Services

A comprehensive exam will be performed by one of our dentists at your initial dental visit that will include examination of diagnostic x-rays to detect decay. Your mouth will be evaluated for gum disease and existing restorations will be checked. Routine exams will also check for cavities as well as oral cancer screening.

Professional dental cleanings (prophylaxis) are performed by a Registered Dental Hygienist. She will remove plaque and calculus from the tooth surface and look for any inflammation of your gums that may signify periodontal disease.

X-rays are necessary to see cavities that may be growing between your teeth. A full mouth series of x-rays is usually taken every 5 years. Routine Bite Wing x-rays are taken yearly.

A dental sealant is a safe plastic-like material that is painted onto the chewing surfaces of the newly erupted back teeth (molars and premolars) and acts like a physical barrier to help “seal out” germs and food that cause decay and destroy tooth structure. Sealants are checked at every routine visit and repaired if necessary.

Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. In children under six years of age, fluoride becomes incorporated into the development of permanent teeth, making it difficult for acids to demineralize the teeth. We recommend children receive fluoride treatments until the age of 16.

Dental fillings are used to restore worn or damaged teeth and treat tooth decay. Dental amalgam is a strong, inexpensive material that is commonly used for filling teeth, especially the molars (back teeth). In recent years, alternative tooth-colored filling materials have also become more common and affordable.

Tooth bonding is an excellent technique for small defects in teeth such as chips, spots or gaps between the teeth. Many people experience a “new smile” just by having this procedure.

The goal of our soft tissue management treatment program is to resolve the signs of inflammation, reduce pocket depths and detectable plaque to a level associated with periodontal health. Ideally we can halt the progression of the periodontal disease.

If the gum disease has progressed to more advanced stages, a special periodontal deep cleaning called scaling and root planning will be recommended. This treatment usually takes 2 visits and is done under local anesthesia. This procedure helps gum tissue to heal and pockets to shrink by removing tartar, plaque and bacteria from below the gum line.

A root canal becomes necessary when the nerve of the tooth is infected or damaged. It is necessary to remove the nerve and replace the canal space with another material. Our office performs this procedure on anterior (front) teeth only. We will refer you to an excellent endodontist for molar root canals.

There are times when it becomes necessary to remove a tooth. Sometimes your orthodontist may recommend teeth be extracted to aid in the orthodontic treatment of yourself or your child. Simple extractions may be performed in this office. More complicated extractions may be referred to an oral surgeon.

Crowns are laboratory fabricated restorations made of gold and porcelain which are placed over the entire remaining tooth structure. Crowns are typically used to restore a tooth’s function and appearance following root canal therapy, extensive deterioration from decay, large old filings or breakage.

A denture is a removable dental appliance replacement for missing teeth. They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and enhance your smile. Complete (full) dentures are used when all teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. A partial denture not only fills in spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from shifting. An immediate complete denture can be made ahead and placed immediately after extractions.

Tooth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and enhance the beauty of your smile. This treatment requires 2 visits. A mold is taken at the first visit. A tray is made and will be given to you at your second visit, along with the bleaching material and instructions as to its use. The trays can be worn at home for specific time periods.

For more instant results, we offer in office whitening.  This procedure is great for a special event such as a wedding, prom or pictures. It can also be used to jump-start your at home whitening routine.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root used to support restorations that resemble a tooth or group of teeth. Dental implants can be used to support a number of dental prostheses, including crowns, implant-supported bridges or dentures. Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason. This treatment also requires the expertise of an oral surgeon who places the implant(s) in the bone.

Nitrous oxide is available upon request. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is used to reduce dental anxiety and reduce pain. There is no amnesia with the gas, just relaxation. There is a significant charge for this service and is not covered by most insurances.

Our goal is to help you minimize the risk of emergency treatment. Unfortunately, emergencies do happen and we always try to see patients in pain on the same day. If the office is closed, you will be directed to a pager number where one of our doctors can be reached.

Snoring can be a big problem for some people. We can fabricate an appliance that slightly protrudes the lower jaw which opens the airway to diminish snoring. This appliance is not to treat sleep apnea.