Regular Exams and Cleanings
Regular exams are an important part of maintaining your oral health. During your regular exam, we will:
- Check for any problems that you may not see or feel
- Look for cavities or any other signs of tooth decay
- Inspect your teeth and gums for gingivitis and signs of periodontal disease
- Perform a teeth cleaning
Visiting our office every six months gives you the chance to talk to the doctor about any questions you may have about your oral health. Regular exams are offered by appointment only, so please contact our practice today to schedule your next dental exam and teeth cleaning.
Fillings
A dental filling is used to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay. When a cavity forms, the decayed part of the tooth is removed, and a filling is placed to restore the tooth’s shape and function. Cavities occur when bacteria in the mouth break down sugars from food, producing acids that harm the tooth. If left untreated, cavities can worsen and cause more damage. A filling helps stop the decay and prevents further problems.
Tooth-colored fillings are a popular choice for many patients because they blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. These fillings are made of composite resin, a durable material that can be shaped to match the exact contours of your tooth. The process involves numbing the area around the tooth, removing the decayed portion, and then filling the cavity with the composite material. The resin is hardened with a special light and shaped to restore the tooth’s natural look and function. Since these fillings are tooth-colored, they’re especially great for visible areas, like the front teeth, as they are discreet and provide a more natural appearance.
Tooth-colored fillings help restore the tooth’s function, making it easier to eat and speak, and they prevent more serious issues, such as infections or tooth loss. To keep your fillings in good condition, maintain a good oral hygiene routine with regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental checkups.
Crowns
Crowns are a restorative procedure 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.
A crown is a “cap” cemented onto an existing tooth that usually covers the portion of your tooth above the gum line. In effect, the crown becomes your tooth’s new outer surface. Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, or both. Porcelain crowns are most often preferred because they mimic the translucency of natural teeth and are very strong.
Crowns are needed when there is insufficient tooth strength remaining to hold a filling. Unlike fillings, which apply the restorative material directly into your mouth, a crown is fabricated away from your mouth. Your crown is created in a lab from your unique tooth impression, which allows a dental laboratory technician to examine all aspects of your bite and jaw movements. Your crown is then sculpted just for you so that your bite and jaw movements function normally once the crown is placed.
Bridges
A bridge may be used to replace missing teeth, help maintain the shape of your face, and alleviate stress on your bite.
A bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth, looks great, and literally bridges the gap where one or more teeth may have been. Your bridge can be made from metal alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials and is bonded onto surrounding teeth for support.
The success of any bridge depends on its foundation: the other teeth, gums, or bone to which it is attached. Therefore, it’s very important to keep your existing teeth, gums, and jaw healthy and strong.
Implant Restoration
An Implant may also be used to preplace missing teeth. Implants are a great way to replace your missing teeth, and if properly maintained, can last a lifetime!
An implant is a new tooth made of metal and porcelain that looks just like your natural tooth. It involves a titanium post (the implant) placed in your jawbone, followed by two key components: the abutment and the crown. The abutment is a small connector that attaches to the implant and serves as a base for the crown. The crown is the visible part of the implant, custom-made to match your natural teeth in size, shape, and color. Together, the abutment and crown restore the function and appearance of your tooth, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile confidently.
Root Canals
When a tooth is cracked or has a deep cavity, bacteria can enter the pulp tissue and germs can cause an infection inside the tooth. If left untreated, an abscess may form. If the infected tissue is not removed, pain and swelling can result. This can not only injure your jawbones, but it is also detrimental to your overall health.
Root canal treatment involves one to three visits. During treatment, your general dentist or endodontist (a dentist who specializes in problems with the nerves of the teeth) removes the affected tissue. Next, the interior of the tooth will be cleaned and sealed. Finally, the tooth is filled with a dental composite. If your tooth has extensive decay, your doctor may suggest placing a crown to strengthen and protect the tooth from breaking. As long as you continue to care for your teeth and gums with regular brushing, flossing, and checkups, your restored tooth can last a lifetime.
Extractions
A dental tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jaw. This may be necessary if a tooth is severely damaged, decayed, or causing overcrowding. The procedure is typically quick and performed under local anesthesia to ensure comfort. After the extraction, your dentist will provide instructions for proper care to help the area heal and prevent infection.