Hygiene
An
integral part of maintaining your teeth for life is the removal of
plaque and tarter on a regular basis. The frequency of your visits is
based upon your individual needs and oral health. During your visit we
will update your medical history, perform an oral cancer screening exam,
check your teeth for cavities, review oral hygiene instruction, and
monitor your periodontal (gum) condition. Fluoride treatments are
provided for children under the age of thirteen and for those adults
when appropriate.
Sealants
Highly
effective in preventing decay on the biting surfaces of you chewing
teeth, sealants are a simple procedure in which a tooth-colored acrylic
"coating" is painted onto the surface of the tooth. This
effectively "seals" the deep grooves where decay is most
likely to start.
Orthodontics
For
patients, adults and children, who have crowned or crooked teeth, spaces
between their teeth or misaligned teeth and jaws, orthodontic therapy
can help reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, the trauma due to
protruding teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends
that children have an evaluation by 7 years of age. More than 25% of all
orthodontic patients are adults. Although we don't do orthodontics in
this office, we can direct you to a qualified dentist that we work
closely with.
Implants
A
remarkable procedure, implants can replace any or all of your teeth. The
implant becomes integrated with the bone and acts like a
"bolt" which will ultimately support a new tooth. The
advantage of implants for patients with dentures are denture stability,
increased patient comfort and confidence. Although we don't do
implants in this office, we can direct you to a qualified dentist that
we work closely with.
Crowns
A
"cap", "jacket" or "crown" will restore a
broken, heavily filled or cracked tooth to its original size and shape.
This may also be recommended after a root canal therapy has been
completed as the tooth tends to become brittle and is more apt to
fracture. Crowns can strengthen and protect the remaining tooth
structure and improve the appearance of your teeth.
Cosmetic
Dentistry
For
the smile you have always wanted, our "Cosmetic work-up"
allows you to "preview" what your smile could look like.
Cosmetic dentistry encompasses reshaping your teeth, veneers or bonding,
natural-looking tooth-colored fillings and bleaching.
Teeth
Whitening
Tooth whitening or bleaching is not only the easiest but perhaps the
most effective way to enhance your smile. We are proud to offer our
patients several tooth whitening products to fit your individual need.
Tooth
Decay and Repair
Utilizing
dental x-rays gives both you and us the opportunity to see potential
problems occurring in your mouth, such as decay or fractured teeth.
Often a tooth will not start bothering you until there is significant
loss of tooth structure. With the help of x-rays, problems can be
detected earlier, before you experience a toothache.
Periodontal
Disease
While
seldom painful and frequently free of any obvious signs or symptoms,
periodontal disease can progress, undetected, to the point where
supporting bone is destroyed. With 80 to 90 percent of all teenagers
having some form of gingivitis (inflamed gums) and 75% of adult tooth
loss for people over the age of 35 due to periodontal disease, early
treatment and prevention is essential. While periodontal disease is
caused by plaque, a number of other factors including poorly fitting
bridges, badly aligned teeth and defective fillings contribute to the
development of this condition. Our on-staff periodontal hygienists are
available to treat your periodontal disease and save your teeth.
Oral
Surgery
The
goal of modern dentistry is to prevent tooth loss. When a tooth cannot
be saved, extraction (removal) of the tooth may be the only course of
treatment. A panorex x-ray allows us to see a complete picture of the
alignment of your jaw, the positioning of your teeth and if there is
sufficient space for your third molars (wisdom teeth) to fully erupt. In
addition, it is an excellent diagnostic tool for evaluating the
supporting bone for possible cysts or tumors. Most minor surgeries are
performed at our facility, however the doctor may choose to refer to a
maxillofacial surgeon for more complicated cases.
Bridges
A
non-removable bridge can restore your teeth to normal function by
replacing missing teeth. It will improve the entire health of your mouth
by keeping the surrounding teeth in position and can also help maintain
the structure of your face and jaw.
Root
Canal Therapy
If
a tooth's pulp (nerve and blood supply) becomes infected or inflamed,
root canal treatment may be the only way to save the tooth, short of
removing it. Root canal treatment consists of removing the nerve that
lies within the root of the tooth.
Dentures
Many
people believe that once they have dentures, they no longer need regular
dental care. Denture wearers require regular exams to ensure their
health, comfort and appearance. Gum tissues are in a constant state of
change. Periodic relining of the dentures may be necessary to ensure a
tight and comfortable fit.
Athletic
Mouth guards
We
provide state-of-the-art custom made athletic mouth guards for all
patients requiring protection during athletic competition in "at
risk" sports. Store bought over-the-counter mouth guards do not fit
as well nor do they provide the anticipated and necessary protection to
help prevent dental/facial injuries. The only mouth guard that should be
worn is that made from a model of the mouth. Patients have individual
requirements for fit, comfort, level of competition, and compliance. The
professionally designed custom-made mouth guard satisfies these
requirements.
|
