Preventative Services

Dental Exam and Cleaning for adults
Dental Exam
A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by your dentist at your initial dental visit.  At regular check-up exams, your dentist and hygienist will include the following:

  • Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss.  X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
  • Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
  • Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal (gum) disease.
  • Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
  • Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.

Professional Dental Cleaning
Professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) are usually performed by Registered Dental Hygienists.  Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following:

  • Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface.  Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
  • Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth.  It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva.  The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums.  This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
  • Teeth polishing: Remove surface stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling

Dental Cleaning for Children
Children are recommended to have their initial visit by age 3 and continue regular checkups every 6 months. At each appointment the following is performed pending cooperation:

  • Removal of plaque:  Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth.  It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. 
  • Teeth polishing: Removes stain and plaque not removed during brushing and scaling.
  • X-rays:  Beginning around age 4-5, x-rays will be taken to check teeth for cavities that form in between the teeth. They are also used to evaluate future tooth eruption and location of permanent teeth.
  • Fluoride treatment:  Fluoride treatment strengthens the teeth once they have erupted by seeping into the outer surface of the tooth enamel, making the teeth more resistant to decay.  Fluoride in the form of foam (bubbles) is administered in trays for one minute.
  • Exam:  The dentist will check the teeth for decay and correct positioning.  All questions/concerns of the parent will also be addressed. Finally, brushing and flossing will be reviewed to ensure proper care at home.

Sealants
A sealant is a thin, plastic coating “painted” on to the chewing surface of permanent molars to seal the deep grooves (called pits and fissures) of teeth.  Teeth with these conditions can be hard to clean and are susceptible to decay.  A sealant protects the tooth by sealing deep grooves, creating a smooth, easy to clean surface.

Sealants are place when the permanent molars come in, usually at ages 6 and 12. They are designed to last throughout the cavity prone years of 6-18.  Sealants are not usually placed on baby teeth. 

What do sealants involve?
The teeth to be sealed are thoroughly cleaned and then surrounded with cotton to keep the area dry.  A special solution is applied to the enamel surface to help the sealant bond to the teeth.  The teeth are then rinsed and dried.  Sealant material is carefully painted onto the enamel surface to cover the deep grooves or depressions and then a special curing light is used to harden the sealant.

Scaling and root planning
Periodontal disease (gum disease) is diagnosed by your dentist or dental hygienist during a periodontal examination.  This type of exam should always be part of your regular dental check-up, generally at least once per year.  Read more about gum disease in our FAQ link.

If the gum disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special periodontal cleaning called scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) will be recommended.  It is usually done one half of the mouth at a time while the area is numb.  In this procedure, tartar, plaque, and toxins are removed from above and below the gum line (scaling) and rough spots on root surfaces are made smooth (planing).  This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink.  Medications, special medicated mouth rinses, and an electric tooth brush may be recommended to help control infection and healing.  After the cleaning, home care is very important.  Regular brushing, flossing and routine cleanings are a must!

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Restorative Services

Fillings
A filling is used to repair a tooth that is affected by decay, cracks, fractures, etc.  The decayed or affected portion of the tooth will be removed and then filled with a silver amalgam filling or a tooth colored composite filling.

There 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 the more visible areas of the teeth. The tooth must be kept very dry when placing a composite filling to ensure proper bonding. Silver fillings are commonly used in the back teeth, especially when there is too much saliva to keep the tooth adequately dry for a composite filling.
As with most dental restorations, amalgam and composite fillings are permanent, but may have to be replaced some day.  They are very durable, and will last many years, giving you a long lasting beautiful smile.

Fillings are placed in one appointment.  While the tooth is numb, your dentist will remove decay.  The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared before the new filling is placed.  If the decay was near the nerve of the tooth, a special medication will be applied for added protection.  The filling material will then be placed, shaped, and polished, restoring your tooth to its original shape and function.  Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new fillings.

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Crowns
A crown (or cap) is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface restoring it to its original shape and size.  A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings.
Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crown) are the most popular, because they resemble your natural teeth.  They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced.  Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color or your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile.

Reasons for crowns:

  • Broken or fractured teeth
  • Cosmetic enhancement
  • Tooth with large/deep decay
  • Tooth has a root canal

What does getting a crown involve?
A crown procedure usually requires two appointments.  At your first appointment the tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the tooth to make it shorter and skinnier on all surfaces to properly fit the crown.  Then an impression (or mold) of your tooth will be taken, which will be sent to a dental laboratory where the crown will be fabricated to match the shade and shape of your teeth. Then a temporary crown will be placed to cover the tooth. This appointment will take about one hour.

At your second appointment, two weeks later, your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed with permanent cement (glue). This appointment is usually less than a half hour.

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Bridges
A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) restoration that is used to replace missing teeth. The bridge is usually made of porcelain fused to metal.  The metal is white gold which gives the bridge strength. The gold is covered by porcelain, so the bridge will be tooth colored and appear very natural.  This type of bridge consists to two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth on either side of the space and are attached to pontics (artificial teeth), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Dental bridges are highly durable and will last many years, however they may need replacement or need to be re-cemented due to normal wear.

