Our Tahoe Drive office is homey, inviting, and spacious. Our entire staff is friendly, patient and strive to give patients quality care. Dr. Van Patten and Dr. Noonan are available to see patients at the Tahoe Drive location.
Our dental office is located at 434 N Guignard Drive what was the Stanley Welch Clothiers Building. We have completely renovated the outside and inside. The space is modern but cozy and intimate. The welcoming ambiance will make you feel right at home. Dr. Thaddeus Vincent and Dr. Katie Leblanc are available to see patients at this location.
We love the Sumter and Columbia communities, and we enjoy giving back to the communities that have been our home for decades. We are involved with a number of local service organizations, including Young Life, an outreach ministry for teens, and Palmetto Medical Initiative, an organization that establishes medical clinics in third world countries.
If you are looking for a group of family dentists who are dedicated to patient comfort, clinical excellence, and the implementation of the most cutting-edge dental techniques available, look no further. Palmetto Family and Cosmetic Dentistry is accepting new patients, and we look forward to meeting you and your loved ones.
CEREC is an acronym for a system used in dentistry known as Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic. This chairside system usesCAD/CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) to fabricate dental restorations. For the most part, CEREC technology is used to design dental crowns, inlays and onlays, permanent bridges, veneers, dental implants, dentures and some orthodontic appliances.
Our in-office CAD/CAM technology utilizes the unique software to create digital designs for custom restorations, based on scans of the patients mouth. The CEREC milling unit uses these scans to fabricate custom ceramic restorations. Our doctor selects the solid ceramic block based on the shade to match your neighboring teeth. The ceramic restoration material is available in a variety of shades to match virtually any patients teeth.
Cone Beam Computed Tomography, or CBCT, is a specialized digital imaging device used in advanced dental offices. The CBCT uses a rotating cone-shaped x-ray beam to create a 3D view of the inner anatomy of the head and face. The insight from 3D images assists in diagnosing diseases and planning treatment, such as dental implant placement.
Most often, CBCT scans are used to further evaluate conditions diagnosed by your dentist. The sharp high-quality images unparalleled insight for our dentist. Our dentists can visualize bone structure, tooth position, soft tissues, and nerve pathways in detail.
Digital radiograph, better known as digital x-ray provides a better experience for patients. The radiation that a patient is subjected to from tradition x-rays is a concern for patients. Comparatively, our digital x-rays is approximately an 80% reduction that patients are subjected to.
Additionally, digital radiographs provide a higher quality image for our dentists to review. In other words, a digital x-ray may provide insight into an issue that has just started. Besides, the image is immediately available on the chairside monitor in your treatment room.
Our soft tissue laser allows us to perform gum contouring, crown lengthening, biopsies, and cold sore treatments quickly and precisely. Stitches are not required when laser gum surgery is done at our Sumter, SC dental office. Unlike conventional methods of treatment, dental lasers provide scar-free healing and germ reduction.
Finally, our popular air abrasion unit replaced the traditional dental drill. Most patients detest dental drills because they emit loud sounds, heat, and vibrations. In contrast, the air abrasion unit is quiet and gentle. Basically, it utilizing air, a fine abrasive substance, and water to prepare teeth for fillings.
In some cases, when patients receive air abrasion treatment no anesthetic is necessary. Typically, shallow cavities may not require anesthetic. Also, less of the healthy tissue is removed with air abrasion. Most beneficial, air abrasion may reduce the risk of your tooth cracking or chipping. As a result, you may extend the life span of your tooth.
Dr. David Van Patten is a Sumter, SC, native. He attended Thomas Sumter Academy and graduated from Lynchburg Christian Academy in 1990. Dr. Van Patten received his Bachelor of Science degree in psychology with a minor in business management in 1994 from Liberty University before attending MUSC. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2003, and he joined Palmetto Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in July of that year.
Dr. Van Patten enjoys caring for the oral health of his patients, and he loves that we have a very friendly, caring, and engaging staff. They are family to him and his family. As he says, I love what I do and a very large part of that is because of our staff and patients.
In his time away from the office, Dr. Van Patten loves spending time with Lisa, his wife of over 20 years. He and Lisa love to take their four children, Landon, Graham, Miles, and Mary Beth, to as many places as possible. He also enjoys saltwater fishing and all sports.
Dr. Katie LeBlanc is a Sumter, SC native. She graduated from Wilson Hall in Sumter. Dr. Leblanc received a bachelors degree in Biological Sciences and graduated from the Calhoun Honors College at Clemson University. Following, Dr. Leblanc earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree (DMD) from the Medical University of South Carolina. Additionally, she completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 137 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestSarah Howard
a year ago
One of the best exam done. Laurie was great in explaining my oral health. Excellent clinic. I will be returning to start a treatment plan.
