- Dental ExaminationAt Indianola Family Dentistry we often recommend that our patients come back every 4-6 months for another cleaning and examination, although that time frame can vary from patient to patient. For instance, some people just build up more plaque than others (blame your genetics) and they might require more frequent cleanings to help prevent gum disease. The cost of teeth cleanings will vary based on your insurance but don’t let cost keep you from coming in more than once a year if need be! The longer you wait the more time bacteria has to damage your smile permanently. And the cost of an extra teeth cleaning or two pales in comparison to some major dental procedures.
- X-rays
- Teeth CleaningThe American Dental Association recommends that you visit your dentist at least once a year to get a routine examination and teeth cleaning. However, how many of us can honestly say that we practice perfect oral hygiene every day all year round? It’s never a bad idea to pop into the dentist’s for a quick examination and teeth cleaning just to make sure things are looking good! Just like you need to get routine oil changes to keep your car running healthy or scrub your bathtub on a regular schedule to prevent soap scum build-up it’s so important that you have routine teeth cleanings with your dentist.
- Dental SealantsThis is used to fill in narrow grooves in a tooth that cannot be adequately cleaned by brushing. In some cases, the tooth structure has fine grooves or pits which accumulate plaque, not because the person doesn’t brush, but because they’re too narrow to allow even one bristle into them. These will develop cavities over time, and you don’t want that. So the dentist will brush on a coating that seals the grooves and pits, making it possible to brush off all the plaque and keep your teeth healthy.
- FillingsFillings are done to remove decay, and replace the affected tooth structure. It is called a filling because new a material fills hole that decay left. Now days most teeth are treated with bonded tooth colored composite resin fillings. (White fillings) We also do amalgam fillings. Please check with your insurance on coverage between the different fillings. Caught early enough, cavities can be treated easily and painlessly. If not treated decay can lead to tooth pain and/or infection, and the tooth would need root canal treatment or extraction.
- Resin CompositeBonding involves adhering composite resin material that is matched to the color of the tooth, to the front of the tooth. This is done to repair damage done to the tooth by decay, to alter the alignment of the tooth, close gaps between the teeth, or for cosmetic purposes. First the surface of the tooth is roughened in order to accept the bonding and hold it. A gel is applied to micro etch the tooth surface, and a primer/bond agent is applied so the material adheres to the surface. Then the material itself is placed on the tooth and hardened with intense light. The composite resin material is shaped and polished to get a lustrous finish as a last step.
- VeneersVeneers are a dental procedure in which a covering is placed over the outside (visible area) of the tooth. Veneers are usually only done to the part of the teeth that are visible when talking or smiling. The procedure can be direct or indirect.
- CrownsWe specialize in beautifying smiles, maintaining your dental health, and helping you improve your appearance. Our experienced and friendly staff takes great pride in keeping your smile beautiful. Our promise to you is that the veneers, fillings, crowns, and bridges we create will look as good as or better than the teeth nature gave you. And to make sure we keep that promise, the products we recommend and use are the highest quality and incredibly durable. We want to see you smile!
- Bridges
- Dental Bonding
- Restorative DentistryOur dental team is committed to the highest standards of patient care and friendly, efficient services. We bring the latest concepts of preventive and restorative dentistry to you and your family. Our business team works with you to help make your dental care affordable and we file most major insurance plans.
- Root Canal TreatmentRoot canal treatment (also referred to as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy) is made necessary when a cavity is allowed, through neglect, to reach all the way to this pulp. (Regular cleanings and checkups prevent and detect problems early) Sometimes deep restorations or trauma to a tooth may cause the nerve to be damaged to the point it needs root canal therapy, also. Once this occurs the pulp becomes infected, and can even extend through the root tip and begin to eat away at the surrounding bone (this is an abscess). By the time the pulp is infected it must be treated, and cannot heal on its own. It can even weaken the entire immune system. This is dangerous, not to mention very painful. Symptoms that the pulp has become infected may include sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, pain, swelling, pain to biting or pressure, and a bad taste in the mouth. Sometimes, however, no symptoms are apparent and the person is unaware of any problem until a checkup.
- Deep CleaningSometimes if the pockets are not too deep, there may be little or no discomfort during the procedure – even without numbing. The only sensation may be the physical scraping feeling along the teeth as the area is cleaned and smoothened. A root planed root surface free of tartar has a better chance of allowing the gum tissues to heal and reattach to it. As a result, some deep gum pockets can be reduced after a deep cleaning.
- DenturesImplants can also be used as support as part of an implant bridge. This is an alternative to partial dentures, and has several advantages. First, there is no adjustment period to acclimatize the patient who, once the work is done, only feels teeth, not metal supports intruding into the mouth. Second, this slows the bone loss occasioned by missing teeth. Third, there is no discomfort or difficulty in eating. And, best of all, of course, they don’t have to be taken out all the time.
- Dental ImplantsA dental implant is an option to replace a missing tooth. In this procedure, a small titanium shaft is surgically implanted into the bone and allowed to set. The bone grows around it forming a tight connection, which additionally slows or stops the bone loss that occurs when the root of a natural tooth is missing. Once the implant is firmly set in the mouth, the dentist then works to attach the replacement tooth onto the top of the shaft. This permanent solution has the advantages over bridge work that it does not stress the surrounding teeth for support, and, should the tooth wear out, another can simply be replaced on the shaft.
- Tooth Extractions
- Invisalign OrthodonticsThe Invisalign System uses a series of clear, plastic, nearly invisible “aligners” to straighten teeth without the wires and brackets of traditional braces. “Just as contact lenses eliminated the need for unsightly spectacles sixty years ago, today Invisalign eliminates the need for unsightly metal and wires and will forever change how people think about straightening their teeth,” says Tom Prescott, president of Align Technology. Further Invisalign is quicker than conventional braces with most cases being completed in 6-12 months!
- BracesNearly Invisible – so no one knows when you are straightening your teeth. More Comfortable- without the wires and brackets of traditional braces there is less abrasion in the mouth.
- Teeth WhiteningBleaching Trays – The most common in-office whitening procedure involves custom-made trays. Because your dentist supervises the procedure, a stronger bleaching solution can be used than what’s found in home kits. Office-made custom trays are fabricated specifically for your teeth. They will work faster and safer, without damaging your teeth or gums. There is another advantage to bleaching trays that are custom made by your dentist, and that is that they last indefinitely. They may cost more up front, but are less expensive to use over time – whitening strips aren’t cheap. Whitening is changing, however. Newer, stronger, and safer gels are now available that will whiten teeth in less time (no more bleaching trays all night long). In addition, better de-sensitizing agents are being incorporated, making the process more comfortable. Also you can buy addition Gel anytime here at our office.
- Cosmetic Dentistry