Main Websites
November 14th, 2009 adminBe sure to see our main sites at:
7100 Fort Dent Way – Suite 270, Tukwila, Washington 98188 | Call (206) 241-5533
White Fillings
October 26th, 2009 admin
In the past, fillings came in one color. Metal. These fillings were not pretty and contained mercury, but with no other choice the alternative was worse (doing nothing and letting the disease get worse).
Now, composite resin fillings are a better alternative. Bonding to the tooth, they add strength as well as look natural. The material is more biocompatible than mercury amalgams, leading to a more healthy situation.
If you would like to upgrade your metal fillings, call 206-241-5533!
Seattle's Favorite Dentist
October 6th, 2009 admin A local TV station is running a popularity contest, which means we need your votes! Please click on this link and vote for Dr Timmerman!
http://best.king5.com/dr-lance-timmerman/biz/115416
Follow Us on Facebook, Too!
September 4th, 2009 admin
Dental Standard of Care
September 1st, 2009 admin
First, a disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. I am not giving legal advice.
I thought I would share a recent experience we had here that might help others understand the way dental offices operate. Dentists are required to operate based on laws set forth by each state, but the “Standard of Care” is not written down anywhere.
The Standard of Care is the minimum level of care. It is established via case law, meaning until someone complains and a lawsuit follows, each dentist can operate how they see fit. Once a complaint is argued, judgments are passed and the minimum level is set.
Patients entering a dental office come under the care of the dentist and team. The dentist is now responsible for the oral health of the patient and related systemic issues. Diagnostic records (x-rays, photographs, models, etc) are needed in addition to clinical examinations to determine someone’s level of health. The absence of current records means that a proper diagnosis cannot be determined. After a diagnosis, proper care is recommended.
An example would be if a new patient entered an office to get their teeth cleaned. If for some reason they did not want x-rays taken of their teeth, the doctor would only be guessing what their condition was. Since the patient does not have the same dental education, they are not qualified to waive the standard of care and decline the x-rays. The dentist must decide if they require the records or if it’s a “big enough deal”. Some offices give in and don’t take the x-rays. If they have access to recent records, those often suffice.
If during the examination it was determined that periodontal disease is present (active) or maintained (dormant), a “cleaning” cannot be performed. In a dental setting, a prophy (a cleaning) is both a service and a diagnosis. Performing a prophy means that the person has a healthy mouth without history of periodontal therapy or disease. Generally, a patient must decide if they want treatment in the general dental office or in a periodontal specialist’s office.
Standard protocols are in place for the safety of the public. Violations of these standards simply put people at risk, and dentists are at risk should something go wrong. There ARE offices that operate below the standard of care and that is their choice. If nothing goes wrong, then nothing happens.
The lawyers have decided what the minimums are. In our office, we don’t strive for the Standard of Care; we desire to exceed the standard, or a Standard of Excellence.
Nobody can force anyone to do anything against their will here. If a new patient comes to our office and wants JUST a cleaning (no exam and no x-rays), then they simply are not a good fit to our office. They don’t HAVE to have x-rays, but we don’t HAVE to treat them. It truly is “My way or the highway,” when it comes to standard protocols.
With the litigious society we live in, this office will not risk everything just to placate a person’s desire.
We recently had a patient come through our office that questioned everything that we did. She had left several other offices and shared her many complaints of how she was treated, and her non verbal communication made it clear that she didn’t see the point of our diagnostic records. She just wanted her teeth cleaned, even though she had a history in a periodontist office (you go to a periodontIST if you have periodontAL disease).
Her previous offices caved in to her demands. I believe they operated below the standard of care… and that is their choice. She had every right to not follow my advice, but I also have every right to refuse to treat her.
Finding the right dental office that fits both ones personality and philosophy can be a challenge for patients and dentists alike. When the match is found, the relationships can last a very long time.
For more information (and “slightly” more official) click http://jada.ada.org/cgi/content/full/135/10/1449
Proudly made in the USA
August 18th, 2009 admin
Dr Timmerman noticed an interesting trend lately. We are getting more and more calls asking if the labs that we use are here in America, or do I outsource to China (or other countries). Or, if our American lab then outsources to China…
The bottom line is this: We are VERY proud to use only American labs that do all of their work in America, nothing is outsourced. We use the highest quality materials and American craftsmanship.
Call 206-241-5533 to learn more!
Tukwila Emergency Dentist
August 17th, 2009 admin
It happens to all of us. We put it off. Life is too busy. The kids have soccer practice. I just don’t WANT to…
And then it happens. The tooth we were warned about finally starts to hurt. Yet it hurts worse than they said… NOW what?
Sometimes you just need to talk to someone and find out what to do next. Call 206-241-5533 and see how we can help. Our office always is able to see emergencies, to at LEAST take a look and do something to “take the edge off” and buy some time. It might be simple… You won’t know until you call.
Tukwila Dentist review
August 17th, 2009 admin
Watch this video to see what some people are saying about their experiences with Dr Timmerman and his office.
How have YOUR experiences in a dental chair been? You deserve the best experience possible. Call 206-241-5533 today and FEEL the difference!
Renton Dentist
August 14th, 2009 admin
Dr Timmerman is located just off of the 1st exit on I-405, so although our location is in Tukwila, many of our patients from Renton have found that we are more convenient to get to than offices in their own city. And since we are so close to the Westfield Shopping Town mall, they can accomplish many things in their day.
Give us a call at 206-241-5533 and be sure to see our main site to see what we can help you with.
New Patient Paperwork
August 13th, 2009 admin
For our guests that would like to join our practice, filling out the necessary forms couldn’t be easier! Simply click the link below and follow the directions.
