Dr. Shepard Delong DMD 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 a 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 goal 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

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.

YOMI

ROBOTIC-ASSISTED DENTAL IMPLANT SURGERY

Yomi patients experience a new level of care with the benefits of robotic assistance. Yomi gives your dental team important information on your teeth and jaws that helps them personalized treatment for your specific needs. The system robotically guides your dentist’s hand to achieve that plan. The technology allows the dentist to adapt the plan per their expertise and your patient care needs.

Whether it’s a single implant or a completely restored smile, the Yomi® robotic- assisted dental implant system is helping make surgery less invasive with lifelong results. With our dental specialists and Yomi®, your future looks brighter than ever.

X-GUIDE

DYNAMIC 3D NAVIGATION FOR MORE ACCURATE DENTAL IMPLANT SURGERY

X-Guide® is a revolutionary system that extends the capabilities of your cone beam system for simplified and more accurate implant procedures.

X-Guide boasts dynamic 3D navigation that delivers interactive, turn-by-turn guidance giving you the ability to improve the precision and accuracy of implant POSITION, ANGLE, and DEPTH.

Featuring the only live, 360-degree single-view of drill position and anatomy during surgery, X-Guide allows you to confidently transfer your 3D treatment plan to the patient, with ease. X-Guide also makes same-day guided surgery a reality for patients – and at just a fraction of the cost of traditional guides.

Here’s how we’re making more and more people smile every day:

Precision + accuracy:
Your doctors use their surgical skills with the assistance of advanced technology to plan and place your implants

Less invasive + smaller incisions:
Enables minimally invasive procedures, which could lead to a faster recovery

Great smile + lifelong results:
Dental implants look, feel, and act like real teeth, helping you take control of your oral health now and for the future

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 of 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.

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, or 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.

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.

CEREC; Same Day Crowns

Whether you need part of a single tooth repaired or a complete full mouth rehabilitation, Lotus Dental Wellness utilizes CEREC to deliver beautiful, strong, bio-compatible restorations, often same day, one appointment. This is efficiency and quality. Larger cases require more comprehensive treatment planning and will often take multiple appointments. We are utilizing this technology to its highest capabilities and are happy to share it with our patients.

CO2 LASER BY SOLEA

Our office utilizes the latest laser technology. The Solea laser is used for treating cavities as well as soft tissue procedures. This can be used to contour gum tissue, treat sensitivity, and aid in healing wounds in the mouth. In many instances, we can treat cavities without anesthesia. This laser is that good! That means no shots… or at least as few as possible, less numbness, and less medication. We also utilize a soft tissue diode laser to aid in hemostasis, gum tissue recontouring, and treating canker or cold sores.

Veneers

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

Night Guards & Splints

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

Hygiene Cleanings

GBT AIRFLOW BY EMS

AirFlow, a state-of-the-art dental hygiene method called Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) offers numerous benefits over traditional scaling. GBT is gentler on your teeth, more efficient in removing stains, can reach deeper pockets to help heal periodontal disease, and is more comfortable for our patients.

Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal disease is a condition caused by the interaction of certain pathogenic bacteria and the body’s immune system. Over time 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 the 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 the 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.