Dr. Nathan Hornsby, D.D.S, M.S.D, purchased a 30-year-old practice downtown in July 2009 with the intent of turning it into a state-of-the-art, all-compassing dental practice. Last month, his new high-tech Cosmetic Dentistry Center of San Diego, located at 702 C St., celebrated its first birthday. “The facility is amazing,” Hornsby said. Between the lighting, the surgical microscopes and the 22-inch televisions, the office is able to provide patients with state-of-the-art care and comfort. Among the comforts offered, patients can choose from a variety of programs to watch during their visit from a selection of Netflix offerings. Hornsby described one example of updated technology as a water laser used to complete a job formerly done with a scalpel. “The post-op healing time is much faster,” Hornsby said. He added that recovery from gum surgery and pocket-reduction surgery, which can be quite painful, is made easier with the use of the water-laser technology. As a dentist who completed his doctorate at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in New York, then stayed on to complete a three-year residency in prosthodontics and then received a master of science degree, one might think Hornsby would be bored by simple procedures. However, Hornsby said one of his favorite things to do at work is to glue on crowns. To him, it represents the day that the patient gets to leave the office with a newly-completed smile and a new outlook on the world. “We are providing a service to patients and I want to do that at a specialty level,” Hornsby said. He has a team of multiple specialists from prosthodontics to pediatrics to oral surgery. “I am the quarterback of the office,’” Hornsby said. The all-encompassing practice facilitates case planning for patients who need to see more than one specialist. Hornsby wants his patients to receive care from all dental specialties in-house. His office also offers the regular cleanings and check-ups available in general dentistry offices. And even with a 3,000-square-foot facility, Hornsby wants to keep patient care on a personal level. “The underlying theme is that patients want superior care,” Hornsby said. Patients want to have confidence in their dentists. Patients also want to rest in the fact that superior technology is being used in their care plan, Hornsby said. The only option not offered is general anesthesia. Patients must go to a hospital for that, but Hornsby’s staff is still present for the dental procedure. General sedation using analgesics and methods of conscious sedation are done with procedures at the office. “Know your options,” Hornsby said of choosing a dentist. “Do your research. do your homework. Know where people come from.” He encourages patients to choose a dentist who is right for them. Hornsby’s office also arranges hotel accommodations and transportation if the patient needs it. For more information, call (619) 544-0544, or visit www.dentistrysd.com.