam barrier.
• High power vacuum suction is held by the dental assistant close to the teeth
• Continuous water irrigation over the treated area removes amalgam particles

• Sectioning the fillings into large chunks helps reduce the dispersion of mercury vapor.
• Dental IQ Air purification machine filters the air—removing mercury, heavy metals, and other pollutants so our office doesn’t smell like a “dental office”.
• Cleaning up immediately when the amalgam removal process is completed. The dam and gloves are disposed of and the mouth is vigorously rinsed and suctioned for at least 10 seconds.

Passion—for what we do, for our patients, and their well-being. It's a central part of our practice. Our doctor is the third generation of Gilmore dentists to practice dentistry in Colorado. All three of the Gilmore dentists

have been inducted into the American College of Dentists (ACD) and Pierre Fauchard Academy. When Dr. Shauna was inducted into the ACD, she was sponsored by her father and wore her grandfather's cap and gown.

Some of the meanings behind ‘Enhancing Smiles’ are to:

• Encourage people to share their smile
• Physically improve the patient’s teeth, gum tissues, and mouth
• Engage our patients and be with them
• Honor and respect the person
• Improve patients’ self-confidence

Some of the meanings behind ‘Enhancing Lives’ are to:

• Connect with people in a way that improves their lives
• Create ‘Wow’ experiences that people want to share with others
• Inspire people to see themselves in a new and healthier way
• Help people recognize that they are an incredible gift to the world
• Enhance the lives of others and ourselves