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Some of the Services we provide our patients:
Preventative Care
While our patients benefit greatly from regular 6 month dental cleanings and checkups, a strong oral health care routine
is truly the first line of defense to combat decay, infection, and periodontal disease. Our Hygienists take special care to
ensure that each of our patients is educated on the proper way to care for his or her teeth at home. A good oral health routine
includes daily brushing, flossing, use of an ADA-approved mouthwash, and a healthy diet. When you arrive for an initial
or hygiene appointment, our hygienist and dentist will work with you to develop an oral health care routine customized to
suit your unique oral needs.
Emergency Treatment
Unfortunately, the occasion does happen that a tooth breaks, fractures, or has a cavity that has been left untreated.
This can be extremely painful! Emergency dentistry is treatment that is meant to relieve pain and suffering. In
some instances, a tooth may be unrestorable and will require an extraction. In other cases, the tooth may be restored
and a root canal would be an efficient treatment. Our office is prepared to render both extractions and root canals
to alleviate dental pain.
Sealants
A sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to the deep groves and pits of adult molars and premolars. More than
75% of dental decay (cavities) begins in these deep groves. Teeth with these conditions are difficult to clean and are
very susceptible to decay. A sealant protects the tooth by sealing deep groves creating a smooth, easy to clean surface.
Sealants can protect the chewing surfaces of teeth for many years, but need to be checked at regular visits for wear and chipping.
Recommended placement Time:
Children and Teenagers: As soon as the six-year molars (the first permanent
back teeth) appear, or any time throughout the cavity prone years 6-18.
Tooth-Colored Restorations (Composite,
Bonded Fillings)
When a tooth is damaged due to decay or injury, a restoration is typically needed to
restore health and function to the tooth. Unlike traditional metal restorations that are noticeable, such as gold or
silver crowns and amalgam filings, tooth-colored restorations are especially placed in anterior (front teeth) to blend in
with surrounding teeth for a completely natural-looking appearance.
Endodontic Care (Root Canal)
Root canal therapy, or endodontic treatment, consists of the removal of inflamed or infected pulp tissue (dental nerve)
and the cleansing and sealing of the internal tooth structure. Root canal treatment may be necessary in cases where there
is advanced decay, trauma to the tooth, periodontal disease, bruxism (teeth grinding) or cracked teeth. Once the infected
tooth pulp is removed, one of our dentists will restore and protect the damaged tooth, (usually with a crown), to enhance
a healthy and beautiful smile for many years to come.
Implant Dentistry
Implant dentistry offers patients with missing teeth a state-of-the-art option for tooth replacement. Dental Implants are
titanium posts that are surgically placed in the jawbone where teeth are missing. Each titanium "root" is topped
with a natural-looking artificial tooth for permanent tooth replacement that is strong, fully functional, and beautiful. Once
an implant is in place, the surrounding jawbone will fuse to the titanium, creating a strong foundation for the replacement
tooth.
Dental Crowns
We often use dental crowns to restore beauty and strength to a tooth that has been weakened by decay, injury, or endodontic
(root canal therapy). Dental crowns are "caps" that fit over the entire tooth. The targeted tooth is prepared
by removing damaged areas and shaping it to accommodate the dental crown. An impression of the prepared tooth is made so that
the crown can be precisely crafted to fit snugly on the tooth. Once the crown is ready, it is cemented onto the tooth. At
our practice, we primarily use dental crowns as a restorative dentistry option; however, we also use them for aesthetic applications
such as fixing minor misalignments and repairing cracks and discolorations.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges can be cemented in place to fill in gaps left by missing teeth. Bridges not only make it easier for patients
to speak and eat, but they also prevent surrounding teeth from shifting out of place. Dental bridges consist of one or more
artificial teeth that are held in place by dental crowns. The procedure to place a dental bridge requires two visits: one
to prepare the adjacent teeth and take an impression of the area, and a second to place the bridge once it has been custom
made from the impression.
Dentures (Full and Partial)
Today's dentures are more natural-looking and easier to wear than ever before. A full-set of custom-made
dentures can be made if all natural teeth are missing, or a partial denture can be crafted to replace a few missing teeth.
Advances in implant dentistry can make dentures even more functional and retentive. A special type of full or partial denture
can be fabricated that will lock into several dental implant posts that are placed into the jawbone. Implant-supported dentures
greatly increase chewing and speaking ability for many patients.
Sedation Techniques
We understand that many patients put off seeking dental treatment because they fear the discomfort traditionally associated
with a visit to the dentist's office. To ease the worries of our patients, we are pleased to offer oral-conscious sedation
dentistry. Sedation dentistry is a safe and easy way for patients to completely relax during one or a number of dental procedures.
Sedation dentistry can make dental visits more comfortable and more productive. With sedation dentistry, patients
swallow a small pill shortly before their appointment. The medication helps put patients into a relaxed state in which they
do not experience the anxiety and discomfort that is often associated with a trip to the dentist.
Sedation dentistry
is a great solution for patients who:
- * suffer from dental anxiety.
- * have difficulty staying still for long periods of time.
- * have had
a bad dental experience in the past.
- * have heightened sensitivity or who have difficulty
getting numb.
- * wish to undergo multiple treatments in one visit.
Nitrous Oxide
Also known as "laughing gas," nitrous oxide is often administered to our patients
who may not need a deep level of sedation dentistry. Patients simply breathe in a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen,
and almost instantly feel a pleasant, numb sensation. We constantly monitor a patient's intake of nitrous oxide, ensuring
that the best level of sedation is maintained. Because nitrous oxide leaves the system quickly, patients who undergo sedation
with "laughing gas" are able to drive themselves home safely after an appointment.
Teeth Whitening
Undergoing a teeth whitening treatment is one of the safest and easiest ways to improve your smile. If brighter teeth are
all you need, teeth whitening is more conservative and less involved and less costly than porcelain veneers or bonding. There
are several methods of teeth whitening available at our offices.
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