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Dentist adds technological amenities for patients

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Dr. Todd Brilliant at Country Estates Family Dental likes to make his patients feel as comfortable as possible.

When upgrading the dental practice he purchased in 2013, Brilliant added flat screen TVs to the ceiling above the dental chairs. That way, as patients lean back, they can view nature scenes or aerial flights, or, if undergoing a lengthy procedure, a movie.

“I can put anything on,” said Brilliant.

Some patients even bring in their own DVD.

“I think a high water mark we can attempt to achieve is (to make it) as minimally unpleasant as possible,” said the dentist.

He also has heating pads and blankets available for patients. For those needing sedation, Brilliant offers nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas.

The nitrous oxide can reduce anxiety and be a good option for children, he said, quickly adding, “Putting ‘Frozen’ on the ceiling is almost as good as anything.”

Adding digital X-rays was also a technological upgrade that Brilliant said “drastically reduced radiation exposure.”

He can show his patients their X-rays on a 32-inch flat screen on the wall and point to any problems.

“The images are a lot more clear,” said Brilliant.

Rather than just telling a patient what the problem is, Brilliant said, “I feel pretty strongly about showing people there is the issue. You can show them as plain as day.”

Brilliant also likes to give his patients all their options.

“I feel my role is to help people get what’s best for them,” he said.

The dentist and his wife, Sharon, who helps with marketing, are Long Island, N.Y., natives who relocated to San Diego for his residency. He received his undergraduate degree from University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, attended State University of New York at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine, and had his residency at the San Diego Veterans Administration Hospital.

Living in Scripps Ranch, the couple saw an opportunity when learning that Dr. Mark Chintala was interested in selling his practice in San Diego Country Estates.

“I like this. It’s a nice community,” said Brilliant.

The couple praise their staff and noted that Kathy Long, who works at the front desk, has a knack for knowing voices.

“Kathy literally recognizes people’s voices over the phone,” said Sharon.

While the majority of patients are from the Estates, Brilliant said he also draws people from down the hill and from Julian and Borrego Springs. Dental services include cleanings, crowns, fillings, root canals, extractions, and teeth whitening. He said he is also sensitive to those who have sensitive teeth.

The Brilliants have two boys, ages 4 and 2, so they are aware of the challenges to brush a young child’s teeth and have tips to make it fun and effective.

“A lot of parents don’t realize how often you should be brushing kids’ teeth,” said Brilliant, adding that it should be at least twice a day and for about two minutes.

Brilliant is offering a $59 first visit special for people without dental insurance. For more about his practice, see www.estatesdental.com or call 760-789-2882.

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