Additional Dental Services
Root Canal Treatment
Root canals are most often necessary when decay has reached the nerve of the tooth or the tooth has become infected. When root canal therapy is performed, infected or inflamed pulp is removed from the tooth chamber. The inside of the tooth is then cleaned and disinfected before being filled and sealed to limit the possibility of future infection. Soon after the root canal is performed, the tooth is restored with a dental crown or filling to protect the tooth and restore normal tooth function.
TMJ Therapy
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is similar to a sliding hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. TMJ disorders can cause pain in the jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement.
Treatment for Bruxism
Using a custom removable acrylic appliance is often an effective treatment option for bruxism. With this approach, our office creates a custom-fitted oral appliance for patients to wear when they typically grind their teeth. The appliance aids patients during sleep by alleviating the pressure placed on the teeth, reducing wear and tear on the teeth and helping to position the teeth in an ergonomic position.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” is safe and effective and is inhaled through a mask that fits over your nose to help you relax. Mixed with oxygen, nitrous oxide helps patients feel comfortable and calm during treatment, but without the side effects that are typically associated with other forms of sedation.
Simple and Surgical Extractions
A tooth that can not be saved with restorative materials may need to be removed. Before removal of the tooth, the area will be numbed with anesthesia. The tooth is loosened from the jawbone and surrounding ligaments and tissues with a gentle rocking motion. Once it is loose, it is gently removed. Stitches may be necessary after the removal of a tooth.
Custom Mouth Guards
Many sports require athletes to use a mouth guard to protect their teeth while practicing and playing. Frequently used in contact sports, the mouth guard covers the gums and teeth to provide protection for lips, gums, teeth, and arches. A properly fitted mouth guard can reduce the severity of dental injuries.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure used to treat gum disease. During the scaling process, specialized dental instruments are used to remove dental plaque and calculus from beneath the gums. Planing is the procedure used to smooth the tooth roots after the scaling process. Root planing helps the gums heal and reattach themselves to a cleaner and smoother root surface.
Periodontal Maintenance
Healthy gums are imperative for healthy teeth. Gums often become infected and if left untreated, this infection can lead to tooth loss. Periodontal therapy refers to the treatment and prevention of gum disease.
Dentures
A denture replaces multiple missing teeth. Dentures can be fixed or removable, partial or full, and implant supported or not. Fixed dentures require implants, while removable dentures may or may not rely on implants for attachment.