June 1, 2005

Peter Lee, DDS: Practicing 21st Century-dentistry

By Carol Rosen
Editor

Peter K. Lee is a dentist who believes in practicing dentistry with the most modern of equipment.

Dental hygienist Jason Sonne uses laser therapy to help clear up gum problems for Jennie Murphy who lives in Blossom Valley.

If you want proof, just visit his office at 1688 Willow, off Meridian Avenue. While Lee specializes in advanced general dentistry, he also offers the older methods, too.

Among the unique aspects of his practice is Cerec Dentistry for crowns, the use of two different lasers, digital X-rays and computers as well as a program that whitens teeth in one hour.

People who need a dental crown typically visit their dentist twice—once for the impression when a temporary crown is used and the other about two weeks later to fit and glue the permanent crown. Lee’s Cerec Dentistry shortens that scenario to one and a half hours.

This revolutionary program eliminates the need for more than one visit. “We do it all on the computer in one visit to the office.” Lee told the Times. “We scan the tooth into a computer using a camera. The computer designs the restoration to fit the individual tooth and allows dentists to make the tooth in the office,” cutting out about two weeks and the middleman, he added.

An added benefit is that the new crown is bonded, Lee said. That means eating something like taffy won’t pull it out. If it needs to come out, it has to be cut off. The price is about the same, the dentist said, as for the old fashioned method—which requires two appointments and a couple of weeks.

Lee also has added lasers to his equipment. These can be used in a couple of ways. The first is for gum care. “The laser removes periodontal pockets eliminating the need for gum surgery,” Lee said. “The laser removes the bacteria from the pockets and allows the gum to heal on its own.”

The more conservative technique is to use surgery. The cost for this, as for most of Lee’s procedures is similar to the cost for the older methods. Lee mentioned that his charge for laser treatment is the same as an advanced hygiene visit. “It’s all part of the program,” he said.

In addition, Lee has a laser that detects cavities, which is especially important in today’s world where fluoride has made the outside of teeth so strong that dental picks often are unable to spot cavities.

“With the preponderance of fluoride, the outside of the tooth is much harder, but there could be decay on the inside of the tooth, creating worse problems. The laser detects cavities inside the tooth, it’s more accurate than a pick.

Lee’s practice also includes digital X-rays. These are used to reduce the amount of radiation in an X-ray by 90 percent, he said. Computers and sensors do the X-rays. In addition, Lee uses two types of X-ray methods—a Cephlogram and a full-mouth or Panorex.

Another new program is one that will whiten teeth in just one hour. Lee uses a special light that activates a material placed on the teeth. This allows the teeth to whiten in less than an hour.

Lee also has made good use of computers. He notes that every room in his office is computerized. In addition, he uses an intra-oral camera so he can show people what is going on in their mouth. It also helps him describe conditions by allowing him to show the work on a screen so patients can watch, if they want to, while Lee is working on their teeth.

Lee mentioned that he has surveyed his competition in the area and found that his prices are about in the middle. “They are not the cheapest, but they also aren’t the most expensive. Prices are misleading, everyone is different and their needs are also different,” he said.

Lee’s staff consists of two hygienists, Karen Benson and Jason Sonne, dental assistant Tai Tra concierge Taylor Kreek and patient financial coordinator Michelle Rodrieguez. Kreek’s job is to ensure the patients are comfortable and to provide them anything that will make the process easier for them.

Lee said he has been practicing for more than 15 years. He spent his first years in Saratoga and has spent the past three in Willow Glen. His practice is an office, not a clinic, and he only sees one patient at a time. Appointments are recommended. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Lee is on call for emergencies. To make an appointment, call (408) 978-6601.