General Dentistry
Air Abrasion
Many people fear going to the dentist because of "the drill." However, with advancements in modern dentistry, your visit can be drill-free, leaving you with a beautiful, healthy smile and a stress-free dental experience.
Spraying Away Decay
Air abrasion is a minimally invasive technique used by your dentist to remove tooth decay safely and quickly. During air abrasion, an instrument that works like a tiny sandblaster emits a fine stream of particles aimed at the decayed portion of the tooth. These particles are made of silica, aluminum oxide, or a baking soda mixture. Small particles of decay on the tooth surface are gently and efficiently removed as the stream of particles strikes them. Your dentist will then remove the particles of decay with a simple rinse and suction. Best of all, for many procedures using air abrasion, there is no need for anesthetic, so you'll be able to have a needle-free experience too.
Dental air abrasion can be used in many treatments instead of a dental drill, including:
Preparing a cavity for a filling
Preparing a tooth for bonding or sealants
Removing old composite restorations
Removing plaque and tooth decay
Removing superficial tooth stains and discolorations
The Advantages of Air Abrasion
Generates no heat, sound, pressure, or vibration
Reduces the need for anesthesia, particularly if the cavity is shallow
Leaves much more of the healthy tooth tissue behind
Reduces the risk of micro-fracturing and chipping of the tooth
Allows your dentist to treat multiple sites in your mouth during a single visit
Dental air abrasion is a simple, quick, and effective alternative to the traditional drill. It provides many benefits and reduces anxieties many people associate with a trip to the dentist. Ask us at your next appointment if air abrasion is right for you!
Mild Sedation Dentistry
We understand that going to the dentist may be stressful for some of our patients. If you're nervous about your dental visit, let us know! We want you to be as comfortable as possible during your dental treatment and are pleased to offer our patients the option of comfortable, safe, and effective sedation dentistry. Patients who benefit from sedation dentistry have:
A fear or anxiety of being at the dentist
A hard time sitting still for long periods of time
Apprehension about certain dental procedures
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry allows your doctor to provide a variety of dental treatments safely and comfortably for patients who experience anxiety when visiting the dentist. There are several benefits of sedation dentistry, including:
Less fear or anxiety during treatment
More comfort during dental procedures
A more relaxing dental experience
Patients who have undergone a procedure using sedation dentistry will tell you it's a simple, relaxing way to experience dentistry.
Oral Sedation
Anxiolysis is a light form of sedation dentistry and is often used for patients with mild anxiety or those with longer procedures or more complex situations. Usually administered orally, with mild sedation, you remain awake or very sleepy throughout the entire procedure and are able to breathe on your own, but you will feel a great sense of relaxation. Patients typically recover from anxiolysis sedation within a few hours after the procedure is complete.
Inhaled Sedation
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is the most frequently used method for easing mild to moderate anxiety. Administered through a small mask that fits over your nose, it is an effective way to calm anxiety, raise your pain threshold, and even make time seem like it's passing quicker than usual. At the end of your appointment, you'll resume breathing regular oxygen, and all the effects of nitrous oxide will disappear, so you can resume your normal activities immediately.
Understanding the range of choices that are available to relieve anxiety and discomfort can be very useful. Please contact our practice to schedule a consultation, learn more about sedation dentistry, and find out which sedation dentistry method is right for you.
Bruxism
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, refers to excessive grinding of the teeth and/or excessive clenching of the jaw, usually occurring when one sleeps. If you wake up with jaw pain, tension headaches, or facial pain, you may be suffering from bruxism. Some people aren’t even aware they are grinding or clenching their teeth at night, until a visit to us reveals significant tooth enamel loss or damage to restorations.
Tension, stress, and anxiety experienced during the daytime can carry over to an individual’s sleep, and lead the person to grind his or her teeth together or clench the teeth unknowingly. Regardless of the cause, however, frequent clenching and grinding wears down the chewing surfaces of the teeth, reduces tooth enamel, and can result in a cracked or chipped tooth, crown, or filling.
Treatment Options
Fortunately, there is a non-invasive and effective solution for teeth grinding, and the tooth enamel damage it can cause, in custom-fabricated nightguards. Nightguards are created through a non-invasive process that includes taking an impression of the bottom and top rows of teeth. The result is a nightguard that is flexible, comfortable, and personalized to your mouth.
Although it’s important to wear your nightguard faithfully if you grind your teeth at night, you can also follow a few self-care tips to help to prevent your teeth grinding from worsening.
Reduce tension and stress. Whether you take a warm bath before bed, listen to soothing music, or exercise, practicing stress-relieving activities can help alleviate stress and tension.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine. In some patients, alcohol and caffeine can increase teeth-grinding tendencies.
Focus on relaxing jaw muscles. Make a conscious effort to keep your jaw relaxed. A warm washcloth against your cheek, sticking your tongue between your teeth, and avoiding chewing pencils, pens, and gum are all ways to train the muscles of your jaw to stay relaxed. Remember: lips together, teeth apart!
Because you may have bruxism and be unaware of it until complications develop, it's important to know the signs and symptoms of bruxism and to seek regular dental care. If you suspect that bruxism is the cause for your headaches or jaw pain, please contact our office and schedule an appointment.
Teeth For Life
Practicing good oral hygiene means maintaining your smile by visiting the dentist regularly and taking care of your teeth and gums between checkups. Our practice wants to make sure that you get the most out of your office visits, and that your teeth stay healthy for life! We'll work with you to provide complete dental care, and show you how to maintain your smile at home with the right dental products for you and your family.
Dental Cleanings and Regular Checkups
Regular dental checkups are an important part of maintaining your oral health. During your regular checkup, your hygienist will:
Check for any problems that you may not see or feel
Look for cavities or any other signs of tooth decay
Inspect your teeth and gums for gingivitis and signs of periodontal disease
Provide a thorough teeth cleaning, rinse, and polish
Visiting the dentist every six months gives you the chance to talk with your doctor and receive answers for any questions you may have about your oral health. Checkups are also a great way for you to find out about new treatments that may benefit your smile.
Choosing the Right Toothpaste and Toothbrush
From toothpaste and mouthwash to toothbrushes and dental floss, it's important to choose the right products for your smile. Keep in mind that when you're looking for a new toothpaste or toothbrush, be sure to choose one that has been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). Your dentist can also help by recommending certain dental products for use at home.
Learn More
Did you know that at birth, people already have 20 primary (baby) teeth that begin erupting after six months, and that by age 21, there are no more primary teeth, and all 32 permanent teeth have erupted?
Getting to know your teeth can be fun and educational!
Emergency Dental Care
If you experience a dental emergency, be sure to call our practice as soon as possible. If you need immediate attention after hours, call our emergency phone number and our on-call staff member will help you. If you are unable to reach our office during an emergency, dial 911.
We are here to help you, any time, any day. When your dental health is at risk, we will do everything we can to make sure that you're treated as soon as possible. While dental emergencies are rare, they can happen, and it's important to know how to take care of your teeth no matter what. Common dental emergencies include:
Broken or cracked tooth/teeth
Broken jaw
Permanent tooth knocked out
Object caught between teeth
Severe toothache