Billings & Murphy, D.D.S., PA

Cosmetic and General Dentistry

Billings & Murphy, D.D.S., PA, provides a full range of dental services that keeps pace with the latest advances in materials, techniques and technology—definitely something to smile about!

While the task at hand may be a filling or a crown or an implant, Dr. Scott Billings and Dr. Christopher Murphy believe their role includes a measure of patient education. “It’s important to thoroughly explain the conditions that are present and the choices available for treatment,” says Dr. Billings.

A few years ago, the practice invested in new technology that includes an intra-oral camera. This small, wand-like device captures a close-up view of the tooth, making diagnosis and treatment decisions more accurate. “We review images with the patient, instantly, using the 42-inch flat-screen TV monitor that we have at the foot of every chair,” says Dr. Murphy. The monitors are also used for viewing informational videos about dental procedures and for entertainment—cable TV for parents and cartoons for the kids!

“We’ll make you smile!”

Traditional dental x-rays have been replaced with digital dental x-rays for faster, safer and more effective radiography. The digital equipment produces 80 to 90 percent less radiation than traditional x-rays and, of course, the images can be viewed instantly on the flatscreen. “If we have to refer a patient to an oral surgeon or orthodontist, the digital x-ray can be e-mailed right to them,” Dr. Billings says.

Billings & Murphy, D.D.S, use the latest materials and techniques to repair crooked, broken, overlapping or missing teeth. Fillings are constructed of a composite resin material to match the color of the natural teeth. No more silver! New, all-porcelain crowns are more attractive than the older crowns because they use no metal underneath and, therefore, do not show an unsightly black line at the gum line like the old crowns did.

Porcelain veneer presents another alternative to dark and crooked teeth. “A thin cover of porcelain is bonded to the front of the teeth, changing the color and shape of the teeth and producing a perfect smile,” Dr. Murphy says. “Porcelain veneers can also be used to close spaces.”

Dental implants are used to replace a missing tooth without drilling on the adjacent teeth. Also, loose or sore dentures can be made secure with the use of implants. Both doctors have advanced training in implant dentistry.

Both Dr. Billings and Dr. Murphy graduated from the University of Maryland Dental School. Dr. Billings started the practice in 1981 and Dr. Murphy joined him in 1986. Each of their three dental hygienists holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland Dental School, as well. Dentists and hygienists are required to complete annual continuing education courses and Billings & Murphy, D.D.S. exceeds those requirements every year.

“We’ll make you smile!” Dr. Billings says. “We want to ensure that our patients feel comfortable getting their care, both emotionally and physically. A lot of people are anxious about coming to the dentist. We do our best to dispel our patients’ fears so they can get the kind of treatment they need without the anxiety.”

Billings & Murphy, D.D.S., PA
22 Kent Towne Market
Chester, MD 21619
410-643-5500

www.billingsandmurphydds.com

Pictured: Dr. Chris Murphy and Dr. Scott Billings
Photography: Steve Buchanan