Dr. Shepard Delong, DDS Claimed

Dr. DeLong is a third generation dentist. With experience derived from time spent assisting his father at a young age to performing dentistry in remote locations around the world, he has developed unique perspective, intuition and skills. He has practiced in some of the most advanced dental settings from a technological, medical and holistic standpoint. He is still on staff and works periodically at Pure Health Dentistry on the island of Maui.

Throughout his own health journey, Dr. DeLong has benefitted greatly from the care and services offered by other holistic medical professionals. There is so much current science on wellness and human health that supports this philosophy. His practice of meditation and yoga, have guided his evolution as a person and dentist.

When setting out to start his own practice, Dr. DeLong had the goals of offering the highest quality dental services in a mindful, holistic, high tech, eco friendly setting. He met Dr. Jeff Williamson during his planning phase and they both saw a great opportunity. Dr. Williamson has been one of the Northwest’s best holistic dentists for over 30 years and was ready to retire. Dr. DeLong knew the benefits of joining a great mentor and office with all the systems in place to treat patients in a holistic and high quality environment.

In April of 2017 Dr. DeLong purchased Centerpointe Dental and Dr. Williamson retired. The practice has changed its name to Lotus Dental Wellness. The vision of the practice moving forward is to continue providing a high level of care and commitment to holistic, health centered dentistry while implementing new technology and systems to enhance patient care and environmental stewardship.

SERVICES

Athletic & Sports Guards

Teeth need extra protection during some sports. The majority of dental trauma happens early in life. If you or your child are involved in any significant physical activity a mouthguard is a wise choice. Soon we will be offering custom with Logo. For now we have generic available. Please protect your own and your loved one’s smile.

Crowns, Bridges, Fillings, & the Treatment of Dental Caries

Caries is the disease process that causes “cavities.” It is a multifactorial disease process, which causes the breakdown of tooth structure. Diet and the presence of certain bacteria as well as oral hygiene behaviors, genetics and previous dental conditions and treatment combine to determine an individual’s risk level for this condition. Tooth wear or attrition also causes loss of tooth structure. These conditions must be addressed at a local level, which includes arresting the disease process. Often removal of damaged tissue is required followed by thorough cleansing and disinfection. Finally, restoration of the shape and form of the tooth utilizing the latest technologies and biocompatible materials available. The crowns, bridges and filling materials used in our office: are tooth colored, lifelike, biocompatible and long lasting. These consist mostly of ceramics and composites.Systemic causes for dental disease must also be addressed through nutrition, self care and other modalities.

Implants

There are numerous tooth replacement options available. If implants are recommended to aid in replacing missing teeth there are choices regarding what kind of implant is right for you. Zirconium (ceramic) implants are available as well as a zirconium and titanium alloy (ceramometal). There are clinical situations, which favor different material choices, and this decision is made after a personalized implant consult with the doctor.

Night Guards & Splints

A variety of bite-splints and nightguards are available to protect teeth and restorations or aid in relief and prevention of TMJ disorders.

Orthodontics

Clear aligner therapy utilizing Clear Correct, Sure Smile, and Invisalign technology provides a safe, predictable way to align teeth. We utilize a digital platform to assess and diagnose, then forecast and plan where teeth need to be for optimum esthetics, breathing, swallowing, speech, TMJ and spine health. We model this before beginning treatment so that both the patient and doctor have more control and predictability in ensuring a positive outcome. Our office is in the process of incorporating some early non-invasive interventions to help children’s orthodontic and orthognathic development.

Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal disease is a condition caused by the interaction of certain pathogenic bacteria and the body’s immune system. Overtime this results in a chronic immune challenge, localized destruction of the supporting bone and gums around teeth, and increased risk for systemic diseases. People who show signs or symptoms of various types of gum disease often require deeper, more thorough cleanings to slow or stop the disease and more frequent visits to maintain health once it has been achieved. These patients also receive extra attention, a risk assessment, and development of a specific dietary, and homecare regimen to help them get back to a state of health. Some applications of ozone gas and or water as well as use of essential oils and oils that contain ozone may be recommended as an adjunct to in office treatments. We now offer a phase contrast microscopic analysis of each individual’s plaque biofilm sample. This can aid in better diagnosis and in measuring health outcomes.

PRF (platelet rich fibrin)

This is a product made from the patient’s own blood. It is filled with platelets, fibrin, and white blood cells. The use of this during surgery and recovery up-regulates the body’s own healing mechanism to promote faster healing with better blood flow and growth of new tissue.

Sedation

Moderate IV sedation, Minimal Oral Conscious Sedation (OCS) and/or Nitrous Oxide are available to treat patients with a history of dental fear or anxiety or during restorative and surgical appointments. A single dose anti-anxiety medication can also be prescribed. These are all extremely safe and effective. If general anesthesia is required a licensed dental anesthetist will come to the office to sedate the patient during treatment. Music, video, podcasts, and breathing awareness or meditation during treatment can all aid in a positive treatment experience.

Tooth Removal & Replacement

When teeth are damaged beyond repair, significant infection is present, or a root canal treatment has failed, extraction is usually recommended. Along with this procedure thorough cleansing of the socket, removal of the periodontal ligament and placement of a bone graft is advised. These procedures in conjunction with the use of PRF (platelet rich fibrin) prevent “cavitations” or areas of non-vital bone and residual infection. Placement of a dental implant is almost always recommended after some period of healing has taken place. The teeth function best in a harmonious system, which promotes vitality, good nutrition and the preservation of remaining teeth.

Veneers

These ceramic or composite restorations usually cover the front of teeth. This treatment can improve people’s smile and how teeth look, as well as restore the shape and function of damaged teeth.

Wisdom Teeth

In many cases, wisdom teeth are a healthy and normal functioning part, of a person’s chewing system. If this is the case we recommend no treatment other than routine cleanings with extra attention to these areas because they can be difficult to keep clean. If the teeth are decayed, impacted, suffering from chronic infection or gum disease, it may be advised to remove them or surgically treat their condition. If they are removed the socket is thoroughly cleaned and a PRF clot is placed to aid in healing.

Ceramic Implants

Ceramic implants are a great option for the replacement of teeth. Biocompatible, non-metal, Zirconium (Ceramic) implants can be used in many situations for healthy, esthetic, long-lasting restoration of missing teeth. Implant placement and material selection is a discussion and decision you and the doctor will make together after a thorough assessment of your oral and whole body health.