Dental Procedures

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PREVENTATIVE CARE: Exams and Oral Cleanings 

A regular visit to your dentist is important to maintain the health of your gums and teeth. When you see your dentist every six months, x-rays are taken to evaluate the condition of your teeth. Digital x-rays are used to capture images of your teeth and help the dentist diagnose problem areas. Our office uses digital x-rays to expose you to the least amount of radiation possible. In addition, the resulting image appears instantly so the dentist can immediately review the x-ray and discuss your treatment. A professional dental cleaning i.e. prophylaxis is a procedure to remove tartar buildup that cannot be removed by brushing or flossing alone. 

BONDING: Composite Fillings

Bonding is the technique your dentist uses to rebuild your tooth structure. When your tooth cracks, a resin based material is attached to your tooth. It is the same color as your tooth, so it looks completely natural. This same procedure is used when you have a cavity. Your dentist removes decay first, and then a dental filling is placed to fill the space.

CROWN & BRIDGES: Porcelain Restorations

Crowns are used by your dentist when there is insufficient tooth structure to support a filling. If your tooth is too weak, or if you recently had a root canal, a crown will protect the remaining tooth structure long-term. Crowns are made in a laboratory and inserted into your mouth by a dentist. Crowns can be either porcelain with a metal substructure, all porcelain or zirconia (hardened ceramic). Our office will generally recommend full porcelain crowns as an option for the best possible cosmetic outcome.

Bridges are used to replace spaces in your mouth where teeth are missing. Bridges can be used to correct your bite and for a more cosmetic appearance to your smile.

DENTURES: Removable Appliances

Dentures are replacement teeth that are removed from your mouth yourself. There are two types of dentures - full and partial. Full dentures are used for patients who have all of their natural teeth missing. Partial dentures are used when patients have healthy teeth remaining but multiple missing teeth throughout their mouth. These dentures attach to your natural teeth and are used to fill in where permanent teeth have been removed. Metal frameworks are the more traditional style in which metal clasps attach to your own teeth and the frame supports the artificial teeth that replace the spaces. The newer style partial dentures - Valplast dentures have a flexible base. These dentures are more cosmetic and comfortable to wear. Our office will determine which denture best suits your needs. 

MOUTHGUARDS: Sport Appliance

Protecting your smile while playing sports is essential. Mouthguards help protect your teeth and gums from injury. If you participate in any kind of full-contact sport, the American Dental Association recommends that you wear a mouthguard. Our office can make a mouthguard in as little as two visits. A mold of your teeth is taken and the dentist can fabricate a custom made mouthguard to protect your teeth from injury during sport activities. 

NIGHTGUARDS: Sleep Appliance

Bruxism is an extremely common condition where patients grind their teeth, usually unknowingly while asleep. Sometimes, patients will experience headaches, jaw pain, soreness in the face or clicking of the jaw. Other times, patients will not have any symptoms but their teeth appear to have chips, cracks or worn out enamel. Long-term complications of grinding can be harmful. It is recommended to have a nightguard made in the office and be worn every night for protection while sleeping. This appliance also can be made by the dentist quickly and easily in the office. 

Root canal therapy is used to remove the dental pulp inside of your tooth. The pulp consists of blood vessels, connective tissue, and large nerves. If there is a risk that your tooth can become infected or already has an infection present, a root canal procedure is used to save the tooth and to prevent it from being extracted. Our office takes extra time and attention to patients undergoing root canal therapy, because it is a very common source of anxiety in the dental office. 

There are certain conditions in which a tooth can no longer remain in the mouth and the patient requires an extraction. If there is a baby tooth that has not fallen out on it's own, or an infection that will not resolve, extraction is sometimes the only option. Orthodontists may request extractions to create space in the mouth. Wisdom teeth can also cause pain and swelling and extraction may be the only recommended treatment to prevent further complications. 

Clear aligners is the newest method of straightening teeth and a great alternative to metal braces. Our dentist is Invisalign certified and can evaluate if you qualify for this as one of the dental services in Whitestone, provided by our office.