I was born and raised in Spokane, Washington and graduated from Gonzaga University. I received my Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, then completed a 3-year residency in periodontics and implant surgery and an additional 2-year residency in endodontics at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

I am a member of the American Dental Association, the American Association of Endodontists andthe American Academy of Periodontology. I am a board-eligible Endodontist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology.

I served as President of the Idaho Panhandle Dental Society (2014-2015) and currently serve as the Idaho Panhandle Trustee for the Idaho State Dental Association. I was recently inducted as a Fellow to the Pierre Fauchard Academy; an honorary international dental service organization focused on promoting leadership and ethics in dentistry.

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the soft tissues of the mouth and the underlying jawbone which supports the teeth. A dentist must first graduate from an accredited dental school before undertaking an additional three years of study within a periodontology residency training program, in order to qualify as a periodontist.

Before initiating dental treatment, Dr. Whitney will extensively examine the gums, jawbone and the general dental health. Once an accurate diagnosis has been made, he will review all treatment options with you along with their associated risks and benefits.

Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and provide a fixed solution to removable partial or complete dentures. Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances.

Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone. The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patients smile!

Free gingival graft is used to thicken gum tissue. A layer of tissue is removed from the palate and relocated to the area affected by gum recession. Both sites will quickly heal without permanent damage.

Crown lengthening is generally performed in order to improve the health of the gum tissue, or to prepare the mouth for restorative or cosmetic procedures. In addition, crown lengthening procedures can also be used to correct a gummy smile, where teeth are covered with excess gum tissue. Crown lengthening exposes more of the natural tooth by reshaping or re-contouring bone and gum tissue. This treatment can be performed on a single tooth, many teeth or the entire gum line, to expose a pleasant, aesthetically pleasing smile.

Humans have two upper (maxillary) canines and two lower (mandibular) canines. Canine teeth have thicker and more conical roots than incisors and thus have an especially firm connection to the jaw. Canine teeth often have the longest root of all teeth and are the last to fully erupt and fall into place; around age 13.

The human mouth contains dozens of different bacteria at any given time. The bacteria found in plaque (the sticky substance on teeth) produce acids that lead to demineralization of the tooth surface, and ultimately contribute to periodontal disease.

Periodontal infections cause a chronic inflammatory response that destroys bone and gum tissues in the subgingival area (below the gum line). Gum pockets form and deepen between the gums and teeth as the tissue continues to be destroyed.

Bone Regeneration Dental implants and other restorative procedures depend on the jawbone being sufficiently strong and thick. With periodontal disease the jawbone may have become too thin to successfully support an implant. Natural bone regeneration (or bone grafting) is one of the best ways to promote growth and thicken the jawbone.

Gum Tissue Regeneration When gum tissue has been lost as a result of periodontal disease, the smile may appear discolored, toothy or unpleasant. A gum graft contours the gum line, covers exposed roots and restores healthy gums. A small strip of tissue is removed from the roof of the mouth and placed where required. The soft tissue surrounding the teeth will naturally regenerate for a healthy smile.

Scaling & root planing removes etiologic agents which cause inflammation to the gingival (gum) tissue and surrounding bone. Common etiologic agents removed by this conventional periodontal therapy include dental plaque and tartar (calculus).

These non-surgical procedures which completely cleanse the periodontium, work very effectively for individuals suffering from gingivitis (mild gum inflammation) and moderate/severe periodontal disease.

Disease prevention The bacteria that causes periodontal infections can travel via the bloodstream to other parts of the body. Research has linked lung infections and heart disease to periodontal bacteria.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root attached to the jaw bone. Eventually, a replacement tooth or bridge will be firmly fixed to this root, restoring complete function to the tooth. The key to a successful and long-lasting implant is the quality and quantity of jawbone to which the implant will be attached. If bone has been lost due to injury or periodontal disease, a sinus augmentation can raise the sinus floor for new bone formation.

In the most common sinus augmentation technique, a tiny incision is made near the upper premolar or molar region to expose the jawbone. A small opening is cut into the bone and the membrane lining the sinus on the other side of the opening is gently pushed upward. The underlying space is filled with bone graft material and the incision is closed. The bone which is used for this procedure may be from your own body, a cadaver or synthetic materials which can stimulate bone formation. Sinus augmentation increases the success of dental implant procedures.

For your convenience weve provided patient forms here on our website. Reduce the paperwork during your inital vist by printing these forms and filling in the information at your convenience.For downloadable forms:

Would you like to know about the sedation options we can offer? We understand.Our convenient sedation options allow you to receive exceptional care with less fear and anxiety. Just ask our friendly team about the options available for your procedure.

Dr. Whitney and team have received extensive training in the most advanced technologies available for your safety and your comfort. We are committed education and stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and equipment.Dr. Whitney even provides educational seminars for other providers locally and throughout the country in his spare time!

Your comfort and care are our top priority. Our post-op instructions have been developed for patients who have undergone dental surgeries. Please follow the instuctions carefully, as well as any additional directions given by our team at the time of your procedure. If you have concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. For downloadable instructions: