When Brett Teran was a 19-year-old University of Michigan student, he watched a video called ‘Implants,? about dental surgery. It changed his life.
‘I thought it was cool,? said Teran, 1998 graduate of Clarkston High School. ‘I’ve always liked using my hands, and helping people. I was good with tools.?
He wanted to be a doctor and was leaning towards orthopedics. The video helped change his mind to dentistry, which appealed to him more than the knees, elbows, and other joints of orthopedics, he said.
‘I wanted to work on something concrete ? teeth, the jaw bone,? he said.
As part of his education at the UM Dental School, Teran went to Los Angeles to study cosmetic procedures with Dr. William Dorfman of ABC’s Extreme Makeover television show, and Dr. Robert Rifkin of Beverly Hills.
‘It was really cool, a different world,? he said. ‘It was a wonderful experience.?
After earning his doctorate in 2006, he had another choice: where to set up shop.
‘Starting out, as a year-one dentist, there are more opportunities in other states, but most of my family live in Michigan,? he said. ‘I like this state, the lakes, Mackinaw ? I wouldn’t trade it for the world.?
His parents, Gary and Debbra, and his twin brother Jason all live in the area, he said.
Continuing his studies with the Oakland County Pinnacle Study Club and the American Institute for Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, he met Dr. Brant Pittsley, who has a practice in Davisburg. Teran recently joined up.
‘I’m very excited to have him here,? Pittsley said. ‘We’ve been looking for the right dentist for awhile.?
The practice offers comprehensive care, a patient-centered philosophy Teran is interested in learning and using.
‘It’s like the difference between a quilt and fine linen,? he said. ‘A quilt will get you by, but it’s not optimum. It’s patch work, things break down.?
He also is interested in technology in dentistry. Pittsley’s exam rooms each has two video monitors displaying information and graphics for dentists and hygienists. For patients, a monitor can display a view of the dental work as it is being done, or a television program or movie.
‘A lot of people like the news,? he said.
Animal Planet is another popular choice, he said.
Teran also joined Pinnacle, made up of local dentists and orthodontists. He recently helped give a presentation on digital photography in dental work.
Digital photos, adjusted with Adobe Photoshop software, can be used to show patients what dental work will look like when complete.
‘We can show them a preview of what we can do for them,? he said.
Photos also provide visual documentation, before-and-after pictures of dental work.
Digital x-rays provide higher quality images will less radiation, better for patients and caregivers, he said.
Dental implants is also a rapidly developing field. Computed Tomography imaging scans and three-dimensional digital x-rays enable dentists to plan implant procedures in much better detail than previously. The technology maps location of nerves, bone, and sinus cavities.
‘Before, you would have to guess,? he said. ‘With CT, you know exactly where bone and nerves are. It decreases risk of complications.?
He works with specialists such as Dave Guelde of Michigan Technical Implant, who creates prosthetic teeth indistinguishable from the real thing, Teran said.
‘It gives someone who doesn’t have any teeth, teeth ? you can’t tell they’re false,? Teran said.
Teran can be reached at Davisburg Dental Service, 7550 Village Court in Springfield Township, at 248-634-7002.