We Are A Conservative Dental Office….
No politics here, just common sense— We just wish the philosophy were less rare within the profession.
Dr. William Schlotz and Associates at PLAZA HEALTH Dentistry are one of a very few St. Louis area dental offices that believe in, and practice, Minimally Invasive Dentistry. As an example, we at PHD use ONLAYS to protect weak or fractured teeth. The majority of dental offices offer Crowns as the only treatment choice when a tooth is fractured or is very weak.
During a Crown procedure the enamel on all 4 walls of the tooth are cut down all the way to the gum line, only to "cap" the tooth with cement. All this in the name of protection!
This can lead to unnecessary trauma to the tooth leading, possibly, to Root Canal Treatment down the road. The not-so-virtuous cycle of seemingly never ending dentistry might have just begun!
An Onlay, on the other hand, involves more judicious & selective tooth removal combined with a tooth strengthening bonding process.
We believe this to be the Best Dentistry Treatment in 2010.... National Dental Authorities Agree... read more
Minimally Invasive Dentistry
At PHD, we call it, simply, Conservative Dentistry. We employ Minimally Invasive Dentistry (MID) techniques and treatment that we strongly believe should be the standard of care, but sadly, isn’t as of 2010.
No less of a worldwide authority on Restorative Dentisry, Dr. Gordon Christensen (the "godfather of dentistry" or the dentist's guru) is a big believer in Minimally Invasive Dentistry. He has authored many articles on the subject and continues to preach to dentist audiences worldwide the benefits of Minimally Invasive Dentistry (MID). Even so... the vast majority of wet-fingered DDS' around the country still don't practice MID.
Read this scientific article (intended for general dentists) on the subject of MID authored by Dr. Christensen --> http://jada.ada.org/cgi/content/full/136/11/1563
See articles Dr. Schlotz has written on this subject of MID – and a thorough explanation as to why MID is not a common practice among dental offices
In essence, MID is a technically more demanding level of care that requires a higher level of technical proficiency and Continuing Education. In essence, there is a somewhat expensive and rigorous learning curve associated with MID. Could it be that notoriously penny-wise DDS types don’t recognize the importance of investing in the Lasers, Microscopes, Special Cosmetic Onlay Systems (ie Belleglass or CEREC) that make MID possible?
Of course, the requisite Continuing Education carries with it a significant price of both time and money. At PHD we have made this investment for you already. Importantly, we have made the commitment to maintain our fees to remain at a very reasonable level. We feel your tooth, and ultimately, your Oral Health is well worth it.
Visit the link to learn more about the Difference between a Crown and an Onlay
The above is NOT stated in a manner exhibiting superiority over other Dentists or their chosen method of practice in any way what-so-ever. This would not be ethical. There are many fine dentists in the St. Louis area who don't believe, for whatever reason, in the philosophy stated above. These, likely, are highly competent practitioners who have just chosen to practice dentistry in a different manner from which we believe. This is the nature of a free marketplace of healthcare services.
The above is an endeavor, attempt and effort toward Patient Education ... in order to enhance the knowledge base of the general population and of prospective dental patients in particular. We firmly believe in Patient Education at PHD -- and, consequently, in a thorough process of INFORMED CONSENT.
*Standard Disclaimer and Patient Information per: Missouri State Board Regulations as pertaining to Teeth Whitening, Cosmetic, Sedation & Implant Dentistry...
All are non-specialty interest areas that require no specific educational training to advertise. Drs. Schlotz and Von Rump are GENERAL DENTISTS and are engaged in the practice of GENERAL DENTISTRY in the State Of Missouri. Thus, they are NOT licensed in the specialties of prosthodontics, orthodontics, periodontics or oral-maxillofacial surgery.
TMJ Treatment is a non-specialty area not recognized by the ADA and requires no specific educational training to advertise.
*Standard Disclaimer and Patient Information Regarding Oral Sedation and Dentistry performed under General Anesthesia (commonly referred to as Sleep Dentistry)
Conscious Sedation is taught as part of post graduate residency programs approved by the ADA. Dr. Wm Schlotz and Von Rump have not completed such an ADA approved residency program.
It is a requirement (set forth by the Missouri Dental Board) that a licensed dentist be further licensed (Division of Professional Registration, State of Missouri) to perform oral sedation (aka Enteral Conscious Sedation) in the state of Missouri. Dr. Schlotz and Team have taken the Mandatory Training and Education for this licensure which includes over 20 hrs of training and education in the area of Oral Sedation and Medical Emergency Management. Dr. Schlotz and Team have also taken a 2nd Non-Mandatory course (of 25 hrs) in Oral Sedation and Emergency Medical Management.
Upon this licensure in the field of Oral Sedation, an "Enteral Conscious Sedation Permit" is thereby issued to licensee. Dr. William J. Schlotz has received certification and has been issued License #2009005253.
PLAZA HEALTH Dentistry has received an ENTERAL CONSCIOUS SEDATION SITE CERTIFICATE issued by the Missouri Dental Board (certificate/license #2009004858).
Dr. Schlotz and Von Rump are not providers of Deep Sedation Dentistry (wherein the treating dentist is also responsible for the deep sedation - commonly referred to as "sleep dentistry").
General Dentistry at PLAZA HEALTH Dentistry is performed under General Anesthesia ONLY in concert with Premier Dental Anesthesiology (Board Certified MDs) as the attending caregivers and physicians of the general anesthesia.
PLAZA HEALTH Dentistry has been issued, by the Missouri Dental Board, a DEEP SEDATION/GENERAL ANESTHESIA SITE CERTIFICATE (#2008025661).