Services
General Dentistry
General dentistry is the cornerstone of oral healthcare, encompassing a wide range of preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic services designed to maintain optimal oral health for individuals of all ages.
General dentists are trained to address a broad spectrum of dental concerns, from routine cleanings and examinations to more complex restorative procedures and cosmetic treatments.
Essential Services Provided by General Dentists
General dentists play a crucial role in preventing and treating a variety of oral health conditions, including:
- Preventive care: Regular checkups and cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.
- Diagnostic procedures: Oral Examinations, X-Rays, and other diagnostic tools to identify and assess dental issues early on.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is a specialized branch of dental care that focuses on improving the aesthetics of teeth, gums, and the overall smile.
Common Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
- Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening is a popular procedure that lightens the color of teeth, removing stains and discoloration caused by food, beverages, and aging. Various teeth whitening options are available, including professional in-office treatments and at-home whitening kits.
- Dental Bonding: Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin material to the surface of a tooth to restore its shape, size, or color. Bonding can be used to repair chipped or cracked teeth, close gaps between teeth, and even lengthen the appearance of short teeth.
- Dental Veneers: Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are bonded to the front surface of teeth to mask imperfections and enhance the appearance of the smile. Veneers can be used to address a variety of cosmetic concerns, such as discoloration, chipped or cracked teeth, misaligned teeth, and gaps between teeth.
Fillings
Composite dental fillings, also known as tooth-colored fillings, are a versatile and aesthetically pleasing option for restoring teeth damaged by decay, fractures, or wear. Unlike traditional amalgam fillings, which are silver-colored, composite fillings are made of a resin material that can be matched to the natural color of the tooth, providing a more natural-looking restoration.
Advantages of Composite Dental Fillings
Composite dental fillings offer several advantages over traditional amalgam fillings:
- Aesthetics: Composite fillings closely match the color and appearance of natural teeth, making them virtually undetectable when placed.
- Strength and Durability: Composite fillings are strong and durable, capable of withstanding the forces of chewing and biting.
- Bonding to Tooth Structure: Composite fillings can be bonded directly to the tooth structure, creating a strong and long-lasting seal that prevents further decay.
- Preservation of Tooth Structure: Composite fillings require minimal removal of healthy tooth structure, preserving more of the natural tooth.
Crowns & Bridges
A dental crown is a thin cover that fits over a tooth, to protect damaged tooth enamel. Dental crowns are shaped to look just like natural teeth and they can be made the same color as natural teeth.
Who Needs Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns can be used to restore the appearance and functionality of the tooth for patients who have had any one of the following:
- Tooth decay
- A cracked tooth
- A broken tooth
- A dental bridge (the crown can hold the bridge in place)
- Misshapen or discolored tooth
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is an artificial structure implanted with existing teeth or where one or more teeth are missing. Dentists install dental bridges when a patient requires a dental crown. A dental crown is a ceramic or metal cap covering an existing tooth.
Reasons why patients require the use of dental bridges and crowns include:
- Covering stains from tobacco, wine, or coffee
- Protecting a cracked or chipped area in a permanent tooth
- Concealing signs of tooth decay at the root of the tooth and slowing tooth loss
- Providing a stable tooth structure to support the root structure of a damaged or broken tooth
Root Canal Treatment
When a toothache strikes, the mere mention of a root canal can send shivers down the spine. But don’t let fear lead to tooth loss.
A root canal is often a tooth hero, restoring health and function while preventing the need for extraction.
The Root of the Issue
Inside each tooth lies a delicate pulp chamber, containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
When infection or inflammation strikes this pulp, pain, sensitivity, and swelling can ensue.
A root canal addresses this by removing the diseased pulp and cleaning the root canals, preventing infection from spreading and saving the tooth.
The Process
- Numbing the Area: Local anesthetic ensures a comfortable experience.
- Accessing the Pulp: A small opening is created in the tooth’s crown.
- Removing the Pulp: Delicate instruments extract the inflamed pulp.
- Cleaning and Shaping: Root canals are meticulously cleaned and shaped.
- Filling and Sealing: A biocompatible material securely fills and seals the canals.
- Restoring the Crown: A crown or filling protects the tooth and restores its function.
Dental Implants
Missing teeth can take a toll on your confidence and oral health. Fortunately, dental implants offer a revolutionary solution, acting as permanent replacements for lost teeth and bringing back that healthy, complete smile.
What are dental implants?
Think of them as artificial tooth roots. These small, biocompatible posts, usually made of titanium, are surgically placed into the jawbone. Over time, a process called osseointegration bonds the implant with the bone, creating a sturdy foundation for a crown, bridge, or even dentures.
Benefits of Dental Implants
- Enhanced natural look and feel: Implants mimic the function and aesthetics of natural teeth, seamlessly blending in with your existing smile. They are comfortable, secure, and allow you to eat, speak, and laugh with confidence.
- Preserves oral health: Unlike bridges, implants don’t require sacrificing healthy neighboring teeth. This maintains long-term oral health and prevents bone loss in the jaw.
- Durability and longevity: Made of strong materials, implants can last for decades, even a lifetime with proper care. This eliminates the need for future replacements and associated costs.
- Improved self-esteem: Dental implants can significantly boost confidence and overall well-being. No more worrying about slipping dentures or struggling to chew certain foods.
Oral Surgery
Oral surgery is the last resort for patients. It’s also one of the most daunting procedures a person can have. The good news is that the right surgery can be the key to preserving your mouth, and your overall oral health.
Evaluate and Treat
Before reviewing surgery, it helps to talk about prevention. There are a variety of surgeries that a dentist might recommend to you, so it helps to work with someone who can evaluate the mouth in its entirety. Sometimes, a root canal, extraction, or deep cleaning can make it possible to either limit or avoid surgery.
Common Types of Oral Surgery
Surgery for the mouth may include any of the following procedures:
- Maxillofacial: This is a general term for many oral surgeries. Whether it’s for impactions or damaged gums, the idea is to improve, reset, or align the mouth, so you can fend off chronic disease and recover from any potential injuries or illnesses. For instance, if your wisdom teeth begin to hurt, you can use this common surgery to remove them.
- Bite: Overbites and underbites are common problems, but they can also cause a lot of trouble over time. Because they affect your ability to chew, speak, and even breathe, you can use this surgery to move the components of your mouth into a less damaging position.
- Implants: The surgical part of the implant position occurs when the dentist places a post inside the jaw. Over time, the bone in the jaw will fuse to the post. When that occurs, the dentist will top it with a permanent artificial tooth.