- Dental ExaminationYour dentist, with regular check-ups and cleanings can help keep your mouth clean, sweet smelling and beautiful. Check-ups can help catch periodontitis in its early stages which will prevent the unsightly damage that this disease can cause. Typically, a loss of dental insurance, or some other unexpected financial set back, will lead people to stop check-ups and cleaning for a period of time. That break in exams and cleanings can be just the opportunity gum disease needs to get a firm hold and produce irreversible changes. Periodontal patients must understand that regular maintenance and exams are essential for successful treatment of this disease. Essentially an inflamatory disease, this inflammation must be controlled and such control only happens by ensuring the teeth and their roots remain free of toxic plaque and tartar. Uninsured patients can pay a bit at a time for their examinations and cleanings BEFORE the visit to help cushion the expense without insurance. Don't go missing. Keep on a schedule to keep your smile beautiful.
- X-rays
- Teeth CleaningIn addition, the Sonicare is much more effective at plaque removal between the teeth than a manual toothbrush. Its ability to clean without physical contact provides some inter-dental cleaning. While the Sonicare is NOT a replacement for flossing, non-flossers are well served by the Sonicare.
- Fluoride Treatment
- Dental SealantsDr. Titus's dental philosophy centers around prevention and patient education. New patients will quickly see that he spends ample time to make sure that patients know what dental pathology is present, what treatment options are available, what the pros and cons of each treatment are and what consequences might be wrought should the condition go untreated. Regular screening for cavities, periodontitis, oral cancer and other pathologies are conducted at annual examinations. Pit and fissure sealants, prescription fluoride, preventive resin restorations and other modalities are routinely used as preventive measure for our patients.
- Fillings
- Resin CompositeComposite resin was developed for restoring anterior teeth. This new restorative was greeted with much applause. It was unique in several ways. Composite restorative material has a resin binder filled with tiny hard particles. The resin portion, can be cured, either chemically or by the use of light. In addition, the resin matrix can be chemically attached to the tooth structure by a process known as "
- Veneers
- CrownsFillings fit within the confines of the tooth. In contrast, a crown fits around the tooth and over its top. This difference may not seem all that important at first thought, but when considering the possiblity of tooth fracture, this is vital.
- Bridges
- Dental Bonding
- Restorative DentistryRestorative dentistry, covered under all insurance plans, is different from high-end cosmetic dentistry. For most patients, our normal aesthetic goals are more than satisfactory. However, if you want near perfection and the associated work to achieve this, we consider this addition effort, materials and lab cost a premium service.
- Root Canal TreatmentDr. Titus recommends that all molar root canal therapy be completed by a board certified Endodontist. Endodontists are dentist which have completed extra-training in root canal therapy--several years of such training.
- Periodontal SurgeryA second method to treat periodontal disease, is used when the bone defects created by bone loss, prevents a patient from flossing all the way down the bone-free root surfaces. These "below the bone" pockets cannot be cleansed because gum tissue, and/or bone, on one or two side of the defect, prevents it. In this scenario, a levelng of the bone, removal of excess gum tissue and a cleaning of the roots is accomplished through periodontal surgery. Typically performed by a specialist known as a Periodontist, its objective is the same--to give the patient a cleansable and maintainable set of teeth.
- Deep CleaningScaling and root planning. In this non-surgical procedure, the tartar below the gumline and at the gumline is scraped or vibrated off the teeth. Once the root and crown is glassy smooth, the patient can now floss and remove plaque effectively. If they do this effective plaque removal on a daily basis, the tissues will typically respond well and a significant decrease in inflammation will occur in the gums. When inflammation disappears, swelling decreases and this often results in more shallow probe readings on the gum examination. In some cases, pockets can completely disappear.
