Dental Services & Procedures
We recommend seeing our patients with
healthy mouths every six months. At that visit, the patient receives
a cleaning and, their records are updated. At every visit a thorough
exam is done by one of the dentists. Patients with gum disease may
need to be seen every 3 to 4 months to help keep their mouths in
a healthy state.
Digital Xrays and Intraoral Photography
Having updated X-rays are extremely important for diagnosing decay, bone loss, and pathology in patients mouths that cannot be detected during routine exams. Digital X-rays are advantageous to patients because there is significantly less radiation exposure compared to conventional radiographs. Also, digital x-rays can be more easily viewed by patients which enhances their education of their oral health.
Periodontal Therapy
The health of patients' gums is taken very
seriously in our office. Gum disease is the result of bacterial
inflammation created in the space between the patients tooth and
gum. Both surgical and nonsurgical therapy can be used to treat
this infection. Nonsurgical therapy includes having teeth cleaned
every 3 months and possible use of localized and systemic antibiotics.
In many cases, we work together with a gum specialist or periodontist
to help create healthier gum tissues.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Many procedures are available to improve patient's smile. In our
office we fabricate custom bleaching trays so patients can whiten
their teeth at home. Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are
applied directly to tooth structure. They are often used to improve
the color of stained teeth, alter the contours of misshapen teeth,
and they can close spaces between teeth. Tooth colored fillings
or composites can be used for cavities and broken down teeth. A
careful effort is made to match the shade of the filling to the
existing teeth.
Crowns and Bridges
A crown is a restoration that covers or caps
a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and size. It provides
additional strength to a tooth along with improving its appearance.
Crowns can be made of metal fused to porcelain, all metal, or all
porcelain. Crowns may be needed:
- to support large fillings when there isn't
enough tooth remaining
- to restore fractured and broken down teeth
- to protect teeth that have had root canals
- to cover dental implants
- to improve the esthetics of teeth which
are badly shaped or discolored.
- when multiple teeth are crowned and used
to replace missing teeth it is called a bridge.
Pediatric Dentistry
Treatment of children of all ages are welcome in our office. We
recommend placing sealants (protective coverings) on all 1st and
2nd molars, which lowers the chances of getting cavities. At every
6 month recall appointment children are monitored by the dentist
to determine if orthodontic treatment is needed. Some minor orthodontic
treatment such as space maintainers can be performed in our office.
Root Canals
Many times bacteria or trauma to a tooth can cause the nerve to
become infected. In these cases the nerve tissue must be removed
from the tooth and a safe synthetic filling material is used to
replace it. This process is called a root canal. Teeth that have
had root canals tend to be more brittle, so restoring the tooth
with a crown is ideal.
Oral Surgery
Extractions of almost all teeth are done in our office, including
wisdom teeth. Nitrous Oxide is available for patients who are anxious
about treatment.
Dental implants
Dental Implants are artificial tooth roots made from safe biocompatible
materials (usually titanium) that replace missing teeth. On top
of the implant a crown is placed which functions like a normal tooth.
In our office, we use a team approach for Implant treatment. A periodontist
or oral surgeon places the implant in the bone, which is usually
followed by a healing period for 3 to 6 months. Once healing is
complete, the crown portion is finished in our office.
Dentures and partials
Dentures and partials are used to replace missing teeth. Full dentures
are used when patients have no teeth remaining. Partial dentures
are used to replace missing teeth while using the remaining teeth
for support. Both types of dentures can be removed by the patient
at any time.
TMJ/Occlusion
Teeth clenching can be the result of problems with the way teeth
come together. This clenching can result in tooth wear, facial muscle
pain, joint pain (TMJ) and headaches. Fabrication of night guards
can reduce the stresses of clenching, by relieving muscle and joint
pain, headaches, and even has some success in treating migraines.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is available for children and adults.
It is especially helpful for patients who are anxious about receiving
treatment.
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