Whether you are in need of a routine cleaning and exam, complete dentures, or anything in between, we promise to provide you with exceptional care as we enhance the natural beauty of your smile. Listed below are just some of the many procedures and services we provide to our patients. The health and beauty of your smile is our number one priority!
Cleanings:
The definition of a prophylaxis (the technical term for a routine dental cleaning,) is to "prevent disease". With the use of a dental scaler or water stream tool, the dental hygienist removes excess plaque and calculus (tartar) from all surfaces of the teeth. Routine dental cleanings not only aid in the prevention of tooth decay or gum disease, but also in minimizing bad breath by removing large amounts of bacteria. It is recommended that cleanings be scheduled semi-annually unless otherwise suggested by the dental professionals.
Fluoride Treatments:
A long time essential oral treatment, Fluoride is a natural mineral that is utilized to build strong teeth and prevent cavities. As a supporter of healthy tooth enamel, the use of fluoride minimizes the damage that can be done by the acid produced by plaque. An additional benefit of fluoride is its ability to reduce root hypersensitivity and can reverse early decay. Fluoride is found in tooth pastes and mouth rinses, but can also be applied in office as a gel, foam, or varnish.
Sealant:
Typically utilized on the back teeth (premolars and molars), dental sealant is a thin coating applied to the occlusal, or chewing surface, of the tooth. This serves to fill any depression or grooves, which creates a protective coating of the enamel. A sealant blocks food particles and plaque from collecting in the small nooks and crannies that cannot always be removed by brushing and flossing, serving to prevent or delay tooth decay.
The definition of a prophylaxis (the technical term for a routine dental cleaning,) is to "prevent disease". With the use of a dental scaler or water stream tool, the dental hygienist removes excess plaque and calculus (tartar) from all surfaces of the teeth. Routine dental cleanings not only aid in the prevention of tooth decay or gum disease, but also in minimizing bad breath by removing large amounts of bacteria. It is recommended that cleanings be scheduled semi-annually unless otherwise suggested by the dental professionals.
Fluoride Treatments:
A long time essential oral treatment, Fluoride is a natural mineral that is utilized to build strong teeth and prevent cavities. As a supporter of healthy tooth enamel, the use of fluoride minimizes the damage that can be done by the acid produced by plaque. An additional benefit of fluoride is its ability to reduce root hypersensitivity and can reverse early decay. Fluoride is found in tooth pastes and mouth rinses, but can also be applied in office as a gel, foam, or varnish.
Sealant:
Typically utilized on the back teeth (premolars and molars), dental sealant is a thin coating applied to the occlusal, or chewing surface, of the tooth. This serves to fill any depression or grooves, which creates a protective coating of the enamel. A sealant blocks food particles and plaque from collecting in the small nooks and crannies that cannot always be removed by brushing and flossing, serving to prevent or delay tooth decay.
X-rays:
Bitewings
In addition to capturing the visible part of both your upper and lower teeth, bitewings also capture a portion of your roots and supporting bone. Dentists utilize bitewings to detect decay, particularly between teeth. They also aid in the detection of gum disease by revealing changes in the bone level of the jaw. It is recommended bitewings be taken once a year, typically coinciding with a cleaning. |
Panoramic
The purpose of a panoramic x-ray is to capture the entire mouth within a single image. This includes not only the teeth, but both upper and lower jaws and surrounding structures and tissues. It may be as a diagnostic tool for dentures, braces, extractions and implants. PA Short for periapical, a PA is a singular X-ray meant to highlight a "specific area of concern". It will show the entire tooth from the apex of the root (the very tip) to the crown (chewing surface). Typically, a dentist will recommend a PA in instances of tooth aches. PA’s allow for the detection of unusual changes in your roots and surrounding bone. They can also be utilized mid-dental procedure as a progress tool for the dentist. |
Exams:
Periodic
As part of the recommended six month dental check-up process, periodic oral exams allow your general dentist to "evaluate" the health of your gums and teeth as well as keep your dental chart up to date. Using these exams, dentists aim to diagnose and create treatment plans for regular dental needs, such as fillings. It is suggested that Bitewing x-rays be taken at one of your two regularly scheduled semi-annual periodic exams |
Comprehensive
A Comprehensive Oral Examination is performed on patients that are new to the practice or have not received an exam for an extended period of time. It will include additional charting as the dentists potentially reviews any x-rays and completes a thorough search for inflammation, bleeding, periodontal pockets, decay detection and calculus deposits. |
Limited
You would receive a Limited Oral Evaluation if you presented with any problems, such as dental pain or swelling in a particular area within your mouth. The dentist will request and read any x-rays, should they be deemed necessary, as well as perform a visual evaluation, to aid in his diagnosis. |
Technology is ever improving and this includes the dental field. Our office now offers the option to do a digital scan to create an interactive three dimensional image of your mouth. This is typically completed while you are in for one of your semi-annual prophylaxis (cleaning.) However, this scan can also be used to aid in Invisalign and restorative work.
