Dental caries (tooth decay) is caused by acid-producing bacteria that collect around the teeth and gingivae (gums) in a sticky, clear film called “plaque.” Without good daily oral hygiene and regular dental visits, teeth become more vulnerable to caries. Brushing twice a day and cleaning between teeth with floss or another type of interdental cleaner help remove plaque. Regular dental examinations and cleanings also are important for keeping teeth healthy.
X-rays
The three most common types of dental x-rays are Bite-Wings, Full Mouth X-rays, and Panoramic X-rays. We may also need to take a single film, called a PA, if you are having a specific issue and can pinpoint which tooth you believe is bothering you. Take a look at the videos below, each gives a detailed explanation of the x-ray process.
Oral Cancer Screening
Traditional factors such as smoking or tobacco use are no longer the only considerations when determining oral cancer risk. This disease has changed, and the risk of death from oral cancer is now higher than breast cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma and skin cancer. This is why our team is dedicated to providing Oral Cancer Screenings at each of your preventative appointments. We understand that Oral Cancer is the leading cause of deaths related to cancer. We don't want that to happen to you!
FREE Dental Appointments ! Appointments are available for Active Military and their immediate family members, and all Veterans. Complimentary Appreciation Services include: dental cleaning, exam, radiographs, fluoride and any same-day dental work that our doctors can complete. Door-prizes and refreshments are also available from many community business partners. Please call the office of your choice to reserve your appointment time. Learn more about Freedom Day USA by clicking here.
Fluoride Treatment
Topical fluorides are applied directly to the tooth enamel. Some examples include fluoride toothpastes and mouthrinses, as well as fluoride treatments in the dental office. Systemic fluorides are those that are swallowed. Examples include fluoridated water and
Dental Sealants
A dental sealant is a plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Grooves in these teeth are so narrow that a toothbrush cannot fit into the spaces to remove plaque (what is plaque?). Dental sealants help prevent dental decay in the grooves.
By closing off spaces where bacteria can enter, a filling also helps prevent further decay. Materials used for fillings include the most popular material - a composite resin (tooth-colored fillings), porcelain, gold, and although very rarely used nowadays - amalgam (an alloy of mercury, silver, copper, tin and sometimes zinc).
Veneers
Occasionally, a patient will want to change their entire smile. This may be a personal preference or be due to serious dental health issues that have left them very unhappy with the appearance of their smile. If this is something you are interested in, rest assured that you are in good hands! Our doctors are trained on cosmetic procedures such as, veneers, Invisalign and more. Not only will you love your smile again, but you will be happier and healthier! Change Your Smile...Change Your Life!
Crowns
Restoring your tooth with a crown may take 2 or 3 dental visits. Expect to wait 2 to 3 weeks between appointments. Follow the instructions that your dentist gives you.
A Root Canal is a dental procedure to fix a tooth by removing the pulp chamber of the tooth and filling it with a suitable filling material. A root canal is usually performed when the tooth cannot be filled or restored any other way because the decay has reached the nerve of the tooth or the tooth has become infected. Learn more by watching the video below.
Medications placed directly onto the affected area can help prevent the disease from getting worse, and if used in conjunction with the deep cleaning therapies can often have positive results.
While there are many different types of dental implants, our team is experienced in the placement of immediate implants which can be done on-site without the need to travel to an oral surgeon.
In addition to flap surgery, your periodontist or dentist may suggest procedures to help regenerate any bone or gum tissue lost to periodontitis. Bone grafting, in which natural or synthetic bone is placed in the area of bone loss, can help promote bone growth. A technique that can be used with bone grafting is called guided tissue regeneration. In this procedure, a small piece of mesh-like material is inserted between the bone and gum tissue. This keeps the gum tissue from growing into the area where the bone should be, allowing the bone and connective tissue to regrow. Growth factors – proteins that can help your body naturally regrow bone – may also be used. In cases where gum tissue has been lost, your dentist or periodontist may suggest a soft tissue graft, in which synthetic material or tissue taken from another area of your mouth is used to cover exposed tooth roots.
Tooth Extractions
Simple extractions are performed on teeth that are visible in the mouth, usually under local anaesthetic, and require only the use of instruments to elevate and/or grasp the visible portion of the tooth. Typically the tooth is lifted using an elevator, and using dental forceps, rocked back and forth until the periodontal ligament has been sufficiently broken and the supporting alveolar bone has been adequately widened to make the tooth loose enough to remove. Typically, when teeth are removed with forceps, slow, steady pressure is applied with controlled force.
In 2013, the organization added iSmile Ortho to the services being offered. The orthodontic team is led by Dr. Andrew Thompson and travels to each office, where both traditional and Invisalign orthodontics are offered.
Invisalign Orthodontics
The Invisalign system utilizes a series of clear trays, which adjust and move your teeth as needed to achieve your desired smile results. There are 5 simple steps to the program...
Braces
There are many reasons why your doctor may have recommended OraCare. Common recommendations are for gum problems, dry mouth, braces (or other hard to clean areas), or bad breath. No burning, no staining, and sulfate free, OraCare tastes great and has helped thousands of patients!
Our Dentists are clinically trained in many areas of cosmetic dentistry and we have an on-site orthodontist who is an Invisalign Certified Preferred Provider ! For a full list of services click here.