Regular Exams and Cleanings

Maintaining optimal oral health requires regular check-ups and cleanings. Our comprehensive dental exams provide the following benefits:

• A thorough assessment of hidden dental issues
• Detection of cavities and early signs of tooth decay
• Evaluation of gum health and identification of gingivitis
  or periodontal disease
• Complete teeth cleaning procedure

A typical dental exam lasts approximately 45 minutes and encompasses a detailed cleaning session. Our skilled professionals will meticulously clean, polish, and rinse your teeth, eliminating tartar and plaque buildup on the tooth’s surface.

Could you make sure to visit our office every six months to talk to our experienced dentist about any concerns you have regarding your oral health? Please get in touch with our practice today to schedule your next dental exam and teeth cleaning.

Remember that regular exams are available by appointment, so it’s best to schedule your visit as soon as possible.

Bonding

Dental bonding is a conservative and effective solution for minor dental issues like chipped, discolored, or misaligned teeth. This procedure involves applying a tooth-colored filling that forms a strong bond with your natural tooth, resulting in a remarkable improvement in its appearance. Bonding can also be used as an alternative to silver amalgam fillings, with its discreet white color being less noticeable. It is versatile and can be applied to both front and back teeth depending on the extent of tooth decay.

One notable advantage of dental bonding is its affordability and the convenience of completing the procedure in a single office visit. However, it’s essential to be aware that bonded teeth may be susceptible to staining and slightly more prone to chipping than porcelain veneers. Please inform your dentist of any damage; most bonding issues can be easily patched or repaired during a visit.

Bridges

A bridge is a dental solution that serves multiple purposes. It effectively replaces missing teeth, helps maintain facial shape, and relieves bite stress. Bridging the gap created by one or more missing teeth restores functionality and enhances aesthetics. Bridges can be made from materials like gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these, and they are securely bonded onto adjacent teeth for support.

For a bridge to be successful, it relies on a solid foundation provided by the surrounding teeth, gums, and jawbone. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain the health and strength of your existing oral structures. This involves proper care for your natural teeth, gums, and jaw, ensuring their longevity and ensuring the long-term success of your bridge.

Crowns

Crowns serve as a restorative solution to enhance tooth shape and strength. They are commonly used for teeth broken, worn, or significantly affected by tooth decay.

A crown acts as a cap cemented onto an existing tooth, covering the portion above the gum line. Essentially, it becomes the new outer surface of the tooth. Crowns can be crafted from porcelain, metal, or both. Porcelain crowns are often preferred for their ability to replicate the natural translucency of teeth while maintaining considerable strength.

When the remaining tooth structure is insufficient to support a filling, crowns or onlays (partial crowns), become necessary. Unlike fillings applied directly in your mouth, crowns are fabricated in a dental laboratory. Your unique tooth impression allows a dental technician to thoroughly assess your bite and jaw movements. The height is then meticulously sculpted to ensure the standard functionality of your bite and jaw once it is placed.

Dentures

Dentures are removable replacement teeth that closely resemble natural teeth.

They are available in two types: full and partial. Complete dentures are provided when all natural teeth have been extracted, while partial dentures are connected to a metal frame, filling the gaps created by missing permanent teeth.

Proper care is essential for maintaining dentures, similar to caring for natural teeth. Brush them with a gentle cleanser, keep them moist when not in use, and maintain the cleanliness of your tongue and gums.

Extractions

Tooth extraction may be necessary in various situations. For example, misshapen baby teeth or extensive decay can require removal to make way for permanent teeth or prevent further damage. Extraction may also be needed for infections, orthodontic adjustments, or problematic wisdom teeth.

The procedure involves expanding the tooth socket and separating the tooth from its supporting ligament. While quick, it’s essential to discuss sedation preferences with your dentist. After extraction, neighboring teeth may shift, affecting chewing and jaw function. To avoid complications, tooth replacement options may be recommended.

Fillings

Dental fillings have traditionally been made of gold, porcelain, and composite materials. However, newer options like ceramic and plastic compounds are now available.

These more contemporary materials are called composite resins and are often used on front teeth to create a more natural appearance.

There are two types of fillings: direct and indirect. Natural fillings are placed in one visit, while indirect fillings like inlays and veneers require multiple visits and are made with ceramics or composites.

