- Dental ExaminationIt all starts with a comprehensive examination, an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan. See the detailed description under Comprehensive Dentistry.
- Oral Cancer ScreeningThis starts at your initial examination and at your regular hygiene visits. Dr. Pate and/or our hygienist will examine your teeth, gums and soft tissue to be certain there are no problems developing that you may not be aware of. Digital radiographs will be taken when appropriate to examine invisible areas between the teeth and below the gum for signs of decay, gum disease or other pathology within the bone.
- Teeth CleaningIf not carefully removed by daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar). This tartar will hold plaque in and around your teeth. Since the tartar can not be removed by brushing and flossing, once tartar has formed, you can not remove the plaque as well. That is what regular dental cleanings are for, to remove the tartar leaving a smooth tooth surface that can be cleaned DAILY by you with regular brushing and flossing. WE KEEP THEM SMOOTH – YOU KEEP THEM CLEAN! Working together we can control most gum disease and tooth decay. There are other factors that do contribute to gum disease and tooth decay such as diet, smoking, diabetes, medication, stress, clinching and grinding, and poor nutrition to name a few. However, the primary cause of gum disease and tooth decay is by far dental plaque which can be controlled by GOOD tooth brushing and flossing TECHNIQUES, performed AT LEAST ONCE EACH DAY.
- Dental SealantsThis is a plastic coating that is applied to the grooves of the back teeth to make them more resistant to getting decay. This is one of the most susceptible areas of all the teeth to decay. The chewing surface and groove of the tooth is cleaned and the plastic coating is secured in place using bonded light technology.
- Fillings
- VeneersPorcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain that bond directly to the front surfaces of the teeth. While fragile in the hand, when bonded in place they are very strong and natural in appearance. They are often an ideal choice for improving your smile and have become increasingly popular because of their conservative nature, simplicity and versatility. Placing custom veneers requires a high degree of technical skill as well as attention to cosmetic detail. Dr. Pate skillfully details and designs each one individually to match and enhance the characteristics of each patient’s smile.
- CrownsThe unsightly black lines seen at the necks of porcelain to metal crowns are now a thing of the past. Today’s technology eliminates the metal and the problem.
- Bridges
- Dental BondingThis is a form of cosmetic dentistry, which relates to having small changes done to teeth using tooth colored restorative materials. This may be used to close a small space, repair a small chip in a tooth, repair a small area of decay or repairing other small defects in non-stress bearing areas. Cosmetic bonding using tooth colored restorative materials are not as strong and resistant to staining as porcelain veneers, inlays and onlays but for small cosmetic corrections it is often a great option to consider.
- Restorative DentistryOnce again digital patient education is more descriptive and enlightening than ever before. PowerPoint programs show before and after cases as well as other informative programming. We also have specific software for demonstrating all aspects of dental care from preventive care to restorative dentistry to the effects of tooth and bone loss from losing teeth and not having them restored.
- Root Canal TreatmentDone as an adjunct to restorative therapy. When a tooth is abscessed or the nerve of the tooth is exposed either by decay or fracture of the tooth, often times the tooth can be maintained in a healthy state by having the nerve of the tooth removed – a process known as root canal therapy.
- Deep CleaningWe perform conservative gum treatments including dental hygiene, home care instruction, and scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), This is aimed at creating an environment in the mouth of smooth teeth free of calculus (tartar). A smooth tooth surface that can be cleaned DAILY by you with regular brushing and flossing.
- DenturesThe restoration can be a single tooth on a single implant, or several teeth on several implants. It can be 3 or 4 teeth supported by 2, 3, or 4 implants. Or it can be a full arch of teeth on eight or more implants. It all depends on the amount and quality (hardness) of bone, and the location and type of teeth being restored. A person with lots of good quality bone can have larger implants placed and thus fewer implants are required to carry the load. A person with less bone or poorer quality bone can still have dental implants, but it may take more implants to carry the load. Individual porcelain teeth that are fixed in place and are not removable by the patient are usually the best objective if the amount and quality of bone is adequate. Other situations dictate the use of dentures attached to implants using clips. These are held in place securely but are removable by the patient. Dr. Pate will evaluate your bone and give you some guidance as to which restoration is right for you.
- Dental ImplantsImplants are small titanium (metal) posts that are surgically placed in the jawbone where teeth are missing. Implants then go through an integration period where the bone “fuses” to the implant. Once integrated or fused the implant is tightly anchored to the bone and forms a strong foundation for the support of various types of artificial teeth. Posts are placed into the integrated implants which are used to support teeth.
- Bone GraftingBone grafting can be done for patients that do not have enough good quality bone. This can be discussed on a case by case basis. Sinus modification is another very common method of securing the extra room needed for implant placement as well as various methods of onlay grafting.
- Teeth WhiteningIf you are unhappy with your smile, because your teeth are dark or stained, we can help you get it back. We use “Opalescence” a safe and effective, clinically proven method of whitening that is a significant improvement over those “do-it yourself” methods. It is fast, easy & effective. This is done with a custom (made to fit your teeth) tray with a reservoir on each tooth to hold the Whitening gel. This is worn while you sleep or for at least 4 hours a day for a period of about 2 weeks. We have a maintenance program that allows you to “touch it up” later on if in the future you feel the need to rejuvenate the whitening.
- Cosmetic DentistryCosmetic dentistry is the art & science of enhancing your smile. This can be as simple as minor reshaping of teeth to improve subtle characteristics that can make a big difference. It may involve having one or more teeth treated with a combination of the procedures outlined below, or it can be a complete smile makeover as seen on TV.