Some of the Procedures we offer:

Infection Control Procedures

Since 1985, our office has emphasized cleanliness and proper sterilization techniques. But recently there has been an increased awareness of the importance of these techniques for prevention of the spread of diseases. Our office is extremely concerned about the possibility of disease transmission and is continually reviewing the way dental services are provided in accordance with infection control guidelines developed by our federal government and the recommendations of the American Dental Association (ADA). We sterilize all our instruments and handpieces in an autoclave for your protection.

  • Dentists, hygienists and assistants should now routinely wear protective gloves, eyeglasses and masks when treating all guests. This will help to protect our guests and dental personnel alike from contamination by microorganisms in saliva, dental plaque, and blood during various dental procedures.

  • All instruments and items used in or near the oral cavity must be sterilized in a heat sterilizer whenever possible, or with proper immersion in a registered sterilizing solution to kill harmful germs (bacteria, viruses and fungi).

  • All surfaces likely to be contaminated should be disinfected with a high-level disinfectant registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and accepted by the American Dental Association.

  • All contaminated waste must be disposed of carefully and in accordance with state and federal regulations.

  • Dental personnel should be immunized against the hepatitis B virus to prevent contracting and passing on this disease.

  • Dentists and their staffs should be educated about the best methods to protect themselves and their guests.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) of the Public Health Service, the American Dental Association, the Office Sterilization and Asepsis Procedures (OSAP) Research Foundation, state boards of health, schools of dentistry, and many other health agencies and professional associations are strongly supportive of these disease prevention measures.

Help us by reporting, at each visit, any changes in your health status. This will aid Dr. Widen in providing the best treatment based on your health needs.

Guest Comfort

We understand that going to the dentist can be a little unnerving. Allow us to present a positive dental experience with the help of our warm, empathetic, professional staff, comprehensive guest education, and state-of-the-art technology.

Our staff is knowledgeable in all aspects of dentistry and can help to clarify the doctor's treatment. If you ever have a question, please feel free to ask one of our courteous staff members. If they are unsure of anything they will refer you to the doctor to answer the question. We feel an informed guest is a happy guest.

Feel free to bring your favorite CD along or choose one of ours to listen to during your visit or listen to your favorite radio station on stereo headphones. Nitrous Oxide or Laughing gas is also available upon request to make you feel more comfortable. We have TVs in the treatment rooms as well as heated massage pads on the treatment chairs to relax you during your visit. Please feel free to ask for a cold drink on some of our hot days or a hot chocolate, cider or coffee on a cold one. We also have a TV in the reception area to catch-up on the day's news. You will be offered a hot scented towel to freshed up after the visit.

Guest Education

We emphasize the Guest Education aspect of our practice. We try to leave no stone unturned in explaining why we need to do the recommended treatment. We feel it is necessary for you, the guest, to be able to make an informed decision and together bring your mouth and self to optimum function.

Below as just some of the questions that we have been asked and feel necessary covering and will include more as time passes.

Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs )

Click on the Links below to get a full description of each FAQ.

What is Root Canal Therapy?
RCT is a method of saving a tooth by cleaning out a damaged nerve and filling in the resulting chamber.

What is Gum (Periodontal) Disease?
Periodontal disease is the deterioration of the supporting structures of the teeth.

What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium screws or cages that are surgically placed in the bone of the mouth to which a tooth, bridge, or denture can attach to make a stable restoration.

Why should I Replace a Missing Tooth?
The empty space in your mouth starts to cause many problems including decay and periodontal disease, an unbalanced bite, and stress on the remaining teeth.

Why do I need a Crown (Cap)?
A crown is needed on a tooth when the tooth is weakened by either decay, a fracture or a very large restoration.

I don't like my Smile is there anything I can do?
Besides Braces, there are three common procedures available; bonding, bleaching, and veneering.

Why does the Floss shred and get caught in my teeth?
Floss can shred if the contact between the teeth is tight or there is a rough or broken surface between the teeth.

How can I avoid getting Cavities?
The best way to avoid cavities is by eating right, brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste, flossing daily and visiting your dentist every six months. Children and some adults can benefit by having Sealants placed.

At what age should I start taking my Child to the dentist?
At 1 year of age or when the first tooth develops.

What should I do if my Child's Tooth is Knocked Out?
Place the tooth in cool milk or if the child is old enough, under the child's tongue. Be real careful not to swallow the tooth and get to the dentist within 30 minutes so it can be reimplanted.

When do those Baby and Permanent teeth erupt?
Teeth erupt at different times in all individuals . Your child's tooth should erupt eventually unless your dentist tells you that there is no replacement permanent tooth.