Tooth Decay and Repair Utilizing an intra-oral camera gives both you and us the opportunity to see potential problems occurring in your mouth, such as decay or fractured teeth. Often a tooth will not start bothering you until there is significant loss of tooth structure. With the help of the intra-oral camera, problems can be detected earlier, before you experience a toothache. Periodontal Disease While seldom painful and frequently free of any obvious signs or symptoms, periodontal disease can progress, undetected, to the point where supporting bone is destroyed. With 80 to 90% of all teenagers having some form of gingivitis (inflamed gums) and 75% of adult tooth loss for people over the age of 35 due to periodontal disease, early treatment and prevention is essential. While periodontal disease is caused by plaque, a number of other factors including poorly fitting bridges, badly aligned teeth and defective fillings contribute to the development of this condition. Our on-staff periodontist is available to treat your periodontal disease and save your teeth. Oral Surgery The goal of modern dentistry is to prevent tooth loss. When a tooth cannot be saved, extraction (removal) of the tooth may be the only course of treatment. A panorex x-ray allows us to see a complete picture of the alignment of your jaw, the positioning of your teeth and if there is sufficient space for your third molars (wisdom teeth) to fully erupt. In addition, it is an excellent diagnostic tool for evaluating the supporting bone for possible cysts or tumors. Most minor surgeries are performed at our facility, however the doctor may choose to refer to a maxillofacial surgeon for more complicated cases. Bridges A non-removable bridge can restore your teeth to normal function by replacing missing teeth. It will improve the entire health of your mouth by keeping the surrounding teeth in position and can also help maintain the structure of your face and jaw. Root Canal Therapy If a tooth's pulp (nerve and blood supply) becomes infected or inflamed, root canal treatment may be the only way to save the tooth, short of removing it. Root canal treatment consists of removing the nerve that lies within the root of the tooth. Dentures Many people believe that once they have dentures, they no longer need regular dental care. Denture wearers require regular exams to ensure their health, comfort and appearance. Gum tissues are in a constant state of change. Periodic relining of the dentures may be necessary to ensure a tight and comfortable fit. |