Sealants

A sealant is a thin, plastic coating applied to the chewing surface of molars, premolars and any deep grooves (called pits and fissures) of teeth. More than 75% of dental decay begins in these deep grooves. Teeth with these conditions are hard to clean and are very susceptible to decay. A sealant protects the tooth by sealing deep grooves, creating a smooth, easy to clean surface. Sealants can protect teeth from decay for many years, but need to be checked for wear and chipping at regular dental visits.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is the most effective agent available to help prevent tooth decay.

It is a mineral that is naturally present in varying amounts in almost all foods and water supplies. The benefits of fluoride have been well known for over 50 years and are supported by many health and professional organizations.

Wisdom Tooth Removal

Third molars, commonly referred to as wisdom teeth, are usually the last four of 32 teeth to surface in the mouth, generally making their appearance between the ages of 17 to 25. They are located at the back of the mouth (top and bottom), near the entrance to the throat. The term “wisdom” stems from the idea that the molars surface at a time typically associated with increased maturity or “wisdom”.

In most cases, inadequate space in the mouth does not allow the wisdom teeth to erupt properly and become fully functional. When this happens, the tooth can become impacted (stuck) in an undesirable or potentially harmful position. If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can contribute to infection, damage to other teeth, and possibly cysts or tumors.

Frenectomy

A Frenectomy also known as a Frenotomy or Frenulectomy, is a surgery to correct problems in an infant or child’s developing mouth tissue. The conditions leading to a frenectomy are usually caused by congenital defects that can impact eating, breathing, and speech. If not corrected, they can cause other issues later in life. Since the mouth is an integral part of the digestive system, sinus, and speech, these issues should not be minimized or ignored.

The word frenum refers to the muscular attachment between two tissues. The most common problem areas in the mouth have to do with the tongue and the lip. It is estimated at 3-5% of the population has some form of frenum restriction and is often referred to as being tongue-tied. Parents should consult with a pediatrician to determine if their children would benefit from a frenectomy.

Tooth Colored Fillings 

Tooth colored fillings, also known as white fillings and composite fillings, are comprised of plastic, silica and glass particles. These substances replicate a lot of the qualities of the natural tooth structure like translucency and resistance to wear. The blend of these particles is often referred to as a composite.

Root Canal

A root canal is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.

Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die. Many people are concerned about avoiding root canal pain, but the alternative is tooth removal, which is ultimately more costly and will cause significant problems for adjacent teeth. Although it is a dental procedure, the cost of a root canal is less than an extraction. Root canal pain can also be managed successfully, and root canal recovery is generally simple. Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.

Tooth Extraction

Extraction is performed for positional, structural, or economic reasons. Teeth are often removed because they are impacted. Teeth become impacted when they are prevented from growing into their normal position in the mouth by gum tissue, bone, or other teeth. Impaction is a common reason for the extraction of wisdom teeth. Extraction is the only known method that will prevent further problems. Teeth may also be extracted to make more room in the mouth prior to straightening the remaining teeth (orthodontic treatment), or because they are so badly positioned that straightening is impossible.Extraction may be used to remove teeth that are so badly decayed or broken that they cannot be restored. In addition, patients sometimes choose extraction as a less expensive alternative to filling or placing a crown on a severely decayed tooth.

Digital X-Rays

Digital radiography (digital x-ray) is the latest technology used to take dental x-rays. This technique uses an electronic sensor (instead of x-ray film) that captures and stores the digital image on a computer. This image can be instantly viewed and enlarged helping us detect problems easier. Digital x-rays reduce radiation 80-90% compared to the already low exposure of traditional dental x-rays.

Dental x-rays are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. We use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan. Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected.