Your health is our top priority. Our doctors develop relationships built on trust by practicing conservative dentistry, which means well make sure you understand all of your options and respect any decisions you make. We are your partners in the movement toward optimal oral health and whole-body wellness.
Our practice is patient-centered. All treatment is designed to fulfill the individual needs of the patient. The first step is a thorough exam and radiographs, including a discussion with the patient about their expectations. A treatment plan is then developed and discussed, and patient input is essential.
Drs. Scott and Whitsitt develop relationships built on trust by practicing conservative dentistry, which means well make sure you understand all of your options and respect any decisions you make. We are your partners in the movement toward optimal oral health and whole-body wellness.
Regular dental cleanings and checkups are important to keep teeth, gums and bones healthy. Tartar (hard deposits on the teeth) builds up below the gum linedaily and needs to be professionally removed with a cleaning at least every six months to prevent gingivitis and eventual periodontitis. Also, checkups can help detect cavities early and prevent the need for extensive treatment.
Flossing, when done correctly, removes plaque that accumulates below the gum line where toothbrush bristles cant reach. Flossing also stimulates the gum tissue to maintain firm, healthy gums, similar to how exercise maintains healthy muscles.
The two biggest causes of cavities we see are: sipping acidic drinks between meals and not brushing with fluoride toothpaste before bedtime. Sugary sodas, diet sodas and even fruit juices consumed between meals coats the teeth for hours with acids that break down tooth structure. If you go to sleep without brushing, the remnants of foodstuffs and plaque sit on your teeth all night and start to rot them away due to the lack of saliva produced while asleep. If you brush with fluoride toothpaste before bed, your teeth stay clean all night and are strengthened by the fluoride.
X-rays are needed periodically to show places inside, between and around teeth that are not visible to the naked eye. They are useful to detect multiple pathologies and abnormalities like cavities, abscesses, bone loss, impacted teeth and much more.
There are multiple causes of sensitive teeth. Excessive plaque on the roots of teeth can cause sensitivity, often solved by a simple cleaning. Cavities can also cause sensitivity, and those can be taken care of with fillings. Malocclusion, or an uneven bite, can cause sensitivity and can be treated with an occlusal adjustment. Sensitivity is the bodys way of letting a person know that some form of treatment or professional care is needed.
Periodontal disease covers a wide range of problems, from gingivitis (minor inflammation of the gum tissue) to severe periodontitis (severe inflammation of gum tissue and drastic bone loss). The term basically refers to the pathology of the tissue that surrounds the teeth. Treatment ranges from a simple cleaning to deep cleaning and the extraction of the involved teeth.
Yes, there are a wide range of diseases that can be detected early with regular checkups. Also, the tissue under dentures is constantly shrinking. Relining the dentures every three years helps keep the tissue healthy and helps the dentures fit well.
We develop relationships built on trust by practicing conservative dentistry, which means well make sure you understand all of your options and respect any decisions you make. We are your partners in the movement toward optimal oral health and whole-body wellness.
Dr. Scott is a member of the American Dental Society, the Mid-Missouri Dental Society, and the Columbia Dental Society. For five years, he has taught injections at the State Fair Dental Hygiene School in Sedalia. He participates in the Kings Daughters Dental Aid Program and the City of Columbias Health Department Dental Program.
Outside of practicing dentistry, Dr. Scott spends his time golfing and raising his three daughters with his wife, Amy. His girls Josey, Lily, and Natalie keep him busy with their homework, soccer, basketball, dance, and gymnastics.
Dr. Whitsitt earned a general science degree from the University of Iowa in 1972 and continued his studies there until he received his DDS in 1975. Afterward, he served as a captain in the United States Air Force Dental Corps for three years before starting his dental practice in Columbia in 1978. Dr. Whitsitt holds several honors, including:
Outside of practicing dentistry, Dr. Whitsitt is a member of Broadway Christian Church and the Cosmopolitan Luncheon Club, where he has served as president. He enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, hunting and enjoying lake activities.