Fluoride

Fluoride is a powerful tool in preventing cavities, tooth decay, and plaque buildup. A quick fluoride treatment at the dentist’s office can have significant benefits. Following the treatment, avoiding rinsing, eating, or drinking for about 30 minutes is crucial for optimal fluoride absorption. The frequency of fluoride treatments, whether every three, six, or 12 months, will depend on your oral health and your dentist’s recommendation.

Implant Restoration

Replacing missing teeth is essential for maintaining proper chewing function and preventing discomfort. With a complete set of teeth, your bite can become stable, leading to oral issues. Moreover, the absence of teeth can cause the mouth to shift and even make your face appear older. Fortunately, implants offer a long-lasting solution for tooth replacement.

An implant is a natural-looking tooth made of durable materials like metal and porcelain. It consists of two components: a titanium implant body that replaces the tooth root and a tooth-colored crown securely attached to the implant.

This seamless combination creates a replacement tooth that blends in seamlessly with your natural teeth, allowing you to smile confidently without revealing the presence of an artificial tooth.

Mouthguards

 

Protecting your smile during sports activities, whether you wear braces or not, is crucial. Mouthguards are vital in safeguarding your teeth and gums from potential injuries. If you engage in full-contact sports, it is highly recommended by the American Dental Association to wear a mouthguard.

Selecting the appropriate mouthguard is essential, and there are three main types to consider: pre-made mouthguards, boil-and-bite fitted mouthguards, and custom-made mouthguards provided by your dentist. When choosing a mouthguard, prioritize qualities such as tear-resistance, comfort, proper fit for your mouth, ease of cleaning, and the ability to allow normal breathing. Your dentist can guide you in correctly wearing a mouthguard and help you choose the one that best protects your smile.

Nightguards

You might suffer from common bruxism if you experience frequent jaw pain, earaches, headaches, or teeth clenching and grinding. Many individuals are unaware of their teeth-grinding habits, often during sleep. However, if left untreated, bruxism can lead to tooth damage, including fractures and tooth loss.

Fortunately, there is a simple and non-invasive solution for bruxism: nightguards. These custom-made devices, crafted by your dentist using soft material, effectively prevent the long-term wear and damage caused by teeth grinding. By wearing a nightguard, which is placed over either your upper or lower teeth, contact between opposing teeth is prevented, alleviating the harmful effects of bruxism.

Root Canals

Root canal treatment has revolutionized the approach to tooth decay and infected nerves. Previously, such cases often led to tooth extraction, but now the tooth can be saved. During the procedure, the affected tissue is removed, the tooth’s interior is cleaned and sealed, and a dental composite is used to fill it. If necessary, a crown may be placed for added strength. A restored tooth can last a lifetime with proper oral care, including regular checkups.

Sealants

Dental sealants provide additional protection against tooth decay, especially in hard-to-reach areas. These plastic resins bond and harden in the deep grooves of your teeth, creating a smooth surface that resists plaque buildup. Sealants make brushing more effective in preventing cavities.

While sealants are commonly applied to children’s permanent teeth, adults can also benefit from them. The longevity of sealants ranges from three to five years, but it’s not uncommon for them to last even longer.

If an adhesive comes off, it’s essential to let your dentist know and schedule a re-sealing appointment to maintain the best protection against decay.

Veneers

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover the front of your teeth, improving their appearance. They can fix gaps, chips, stains, or misshapen teeth, giving you a confident smile.

Your dentist will create a model of your teeth, and the veneers will be made to match. After minimal tooth preparation, the veneers are placed, blending seamlessly with your natural teeth.

While veneers are stain-resistant, avoiding substances like coffee and tobacco is recommended for a long-lasting beautiful smile.

Wisdom Teeth

 

Wisdom teeth, found at the back of the mouth, often emerge in the late teens or early twenties. However, they can become impacted, causing gum tenderness, swelling, and pain. Impacted wisdom teeth are challenging to clean and prone to decay, infections, and gum disease.

Extraction is commonly recommended to address impacted wisdom teeth during the late teens or early twenties when the roots are not fully formed, and the surrounding bone is less dense, making the procedure easier and recovery faster. The extraction process involves numbing the area with local anesthesia, removing a portion of the bone covering the tooth, and potentially dividing the tooth into smaller pieces for easier removal. The healing time varies depending on the complexity of the extraction, and your dentist will provide instructions for a smooth recovery process.