- DenturesDentures are made of acrylic, a type of plastic. Once they are cast, the laboratory polishes the acrylic to a high gloss. The purpose of this polish is for comfort, appearance and hygiene. Rough acrylic will collect tartar and harbor bacteria and hence, odors can occur. As such, it is important to retain this high polish on your denture to make them easy to clean and prevent them from becoming foul smelling. To retain this polish, be sure to not brush dentures--whether it be a regular toothbrush or a denture toothbrush. It is best to rely on effervescent denture cleaners, like Polident or Efferdent to do the majority of denture cleaning. Should stubborn debris require mechanical removal, use a soft washcloth instead of an abrasive brush.
- OverdenturesFor the many patients who've taken advantage of implant retained overdentures, we have found all of them well pleased with their investment. Best yet, wisely placed implants can often be "repurposed" at a later date to support fixed bridgework--an additional procedure that can completely eliminate the need for a denture! Such bridgework acts and feels like one's own teeth and is cared for the same way--with the patient never having to remove their teeth.
- Dental ImplantsToday's dental patient contemplating a full denture, has the option of using dental implants to make the complete denture stable and more functional with the help of dental implants. These Titanium Oxide cylinders are placed into the jaw bone and after a brief healing period, connectors which attach to the denture insure a sound, strong and rigid denture. Many who wear dentures find the movement and unseating of the denture during daily wear problematic. By stabilizing the denture with implants, a new world of freedom, security and confidence is had. Dentures can be stabilized with as few as two implants, but for maximum stability 4 or more may be required. Should you wish to explore this type of treatment option for your denture, Dr. Titus will be glad to discuss the treatment and provide you with an idea as to what costs are involved.
- Oral SurgerySpecialty referrals under the plan are made to specific specialists that we maintain excellent relationships with. Such specialists will provide members with a significant discount on any services performed--usually, 25% off their normal fees. Such specialty discounts are currently limited to Oral Surgery and Periodontal services.
- Gum SurgeryDr. Titus refers patients requiring crown lengthening to a dental specialist--normally a Periodontist. This dentist has post-doctoral training in treating gum disease through surgical means and as such, they are highly adept at bone removal, recontouring bone, suturing gum tissue, working with the bone about the teeth and managing patients who have undergone gum surgery. As such, they prove to have excellent results performing crown lengthening procedures.
- Tooth ExtractionsThose patients requiring wisdom tooth extraction are also routinely sent to the oral surgeon, who has specialized imaging equipment to evaluate the risk of nerve damage that can associated with this type of surgery.
- Bone GraftingToday, it is quickly becoming the standard of care to fill in these bone defects created by surgical extractions, with different types of bone grafting material. Doing so will allow the site to heal much better and the patient will end up with a well formed ridge that does not cause problems down the road.
- OrthodonticsPedodontists are ADA recognized specialists that work specifically with children and sometimes with special need adults. They offer a wide variety of general dental services and many focused primarily on children. From orthodontics to routine cleanings, the Pedodontist can provide for all the needs of a child. In addition to these routine procedures, Pedodontists also use a variety of behavioral and pharmacological methods to overcome behavioral issues that are linked to a child's anxiety.
- BracesOrthodontists not only employ mechanical means to move the teeth, they also can take certain measure to prevent crowding, promote bone growth and create space for the developing dentition. Usually, by the time a child has achieved the age of 8 and they are exhibiting signs of crowding, our office will make an orthodontic referral. This is a consultation to determine how much crowding is present and to evaluate if certain treatment is appropriate to minimize future crowding. Such things as palatal expansion and sequential extractions cannot wait until the teen years to be employed. Rarely will an 8 or 9 year old, being referred to an orthodontist, end up in braces right away. These are typically consultations to just evaluate the child's teeth, the degree of crowding and to evaluate if something need be done before the child hits puberty.
- Teeth Whitening
- Cosmetic DentistryPatient's electing high-end cosmetic dentistry should make this known before embarking on any restorative work. Our office will quote you for such. This sort of option includes many of the options below and others not listed. It also includes any additional laboratory remakes, shade changes, characterizations and recontouring that is necessary to produce esthetic perfection for your smile.
- General Dentistry