- Dental ExaminationA comprehensive dental exam will be performed by your dentist at your initial dental visit. At regular check-up exams, your dentist and hygienist will perform the following...
- X-raysDigital radiography (digital X-ray) is the latest technology used to take dental X-rays. This technique uses an electronic sensor (instead of X-ray film) that captures and stores the digital image on a computer. This image can be instantly viewed and enlarged, helping the dentist and dental hygienist detect problems more easily. Digital X-rays reduce radiation 80-90% compared to the already low exposure of traditional dental X-rays.
- Oral Cancer ScreeningOral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
- Teeth CleaningOnce your periodontal treatment has been completed, your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend that you have regular maintenance cleanings ( periodontal cleanings ), usually four times a year. At these cleaning appointments, the pocket depths will be carefully checked to ensure that they are healthy. Plaque and calculus that is difficult for you to remove on a daily basis will be removed from above and below the gum line.
- Fluoride TreatmentAlthough most people receive fluoride from food and water, sometimes it is not enough to help prevent decay. Your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend the use of home and/or professional fluoride treatments for the following reasons...
- Dental SealantsA sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surface of molars, premolars and any deep grooves (called pits and fissures) of teeth. More than 75% of dental decay begins in these deep grooves. Teeth with these conditions are hard to clean and are very susceptible to decay. A sealant protects the tooth by sealing deep grooves, creating a smooth, easy to clean surface.
- Space MaintainersIntervention – In some cases, pediatric dentists may discuss the possibility of early oral treatments with parents. In the case of oral injury, malocclusion (bad bite), or bruxism (grinding), space maintainers may be fitted, a nighttime mouth guard may be recommended, or reconstructive surgery may be scheduled.
- FillingsThere are many types of filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. You and your dentist can discuss the best options for restoring your teeth. Composite fillings, along with silver amalgam fillings, are the most widely used today. Because composite fillings are tooth colored, they can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth, and are more aesthetically suited for use in front teeth or more visible areas of the mouth.
- Resin CompositeInlays/Onlays - These restorations are custom made fillings. They can be made of composite resin, porcelain or gold and are made by a dental laboratory and placed by a dentist. Inlays/onlays are usually best for the posterior chewing surfaces of teeth and are utilized to conservatively repair teeth that have large defective/unattractive fillings or have been damaged by decay or trauma.
- VeneersDesigned to match adjacent teeth, veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are attached to the front of the flawed tooth.
- CrownsHistorically, a tooth with a diseased nerve would be removed immediately, but endodontists are now able to save the natural tooth in most cases. Generally, extracting the inner tooth structures, then sealing the resulting gap with a crown restores health and functionality to damaged teeth.
- BridgesDental bridges are highly durable and will last many years; however, they may need replacement or need to be re-cemented due to normal wear.
- Dental Bonding
- Restorative DentistryWhen you choose Bedford Family Dentistry for your dental emergency needs, you can be certain that you'll get the best possible care. Our dentists respond quickly, and each has the skill and experience to treat the cause of virtually any dental emergency you may have. Our dental professionals have the expertise in general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry to promptly address your immediate needs. They also work to develop a customized treatment plan to reduce the risks of you experiencing other dental emergencies in the future.
- Root Canal TreatmentEndodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that deals with the complex structures found inside the teeth. The Greek word “Endodontics†literally means “inside the tooth†and relates to the tooth pulp, tissues, nerves, and arterioles. Endodontists receive additional dental training after completing dental school to enable them to perform both complex and simple procedures, including root canal therapy.
- Apicoectomy
- Deep CleaningFollowing these deep cleaning procedures, the gum pockets may be treated with antibiotics. This will soothe irritation and help the gum tissues to heal quickly.
- DenturesA denture is a removable dental appliance and a replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.
- OverdenturesOverdentures – We also provide affordable implant-retained dentures that are removable. This solution offers improved stability for dentures and can be placed with as few as two implant posts.
- Dental ImplantsDental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by a dentist or Periodontist - a specialist of the gums and supporting bone. The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and often enhance or restore a patient’s smile!
- Oral SurgeryFor your comfort and to ease dental anxiety, Bedford Family Dentistry provides options for relaxation including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation when having oral surgery. If you ever have a dental emergency, our dentists are skilled, experienced, and prepared to alleviate your pain and correct the underlying issue.
- Flap SurgeryPocket elimination surgery (also known as flap surgery) is a surgical treatment which can be performed to reduce the pocket size between the teeth and gums. Surgery on the jawbone is another option which serves to eliminate indentations in the bone which foster the colonization of bacteria.
- Tooth ExtractionsTooth extractions, or the removal of one or more teeth, are usually used as a last resort in dentistry, as keeping the natural tooth in the mouth is ideal. There are many reasons why single or multiple extractions may be performed, including pervasive tooth decay, the impaction of wisdom teeth, or the need to create space for orthodontic devices.
- Ridge AugmentationRidge augmentation – This procedure, often called “recontouring†may be required to correct an uneven gum line. Before embarking on treatment, a periodontist needs to treat any bacterial infections and periodontitis.
- Bone GraftingDrs. Don and Brev Bedford can assess your eligibility for candidacy to receive dental implants. If you have sufficient bone volume to proceed, the first step is having the titanium posts placed into your jaw. If your jawbone needs strengthening, our dentists will coordinate your care with an experienced specialist to perform procedures such as bone grafting before the implant is placed.
- OrthodonticsLess visible and more effective brackets and wires are making straightening teeth with orthodontics much more appealing to adult patients. Also, in some cases, teeth may be straightened with custom-made, clear, removable aligners that require no braces.
- Invisalign Orthodontics
- Braces€“ Traditional orthodontic braces require enough space to for the teeth to move into ideal alignment. If space cannot be created naturally, a tooth may be extracted as an alternative.
- Teeth WhiteningWe offer teeth whitening treatments in New Braunfels and nearby communities for patients whose teeth have become stained over time. This is usually caused by the consumption of dark beverages like coffee, tea, wine, and some juices. Tobacco use also contributes to the yellowing of teeth.
- Cosmetic DentistryIn the past decade, there has been a dramatic interest in cosmetic dentistry. We all realize that having a healthy, bright, beautiful smile enhances our appearance and allows us to smile with confidence. Thanks to the advances in modern cosmetic dentistry, we are able to improve our teeth and smiles with quick, painless and surprisingly affordable treatments.
- General DentistryPediatric dentistry (formerly Pedodontics/Paedodontics) primarily focuses on children from birth through adolescence. The American Dental Association (ADA), recognizes pediatric dentistry as a specialty, and therefore requires dentists to undertake two or three years of additional training after completing a general dentistry degree. At the end of this training, the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry issues a unique diploma (Diplomate ABPD). Some pediatric dentists (pedodontists) opt to specialize in oral care for children with special needs, specifically children with autism, varying levels of mental retardation, or cerebral palsy.