Mount Pleasant Magazine July/August 2017

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smiling faces
Visits to the dentist have historically been
perceived as a worrisome experience
for many. The fear created by a pain-
ful tooth and the thought of having it
removed has created a stereotype that
associates going to the dentist with pain.
The phrase “I’d rather have my tooth pulled” is often
used when referencing an activ-
ity in which one does not want
to participate.
Thanks to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the Low-
country, you no longer have to worry about painful visits
to the dentist. At this Charleston-based practice, a wide
array of dental services are offered in a professional and
caring environment by Dr. Matt Dillard and Dr. Don-
ald Phillips, both board-certified oral and maxillofacial
surgeons with over 15 years of experience each. The goal
of this Lowcountry practice is to make its patients feel
relaxed and comfortable while the surgeons and staff take
care of their dental needs. Dental services offered range
from dental implants, wisdom tooth extractions, bone
grafting, repair of facial trauma and biopsies to orthog-
nathic surgery, where the relationship of the upper and
lower jaws do not properly align.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the Lowcountry
specializes in dental implants, the most dependable and
innovative way to replace natural teeth. They can be used
many different ways. They can replace a single tooth, mul-
tiple teeth or a full set of teeth. The dental implant serves
as the root of the tooth and is placed within the bone
after a tooth is removed. When a single missing tooth is
replaced by an implant, a crown is placed on the implant
to restore function and esthetics.
When many or all teeth are missing, dental implants
may be used to attach removable dentures, as well as sup-
port teeth that are permanently seated into place. Dental
implants have totally changed the idea that a lost tooth is
lost forever.
Another appealing service offered at the practice is
sedation during dental treatment. Most patients prefer to
have treatment while in a state of relaxed sleep. Dr. Dil-
lard and Dr. Phillips are board-certified and trained in ad-
ministering IV sedation. This procedure allows patients to
be unaware during the procedure and have little memory
of it once it’s over. Sedation is particularly helpful for
those who are hypersensitive to sensations and sounds.
For patients who don’t want deep sedation, the practice
also offers nitrous oxide sedation – laughing gas – as well
as conscious sedation with medications. Local anesthetics
are used in every surgical procedure to numb the tissues in
the area of treatment.
The patient’s experience is of utmost importance to Dr.
Dillard, Dr. Phillips and their entire team.
“We strive to make our patients comfortable by staff-
ing only the most knowledgeable, qualified and caring
personnel,” Dr. Dillard said. “We are dedicated to your
health and well-being and committed to providing the
latest surgical techniques to help each and every patient
reach their goals.”
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the Lowcountry has
three convenient locations: Mount Pleasant, West Ashley
and Walterboro.
BY KATIE WELLS
Photo courtesy of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the Lowcountry.
DR. MATT DILLARD
DR. DONALD PHILLIPS
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the Lowcountry
767 Johnnie Dodds Blvd.
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
843-881-3111
Drs. Donald Phillips and Matt Dillard.