HealthMatters 2010
in urban areas like Milwaukee, O’Leary
says, many general dentists like himself
will tailor their practice to their areas
of interest and refer other patients to spe-
cialists.
“after years of practice, you focus on the
things you like to do and do well,” he says.
Different Dentists
O’Leary, for instance, spends much of his
Choosing to have plastic surgery is an important decision.
time on restorative and rehabilitative den- Select your surgeon and the location for your surgery just as carefully.
tistry, such as crowns, bridgework, veneers
Consider Surgicenter of Greater Milwaukee:
and implants. “The number of procedures
i do has grown fewer and my use of spe-
• High-quality, high-value outpatient surgical care.
Depending on your problem, your general cialists has increased,” he notes.
• Approved by the Accreditation Association for
a generalist often serves as a kind of
Ambulatory Health Care.
dentist may either treat you or refer you to a
quarterback for the patient’s care, referring
• A 99 percent patient satisfaction rating.
dental specialist.
to specialists as needed. says O’Leary:
• More than 200 surgeons on staff.
By Scott R. WeinBeRgeR
“We are very fortunate in Milwaukee. We
have some terrific specialists here.”
A Few Special Cases
BAd BreAtH: it could be the food you
eat, or you may be suffering from chronic
Bruce M. Massaro, MD
dry mouth, a respiratory infection, diabe- SurgicenterofGreaterMilwaukee
tes, or even a liver or kidney disorder.
Center for Facial Aesthetics
3223S.103rdSt.,Milwaukee
dentAl eMergenCieS: try your own
(414) 266-4488 • liddoc.com
(OneblockwestofI-894offOklahomaAve.)
dentist first, or visit the american den-
The Clear Choice In
tal association’s Web site, ada.org/public/
Eye Plastic Surgery.
(414)328-5800•surgicentergm.com
manage/emergencies.asp. if you get a tooth
knocked out, try to put it back in its socket.
if you can’t do that, put it in a glass of milk
– and hurry to a dentist.
guM diSeASe: uncontrolled gingivitis
and other gum diseases will probably send
you to a periodontist. Periodontitis is a
Top Doctor
more serious version of gingivitis. you’re
more susceptible if you’re diabetic or preg-
2004 & 2008
nant, or if you use oral contraceptives.
OrAl CAnCer: “Cancer screening is
W
aukesha dentist kevin O’Leary’s peers named him no. 1 usually part of the exam process,” O’Leary

in general dentistry in a 2009 Milwaukee Magazine poll. But like many says. “if something abnormal is picked
New location in Wauwatosa James Winston, MD
general dentists, he does more than cleanings and fillings. up by the dentist or hygienist, it’s usually
What is general dentistry, and where’s the dividing line between a gen- referred to an oral surgeon trained in the
Dr. James Winston, listed in Milwaukee Magazine’s Top Doctors feature
eral and a specialty practice? pathology, anatomy and physiology of
in 2004 andd 2008, is president and medical director of American
Behavioral Clinics.
“it’s an interesting thing,” O’Leary says. “There is no hard and fast rule.” the jaws and teeth and the pathways of
in some rural areas, where specialists are miles away, a general dentist may do it disease.”
Dr. Winston, a board-certif_ied psychiatrist, and the staf_f of American
all: wisdom tooth extraction that an oral surgeon might otherwise perform; gum treat- tMJ: temporomandibular joint and
Behavioral Clinics have been providing all types of behavioral mental
health therapy since 1985. Recognized as a leader in the f_ield, American
ment that a periodontist might do; dentures, bridges and implants that prosthodontists muscle disorders can cause pain and affect
Behavioral Clinics is highly recommended by referring physicians and
create; root canal therapy that endodontists do; and maybe even some preliminary orth- the jaw, sometimes making it difficult to
mental health professionals. Patients f_ind the clinic to be a warm and
odontic work. eat or speak. “temporomandibular disor-
inviting family atmosphere. American Behavioral Clinics and Dr. James
“Prudence would dictate that you’re trying to perform up to the standard of care of der is an interesting area,” O’Leary says. Winston strive for excellent clinical results and f_ind their patients
your community,” O’Leary says. “if there’s not another dentist within 100 miles, you “There is such a wide interpretation of
extremely satisf_ied.
would find yourself doing a lot more different procedures.” what conditions fall in that range. a lot
he also notes that the severity of a condition may determine when a general practitio- of overlapping specialty practices in Mil-

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ner makes a referral to a specialist: “some wisdom teeth are quite accessible and easy to waukee treat tMJ.” The problem could

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remove. Many general dentists may choose to treat that. in my own case, wisdom teeth be a muscular, for example, or related to

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are always a referral to a specialist.” the structure of the jaw joint. even a chi- 
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specializing in many areas requires two or three years of training beyond dental school. ropractor or physical therapist might get BNFSJDBOCFIBWJPSBMDMJOJDTDPN
But a general dentist may also get additional training in a particular area of interest. involved. ✚
22 › Milwaukee Magazine › HealthMatters 2010 › milwaukeemagazine.com
1109_HM_Dental.indd 22 9/21/09 11:13:14 AM
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