Cleanings
A dental cleaning is a professional cleaning you receive from a dentist or dental hygienist. Most dental cleanings take approximately 45 minutes. Cleanings should be performed every six months to prevent excessive plaque buildup. Plaque left untreated can lead to unhealthy gums and tooth decay. During your routine cleaning we will remove excess plaque and polish your teeth
Sealants
Sealants are used to fill narrow grooves in a tooth that cannot be adequately cleaned by brushing. In some cases, the tooth structure has fine grooves or pits which accumulate plaque, not because the person doesn't brush, but because they're too narrow to allow even one bristle into them. To avoid cavities developing over time, the dentist will brush on a coating that seals the grooves and pits, making it possible to brush off all the plaque and keep your teeth healthy.
Digital X-rays
X-rays are a focused beam of x-ray particles passed through bone which produce an image on special film, showing the structure through which it passed. This provides the familiar black and white images doctors and dentists use to diagnose problems and disease. Without an x-ray of the whole tooth and supporting bone and gum tissues, there would be no way to detect infection or pathology that requires attention.
SDF Decay Treatment
SDF (Silver Diamine Fluoride) is an inexpensive, non-invasive medicament that is applied topically. SDF has been used internationally for decades to arrest dental caries in primary and permanent teeth.
Fluoride
When it reaches your teeth, fluoride is absorbed into the enamel. It helps to repair the enamel by replenishing the lost calcium and phosphorous to keep your teeth hard. This process is caused remineralization. When fluoride is present during remineralization, the minerals deposited into the tooth enamel help strengthen your teeth and prevent dissolution during the next demineralization phase. Thus, fluoride helps stop the decay process and prevent tooth decay.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is an ideal tooth restoration for people who are missing one or more teeth as a result of injury, periodontal disease, or any other reason. A dental implant is a metal post that is positioned into the jaw. Once in place and bone surrounding the implant has had time to heal, a replacement tooth is attached to the post. While implants are typically more expensive than other methods of tooth replacement, they provide superior benefits. Implants are stronger than natural teeth and generally last 10-20 years or up to a lifetime. They are also a more favorable approach than bridgework since they do not depend on neighboring teeth for support. An implant also helps maintain the alveolar bone level.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a popular orthodontic treatment option for individuals seeking to improve the alignment of their teeth. These aligners are custom-made, transparent trays that are worn over the teeth, exerting gentle pressure to gradually shift them into proper alignment. Clear aligners offer numerous advantages over traditional braces. Our process begins with a free consultation to assess your teeth and develop the best treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. We use advanced technology, such as 3D imaging, to create a digital representation of the your teeth which helps design a series of clear aligners custom made for you.
Bonding
Bonding involves adhering composite resin material that is matched to the color of the tooth, to the front of the tooth. This is performed to repair damage caused by decay, to alter the alignment of the tooth, close gaps between the teeth, or for other cosmetic purposes. First the surface of the tooth is roughened in order to accept the bonding. A gel is applied so the resin will adhere to the surface of the tooth. The composite is then placed on the tooth and the bonding agent hardens with intense light. The last step is shaping and polishing to give a lustrous finish.
Crowns & Bridges
Crowns and bridges are used to restore and enhance teeth that are damaged or to take the place of missing teeth. A crown (sometimes called a cap) is used to entirely cover a damaged tooth. A crown not only strengthens a tooth, but it can dramatically improve a tooths appearance, shape and alignment.
Veneers
Veneers are a dental procedure in which a covering is placed over the outside (visible area) of the tooth. Veneers are usually only applied to the part of the tooth that is visible when talking or smiling. The procedure can be direct or indirect.
Fillings
A filling is a way to restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape. If you have a tooth that requires a filling, the dentist will first remove the decayed tooth material, clean the affected area, and then fill the cleaned out cavity with a filling material. A filling helps prevent further decay by closing off any cracks or spaces where bacteria can enter
Dentures
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. There are two types of dentures available, including partial and complete dentures. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain, while complete dentures are used to completely replace all teeth. Dentures are made to resemble your natural teeth so there should be no noticeable change to your appearance. In fact, dentures may even improve your smile!
Same day whitening
For a brighter, whiter smile without the wait, choose same day whitening, an in-office, chemically activated whitening treatment that offers results in about an hour. It's ideal for people who want instant whitening gratification or those who have that special event coming up that requires a bright, white smile.
Take home whitening
Take-home whitening treatments makes it easier than ever to help patients discover noticeably whiter smiles in the comfort of their own homes. Custom trays are made here in office and bleach gel is available to purchase when refills are needed.
Emergency Extractions
Although we will use every measure to prevent tooth loss, there are occasions when a tooth may need to be removed. If you have dental emergency requiring tooth removal, call us today!
