Dental Examination
We will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums, specifically looking for any potential problems. Depending on the patient, X-rays may be taken. 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 or treatment. Oral hygiene instructions will also be provided along with suggestions to help you care for your teeth.
Routine Cleanings
It is recommended for you to have a regular cleaning twice a year. During this visit, a hygienist will perform the cleaning, take x-rays and give home care instructions. If needed the hygienist will apply fluoride. After an exam, we will make a treatment plan and your hygienist will go over it thoroughly.
Fillings
Fillings replace damaged or decayed tooth structure with a restorative material.
Composite 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, strengthening it by restoring most of its original shape. The fillings can even be custom-colored to match your teeth to help give you the most natural-looking smile possible.
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 a space that a tooth previously occupied. 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. Bridges consist of a filler tooth attached to two crowns in order to hold the bridge in place.
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
- The tooth has suffered extensive tooth decay or trauma that cannot be repaired
- The patient has 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
Denture and Partial
A denture and partial are removable plates that replace missing teeth. A Denture is needed when missing all teeth on the upper, lower or both. A partial is needed when missing a few teeth but still have teeth remaining. There are many different kinds of both.
Laser
The laser is a better way of removing over grown tissue or lesion. For example, sometime when a tooth has been broken for a while the gum will grow over the broken piece. We will trim the gum back with the laser for a clean margin. Also, some people have a lesion on their lip or check from biting it constantly. We will remove it with the laser and after the area heals you will never know that anything was done.