News

Imagine getting a filling without drilling, novacaine, or that never ending droopy lip afterwards. How about whitening your teeth without having to wear painful teeth guard trays with that oozing liquid stuff?

With the advent of the high-tech age, many fields have benefited. One such field is dentistry, and Columbus Dental Care is committed to maintaining a position on the cutting edge. Doctors Dori and Joe Columbus will celebrate, in May, the third anniversary of the opening of their office at 30 Lowell Road (Brook Plaza) in Hudson.

The office has recently been renovated and expanded to double the size of the initial office space. The addition of a larger, more comfortable reception area with refreshments, plush seating and a fascinating salt water aquarium was designed especially for added patient comfort. The kids especially look forward to playing in the new video game area.

In the newly expanded and refurbished facility, the Columbus' are ushering in a new era of Laser and Cosmetic dentistry. Waterlase (by Biolase) dentistry is the use of laser energy, combined with a spray of water, to perform a wide range of dental services more comfortably. This particular laser will allow the doctors the ability to perform cavity preparation, decay removal, root canal therapy, and gum procedures with more precision yet with less bleeding, post-operative pain, and swelling in many cases. The Waterlase MD also aids in other areas of cosmetic dentistry including, but not limited to, gingival recontouring, frenectomies, and increased bonding for veneers and porcelain crowns. The second type of laser used at Columbus Dental Care is the "Laser Smile", also by Biolase, which will provide the patient with dramatic whitening of the teeth, in most cases with only one appointment.

Through the use of digital photography and digital radiography, coupled with dedicated computer software, this office has all patients' histories, dental records, intra-oral pictures and x-rays available at the touch of a button.

“A person’s overall health and well being is affected tremendously by their oral hygiene,” explains Dr. Dori Colombus. “We have strived to make coming to the dentist as painful, fast, and convenient as possible through our investment in cutting edge technology.

Patient comfort has a high priority in the Columbus' practice. The dental chair monitor is primarily available for use by the patient, either to monitor the dentist's progress as the work is being done, or to view a DVD of his or her choice. The aim is to help the patient achieve a relaxed state of mind, thus aiding the dentist to provide relatively painless dentistry. For those who prefer to relax to music, CD's are available for a variety of tastes, utilizing the built-in headphones. The positive patient experience is further enhanced by the bright, cheery decor of the facility and the colorful quilts hanging in each treatment room.

Dr. Joseph V. Columbus is a graduate of Washington and Jefferson College, in Washington, Pennsylvania in 1984, and of the University of Maryland School of Dental Surgery in 1988. Dr. Dori Lang Columbus is a graduate of McGill University, in Montreal, Quebec, in 1987, and of the University of Maryland School of Dental Surgery in 1991. In addition, both have had many hours of continuing education to learn the latest scientific techniques in dentistry. Their education and experience enables them to confidently and efficiently handle all aspects of dentistry, from cleaning, fillings and extractions through dentures and bridgework. They are also prepared and able to handle dental emergencies resulting from athletic or other accidents.

Dr. Dori Lang Columbus, an alumna of Alvirne High School, grew up in Hudson and is very pleased to be in practice in her hometown. She and her husband, Joseph, who is originally from the Pittsburg area, have three children, ages eleven, seven, and five. The family is enjoying being among close family and friends and thanks them for all of their support.

Columbus Dental Care, with its focus on patient comfort and quality dental work, is a welcome and growing addition to our community. Dr. Dori and Dr. Joe like to thank all of their staff, and of course all the wonderful patients who have helped to make the practice such a success.

The highly qualified and friendly staff includes—Patient Care Coordinator, Heather Rampino; Dental Hygienists Tami Cocciardi, Jennifer Marr, Holly Van Hirtum, Stacie Sullivan, and Susan Stone; Dental Assistants Heidi Eskeland, Robin Metivier, Denise Sipsey and Pamela White; Financial and Insurance Coordinator Tracey Gearin; Schedule Cooridinator Christine Barker; and Office Coordinator Karyn Ratte. The doctors and staff also feel it is important to expose younger people to the dental field, and have included on their staff a college intern, Amanda Harris. The staff stands ready to help make patients' visits enjoyable. They look forward to serving new patients at their comfortable facility at 30 Lowell Road, Brooks Plaza, in Hudson. Their hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday. The telephone number is 882-9955.