General Dentistry
Comprehensive Evaluation / Oral Examination
An oral examination is a visual inspection of the mouth, head, and neck, performed to detect abnormalities. Digital imaging provides a more complete examination, helping the doctor to detect cavities, problems in existing dental restorations, gum and bone recession or other concerns.
Dental Cleaning
A dental cleaning, also known as an oral prophylaxis, is the removal of dental plaque and tartar (calculus) from the teeth. Specialized instruments are used to gently remove these deposits without harming the teeth. First, an ultrasonic device that emits vibrations and is cooled by water is used to loosen larger pieces of tartar. Next, hand tools are used to manually remove smaller deposits and smooth the tooth surfaces. Once all the tooth surfaces have been cleaned of tartar and plaque, the teeth are polished.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are made of a safe resin material which is applied to the surfaces of teeth (commonly permanent molars) to prevent cavities. The sealant material fills in the crevices of a tooth and “seals” off the tooth from cavity-causing agents like food and plaque. The teeth are prepared for the sealant application and the sealant is painted directly onto the chewing surface of each tooth and then hardens. Sealants are applied in one visit.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a natural substance that helps strengthen teeth and prevent decay. Fluoride treatments are administered at this office as an important component of pediatric dental treatment. The fluoride is applied to the teeth in a gel, foam, or varnish form.
Custom Oral Appliances
Mouth guards are an often-overlooked component of preventive dental care. Both adults and children should wear mouth guards while practicing and playing sports to protect the lips, gums, teeth, and arches. Custom-made mouth guards offer superior protection to the types of mouth guards that can be bought in stores, greatly reducing the severity of dental and facial injuries.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure used to treat gum disease. During the scaling process, specialized dental instruments are used to remove dental plaque and calculus from beneath the gums. Planing is the procedure used to smooth the tooth roots after the scaling process. Root planing helps the gums heal and reattach themselves to a cleaner and smoother root surface.
Root Canal Treatment
Root canals are most often necessary when decay has reached the nerve of the tooth or the tooth has become infected. Once the root canal is completed, the tooth is restored with a dental crown or filling to protect the tooth and restore normal tooth function.
Extractions
Extractions may be necessary for a variety of reasons: in preparation for orthodontic treatment, before dental implant placement, or if a tooth is not able to be saved with restorative procedures.