Dear Patient:

We hope this letter finds you and your family in good health. Our community has been through a lot over the last few months, and all of us are looking forward to resuming our normal habits and routines. While many things have changed, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to your safety.

Infection control has always been a top priority for our practice and you may have seen this during your visits to our office. Our infection control processes are made so that when you receive care, it’s both safe and comfortable. We want to tell you about the infection control procedures we follow in our practice to keep patients and staff safe.

Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We follow the activities of these agencies so that we are up-to-date on any new rulings or guidance that may be issued.

You may see some changes when it is time for your next appointment. We made these changes to help protect our patients and staff. For example:

  • Our office will communicate with you beforehand to ask some screening questions. You'll be asked those same questions again when you are in the office.
    • We have hand sanitizer that we will ask you to use when you enter the office. You will also find some in the reception area and other places in the office for you to use as needed.
    • You may see that our waiting room will no longer offer magazines, children’s toys and so forth, since those items are difficult to clean and disinfect.
    • Appointments will be managed to allow for social distancing between patients. That might mean that you’re offered fewer options for scheduling your appointment.
  • We will do our best to allow greater time between patients to reduce waiting times for you, as well as to reduce the number of patients in the reception area at any one time.

We look forward to seeing you again and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we take to keep you, and every patient, safe in our practice. To make an appointment, please call our office at (509) 485-8620 or visit our website at www.drweigand.com

Thank you for being our patient. We value your trust and loyalty and look forward to welcoming back our patients, neighbors and friends.

Sincerely,
Richard D. Weigand, DDS

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Beautiful Smiling Woman

Spokane, WA dentist offers laser gum surgery vs traditional surgery

Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults, and 178 million people in the U.S. are missing at least one tooth. Only a fraction of those affected receive necessary care per year. The most common reason people delay treatment is fear of painful procedures. Despite being a successful solution for periodontal disease, ​gum surgery has gotten a negative reputation over the years. Dr. Richard Weigand is pleased to offer a modern, minimally invasive ​laser alternative ​vs traditional surgery for patients in the ​Spokane, WA area.

​Why consider laser gum surgery in Spokane, WA vs traditional surgery

​Traditional gum surgery requires use of scalpels and stitches to effectively clean areas between teeth and gums and decrease the pocket depth. It takes some time for the mouth to fully heal after this procedure, which may concern some patients.

As an alternative, ​laser gum surgery is quick and effective​. There is no cutting or suturing, so you can get back to regular activities the next day. This contemporary form of periodontal therapy uses a pinpoint beam of focused light to essentially vaporize diseased gum tissue. Laser energy kills harmful oral bacteria, contributing to faster healing. Since the laser automatically cauterizes, treatment is comfortable and there is minimal bleeding or swelling.

Laser periodontal surgery restores vitality to soft tissues. So, if gum graft surgery is necessary to restore receding gums, it is more likely to be successful.

Even though laser gum surgery is minimally invasive, patients with dental anxiety may be apprehensive about the procedure. ​Dr. Weigand offers sedation dentistry ​to everyone. Get the treatment needed for a healthier mouth and body.

Benefits of laser gum surgery

  • Minimally invasive
  • Virtually pain-free
  • Quick recovery
  • No scalpel used
  • No stitches
  • Reduced gum bleeding
  • Immediate improvement in appearance

Dr. Weigand is committed to providing the advantages of laser dentistry to patients of Richard D Weigand DDS. He trained at The​ World ​Clinical Laser Institute, where he earned the status of Fellow. As one of the early adopters of laser gum surgery in the Spokane area, Dr. Weigand has a wealth of clinical experience, with excellent outcomes.

Gum health can have a big impact on your smile and overall wellness. Call (509) 485-8620 to schedule gentle therapy with Dr. Weigand.

Dr. Richard Weigand

Richard D. Weigand, DDS

Dr. Richard Weigand is trusted and respected by the communities in Spokane, WA for his skill and expertise and his genuine concern for patients. He has won numerous accolades for his services.

He is a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry and World Clinical Laser Institute and a member of the American Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Spokane District Dental Society, and Washington State Dental Association. He is certified with the Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies, Pacific Aesthetic Continuum (Live), World Clinical Laser Institute, and the Spear Center in Scottsdale, AZ. He is also co-founder of the Spokane Practice Management Club.

Dr. Weigand shares his knowledge and experience through journal and magazine articles and media interviews. He has also contributed to many community projects.
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