- Dental ExaminationDentistry is founded on the principle of prevention. All patients are recommended biannual teeth cleanings and examinations. Not only do they help you quash dental problems before they arise, they leave your gums healthier, and your teeth cleaner and whiter. A professional teeth cleaning removes hard plaque that cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone. It also involves a fluoride treatment and polish to help protect and soothe your teeth and gums. Even if you haven’t had a teeth cleaning in over two years, it’s never too late to treat your teeth.
- Teeth Cleaning
- Fluoride TreatmentOccasionally, you may need a stronger dose of fluoride under special circumstances. Ask us about fluoride treatments that we can apply at your appointment to strengthen enamel and prevent future bone loss!
- FillingsMade up of silver, copper, mercury, and tin, amalgam fillings are the most durable and economical option for our patients. They last up to ten years and are less likely to fall out or break. Commonly used for filling in molar cavities, amalgam fillings can withstand biting pressure and can be fully administered in a single visit. Despite the mercury content, these silver fillings are perfectly safe for anyone aged six and up.
- Resin CompositeUsed to prevent the spread of tooth decay or correct any cosmetic damage, a tooth filling is just one of the ways our dentists preserve your health. Before placement, any rot must be drilled out. We offer local anesthesia along with sedation to ensure maximum comfort for our patients. There are two different types of tooth fillings: amalgam (otherwise known as silver fillings) and composite resin, the color of which can be customized to match your natural teeth.
- VeneersIf you’re looking to cosmetically correct or enhance the appearance of one or more teeth, we suggest veneers. They are very thin, porcelain or resin shells that you can customize in color and shape. They are non-invasive and are resistant to future stains.
- CrownsA dental implant mimics the form and function of a natural tooth, which consists of a root and a crown. The crown is the visible part of your tooth. It is used to chew food and is therefore the most susceptible to cavities. The crown is attached to the jawbone by way of the root. When decay has gone deep enough or when a periodontal disease has advanced enough to warrant an extraction, tooth replacement is necessary. The entire tooth, root and all, is taken out. The dental implant is a titanium root that gets fitted into a socket that we create in your jaw. Once the root heals, we place an artificial crown on top to serve as a tooth replacement. The new crown is customized to match your bite and the color of your teeth.
- Bridges
- Dental Bonding
- Root Canal Treatment
- DenturesMissing teeth can make your cheeks look hollow and your mouth look sunken. More importantly, your diet can suffer. Those missing multiple teeth in a row may want to consider dentures for both cosmetic purposes and overall wellness. Depending on the amount of teeth missing, we may suggest partial or full dentures. During your consultation, we’ll assess all your options and you can choose the best dentures to meet your needs.
- Dental ImplantsOur dentists make every effort to preserve your natural teeth. However, extractions are necessary when decay has made the tooth unsalvageable or when you have an advanced periodontal disease. When a tooth is malformed, damaged, impacted or ingrown, different procedures are used, but all extractions are considered dental surgery. Depending on which tooth is removed, we can offer you a replacement in the form of a dental implant or oral prosthetic. Please contact us to help you determine your dental surgery options.
- Oral Surgery
- Tooth Extractions
- OrthodonticsA range of services from bleaching, orthodontics consultations to soft tissue and oral surgical procedures are offered by Dr. Ahler and his Hillcrest Family Dental Center team.
- Invisalign Orthodontics
- BracesThere are various ways to correct crooked or crowded teeth without the use of traditional braces. One method involves attaching brackets and wire to the back of your teeth. In this case, extra oral hygiene is paramount and you will have to use a special flossing tool. Another technique works by way of placing, in sequence, clear, hard plastic retainers over your teeth. Each varies in shape and is customized to your bite. They act as invisible braces and must be removed for eating and may influence your speech. Whether you are an adult or a teen, our orthodontist will help you decide which method is best for you.
- Teeth WhiteningProfessional laser teeth whitening is faster, more effective, and longer lasting that treatments you find over the counter. As we age, our teeth darken over time. We can brighten your teeth by five to ten shades in a single session, but maintaining good oral hygiene and steering away from certain foods and beverages will help keep any future laser teeth whitening services to a minimum. We may also prescribe some medication for you to use at home that helps the whitening process.
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- General DentistryHillcrest Dental would like to welcome our Dr. Jack W. Drone to our practice. Dr. Drone grew up in Gillam Township in Jasper County, and attended West Central Schools. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor’s Degree in the Biological Sciences, and he earned a Master’s Degree in Biology from Purdue University. He earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Northwestern University and has been practicing all phases of general dentistry for 13 years. Dr. Drone, his wife, Jana, and four boys, Tate, Graham, Beck, and Merrick are very glad to be a part of Jasper County again, and they look forward to meeting and helping the patients of Hillcrest Family Dental Center.