Dental Assisting Requires Attention to Detail and People Skills

As a dental assistant at Metropolitan Periodontists, P.A.  our job requires a lot of attention to detail. We need to be sure that we have everything ready for each patient’s procedure.  We offer a variety of treatment options to our patients and each patient’s treatment is unique.

Before a patient comes into the office for a procedure with Dr. Wilson, we review all their information and make sure Dr. Wilson has what he needs for the procedure. The information we need to know is; Does the patient have current x-rays, were they given prescriptions for the procedure, does the patient have any allergies or healthy condition and what specifically during the exam of the patient did Dr. Wilson tell the patient he will be doing. All this information helps us to be prepared and can also help a patient feel at ease when we are working on them.  We want our patients to know that we are taking the best care of them.

Although my focus is on the patient, I am always watching Dr. Wilson trying to anticipate what he is going to need during a procedure to make sure everything goes well. The little details make a big difference.

Dentistry truly is a people business.  The success of procedures is always a combination of people skills and paying attention to all the clinical details.

I have been working with Dr. Wilson for a year and a half and I can sense what he is going to do next when I am working with him chairside, or what he is going to need.  There are some subtle body language cues that he gives.  I don’t think he is even aware that he is giving me these cues or that I pick up on them.  There is a connectedness there and nonverbal communication which makes the procedure go smoother and faster for the patient.  Making sure our patients have the best experience possible is all due to good teamwork.

Stephanie, Licensed Dental Assistant

Metropolitan Periodontists

Minneapolis, MN

New Patients Welcome

Josh's Story

We at Metropolitan Periodontists take Oral Cancer very seriously. Sometimes it takes something very close to us to really understand the importance.  Please read our hygienists story and consider taking your screenings to the next level:

Josh's Story:

My name is Lisa, I am the hygienist for Metropolitan Periodontists and I would like to share my story about my son, Josh.

I have been in the dental field for over 20 years and when my son told me he

had a bump next to his tooth the last thing I suspected was cancer.   After

doing a few preliminary tests Dr. Wilson and I decided to have it biopsied.

The results came back benign.

When the cyst came back almost immediately, we went to the U and the recommended treatment was surgical removal.

The day of the surgery the surgeon was suspicious and decided to re-biopsy and that is when we got the shocking news that it was, in fact, cancer.  The shock still hasn't settled. Joshua doesn't fit the profile, he has never used tobacco and seldom drinks.  He's only 24 years old!

He wears a prosthesis for his palate and we are so thankful we caught it as early as we did.  

The Connection

For years, dentists have tried to prevent patients from cavities, gum disease, infections of the teeth and infections of the surrounding tissues of the teeth. Did you know that by preventing some of these issues, dentists are also helping prevent patients from other health issues such as elevated blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, increased blood pressure or more pain in arthritic patients? When there is inflammation from gum(periodontal) disease, or inflammation from an infected tooth, this increases inflammation in other parts of the body. This is because your immune system is working hard to protect the body from infection. The immune system does this by sending healing cells, with the help of blood, to an area to protect it from an infection but the side-effect to this, is swelling and inflammation. This means higher blood sugar levels in the diabetic patient, an increase in blood pressure and more inflammation in joints for the arthritic patient.  So what can people do about it?  People can start with good home care for their teeth and gums.  This means brushing a minimum of twice a day for 2 minutes each time you brush, making sure to remove bacteria at the gum line and flossing once a day to remove bacteria from between the teeth. Brushing and flossing alone will not do the trick. People should also see a dentist regularly to have a routine dental cleaning with a licensed dental hygienist (LDH).  An LDH is trained to remove bacteria from below the gum line where your tooth brush cannot reach, thus, helping to prevent infection or even detecting an infection early.

At Metropolitan Periodontists, P.A. we specialize in the treatment of gum disease. We use advanced technology to treat patients with active infection or chronic inflammation in their gum tissue.  Our hygienist is the only hygienist in the State of Minnesota to use a camera below the gum line.  She can see the hardened bacteria on the roots of the teeth and she is able to remove it with confidence for our patients. We also use a laser to treat gum disease which is more comfortable for patients than the traditional surgery done to treat gum disease.  If you or someone you know has been told that you have gum disease, schedule an appointment with us.  We would be happy to help you become a healthier you.

Is LANAP Safe?

 LANAP stands for Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure – it is a means of treating periodontal (gum) disease in a less invasive procedure than traditional treatments and surgeries. This technologically advanced gum therapy helps many patients receive the treatment they need to address bacteria embedded deep within periodontal pockets. These pockets of infection can cause serious dental issues when left alone such as inflammation, bleeding, tooth loss, and more. 

Fighting Gum Disease

According to the Center for Disease Control, almost 66% of Americans have a form of gum disease, and yet many people resist seeking treatment for one reason or another to include affordability and dental anxieties.