Patient Education
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Invisalign®
As an alternative to traditional braces, the ITero Element® Scanner can be used to formulate an individualized treatment plan for straightening and improving your smile. Once the scan is taken and sent to Invisalign®, a set of custom, clear and removable aligners will be created. With the aid of these trays, your teeth will gradually and progressively reposition. Invisalign® aligners have the added benefit of not interfering with your daily life, they can be removed prior to eating, for flossing/brushing, and for special occasions. If you are interested in Invisalign®, please let your hygienist know at your next cleaning or call our office to set up a consultation.
As an alternative to traditional braces, the ITero Element® Scanner can be used to formulate an individualized treatment plan for straightening and improving your smile. Once the scan is taken and sent to Invisalign®, a set of custom, clear and removable aligners will be created. With the aid of these trays, your teeth will gradually and progressively reposition. Invisalign® aligners have the added benefit of not interfering with your daily life, they can be removed prior to eating, for flossing/brushing, and for special occasions. If you are interested in Invisalign®, please let your hygienist know at your next cleaning or call our office to set up a consultation.
See your New Invisalign® Smile in Seconds.
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When a patient presents with missing or damaged teeth, restorative dentistry is the most common solution. Restorative dentistry procedures are important to overall dental and general health for several reasons, such as ensuring proper teeth alignment, easier maintenance of good oral care habits and the mental benefits of maintaining a smile one can feel confident about.
Fillings
The most commonly used form of restorative services, fillings are used to treat caries (cavities). The dentist will remove the decay from your tooth and fill the remaining space to prevent the spread of additional decay. Traditionally, most fillings consist of a metal mixture (Amalgam) or a Resin (Composite). Bridges
A Bridge is a means to replace missing teeth. A crown is created for the teeth on either side of the missing tooth or teeth. These crowns act as an anchor for an artificial tooth/teeth used to hold the space. Bridges aid in stabilizing your teeth and preserving your existing bite. Bridges are typically created from materials that look like a natural tooth, such as porcelain, Porcelain fused to metal, and zirconia. |
Crowns
Traditionally utilized when a tooth has suffered decay significant enough to be considered irreparable by filling. In this process, once the dentist has finished preparing the tooth and sends all necessary information to the lab, you are fitted with a temporary crown while you wait on the lab to create a permanent crown. The crown itself is a tooth shaped cap intended to restore size, shape, aesthetic, and utility of the initial tooth. Crowns can be constructed out of multiple materials; gold, silver, porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, and zirconia. Implant Crowns
Implants can be used to replace missing teeth. For patients that choose this option, you will be referred to a specialist to help prepare your jaw and mouth for the implant. An implant consists of two parts, a metal screw to anchor it in place, and a false tooth, or implant crown. Once fitted with the metal anchor, you can return to office to be fitted for an implant crown and abutment. These crowns, to maintain a more natural look, are typically constructed out of tooth colored materials such as zirconia or porcelain fused to metal. |
These treatments deal with the interior of the tooth. This includes the pulp, which contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. When this pulp becomes inflamed or infected, which could be by deep decay or a fractured tooth, it becomes necessary to pursue treatment. This treatment could come in the form of a root canal or a Therapeutic Pulpotomoy.
