Preventative Dentistry
Good dental preventative care is really important to ensure a healthy mouth, including your gums and teeth.
It is important to brush your teeth at least twice daily to help remove plaque and food particles that get stuck to your teeth. It is recommended that you brush your teeth for two minutes (or longer), though most people rush through this time. You need to make sure that you reach every side of each tooth, including the inside and outside. To help keep your breath fresh, you should also brush your tongue. Then, you can begin flossing.
Cleanings And Exams
Having a dental practice perform a checkup and regular cleaning gives a preventive approach to dental care. These general dentistry treatments help prevent problems with your teeth, gums and jaw bones, or they catch and manage problems before they worsen. During your visit, our doctors will take a picture of the current standing of your dental health and what would be needed to keep your oral hygiene in its best state.
Teeth Whitening
A common request we receive is how to make a smile whiter and brighter. This is a relatively simple and quick treatment option that can be performed periodically. Certain foods and beverages, such as wine and coffee, stain the teeth and contribute to discoloration. The teeth whitening process provides a solution that lightens the shade of the teeth. Additionally, the process actually rids the teeth of plaque and tartar that tend to lead to dental problems.
Fillings
A filling is needed when a tooth has a cavity. At our office we offer both white and silver fillings. White fillings are always used for front teeth and can be used for back teeth as well. Silver fillings are typically used on back teeth because they are a more durable solution.
Root Canals
There is a common misconception that root canals are a very painful procedure. Typically, a root canal can be completed in one visit and in less than one hour. Although there can be some discomfort afterwards, it usually resolves in a short period of time. After a root canal is performed, the tooth usually needs a crown to prevent it from becoming damaged in the future.
Extractions (Regular and Surgical)
Although we always prefer save a tooth, but in some cases a tooth is beyond repair and must be extracted. Most surgical and regular extractions can be performed in the office, at the first visit if necessary. Today it is common to replace an extracted tooth with an implant to restore the look and function of a natural tooth. An implant can often be placed at the time of extraction.