Traditional gum disease treatment involves surgery, discomfort, and recovery time. LANAP, however, offers a no cut option – a highly effective, beneficial periodontal treatment without the need for incisions and sutures. Instead of cutting the gum tissue open, the dental specialist places a tiny laser instrument into the periodontal pocket and the laser targets only the infected tissue, removing damaged cells and diseased tissue.

Patients have the procedure with just localized anesthetic. Afterwards patients are far more comfortable and relaxed, both during and after the procedure. Recovery is very straight forward - minimal discomfort and a soft food diet but in many instances patients find they can return to their normal routines soon after treatment.

Value of Non-Surgical Gum Disease Treatment

The value of LANAP increases in time. When patients properly care for their gums after LANAP, they save money from further treatment. Because LANAP is effective at removing disease-causing bacteria while also stimulating soft tissue growth, the procedure encourages the gum to heal and bone to regenerate, reducing the risk for new infection. And, according to dental professionals, it offers longer-lasting results – the majority of LANAP treated patients remain stable after five years!

LANAP doesn't require incisions and therefore eliminates cause for serious bleeding. The procedure is safe for patients who have blood-related health conditions, such as diabetes, HIV, and hemophilia, and for patients taking certain medication, such as aspirin. It leaves the healthy tissue intact without swelling – a more common effect of surgical periodontal treatments.

As an effective periodontal therapy, LANAP appears to be a healthy competitor when compared to traditional, aggressive treatments. Less invasive, minimal discomfort and long-lasting health benefits all provide optimal dental health, and overall well-being. LANAP is a safe and reliable alternative to surgical gum disease treatment!

Dr. Wilson of Metropolitan Periodontists of Minneapolis encourages his patients to learn more about LANAP and the Benefits of LANAP prior to treatment. Patient education facilitates good decisions which helps promote long-term oral health. Contact our office to find out more about bringing health back into your gums.

Gum Disease Overview

Gum disease is a familiar term that is often associated with poor brushing and flossing routines.  Gum disease is a silent disease that penetrates deep into the soft tissue and effects tooth roots and jaw bone health when left untreated. 

How would you know if you are affected by gum disease?  Are you familiar with the symptoms? If you are drawing a blank, chances are you stand to gain from learning more about this very common disease, and what you can do to prevent it!

Gum Disease - A Common Condition

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is caused by the colonization of disease causing bacteria infecting the gums and soft tissue of the mouth. Disease causing bacteria are always present in the mouth, and it is up to us to keep them at bay by practicing good dental habits. 

If we neglect our daily brushing and flossing routine the bacteria known as plaque becomes a sticky film that adheres to our teeth.   Plaque hardens to become tarter.  Tarter at the gum line affects the health of the gum tissue.  The tissue becomes inflamed, bleeds easily, and will eventually begin to pull away from the teeth.  This is our body’s immune response to protect itself from infection.  It’s important to catch gum disease in the earliest stage (gingivitis), before it becomes periodontitis.   Periodontitis is related to serious health conditions including congestive heart failure, diabetes, and stroke. 

An Ounce of Gum Disease Prevention

In the case of gum disease, an ounce of prevention is certainly worth a pound of cure. This is because while the earlier stage of gum disease, gingivitis, is treatable. The later more aggressive stages (periodontitis and advanced periodontitis) cause irreversible damage to the mouth and jaw structure. Professional organizations, such as the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, recommend maintaining preventive habits and cleanings. Brushing twice a day and flossing help prevent disease-causing bacteria from setting up camp in the first place!  However, no matter how well your oral hygiene is your dental care provider is necessary to remove tarter and treat issues before they have an opportunity to become a dental emergency.  We recommend that patients visit their dentists for cleanings two to three times a year.

Controlling the Infection 

As gum disease progresses, it wreaks more and more havoc on the mouth. In addition to swollen, bleeding gums, there is a considerable amount of discomfort, pain and inconvenience that comes with periodontal disease.  Biting and chewing may become difficult, and a person's overall well-being will be at risk to increased chances of infection spreading through the body. At that stage, the aim of gum disease treatment is to control the infection, and try to address some of the issues it has caused. This may include deep cleanings, periodontal surgery or even extractions of hopeless teeth.  Metropolitan Periodontists, P.A. will treat advanced gum disease with a laser procedure known as LANAP and/or the use of a PerioScope.  At Metropolitan Periodontists, P.A. we do our best to save teeth.  If saving a tooth is not an option we are able to provide patients other treatment plans that will best fit their needs.

Of course, any treatment means patients themselves need to practice good dental hygiene and at-home care. Changing behaviors, such as smoking, will also improve treatment outcome.

Metropolitan Periodontists, P.A., Mark M. Wilson wants people to understand gum health. As a gum disease specialist, Dr. Wilson is equipped to treat your gum tissue concerns. Our office is conveniently located in Minneapolis and welcomes patients from the surround area. Contact us today!