TEETH CLEANING
Most dentists recommend that their patients schedule two cleanings a year to help fight against gum disease and tooth decay. Annual cleanings can help diagnose dental issues early on while providing you with a bright and healthy smile to take home. Cleanings generally will involve removing plaque and deposits from teeth, while ensuring there is no excess buildup on the gum line and deep crevices. Your dental team may also review your current oral hygiene routine to assess areas you can improve on for an even healthier mouth.
ORAL CANCER EXAMS AND X-RAY
An important aspect of general dentistry is to provide comprehensive care of the entire oral cavity, not just the teeth. During an oral exam, your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, tongue, throat, and the sides of the mouth to look for any abnormalities signaling a more serious condition. Your dentist may also recommend a set of X-rays to obtain a closer look at what is going on between the teeth and under the gum line to prevent future problems.
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
Teaching children proper dental hygiene early on is one of the best ways to maintain healthy oral hygiene habits well into adulthood. And while your child may be apprehensive about their first visit, you can rest assured that we will work hard to develop positive memories and experiences at the dental office. Contacting the dentist before the visit may assist you in preparing your child for what to expect and ease some concerns about any fears they may have about the appointment.
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TOOTH FILLINGS
Fillings are the most common method of addressing tooth decay. Once the decayed portion of the tooth is removed, a filling made of either amalgam (silver filling) or composite material (white filling) is used to prevent further decay from progressing further. Filling procedures are quick and routine, often resulting in minimal pain or discomfort
TOOTH EXTRACTIONS
When teeth are severely misplaced or too damaged to restore, extractions may be the only solution left to prevent future dental issues. The type of extraction used by your dentist will depend on the location of the tooth in question. Regular extractions are done when the tooth is visible above the gums. For teeth below the gum line that have not broken through, a surgical extraction will need to be completed.
ROOT CANAL
When a tooth is severely damaged, a root canal can be an ideal procedural option to avoid the process of removal. Once known as a potentially painful procedure, advancements in technology have come far, often providing steps for completing a root canal in one procedure with mild discomfort. A crown is typically placed upon completion, or soon after, to protect and prevent future damage to the tooth.
DENTURES
Dentures are an excellent solution for patients who have experienced significant tooth loss due to age, decay, or subsequent dental problems. Partial and full dentures are available depending on the patient's needs. Keeping your dentures well-maintained is essential in extending the lifetime of this product and giving you back a functional, beautiful smile.
DENTAL CROWNS
Crowns are installed as a restorative dental procedure placed on top of a tooth to protect the remaining tooth structure from further damage after decay removal or cusp fractures. There are several materials crowns can be constructed from, all with the goal of providing increased mouth functioning and improving the appearance of your teeth. With tooth colored options available, most people can’t even tell when you’ve had a crown placed!
GUM DISEASE / PERIODONTIS
Disease of the gums can cause multiple opportunities for damage to the teeth and bone. When plaque and tartar build up along the gum line, bacteria can easily be trapped underneath, causing gingivitis and periodontitis. An estimated 50% of the adult population of the United States is affected by gum disease! Making sure you talk to your dentist about healthy gums is vital to avoid the early onset of this condition.
VENEERS
Patients seeking a cosmetic option for their teeth to improve appearance, color, and size may be perfect candidates for veneers. Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain, or other tooth-colored material, bonded to the front of your existing teeth for a new, beautiful-looking smile. A mostly cosmetic procedure, candidates for veneers are individuals who have irregular spacing, discoloration, or misshapen teeth that they are looking to correct.
DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dental implants are realistic tooth replacements, increasing in popularity as advancements in dentistry improve. More appropriately called “tooth-root replacements”, this permanent solution has lifelong results, giving patients who are suffering from missing teeth an aesthetically pleasing option to return the functionality to their mouth. Implants feel and act like natural teeth and are stronger than alternative replacements as they grow into your existing bone!
TEETH WHITENING
Discoloration of teeth can lead to embarrassment and shyness, even if your teeth are perfectly straight. With office and at-home whitening treatments, your teeth will be luminous once more, ready to show off at your next social gathering.
NIGHT GUARDS
Patients who grind or bite down hard during their sleep can cause significant damage to their teeth and jaws. If you suffer from either sleep condition, your dentist may prescribe a mouthguard for nighttime use. Mouthguards are inexpensive appliances that are immediately available and custom-fit to your mouth for comfortable prevention of excessive sleep damage.
