July 24, 2009 (CHICAGO, Ill.) (WLS) — If you were worried about going to the dentist, here’s one more reason to get that six-month check-up: it could be good for the environment.
A new dental office is billing itself as the first ‘green’ dental group in the nation. It’s not only designed using eco-friendly materials, but it’s also leading the way in practicing green health care.
Rather than tapping and scraping teeth to find cavities, a laser inside the Diagnodent tool uses fluorescent light to detect decay in its earliest stages. “You’re making smaller holes in teeth. You’re preventing teeth from turning into toothaches, less chair time for the patient. Some of these types of cavities, you don’t need to use anesthetic,” said Goran Kralj, DDS of the ORA® Dental Studio in Chicago’s South Loop.
At the ORA® Dental Studio, digital x-rays are the norm. Not only do they give a three-dimensional view, but over time, they can save upwards of 200 liters of toxic developing fluid from re-entering the water stream. There are also patient benefits. “It’s over 90 percent less radiation than traditional films,” said the ORA® Dental Studio’s Steven Koos, DDS, MD.
Other equipment helps eliminate medical waste from being dumped into landfills or incinerated — releasing toxins into the air. One machine pulverizes used needles. “We have a system where we actually generate zero bio-hazardous waste. We’re able to dispose of our bio-hazardous waste in such a way that it renders it non-toxic, non-hazardous, non-recognizable, and we can dispose of it in regular garbage,” Koos said.
ORA® is a mercury-free and metal-free practice. Even its business administration is green. It is a completely paperless office. “It’s part of the tenet of what’s good for the planet is good for the patient and vice versa, but it’s also equitable health care that’s available to everyone,” said Koos.
ORA® Dental Studio offers general and cosmetic dentistry, and ORA® Oral surgery. They have two locations, and a third is soon to open.
Dr. Koos was caring and professional.
Great experience from start to finish. Dr. Koos was caring and professional, making an otherwise uncomfortable experience as pleasant at possible.
Pleasantly surprised by post-surgery follow up
It was a pleasure to have straight forward information provided and constant follow up after my surgery. I was pleasantly surprised to receive a call from Dr. Steven Koos late at night to make sure I was having a healthy recovery. And the cherry on top of the ice cream was how updated the office was. State of the art equipment that I had no doubt I was in good hands.
Great place and great staff.
Great place and great staff. I was well informed about the entire procedure and the follow up process. I also felt very at ease knowing the doctor called me later in the day and him providing me his number in case anything happens.
Dr. Koos is the best!
I love it here! Everyone is so kind and attentive! Dr. Koos is the best!
They took great care of me.
I had an amazing experience. I went in scared and in pain and honestly they took great care of me. I would definitely be going back for any dental need. They are friendly and make you feel at ease.
Earns my trust for comfort and care
I had two implants, a sinus lift and one other procedure within the last year or so. I can’t speak highly enough of Dr. Koos and his staff. I was well informed about my needs and next steps. And more importantly, all went well with very little discomfort. I’m usually a little skiddish when it comes to dental surgery and any associated pain. ORA Oral Surgery & Implant Studio earns my trust for comfort and care.