Sharon Wilson
a year ago
We have been going to Palmetto Family Dentistry for so long and we will still be there until they kick us out lol. We love the service they do and always fill we have a very Healthy Mouth,the place is very clean they also treat u with a lot of Kindness everybody very very friendly there, they take there time when cleaning ur teeth so please go give ur business to the Palmetto Family Dentistry it is worth it.
Savannah Byrd
2 years ago
They are very knowledgeable and thorough. I have anxiety and they made me feel at ease! They made sure I was comfortable the whole time.
Duy Pham
2 years ago
I am here on behalf of my wife. Bad experience. Made appointment but still must wait for other came after. Then they could not extract my teeth but still charge too much, then refer to other services... one teeth for $500... never back
Barbara Hill
2 years ago
Perfect dental visit ! Staff is wonderful ! Dr Vu Heaton is amazing !
Cleo Toney
2 years ago
Palmetto family thank you for my dental works you did an outstanding job and I will always keep you prepare my teeth for me thank you
Megan Oxford
2 years ago
This is a fantastic dental group and more. When I went for my first visit, Lori expressed her passion for sleep medicine. They ask for your medical history and background so I mentioned my struggle with seasonal allergies, poor sleep, and frequent headaches. She asked me if I snore and I had only really noticed when I was extra congested and only when my husband would tell me which was hardly ever because he's almost always the first to fall asleep. She offered a free service they provide where you do a take home sleep study to assess for sleep apnea. I figured it wouldn't hurt so I took it home that night and did my sleep study. It turns out I did have sleep apnea, and it was severe enough that I needed a cpap machine. Before the cpap I had frequent morning headaches, I was on sleep medication, and woke up feeling groggy. Now that I have been using my cpap for the past 2 months I don't have those problems and I've stopped taking my sleep medicine. I appreciate this great group of ladies. And my teeth are well cared for too.
Theodore Scott
2 years ago
Awesome work!!!
GeLisa Mack
2 years ago
The dentist there was a bit rude when I explained to her that the safety procedure for me wasn't the same between her assistants. Meaning ppe wasn't properly used. And my first glance walking in I had to point out to the reception there was a roach crawling in the lobby. She killed it as if she was t surprised .. I haven't been back since and they told me that was fine. As a soldier that's unacceptable. I passed this info to my family and friends and my military counterparts.
nmn nmb
2 years ago
I have been w/the Palmetto Family for many years now; my family as well. The service is great & they are very friendly.
Lucinda Flowers
2 years ago
Hadn't been to the dentist in a long time, but I figured I'd start the new year off right. This was the best experience, they were all super professional and kind. Amy cleaned my teeth, without any pain, and made me comfortable. Samantha was a pleasure. And Dr Wu, was super caring, concern and made my referral. I finally found my dentist. Thanks to all.
Betty Blank
2 years ago
Everybody is friendly, warm and professional. You are shown pictures to explain dentists recommendations and why. No surprises. They just want us to be happy with our natural teeth for as long as we are able. I like to eat so I need to be able to chew without pain
Robert Smart
2 years ago
The entire staff was fully prepared and impressively professional. Very good experience for me. I left confident that I had experienced an exceptional dental encounter. Robert Smart
LILLIAN WALTON
2 years ago
Everyone at Palmetto Family and Cosmetic Dentistry are very knowledgeable, pleasant and patient . They work well together. I recommend them for any dental work. I give them 5 stars for my care today.
samantha johns
2 years ago
I love Dr. Vu and her staff! They all do amazing work and make me feel very comfortable during my visits!
Odell Harris
2 years ago
This is the best dentist in Columbia!!! Everyone is extremely helpful and knowledgeable about what they do.
kathy barnes
2 years ago
Dr Vu-Heaton & entire staff are awesome! Been a patient for many years & won't go anywhere else. Always super friendly & a relaxing atmosphere. Just left from 6 month check-up with the cleanest mouth in town
Ajay Kalan
3 years ago
Professional, pleasant , great experience. Whole team is awesome .
Manndy
3 years ago
Love this Dentist! Customer service is amazing. The office staff always call to remind my family of our appointments. Works with our different school and work schedule. Cost for uninsured patients is reasonable. And they always explain everything price and procedures before scheduling. Would recommend to everyone. They also respond fast for dental emergencies.
Darlene Harsey
3 years ago
Only dentist I will use !!! Dr T and her amazing staff treat you like family !! Always happy and upbeat!!
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