The art and science of dentistry
The freshly renamed Fehring Family Dentistry represents Dr. Ian Fehring’s commitment to staying ahead of technology while creating beautiful smiles.
Dr. Ian Fehring is taking his freshly renamed Fehring Family Dentistry to the next level. Find out how innovation with a creative touch is changing smiles. (Photography: Francis Angelone)
Housed in a charming converted 1950s brick bungalow, Fehring Family Dentistry is undergoing a rebranding this month to better fit with its core values.
Dr. Ian Fehring took over the practice, formerly named Dependable Dental Services, in 2017. His signature hallmark of family-friendly preventive, cosmetic and general dentistry is based on his life-long desire to help people.
“We love it when patients send their friends and family our way, it gives us the opportunity to build lasting connections with them too” he says.
Where Art Meets Science
Dr. Fehring says several influences led him to pursue dentistry. He has always enjoyed working with his hands, taking art and painting classes throughout high school and college, and he was drawn to dentistry for its unique blend of art and science.
Just as important, he values the opportunity to care for and serve others. He also credits his fifth-grade baseball coach—a dentist himself—who inspired him by showing how owning a practice provided the flexibility to balance career and family.
“I chose to become a general dentist because I enjoy the variety and challenge of doing it all,” Dr. Fehring explains. “I also love the chance to see patients every six months and build lasting relationships with them and their families.”
Before graduating from dental school at The Ohio State University, Dr. Fehring played soccer and ran track and field at Bellarmine University in Louisville. These days Dr. Fehring spends most of his evenings and weekends on the sidelines coaching his childrens teams.
Best Tech = Best Outcomes
Dr. Fehring is consistently investing in equipment to bring the quality of care to the next level, and 3D imaging is a good example of that.
“Standard X-rays only give us a two-dimensional picture of the tooth and gum structure,” he says. “Three-dimensional imaging is a game-changer, allowing us to properly visualize issues such as abscesses, fractured teeth and lots of other pathology. The sooner we are able to diagnose a potential issue, the better the overall outcomes.”
Offering same-day crowns, Dr. Fehring mills the restorations himself at the practice instead of sending them out to the lab, making for a better level of precision and greater convenience for patients.
He seamlessly fabricates natural-looking teeth in two hours during one appointment instead of conventional crowns that take two appointments and several weeks.
He’s also invested in a soft tissue laser to be able to offer gum procedures such as gingival re-contouring, and periodontal therapies.
“Cosmetic dentistry is one of my favorite parts of the job, to be able to see the way a patient’s self-confidence transforms,” he says. Services include whitening, veneers, crowns SureSmile clear aligners and dentures.
Additional specialties he has received advanced education in include oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, endodontics, periodontics, dental implant restorations and prosthodontics.
“It seems as if AI is making its way into every field,” he says. “While the first wave of its impact on dentistry is just on the horizon. AI will be in most dental offices soon. I look forward to putting together strategies where we can tap into AI and make it work for us to elevate the patient experience.”
Fehring Family Dentistry is located at 29473 Lorain Road, just west of Stearns Road, in North Olmsted. Call 440-777-4444 or visit FehringFamilyDentistry.com for more information.
Dental Savings Plan
Helping families get the most for their dental dollars is a core principle at Fehring Family Dentistry. The practice has introduced its Dental Savings Plan, which includes two prophylaxis cleanings, two oral exams, two fluoride applications, an annual periodontal exam, X-rays as needed, a yearly Velscope oral cancer screening, plus 15% off all dental procedures except whitening—all for a low annual fee. Call 440-777-4444 or go to FehringFamilyDentistry.com for more information.
How to Pack a Healthier Lunch Box
With school back in session, moms and dads are tasked with packing healthy lunches their kiddos will actually eat and enjoy. When it comes to dental health, Dr. Ian Fehring advises there are good and bad choices that can lead to decay.
“Hands down the worst foods you can send your child off to school with would be Goldfish crackers and fruit snacks,” he says. “They are perceived as healthier than candy, but they’re not. Loaded with carbs and sugar, they stick to teeth where bacteria can grow.”
Other sugar culprits? Stay away from juice boxes, energy drinks and sports drinks. Sodas are bad for teeth, too, even the sugar-free kind, as their high acidity can wear down enamel.
“Water is the healthiest choice,” he says. “Drinking water throughout the day helps rinse debris and prevent stains.”
For the better option, he says stick with whole foods like fruits and veggies, maybe try hummus with carrot sticks or tuna sandwiches for protein.
Dr. Fehring and his wife, who is also a dentist, make it a point to pack healthy lunches and snacks for their three active school-age children.
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