As advancements in dentistry continue to surface, we work very hard to keep up with what is going on. Incorporating new techniques and treatments into the practice enable us to provide more comprehensive care for our patients.

For this reason we have taken the opportunity to learn about and incorporate some advanced technologies and treatments such as dental implants, Invisalign and one-visit porcelain crowns and fillings.

The dental implant procedure has been streamlined and updated in light of new information gleaned from years of study. After we have placed the implant, the final restoration can be placed in a matter of a few weeks rather than months. This is a great benefit for our patients, as each step of the implant procedure can be done in the office and patients can be enjoying their new "tooth" a lot sooner.

Invisalign® is another treatment that can be done in the office. The length of treatment depends on the patient's dental situation but can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. The custom trays, called Aligners, are changed every two weeks. This helps to minimize the discomfort a patient can have with tooth movement. The Aligners allow more gradual movement (so less discomfort) than conventional braces, which are usually adjusted every month or so. Each Aligner is a nearly invisible hard plastic custom tray so most people won't notice you are straightening your teeth!

We also offer one-visit porcelain crowns and fillings in my office using CEREC® CAD/CAM 3D computer and milling machine. This has probably been the best advancement as far as a benefit to the patient because this technology saves valuable time - the patient's! The tooth is prepared in the same way but then a digital photo is taken of the prepared tooth and loaded into the computer. The crown or filling is then designed using the 3D software. The finished design is sent to the milling machine which makes the crown or filling right in the office--at the same visit. Once the porcelain restoration is made, it is polished and bonded onto the tooth all in a single visit! No return visit or injection is needed. The results are phenomenal. Once the crown or filling is polished it "disappears" into the tooth .

We have the good fortune to be living in a time where restorative alternatives are proven and available to all. We are proud to be an instrument of the advancing technologies.

I plan a yearly trip to Nicaragua helping the poor with their dental needs. I have volunteered time on my day off at local public schools. Also, I've participated in the Multnomah Dental Society's Senior Smile Program, providing dental care to those seniors approved on the program. Central American students attending Mount Hood Community College receive free dental care one full day a year volunteered by me and my staff. Students come from 3rd world countries with serious dental problems.

I enjoy designing & bulding water features. When I'm not scuba diving I love to play with remote control toys.

I am a member of the American Dental Association, Multnomah Dental Society, Oregon Dental Association and Society for Mercury Free Dentistry.

Dr. David Carothers