Patient Education
We offer general dentistry services for all age groups.
Full Mouth Exam and X-Rays
A full mouth exam (Panoramic X-ray) and answer your questions before proposing a treatment plan. We will talk to you about your dental health and, if necessary, prepare an estimate for a treatment plan and fee.
Panoramic X-ray: This image allows us to view both the soft and hard tissues of your oral cavity. It takes less than a minute to complete and significantly reduces radiation exposure.
Bitewing X-rays: In addition to the panoramic X-ray, we take bitewing X-rays (used for cavity detection) to inspect between your back teeth, where cavities often develop. Bitewing X-rays consist of two images on each side of your mouth.
Filling/Restoration
During a dental exam, our dentist examines your fillings and may recommend replacing any that are loose or damaged. They also check for signs of decay, such as brown or black spots, and might use X-rays to get a better view of any problematic areas.
If you have a cavity, your dentist may monitor it if it’s small or fill it immediately if necessary. Failing to fill a large cavity can lead to further damage and pain, potentially resulting in the need for tooth extraction and replacement with an artificial tooth. If a filling is needed for your cavity, there are various types of fillings available to choose from.
Sealants
Dental sealants are a plastic material that is painted to the pits and grooves of the teeth. They are particularly effective in the prevention of caries as they seal the grooves on these surfaces so that the food particles do not get trapped and lead to the formation of cavities. The application is simple and unproblematic, and the protection lasts many years, which is why many people use it.
Bridges
A bridge is a dental implant that is fixed between two porcelain crowns to fill the gap of a missing tooth. The crowns on the two sides of the false tooth are cemented on the adjacent teeth and, therefore, cannot be taken out, just like any other fixed bridge.
Dental Crowns
If your tooth is still present but damaged, a crown can then restore its structure, aesthetics, as well as its capabilities. You may need a crown after a root canal, when you have a large filling, or when your tooth is cracked. Sometimes called a cap, a crown is a prosthetic, hollow tooth that is used to surround a compromised tooth. It does not only restore the tooth but also protects it from further damage. Crowned teeth can mask the color and shape and appear and work just like other teeth in the mouth.
Tooth Extractions
Tooth extraction may be required in the following circumstances: Severe Dental Injury. Before the procedure, the dentist may give a local anesthetic to the area that will be operated on around the tooth. If more than one tooth has to be removed, a more potent form of anesthetic, which puts you to sleep while paralyzing the entire body, is administered to ensure you do not feel any pain.
Dentures
Dentures are artificial teeth and underlying tissues that can be taken out and put back into the mouth. Usually manufactured from acrylic plastic, though they may contain porcelain and metal, dentures bear a striking resemblance to natural gum tissue and teeth. For individuals who still retain some natural teeth, partial dentures can fill in the gaps. Complete dentures, on the other hand, are used when all teeth need to be replaced, preventing adjacent teeth from shifting.
Teeth Whitening
For those seeking a brighter smile, several teeth whitening options are available.
In-Office Bleaching: For eligible patients, your dentist may recommend chairside bleaching, which might involve multiple visits lasting 30 minutes to an hour each. During the procedure, protective measures are taken for your gums, and a bleaching agent is applied to the teeth, often enhanced by a special light. These bleaching solutions typically contain peroxide, which lightens the tooth structure and can be custom-fitted in a mouthguard for optimal results.
In-Home Bleaching: Various at-home products, available through your dentist or over-the-counter, can also help whiten teeth. While these have improved in effectiveness, professional guidance enhances success rates, ensuring the proper fit of trays, diagnosing discoloration, and monitoring progress to manage any side effects like sensitivity.
Root Canal Therapy
A root canal procedure is performed to eliminate dead or dying nerve tissue and bacteria from within a tooth. It is typically necessary when there is an infection affecting the tooth’s root nerve, often causing pain and swelling. Such infections may arise from cracks, cavities, or trauma. Timely root canal treatment can save the tooth; otherwise, it may become so compromised that extraction is required.
Sedation Dentistry
Sedation techniques are employed to help patients feel relaxed during dental procedures, effectively alleviating fear and discomfort. Various types of sedation exist:
- Local Anesthesia: This involves injecting medication into the tissue or applying it topically to eliminate sensation in a specific area.
- Minimal Sedation: Commonly used in dentistry, this method typically involves oral medications that allow patients to remain awake and responsive while breathing independently. Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” is often used for this level of sedation.
- Moderate Sedation: Achieved through oral or intravenous medications, patients remain awake and responsive to touch or verbal commands, with normal bodily functions maintained.
- Deep Sedation: This can be accomplished through injections, oral medications, and gases, rendering patients less easily awakened but still responsive to some stimuli. In this state, breathing assistance may be required for deeper levels of sedation.
