BASIC SERVICES

FILLINGS
Fillings are done to remove decay, and replace the affected tooth structure. It is called a filling because new a material fills hole that decay left. Most teeth are treated with bonded tooth colored composite resin fillings. Caught early enough, cavities can be treated easily and painlessly. Untreated decay can lead to pain and infection, leading to the need for advanced services.

NON-SURGICAL GUM TREATMENTS
Simple Cleanings and Deep Cleanings.  The gums, ligaments, and bone around the teeth form the foundation for ones teeth. All structures are also referred to as the periodontium. When the periodontium is not healthy, it jeopardizes the teeth just as a bad foundation would threaten the stability of a house. Signs of unhealthy periodontium (gum disease) may be as follows: gums that are red and bleed easily, persistent bad breath, gums that are pulled away from the tooth, loose teeth, and changes in the position or bite of the teeth. Any of these signs may mean something is wrong. With the proper care, however, it may be possible to return them to a healthy state. This is where appropriate gum treatments come in. If you're having a problem, come in and see us so we can take care of it right away. The treatment usually involves a deep cleaning or root planing done under a local anesthetic, along with local antibiotic agents. If the gum disease gets too severe it may need to be treated through surgery or extraction. This is why it is important to get it treated at the first sign of a problem.

X-RAYS
This is a focused beam of X-Ray particles through bone which produces an image on special film, showing the structure through which it passed. This gives the familiar black and white images that doctors use to diagnose problems. X-rays are a necessary part of the diagnostic process, and not to use them could lead to undiagnosed disease. Without an X-ray of the whole tooth, and supporting bone and gum tissues, there is no real way to detect infection or pathology that requires attention.

*In our office we use digital radiography which allows us to take X-rays using 50-70% less radiation versus conventional X-rays. Coupled with computer monitoring, digital x-ray technology allows us to enhance the images for better diagnosis of any dental concerns.

SEALANTS
This is used to fill in narrow grooves in a tooth that cannot be adequately cleaned by brushing. In some cases, the tooth structure has fine grooves or pits which accumulate plaque, not because the person doesn't brush, but because they're too narrow to allow even one bristle into them. These will develop cavities over time, and you don't want that. So the dentist will brush on a coating that seals the grooves and pits, making it possible to brush off all the plaque and keep your teeth healthy.

EXTRACTIONS
Sometimes, teeth cannot be fixed.  Teeth that have cavities that are too large or are too broken down, teeth that have failing root canals, fractured teeth, wisdom teeth and teeth that are in the way of orthodontic treatment are all situations where a tooth extraction might be needed.  The decision to take a tooth out should not be taken lightly, but, if needed, we can always attempt to replace that tooth if you so desire.  We use local anesthetic, sometimes in conjunction with non-IV sedation.  The tooth is manipulated in a way that causes it to become loose enough to remove with foreceps.  Sometimes, advanced surgical intervention is required, but most of the time it does not prevent the extraction from being done.  Not everyone is ready for an extraction on the day they come in and it is up to the Doctor to decide if the patient is able to get the tooth out.

We offer all general dental services along with some more advanced ways to treat your needs.  If you have a question, please contact us.