- Dental ExaminationRegular dental cleanings and exams are important to detect and screen for dental health problems before they become serious. The American Academy of pediatric dentistry recommends finding a dental home for your child by their first birthday, or within 6 mo of eruption of their first tooth.
- X-raysDental x-rays provide the dental team with valuable diagnostic information which may not be visible clinically during an exam. X-rays are used to detect areas of decay and bone loss as well as any other pathology that may be present. Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected.
- Teeth CleaningPeriodontal disease or gum disease often begins as gingivitis. Symptoms of gingivitis include red swollen inflamed gums, which bleed easily when you brush or floss your teeth. Inflammation of the gum tissue is usually caused by plaque, which harbors bacteria that builds up along the gum line and in between the teeth. Gingivitis is a reversible condition with regular dental cleanings and improved home care. Without treatment gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease, which can have irreversible effects on the gums and bone, which supports the teeth.
- Dental SealantsDental Sealants: A sealant is a protective plastic or resin coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They are most commonly applied to 6 and 12-year molars. The sealant prevents food and plaque from causing decay in the deep grooves of these back teeth.
- Fillings
- Resin CompositeComposite resin restorations are tooth-colored fillings and are a durable restorative material in most situations. They are tooth colored so they blend in well with surrounding tooth structure and can often be placed on either front or back teeth. In order to place a composite restoration tooth structure must be clean, dry and free of saliva. For this reason proper isolation is required for placement.
- VeneersVeneers are thin, shell-like dental restorations often fabricated from composite resin or porcelain that are custom made to improve the size, shape or shade of your teeth. Veneers are attached to the front or facial surface of your teeth with a type of dental cement.
- CrownsA crown is a restoration that covers or “caps” your natural tooth. Crowns are custom-made to fit your tooth, and therefore match the shape, size and color of your nearby, natural teeth.
- Bridges
- Restorative Dentistry
- Root Canal TreatmentA Root Canal Treatment is the removal of the pulp, which is the inner chamber of the tooth containing blood vessels and nerve tissue inside the tooth roots.
- Deep CleaningTreatment for periodontal disease depends on the severity of the diseased structures. The first step in treatment is usually a deep cleaning or scaling and root planning. During this procedure numbness is placed so a dental professional can clean deep along the gum line removing plaque and calculus. The goal of the deep cleaning is to smooth the root surface to allow the gums to re-attach to the root surface.
- DenturesDentures are removable appliances which are used when all of your teeth require extraction or are already missing in the upper or lower arches. Dentures are used to restore chewing function, provide support for lips and cheeks and restore your smile.
- Dental ImplantsPatients will need to be evaluated to see if they are a good candidate for dental implants. Patients must have enough bone available in the area of the missing tooth for the implant to be placed. Certain medical conditions can also affect the healing and long-term stability of an implant. It is important to discuss any medical conditions with your dentist to see if an implant is right for you.
- Oral Surgery
- Tooth ExtractionsSometimes due to trauma, extensive decay, or infection your best option may be to have the tooth extracted or removed. If a tooth extraction is required your dentist may discuss tooth replacement options with you such as a bridge, implant or a partial denture. For more complex extractions a referral to an Oral Surgeon may be required. Your dentist will discuss which option is best for you.
- Teeth WhiteningOver time your teeth can absorb stains from food, drinks, and smoking. Bleaching or teeth whitening can be an effective option for lightening your teeth often several shades. There are multiple options for professional teeth whitening. Your dental professional can discuss which option would be best for you.
- Cosmetic Dentistry