Alafaya Family Dentistry
by Kevin Fritz
When you walk into the office of Alafaya Family Dentistry on Alexandria Boulevard in Oviedo, you notice the environment immediately. The atmosphere is comfortable and roomy. Airy skylights and an exposed-beam ceiling emit a soothing vibe.
You will also notice how the husband-and-wife team of Doctors David Ross and Karen Schmitt and their staff operate. The duo, who have practiced dentistry since 1986, have developed a culture of patient communication, one that is as attentive as it is transparent.
“It is about how we address our new patients and existing patients,” says Dr. Schmitt. “We sit down and talk with them. We have consults for 30 minutes to explain entire procedures.”
Having trust in your doctor is always a positive, but there can be gray areas, and Dr. Schmitt believes letting an informed patient make their own decision is paramount.
“I don’t want to tell somebody what to do,” she says. “I am not the one going through it, or the one paying for it. Plus, we need to discover what each patient’s value system is. What are their priorities?”
Welcome Dr. Patel
That same patient-centric culture is shared by Dr. Shilan Patel, who joined the practice last month (see page 71 for more). A graduate from the University of Florida College of Dentistry, Dr. Patel hails from Mt. Dora. Dr. Schmitt says he was introduced to the office by a longtime employee who watched him grow up and knew he would be a perfect fit for the long-standing practice.
“We were looking for someone who would fit in with our patients and have great customer-care skills,” Dr. Schmitt says, “and he really fits that model.”
As Dr. Patel focuses on general dentistry, Dr. David Ross will dedicate more of his time to dental implants. He holds a Mastership from the American Dental Implant Association, and today’s implants are considered the most comprehensive and permanent restorative dentistry treatment a patient can get.
According to the American College of Prosthodontists, 120 million people nationwide have a missing tooth due to extraction, disease, trauma, or poor oral hygiene.
“For dental implants, we have a consultation with the patient and give them their options,” Dr. Ross explains. “We show them actual photos of other patients so they know what to expect. We show the progression of the teeth.”
Dental implants are not only cosmetically appealing but do wonders for self-confidence and help patients feel younger. More important, from a health standpoint, missing teeth can cause jawbone shrinkage, speech problems, and chewing issues. Surrounding teeth also begin to shift attempting to fill the void of the missing tooth.
Getting a dental implant occurs in stages, and a thorough exam each step of the way ensures a healthy and aesthetic outcome.
At Alafaya Family Dentistry, the process begins with a consultation and 3-D imaging followed by the virtually pain-free insertion of a small titanium or zirconia anchor into the jawbone where a tooth is missing. A healing period of about four months takes place as the jawbone naturally fuses around the anchor. This prevents any future bone loss in the jaw and helps with a more youthful appearance.
When the fusion is complete, an abutment is attached to the anchor followed by a crown, bridge, or denture. Dr. Ross offers single-tooth implants or full-mouth implants.
An expert in the field, Dr. Ross has been performing implants for more than 25 years. Last year, he gave back to his craft by traveling to the Dominican Republic to volunteer his services for those in need.
Beyond Restoration
As a progressive practice, Alafaya Family Dentistry features state-of-the-art technology including CEREC (in-house crowns) and CT scanners (3-D X-rays), and the office incorporates the latest dental techniques, most notably bioesthetics, which seeks to find the root cause of a patient’s tooth wear and pain.
In addition, the practice offers general dentistry cleanings and dental exams and an array of cosmetic procedures such as porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, and dental bonding.