Services
As a general dental practice, we provide a wide array of services for all ages. Below is a listing of some of the services we provide along with a brief description. We also work closely with local dental specialists if the need arises.
Dental Examination
We will thoroughly examine your teeth and gum tissues along with an evaluation of your TMJ. We will screen you for oral cancer and other abnormal lumps or bumps. Depending on the patient, X-rays may be indicated. If there are any signs of decay or other problems, we will recommend treatment options and make notes of any conditions that may need future observation. Oral hygiene instructions will also be provided along with suggestions to help you care for your teeth and prevent problems from reoccurring.
Routine Cleanings
Twice a year, you should schedule a routine dental cleaning. During this visit, one of our dental hygienists will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, especially from places where your brush can't reach, such as underneath the gum line and between teeth. We will then polish your teeth and apply fluoride to help protect your teeth once you leave the office.
Fillings
Fillings replace damaged or decayed tooth structure with a restorative material. There are several different types of filling materials, including:
- Silver amalgam: Silver was once the most commonly used material to restore teeth. However, with the advent of more aesthetic tooth colored filling material, it is used less frequently.
- Gold fillings: Gold fillings are very durable and will probably outlast the other alternatives The main drawback to gold fillings is the cost of the restoration, since gold is a precious metal.
- White fillings: After much research, some new tooth-colored materials have been developed that are stronger, longer-lasting and more aesthetically pleasing to our patients. These new tooth-colored fillings bond directly to the tooth, providing additional strength The fillings are matched to your teeth to help give you the most natural-looking smile possible.
Crowns
A crown is a custom-made covering that fits over an original tooth that is either decayed, damaged or cracked. Crowns are made of a variety of different materials such as porcelain, zirconium, gold, acrylic resin or a mix of these materials.
The treatment sequence for a patient receiving a crown usually includes:
New technologies have greatly reduced the time needed to make strong, natural-looking crowns. Once the procedure is completed, proper care should be taken to ensure the crown remains in good condition and the teeth and gums are healthy. Given proper care, your crowns can last a lifetime!
Bridges
A bridge is a dental device that fills the space left after one or more teeth have been lost. A bridge may be necessary to prevent the shifting of teeth, to fix bite problems or to ensure the strength and integrity of the surrounding teeth.
Fixed bridges are the most popular, and consist of a replacement tooth attached to two crowns in order to hold the bridge in place. "Maryland" bridges, sometimes used to replace missing front teeth, use tooth-colored metal wings bonded to the back surfaces of the adjacent teeth. Cantilever bridges use two crowned teeth positioned next to each other on the same side of the missing tooth.
Bridges have been an accepted method to replace missing teeth for decades and until the advent of implants, were considered the premier treatment option. They still have a role in modern dental treatment options. Call our office if you have further questions.
Implants
Root Canals
A root canal is a procedure that removes diseased tissue from inside a tooth, reshapes and disinfects the canal spaces and seals them with a medicated rubbery material. There are a number of reasons a root canal may be necessary, including dental injuries, severe decay and infection or inflammation in the tooth pulp. When left untreated, these problems can cause extensive damage to the tooth structure and surrounding jaw bone.
Root canals can typically be completed in one visit, although more extensive cases may require additional appointments. Normally root canals can be accomplished comfortably with local anesthetic so you can drive yourself to and from the appointment. In some instances, patients may require some medication to reduce anxiety and we can provide that for you. You would need transportation to and from the appointment. If you have any questions about root canal therapy, feel free to call our office for additional information.
Tooth Extractions
An extraction is the complete removal of a tooth. Extractions are sometimes necessary if:
- A primary tooth is preventing the normal eruption of a permanent tooth
- A tooth has extensive tooth decay or trauma that cannot be repaired
- The patient has advanced gum disease
- The tooth is impacted – this is usually the case with the third molars, or “wisdom teeth,” as they erupt years after the other teeth and often have insufficient room in the jaw
A local anesthetic is used to ensure the patient remains comfortable during the procedure. We can even perscribe a suitable oral medication before the appointment to reduce anxiety. In these cases, you must be driven to and from the office. If general anesthesia is required, we will refer you to an oral surgeon.
