Diagnostic

• Dental Examination
  At your checkup, you will receive a thorough cleaning and an oral exam by the dentist. During the oral exam, the dentist checks the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue. At each visit, the dentist also checks old fillings and restorations because constant pressure from chewing, grinding, or clenching can cause them to wear away, chip, or crack.
• X-rays
  Generally, Dr. Buttaro only needs to take a full set of x-rays every three to five years, and bite-wing x-rays (top and bottom side teeth that bite together) during regularly scheduled check-ups. More x-rays may be required occasionally, depending on individual patient needs.
• Oral Cancer Screening
  Those who smoke or consume large amounts of alcohol have an increased risk of oral cancer and should not avoid cancer screenings. Annual oral cancer exams are crucial to early diagnosis of cancer to increase the opportunity for a successful recovery. Let Dr. Buttaro help detect oral cancer early.

Preventive

• Teeth Cleaning
  Treatment of gum disease varies with the severity. If caught in the very early stages of inflammation (gingivitis), one or two dental cleanings by Dr. Buttaro should abort the progress and get your gums healthy again.
• Dental Sealants
  Molars are the number one area for tooth decay. With many crevices and nooks, and being positioned far back in the mouth, they are a challenge to clean, especially for a youngster. But dental sealants can be used to help protect the teeth from food missed during brushing and bacteria which lead to decay – it acts as a sort of dental force-field.

Restorative

• Fillings
• Veneers
  Veneers can be used to cover discolored, stained, and chipped teeth, and also to camouflage unsightly gaps or misshapen teeth. They are made from durable porcelain that is bonded directly onto the front of your teeth. Veneers are not permanent and will need eventual replacing, but they will give you a bright, white smile for many years.
• Crowns
  Soft Tissue Impaction – Though the crown of the tooth has broken the surface, a portion of gum still covers part of the tooth. Food can become trapped in the gum flap allowing for decay and infection.
• Bridges

Endodontics

• Root Canal Treatment
  When a tooth becomes infected or severely decayed, a root canal is often required to save it. The “root canal” is the natural cavity in the center of the tooth, with a soft chamber containing pulpy tissue and the tooth’s nerve.

Periodontics

• Periodontal Surgery
• Deep Cleaning
  If the inflammation has slightly advanced to into gum disease, a deeper cleaning – scaling and root planning – is necessary. This process calls for numbing your gums to remove tartar and plaque above and below the gum line. Dr. Buttaro may also be advise you to use medicated mouth rinses and electric tooth brushes to promote healing and contain infection.

Prosthodontics

• Dentures
  Two types of dentures are available for the replacement of missing teeth. Full or complete dentures are used to replace full sets of teeth. When some natural teeth are still present partials can be used. Partials can be helpful to keep the remaining teeth from shifting.

Implants

• Dental Implants
  Dental implants are designed to look perfectly natural alongside your other teeth. And they are a long lasting option for restoring your smile.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

• Oral Surgery
  Oral surgery treatment is the process of extracting teeth. Dr. Buttaro has extensive knowledge and training on how to provide you with a smooth and comfortable removal process when necessary.
• Tooth Extractions
  One the most common procedures are the removal of wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth – the last four teeth on the top and bottom of your mouth - typically surface between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people don't have room the in the jaw to accommodate them and need them extracted. Often times the teeth become impacted because of the lack of room to properly surface.

Orthodontics

• Braces
  "I've required quite a bit of dental work throughout my life, braces, retainers, fillings, crowns, etc. So I've been on both ends of the spectrum when it comes to customer service. Let me say there is a reason I have been a loyal customer of the Fife Dental Center for 7+ years. I've never felt like a patient - they are my friends. Their staff and facilities are second to none. They are extremely polite and genuine. They care about all their friends! From extremely comfortable chairs in their lobby, too sharp flat screen televisions in the examination rooms, to flexible hours, and knowledgeable staff - they are equipped and committed to meeting your needs. My wife and several friends are now loyal customers! I would not go anywhere else and when my children are ready to visit the dentist you can bet I'll be taking them to the Fife Dental Center!!"

General

• Teeth Whitening
  A brighter, whiter smile is one of the easiest ways to boost your confidence. Whitening will bleach the color of your tooth enamel, but not fillings, crowns or other dental work - this is something to keep in mind before embarking on a whitening treatment.
• Cosmetic Dentistry
  Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way. Now, more than ever you have the opportunity to have a dazzling smile quickly and painlessly. Dr. Buttaro knows your smile is one of the first things people notice. Perfecting your smile can give you the confidence to
• General Dentistry
  Dr. Buttaro graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Maryland Dental School in 1996. She then proceeded directly into a one year general dentistry residency with the U.S. Army Dental Corps. After finishing a tour of duty overseas in Korea, she went on to complete her active duty military service at the Madigan Army Medical Center and then continued to serve our armed forces as a reservist for eight additional years.