Preventative Care
Is the care required to try and prevent disease of the teeth and the supporting structures. You will save more money and have less dental work on your teeth or gums if you allow us to help you prevent cavities and gum disease. When you come in for your appointment ask us how we can do this.Cari Free Program
CariFree Maintenance Rinse is designed to promote healthy biofilm development and limit the growth of decay-causing bacteria. CariFree Maintenance Rinse contains 3 grams of xylitol per swish, fluoride (0.05% neutral sodium fluoride), and patent-pending pH+ technology to neutralize cavity-causing acids. Intended for use by patients to lower caries risk and maintain long-term oral health.Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied to the grooves of the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from tooth decay. Most tooth decay in children and teens occurs on these surfaces. It works by keeping germs and food particles out of these grooves. Sealants can only be seen up close. Sealants can be clear, white, or slightly tinted, and usually are not seen when someone talks or smiles.Permanent molars are the most likely to benefit from sealants. The first molars usually come into the mouth when a child is about 6 years old. Second molars appear at about age 12. It is best if the sealant is applied soon after the teeth have erupted, before they have a chance to decay.Applying sealants does not require drilling or removing tooth structure. The process is short and easy. After the tooth is cleaned, a special gel is placed on the chewing surface for a few seconds. The tooth is then washed off and dried. Then, the sealant is painted on the tooth and then a light is used to help harden the sealant.A sealant can last for as long as 5 to 10 years. Sealants should be checked at each regular dental appointment and can be reapplied if they are no longer in place.Fillings
A dental restoration or dental filling is used to restore the function and integrity of any missing tooth structure. The structural loss typically results from cavities or external trauma. The most common materials are:- Dental composites are also called white fillings. Their strength and durability is not as high as porcelain or metal restorations and they are more prone to wear and discoloration.
- Amalgam: Silver amalgam (Consists of mercury (50%), silver (~22-32% ), tin (~14%), copper (~8%), and other trace metals. Dental Amalgam is widely used because of the ease of fabricating the material into rigid direct fillings, completed in a single appointment, with acceptable strength, and hardness. It is more forgiving of preparation and technique than composite resins used for that purpose. It is now mainly used for posterior teeth and usually costs less than composites.
Low-Radiation Digital X Rays
Digital radiography is a form of X-ray imaging, where digital X-ray sensors are used instead of traditional photographic film. Advantages include time efficiency through bypassing chemical processing and the ability to digitally transfer and enhance images. Also less radiation can be used to produce an image of similar contrast to conventional radiography.Root Canals
The pulp is the space within the root of a tooth where the nerve and blood vessels reside. When infection or decay get into the pulp the body’s immune system cells cannot get into the tooth to clean up the infection therefore, the infected pulp needs to be cleaned out. This is done with small cleaning instruments until the infected pulp and surrounding tooth structure is clean. A soft filler with a sealer is placed which the body likes. Your body can now heal from the infection.Crowns
A crown is a type of dental restoration which completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant. Crowns are often needed when a large cavity threatens the ongoing health of a tooth. They are typically placed on the tooth using a dental cement. Crowns can be made from many materials and are often used to improve the strength or appearance of teeth.Extractions
A dental extraction is the removal of a tooth from the mouth. Extractions are performed for a wide variety of reasons, including tooth decay that has destroyed enough tooth structure to render the tooth non-restorable. Extractions of impacted or problematic wisdom teeth are routinely performed, as are extractions of some permanent teeth to make space for orthodontic treatment.