Procedures
Diagnostic services:
The initial oral examination will include both the visual exam and x-rays. X-rays help the dentist see what is not visible to the naked eye. This includes cavities, infections, and periodontal disease. Preventative services: Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay, reverses early decay and promotes remineralization. In children fluoride becomes incorporated into the development of permanent teeth, making it difficult for acids to demineralize the teeth. A Sealant is a thin coating painted on the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent tooth decay. It seals the grooves and depressions of the teeth forming a protective shield over the enamel. Oral Hygiene/Maintenance: It is recommended for everyone to see a dental professional for cleanings every 6 months. Over time, teeth can collect plaque and tartar that cannot be removed with regular brushing and flossing at home. This can lead to gum and bone loss, as well as cavities. A routine cleaning involves the removal of plaque and tartar followed by a refreshing polishing. Scalings: Sometimes a regular cleaning isn't enough to combat periodontal disease. A scaling (or deep cleaning) is a more thorough cleaning, often done with the patient being numb. This allows the dental professional to remove any buildup that developed deep under the gums. It is usually done once, followed by frequent maintenance cleanings. Fillings: Most cavities can be solved with direct restorations. The most common are tooth-colored resins or silver amalgam fillings. Tooth Whitening: Almost everyone can benefit from teeth whitening in order to remove tooth discoloration caused by coffee, tea, tobacco, red wine, aging, old restorations or use of antibiotics. Using products not available in stores, teeth can be bleached for a brighter smile. In-office and home-care products available. Veneers: Sometimes teeth cannot be whitened or fixed with traditional fillings. Veneers are thin porcelain coverings that are permanently cemented to natural teeth. They are designed to correct teeth that are permanently stained, chipped, or broken. They are custom shaded to give you a natural looking, beautiful smile. Invisalign: Invisalign straightens teeth without traditional metal or ceramic brackets. It uses clear plastic trays that are virtually invisible to correct crooked or crowded teeth, gaps between the teeth, and overbite. Since they are removable, you can eat whatever foods you enjoy and you can brush and floss your teeth normally. Root canals: Many toothaches are caused by a diseased nerve inside the tooth. Whether trauma, decay, or infection, the treatment is a painless removal of the nerve tissue and/or infection inside the tooth. Once all diseased tissue is removed, a filling is placed where the nerve used to be. The tooth is then rebuilt and often crowned. Crowns: Crowns (also known as caps) are protective or cosmetic coverings for teeth. Many teeth that have large, unstable fillings are prone to fracturing and need crowns for protection. They act as helmets to absorb the biting forces applied to it. Crowns are usually done to restore the function and appearance of the teeth after root canal treatments or when a large portion of the tooth is decayed or broken. They are custom made in a lab and are designed to look beautiful and natural. Bridges: Also known as fixed partial dentures, bridges are mainly used to replace missing teeth. Using two or more natural (or implant) teeth, several crowns/teeth are fused together to form a single appliance that is permanently cemented in place. Made the same way as crowns, the result is natural and beautiful. Extractions: Sometimes teeth cannot be saved. Using regular anesthesia, teeth can be quickly and painlessly removed in-house. We will always be happy to talk to you about replacing any missing tooth. Partial dentures: This is a popular option for people missing several, but not all, of their teeth. Using the remaining teeth for support, a lab custom designs a removable appliance that replaces all the missing teeth. Full/Complete Dentures: This is a popular option for people missing all their teeth. A lab uses molds/models to creates a removable appliance that replaces all the missing teeth in an arch. Dental implants: The gold standard in replacing missing teeth. Implants are essentially titanium screws fused inside the jawbone. Once healed, they can serve as supports for individual teeth, multiple teeth, and even dentures. |