I recently cleaned the teeth of a patient I have known for years.

As he stood up he asked me, “How long have we been together?” I laughed, as this patient has been with me since I started practicing, 19 years ago.

“Quite a while.” I answered.

Through the years I have been privileged to know many patients far beyond their dental health. We have shared life happenings, fun stories and have developed a deep sense of trust. It is that trust that allows me to help my patients choose the dental work they feel is best for them.

That is why I have been with this practice for 13 years- it has allowed me to develop and maintain lasting relationships.

Looking back at my patient, “Quite a while…” I answered- …”longer than either of our marriages!” We both laughed.

Mary

Many patients come to our office requiring dental gum treatment. To ensure patient comfort and allow me to be thorough, I commonly numb up the area I am working on. Many patients have a fear of the shot because of their previous experiences. They describe a horrible past experience that was very uncomfortable.

When I hear patients express their anxiety about “the Shot,” I am reminded of a patient, Carol, who was very nervous. I explained to Carol that our practice is well trained and committed to our patients’ comfort and quality of experience with our practice. I was able to relax her with explaining my technique and helped her through the numbing part. She couldn’t believe afterwards that she didn’t feel a thing. She has had several visits since and now tells me she enjoys coming to see us and is no longer afraid.

I really enjoy being able to provide this service for our patients and help them overcome their fear of a shot. If you or anyone you know is afraid of having dental treatment done because of the shot you should come and see us.

Kelly

Dr. Donaldson follow-up comment:
The Sate of Michigan certifies dental hygienists for administration of dental anesthetic. In the several years since my hygienists have been providing anesthesia, I have only heard very positive feedback from patients. Dr. Guenther and I work with our hygienists to ensure they use the same subtle techniques we use to make “the shot” very comfortable. It is a satisfying part of helping people overcome their past experiences and build trust.

I feel fortunate working at Donaldson & Guenther. From the time I interviewed I knew things were different. The staff interviewed me, which I thought was pretty cool. “This doctor actually cares about the team’s opinions!” It makes sense if they’re the ones who have to work with me.

As a result, we work well together. As I started with the practice, I realized it was the organized protocol that allows me to focus on providing excellence. I thought the doctor I worked for previously did good work until I saw the quality of work at Donaldson & Guenther.

My reward is when patients look in the mirror at the end of their appointment and all they can say is “Wow”. This is what puts us above the rest and I am honored to be a part of making that happen!

Irene

Normally, when I take a phone call from a patient who has a toothache I get as much information as possible. Just recently I took a brief phone call from a patient who was confident that she only needed the doctor’s advice about her situation and declined an emergency appointment. As for most patients who have a toothache, we would have tried to see her that day.

That evening I happened to see her at Meijer. We talked about her toothache and concluded that the Orajel she was about to purchase was not going to help her situation, but an anti-inflammatory she already had at home may be better to help her short term. She was thrilled and excited that I took the time to stop her and get more information. Sure enough, Aleve took care of her situation, temporarily. After the weekend she came to see us promptly as planned. She was happy that she was able to go to Mackinaw for the weekend and enjoy a five course dinner at the Grand Hotel, and still very happy that we going to help her fix her toothache, just in time.

Kara

“Pre-tax” savings accounts have become a powerful employee benefit. However, it is amazing how many people are unaware of this benefit or hesitate because of the paperwork. We have assisted many of our patients wit setting up and utilizing their “Pre-Tax” spending accounts by sharing our knowledge about their employers plan and by helping with the paperwork necessary for reimbursement. Many patients have thanked me and said,” No one ever told me about this!” (Including major executives and Deans). It is worth checking into.

Over the past 15 years, I have watched dental insurance companies pay less and less of the true cost of dental care. Patients are having to assume greater financial responsibility for their care and are planning their treatment more strategically. At D & G, our patients learn about their current, emerging, and optional dental issues. By prioritizing and dividing treatment into phases, I help patients plan their care for the next year so it optimizes their combined insurance and pre-tax plan benefits. This strategic approach to dental care often allows our patients to elect treatment options that are longer lasting and/or more beautiful than the typically lower levels of care encouraged by the insurance companies.

Dr. Donaldson
Thanks for taking the time to get my crowns all squared away today. I know how easy it would have been to do an “ok” job. It is reassuring to me that when I come in to see you or any of your staff, I leave with the best possible job done! I wish I didn’t need any work done but since I do, I’m happy you’re all there! Bless you all!

H. King

Dear Drs. Donaldson and Guenther and Staff,
Thank you so much for your patience, kindness and expertise. The confidence and professionalism of your group is eclipsed only by your warm and friendly personalities. Thank you for the gift of my nice smile!

Best Regards, J. Coughlin

You can read the case study on this patient!

Thanks for taking the time to get my crowns all squared away today (10/25/07) I know how easy it would have been to do an “ok” job. It is reasurring to me that when I come in to see you or your staff, I leave with the best job done. I wish I didn’t need any work done but since I do I’m happy you’re all there! Bless you all! Hilary King

Mary Weiss writes in a comment:

Dr. Kris; I just wanted you to know that when I moved to Sedona and went to a new dentist, he cataloged all the crowns in my mouth. When I saw the list, I had to add one they had not detected — my front incisor, that fractured and you crowned so many years ago! They thought it was real!!! Having read your notes on porcelain, I can’t help but wonder if you were using some of the newer techniques on me. I am certain, however, that my crown is an almost perfect copy of my original tooth. Thank you, and I miss you!

How do we put an implant in? (by Kirk Donaldson, DDS)

There are several approaches. My most common way is to have my patient lightly sedated, so they are relaxed. After thorough numbing, I open the gumline so I can see the bone clearly. This helps me choose the precise orientation and height of my implant. A pilot hole is gently drilled in the bone, double checked and enlarged. The implant is then carefully rotated into place. In complex cases, I will use a CT scan and a digitally designed guide system to aid in precise implant placement.

I have seen too many poor results because implants were not carefully planned and placed. I generally prefer to close the gums completely while the patient’s bone fuses (integrates) to the implant over a period of 2 to 6 months. In the mean time, patients have a temporary tooth or teeth so they always have teeth in esthetic areas. Back teeth are often left as just the natural gums during the integration period. The advantage to this approach is highest success rates ( high 90’s) and the best gumslater.

I do some clever things to make the gums look very natural on most front teeth. This happens when we uncover the implant and make a beautiful temporary that promotes a natural looking gumline. It is one of the “art parts.”

In special carefully selected situations, we may remove a tooth, place the implant and build the temporary tooth all in one step. Placing implants and teeth all at the same time is becoming more common, but some of the precision and success rates can drop. It is a decision that is important to make with plenty of information.

Once the implants have integrated, the patient is ready to have their new teeth made. We are able to replace a single tooth or several; all the way to an entire arch. Many people do single individually flossable teeth. With two implants, we make lower dentures much more secure. With 4 - 8 implants we can make a whole arch of secure teeth that stay in place and are not removable.

Kirk Donaldson DDS MS

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Enjoy your smile again. Schedule an appointment today. Call us at (734) 971-3450.