What does getting a fixed bridge involve?
Getting a bridge usually requires two visits.  While the teeth are numb, the two anchoring teeth are prepared by removing the top layer of enamel to allow room for a crown.  Next, an impression (mold) is made which will be sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge will be fabricated.  In addition, a temporary bridge will be made and worn for two weeks until your next appointment. At the second visit, your bridge will be carefully checked, adjusted and permanently cemented.

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Implants
Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures. 

Dental implants are artificial roots (usually made of titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw bone by an oral surgeon. After 2-6 months of healing, the implant will be checked to make sure it is locked into the bone and stable enough to support a crown. Impressions will be taken and a tooth colored crown fabricated to attach to the implant.

Implants can also be placed to help the fit and retention of a partial or denture.
Dental implants are very strong, stable, and durable and will last many years, but on occasion, they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.

Reasons for dental implants:

  • Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth..
  • Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.

Root canals
A root canal is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection.  In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with a special filling materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.
Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed.  Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.

Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.

Signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy:

  • An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold
  • Severe toothache pain
  • Swelling and/or tenderness
  • Sometimes no symptoms are present

Reasons for Root Canal Treatment:

  • Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth)
  • Infection or abscess has developed inside the tooth or at the root tip
  • Injury or trauma to the tooth

What does root canal therapy involve?
A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist).

While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva.  An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria.  If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed.

Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with special dental materials.  A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth.  In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed.  This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function.

After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed.

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Dentures & Partial Dentures
A denture is a removable option for replacement of missing teeth and surrounding tissue.  They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.

There are two types of dentures – complete and partial dentures.  Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.  A Partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from shifting.
A Complete denture may be either “conventional” or “immediate.”  A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed, usually taking 4 to 6 weeks.  During this time the patient will go without teeth.  Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus preventing the patient from having to be without teeth during the healing process.  Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made.

Dentures are very durable and will last many years, but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear.  Although they look very nice, dentures will not function as well as natural teeth and initially will take several weeks to adjust to eating and speaking while wearing them.

What does getting dentures involve?
The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, usually over several weeks.  Impressions (molds) are taken and used to create your custom denture.  Several “try-in” appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit.  At the final appointment, your dentist will precisely adjust and place the completed denture, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit.
It is normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing difficulty, however this will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new dentures.

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Extractions
A tooth is extracted or pulled when there is not enough tooth structure to repair it or when there is not enough bone around the tooth to support it.  Wisdom teeth are extracted if they are infected or if the jaw is not large enough to accommodate full eruption.  Permanent teeth are sometimes extracted if braces are needed to straighten the teeth, which would be determined by an orthodontist.  Most teeth can be extracted in our office. However, you may be referred to an oral surgeon for more difficult extractions or if you would like to be put to sleep.

Reasons for an extraction:

  • Deep decay, generally extending below the gum line
  • Root canaled tooth that does not heal correctly or has a crack in the root
  • Advanced periodontal (gum) disease, generally the teeth will already be mobile (loose)
  • Wisdom teeth that are infected or lack of space
  • As prescribed by your orthodontist

Cosmetic Services

Veneers
Veneers are very thin pieces of porcelain that are custom made (for shape and color) and bonded on to your front teeth to improve the appearance of your smile. Veneers can completely reshape your teeth and smile.  They can sometimes be alternatives to full crowns or braces.

Reasons for porcelain veneers:

  • Cosmetically creates a uniform, white, beautiful smile
  • Crooked teeth
  • Misshaped teeth
  • Severely discolored or stained teeth
  • Unwanted or uneven spaces
  • Worn or chipped teeth

What does getting porcelain veneers involve?
Getting veneers usually requires two visits to complete the process, with little or no anesthesia required during the procedure.  The teeth are prepared by lightly buffing and shaping the surface to allow for the thickness of the veneer.  A mold or impression of the teeth is taken and a shade (color) will then be chosen by you and the dentist.

On the second visit the teeth will be cleaned with special liquids to achieve a durable bond.  Bonding cement is then placed between the tooth and veneer and a special light beam is used to harden and set the bond.  As with most dental restorations, veneers are not permanent and may someday need replacement.  They are very durable and will last many years, giving you a beautiful long lasting smile.

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Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to remove surface stain and change the color of natural tooth enamel. It is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.  Because having whiter teeth has now become a concern of most patients, there are a number of ways to whiten teeth.  The most popular method is using a home tooth whitening system that will brighten teeth dramatically.  Bleaching will not change the color of tooth colored crowns or fillings, so existing restorations may need to be redone to match your brightened teeth.  If new crowns or fillings are needed on the front teeth, we recommend you bleach prior to starting any treatment.

Tooth whitening is not permanent.  A touch-up maybe needed every several years, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or wine.

What does tooth whitening involve?
This type of tooth whitening usually requires two visits.  At the first appointment, impressions (molds) will be made of your teeth to fabricate custom, clear plastic, trays.

At your second appointment, you will try on the trays for proper fit, and adjustments will be made if necessary, and instructions given.  The trays are worn with special whitening solution for a couple hours per day for a couple of weeks depending on the degree of staining and desired level of whitening.  It is normal to experience tooth sensitivity during the time you are whitening your teeth, but it will subside shortly after you have stopped bleaching.

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Emergency Dentisty

Our offices all offer same day emergency appointments.  An emergency can be a horrible tooth ache, or as simple as a chipped front tooth.  Please call our office for an appointment and we will find a time to examine, and in most cases, treat your tooth problem the same day.