- Dental ExaminationBad breath caused by bacteria in the mouth can easily be treated. Brushing your teeth, tongue and gums after meals as well as flossing and rinsing with mouthwash will usually take care of the problem. Regular visits to the dentist should be made for dental examinations and for professional teeth and gum cleaning.
- X-rays
- Oral Cancer Screening
- Teeth CleaningA dental cleaning is a professional cleaning you receive from a dentist or dental hygienist. Cleanings should be performed every three to six months to prevent excessive plaque buildup. Plaque left untreated can lead to unhealthy gums and tooth decay. During a cleaning appointment we go over your medical history and take your blood pressure. We then do a thorough exam of all the teeth and tissues including a cancer screening. We evaluate your jaw joint and the bite. We will take any necessary x-rays to check for disease. The cleaning part of the appointment will be with hand or ultrasonic instruments and then we polish the teeth. Finally, we floss to clean in between the teeth and give a fluoride treatment to help prevent cavities. Most cleaning appointments take 50-60 minutes.
- Fluoride Treatment
- Dental SealantsSealants are 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 areas can develop cavities over time. The dentist or hygienist 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.
- FillingsComposites can also be used in place of amalgam fillings in certain cases. Many patients prefer bonded fillings because the white color is much less noticeable than the silver amalgam fillings. Composite fillings can be used on front and back teeth depending on the location and extent of tooth decay.
- VeneersComposite fillings are less expensive than other cosmetic treatments and usually can be completed in one visit to our office. However, they can stain and are easier to break than other cosmetic treatments such as porcelain veneers. If it does break or chip, tell your doctor. The filling can generally be repaired in one visit.
- CrownsCrowns are a cosmetic restoration used to improve your tooth's shape or to strengthen a tooth. Crowns are most often used for teeth that are broken, worn, or have portions destroyed by tooth decay.
- BridgesCrowns and bridges are used to restore and enhance teeth that are damaged, or to take the place of missing teeth. A crown, also referred to as a cap, is used to entirely cover a damaged tooth. A crown not only strengthens a tooth, but it can dramatically improve a tooth's appearance.
- Dental BondingComposites or white fillings are a conservative way to repair slightly chipped, discolored, or crooked teeth. A white filling material is placed onto your tooth to improve its appearance. The filling attaches by a process called dental bonding. The filling "bonds" with your teeth, and because it comes in a variety of tooth-colored shades, it matches the appearance of your natural teeth.
- Root Canal TreatmentRoot canal treatment (also referred to as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy) is necessary when a cavity reaches the pulp or nerve of the tooth. Sometimes deep restorations or trauma to a tooth may cause the nerve to be damaged to the point it needs root canal therapy. Once this occurs the pulp becomes infected, and can even extend through the root tip and begin to eat away at the surrounding bone which is called an abscess. By the time the pulp is infected it must be treated, and cannot heal on its own. The infection can weaken the entire immune system and can be dangerous if left untreated. 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.
- Gingivectomy and Gingivoplasty• Gingivoplasty- many times the gum tissues do not grow evenly and you will have an excess of tissue in an area. The laser can be used to contour the tissues and make them even in appearance. Have braces? Often while wearing braces, an excess of tissue accumulates as the spaces are closing. Removal of this tissue can make it easier for the patient to clean, which in turn makes healthier tissues.
- Deep CleaningThe gums, ligaments, and bone around the teeth form the foundation for one's teeth. All structures are also referred to as the periodontium. When the periodontium is not healthy (periodontal disease), it jeopardizes the teeth just as a bad foundation would threaten the stability of a house. Signs of unhealthy periodontium include: gums that are red and bleed easily, persistent bad breath, gums that are pulled away from the tooth, loose teeth, and changes in the position or bite of the teeth. Any of these may be a sign of a problem. With proper gum treatments, however, it may be possible to return gum tissue to a more healthy state. If you're having a problem, come in and see us so we may treat it right away. The treatment usually involves a deep cleaning or root planing done under a local anesthetic. If the gum disease is severe it may need to be treated by a periodontist (gum specialist) and sometimes surgery is recommended. This is why it is important to have it treated at the first sign of a problem.
- DenturesA denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. There are two types of dentures available, including partial and complete dentures. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain, while complete dentures are used to completely replace all teeth. Dentures are made to resemble your natural teeth and in some cases even improve your smile!
- Dental ImplantsTo receive implants, you need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant. You must also be committed to excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits as these are critical to the long-term success of dental implants.
- Oral Surgery
- Tooth ExtractionsA wisdom tooth extraction is a relatively routine procedure. The dentist will numb the area in your mouth with a local anesthesia or use IV sedation so you are asleep during the procedure.
- OrthodonticsOrthodontics is the art of using appliances to straighten and align teeth. Most commonly it involves the use of braces to move teeth into their proper positing. In this method, brackets are bonded to the teeth and arch wires are threaded through the brackets. The arch wires act as a track, and guide each tooth to its proper position. There are several types of orthodontic braces available to consumers, including the more traditional metal braces, ceramic "tooth colored" braces, as well as clear plastic braces.
- Invisalign OrthodonticsThe Invisalign System works begins by first creating a series of trays that will each moving your teeth gradually until the end result is achieved. At the end of each two-week period, you will switch trays. Throughout the process, you will visit your dentist every six weeks to ensure treatment is progressing as planned. Once your treatment is complete, you will likely wear a clear retainer to ensure your new smile stays in place.
- Braces• Frenectomy- Do you have a space between your front teeth? Many times a strong muscle called a frenum holds the teeth apart. Some patients have braces to close the space, but it still wants to open up after the work has been completed. Clipping the muscle fibers can release the tension between these teeth allowing the teeth to stay together. Clipping these muscle fibers can also help prevent recession, or pulling away of the gum tissues from the teeth, in certain areas.
- Teeth Whitening• Bleaching- Bleaching or whitening of the teeth can also be completed with a laser. In office bleaching takes less time with the laser and there is less heat generated than with other forms of in office whitening, which can decrease your chances of sensitivity.
- General DentistryDr. Truka is from Omaha, Nebraska. She attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and UNMC College of Dentistry in Lincoln for her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. She chose Red Oak as the community to start her practice in 1993 and has enjoyed it immensely. Continuing education is a priority for her and she has completed numerous hours on the latest technology such as lasers, implants, cosmetics, and digital x-rays. Dr Truka is a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Iowa and Southwest Iowa Dental Association, Donated Dental Services of Iowa, and is a proud member of many community & civic organizations. Outside of dentistry, Dr Truka spends time with her family and enjoys school and community events. Dr. Truka loves living in a small town, and is honored to be a part of your life. She looks forward to helping you attain a healthy and beautiful smile.