Root Canal The inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the root canal is cleaned and shaped. This space is then filled with a biocompatible, rubber-like material, called gutta-percha and secured with cement. The dentist will then place a temporary filling. At a follow-up appointment, the temporary filling will be removed, healing progress examined, and a permanent restoration will be completed, usually a crown. Therapeutic Pulpotomy The portion of inflamed or infected pulp is removed and medication is applied and protected with a temporary filling. The purpose of a Pulpotomy is to preserve the vitality of the remaining non-inflamed or infected pulp. Then, once the medicine has had time to take effect, the dentist will check on progress and recommend the next steps. |
Dentures (Complete)
Utilized when all teeth are missing, on either the upper jaw (maxillary), lower jaw (mandibular), or both. Once all teeth are removed and the tissue has had time to heal, models of your mouth and bite are then sent to a lab. Dentures typically take a few weeks to come back. Try-in and denture adjustment appointments are then necessary to ensure a proper fit. |
Partials:
Also known as a Removable Partial Denture, partials are used to replace missing teeth when there are still multiple natural teeth remaining. The partial is created using mapping techniques (digital imaging or impressions) and is secured in the mouth with clasps around remaining teeth. Partials can be constructed out of Acrylic and a combination of Acrylic and Metal. It is considered a more affordable option to implants. |
There are many reasons why a dentist might recommend an extraction. Some of these may include; wisdom teeth, tooth infection, fractured or irreparable tooth, and crowding. Our office uses a local Anesthetic to numb the area around your tooth, resulting in feeling only pressure, rather than pain. Then using instruments called elevators and forceps, the tooth is removed and a suture applied (if necessary).
Extraction Aftercare:
1. DO NOT rise mouth out for 24 hours.
2. KEEP FINGERS AND TONGUE away from the socket.
3. STRAWS should not be utilized when drinking beverages.
4. BLEEDING following a tooth extraction is to be expected. If unusually heavy, place a wet sterile gauze pad firmly over the site of extraction, and bite down or hold in place with pressure for twenty minutes.
5. SWELLING may start after tooth has been removed, but is no cause for alarm. Use plastic bag or towel filled with ice against affected area for five minutes on and off for one hour.
6. LIGHT OR LIQUID DIET is suggested for 24 hours.
7. DO NOT SMOKE for at least 24 hours.
8. NEXT DAY rinse mouth with one teaspoon of salt in an eight ounce glass of warm water after meals. Repeat for next two to three days.
9. BONY EDGES OR HARD PROJECTIONS may be felt in the mouth and mistaken for roots. This is usually the hard, bony partition that surrounds the roots of the teeth. These will generally break away or work themselves out.
10. If antibiotics are prescribed, take full dosage and finish medication even though symptoms have disappeared.
11. In the event of any unusual symptoms, call the office.
Extraction Aftercare:
1. DO NOT rise mouth out for 24 hours.
2. KEEP FINGERS AND TONGUE away from the socket.
3. STRAWS should not be utilized when drinking beverages.
4. BLEEDING following a tooth extraction is to be expected. If unusually heavy, place a wet sterile gauze pad firmly over the site of extraction, and bite down or hold in place with pressure for twenty minutes.
5. SWELLING may start after tooth has been removed, but is no cause for alarm. Use plastic bag or towel filled with ice against affected area for five minutes on and off for one hour.
6. LIGHT OR LIQUID DIET is suggested for 24 hours.
7. DO NOT SMOKE for at least 24 hours.
8. NEXT DAY rinse mouth with one teaspoon of salt in an eight ounce glass of warm water after meals. Repeat for next two to three days.
9. BONY EDGES OR HARD PROJECTIONS may be felt in the mouth and mistaken for roots. This is usually the hard, bony partition that surrounds the roots of the teeth. These will generally break away or work themselves out.
10. If antibiotics are prescribed, take full dosage and finish medication even though symptoms have disappeared.
11. In the event of any unusual symptoms, call the office.