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth are the last molars or "third molars" that develop on each side of the jaws. Wisdom teeth usually emerge in the back of the mouth between the ages of 16-20. Wisdom teeth are a valuable asset to the mouth when they are healthy and properly positioned. Often, however, problems develop that require their removal. When the jaw isn't large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth, they can become impacted (unable to come in or misaligned). Wisdom teeth may also grow in sideways, emerge only part way through the gum or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. A wisdom tooth extraction is a relatively routine procedure. The dentist will numb the area in your mouth with a local anesthesia or use IV sedation so you are asleep during the procedure. After the tooth is removed, we will provide care instructions to ensure proper healing. Some pain and swelling may occur but will normally subside after a few days. You should call your dentist if you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever.
Night Guards
Nightguards are recommended for patients who clench or grind their teeth at night as a way to protect their teeth and bite.Custom designed nightguards are made of flexible plastic and molded to fit the shape of your teeth.
Sports Guards
Dental injuries are the most common type of facial injury in sports. According to the ADA, an American Association of Orthodontists survey found that 84 percent of children do not wear mouth guards while playing organized sports because they are not required to wear them, but all young athletes would benefit from wearing a protective mouth guard. Custom designed mouthguards are made of flexible plastic and molded to fit the shape of your teeth. Mouthguards are recommended to protect the jaw and teeth during physical activity and sports such as boxing, football, basketball, or other activities where your mouth may be hit. Guards also protect the soft tissues of your tongue, lips and cheek lining.
TMJ Treatment
TMJ stands for temporal-mandibular joint. Temporal, as in temple area of skull; mandibular as in mandible, or lower jaw; joint as in where the head and jaw meet. Problems in this joint may be caused by a misalignment of the teeth, trauma, or excess muscle tension. Any problems in this area can create quite a bit of pain and biting difficulties. Symptoms of TMJ include headaches, earaches, trouble/soreness in opening and closing the mouth, clicking or popping of the jaw, pain in the jaw muscles and soreness sometimes extending to the face. Dental treatments for the condition can include replacing missing teeth, moving teeth, adjusting the bite and filling gaps between teeth. There is no one solution that is right for all cases. Occasionally a plastic mouthpiece is used to prevent clenching or grinding that is contributing to the problem. If untreated and in severe cases, surgery may be required to repair a badly damaged joint.
Periodontal Cleanings
Most patients need just a regular cleaning, which is called a prophylaxis, but some patients may need more specialized care and attention in their cleanings. These cleanings are called periodontal cleanings and have varying degrees of depth. This will be diagnosed and determined by your doctor.
Endodontics
A root canal may be necessary when an untreated cavity reaches all the way to the nerve of the tooth. Tooth trauma could also require the treatment. A root canal is performed to clean out the infected tooth pulp (nerve) and disinfect the canals of the tooth.
FAQ
What are some tips for good oral health care?
Brush twice per day, keep snacking limited, avoid sugary drinks, use fluoride as recommended by your provider, change your toothbrush every 3-4 months, and get on a regular cleaning schedule with your dental office.
how often should i floss?
Flossing once per day helps to prevent cavities from forming between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing also helps to keep your gums healthy. Any bleeding while flossing could indicate a problem and should be mentioned to your provider.
Which type of tooth brush should i use?
A soft toothbrush with a small head is recommended because medium and hard brushes tend to cause irritation and contribute to recession of the gums, and a small head allows you to get around each tooth more completely and is less likely to injure your gums
what is the difference between a crown and a cap?
No difference. Dentists use the term crown as opposed to a cap, but both refer to a restoration that is used to repair a severely broken tooth by covering all or most of the tooth after removing old fillings, fractured tooth structure, and all decay.
Is one type of toothpaste better than others?
Generally, no. However, it’s advisable to use a toothpaste containing fluoride to decrease the incidence of dental decay. We recommend our patients use what tastes good to them as long as it contains fluoride. The exception would be small children who tend to want to eat the toothpaste. In this case, be sure to use a toothpaste that does not contain fluoride.
Silver fillings Vs. white fillings
Although the U.S. Public Health Service issued a report in 1993 stating there is no health reason not to use amalgam (silver fillings), more patients today are requesting “white” or tooth-colored composite fillings. We also prefer tooth-colored fillings because they “bond” to the tooth structure and therefore help strengthen a tooth weakened by decay. However, “white” fillings cannot be used in every situation and amalgam still can be used with great success if the patient desires. If a tooth is very badly broken-down, a crown will usually be necessary and provide better overall satisfaction for the patient.
What age should my child see a dentist?
We recommend you start bringing in your children as soon as they start getting their first teeth. We will do an exam and make sure things are developing normally and get them acquainted with the office.