- Dental ExaminationA thorough oral examination can detect signs of nutritional deficiencies as well as a number of systemic diseases, including microbial infections, immune disorders, injuries, and some cancers. The common analogy of the mouth is a mirror of your overall health has been used to illustrate the wealth of information that can be derived from examining the oral tissues.
- X-rays
- Oral Cancer ScreeningAs a routine part of your exam, the dentist will perform an oral cancer screening. The dentist will visually inspect your mouth (including lips), gums, and tongue, will feel inside your mouth and the underside of your jaw and neck looking for any abnormal lesions or lumps.
- Teeth CleaningYour dental hygienist will clean your teeth, will floss your teeth, use a polishing compound, and, in some cases, apply fluoride. Cleanings will be accomplished with, or a combination of, hand held scaling instruments, ultrasonic cleaning devices, air abrasion for stain removal, and in some cases apply fluoride varnish.
- Fluoride TreatmentThe first few visits will mostly involve counting your child’s teeth and observing that their teeth and jaw are developing properly. A fluoride treatment or sealant may be applied.
- Dental SealantsSealants are thin, hard plastic coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Sealants keep food and bacteria from getting stuck in the rough chewing surfaces or grooves of your teeth, and protect your teeth from decay.
- Fillings
- VeneersVeneers are custom made, ultra-thin porcelain laminates that are bonded directly to the teeth. They are an option for closing gaps, enhancing the shape, or changing the color of teeth (especially those that do not respond well to whitening products). In the majority of the cases, some level of tooth reduction is necessary for optimal results.
- CrownsA dental crown covers the entire exterior of a tooth like a “cap” to restore the normal shape, size, and function. Its purpose is to strengthen a weak or fractured tooth, provide support for a large filling, or improve the appearance of the tooth.
- Bridges
- Dental BondingBonding is usually completed in one visit and many times does not require patients to get numb. Following your normal care routine will keep the bonded tooth healthy after that. The main downside to cosmetic bonding is the composite material will pick up stain overtime, which varies per individuals eating and drinking habits.
- Restorative Dentistry
- Root Canal TreatmentAt times, a tooth becomes badly decayed or becomes infected and requires a root canal to save the tooth. A root canal procedure removes the nerve and pulp tissue inside the tooth which is then cleaned and sealed. When the pulp tissue is damaged or infected, bacteria begins to multiply within the pulp chamber. The bacteria can cause an infection or abscess tooth. Also, an infection of the pulpal tissue can cause swelling that may spread into other areas of your body. The tooth’s pulp can become irritated, inflamed, and infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on a tooth, large fillings, a crack or chip in the tooth, or trauma to the face.
- DenturesFull dentures are prosthetic teeth and gums to replace all the teeth in your upper or lower arch. Partial dentures replace several missing teeth in an arch, and utilize the remodeling teeth for support. Both take advantage of advances in material and design to create more natural looking teeth and gums.
- Dental ImplantsGrinding your teeth can cause chipping, cracks, flattened or worn-down teeth, and can damage bridges or other dental implants. Untreated, bruxism can cause problems with your jaw muscle or joints,as well as, damage to the teeth.
- OrthodonticsCustom-fitted mouthguards are made by a dentist in a dental office or a dental laboratory based on a dentist’s instructions. An impression is taken of the teeth and a mouthguard is created using the model. Custom-fitted mouthguards are more expensive than the other versions, but because they are customized they can offer a better fit than anything you can buy off the shelf. The materials will hold up better over time, provide greater support, and greater protection. A custom guard can be worn for multiple years since usually the dentition does not change after completion of orthodontics or typically after the age of 13.
- BracesOccasionally your dentist will want to take X-rays of your teeth. X-rays are a necessary part of your overall dental care providing valuable information to properly develop a treatment plan and maintain good dental health. The digital X-rays take only a few minutes and help your dentist identify tooth decay that may not be visible, shows the health of the roots and nerve tissue, and monitor and diagnose periodontal disease (bone loss around the teeth). In children, adolescents, and young adults, images are critical to monitor proper growth and development of the teeth. This will help us evaluate the need and timing of orthodontics/braces and wisdom teeth removal.
- Teeth WhiteningTeeth can become discolored or stained from a variety of sources: smoking, drinking coffee, tea, and red wine, even some medications. Whitening of the teeth can improve their appearance and your self-confidence.
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- General DentistryDr. Bent is the practice owner and principal dentist at Barksdale Dental. His practice philosophy is to provide predictable quality dentistry in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. In 2004, Dr. Bent graduated from the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery at the University of Maryland. Upon graduation, he completed a one year General Practice Residency at Christiana Care Health System in Wilmington, Delaware. Dr. Bent has an undergraduate degree from St. Mary’s College in Maryland. As a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and the Delaware State Dental Society, Dr. Bent completes more than 25 hours of continuing education each year to stay current on innovative practices available in modern dentistry. Dr. Bent lives in Wilmington with his wife, Maggie. He enjoys outdoor activities, golf, traveling, music, and art. He is a native of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.