General Dentistry

Reach out to our experienced team of dental professionals today for any questions or to schedule your next appointment. We are committed to providing exceptional care and ensuring your dental needs are met with the highest standards of quality and expertise.

Routine and Deep Cleanings (Optimal Oral Hygiene):

What it is: Think of a routine cleaning as your regular maintenance for your teeth, like brushing and flossing but done by a professional. Our dental hygienist uses special tools to gently remove plaque (that soft, sticky film of bacteria) and tartar (the hardened plaque) from the surfaces of your teeth, especially along the gum line. A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, is more intensive. It's needed when gum disease is present, and tartar has built up below the gum line, attaching to the roots of your teeth. The hygienist carefully removes this tartar and smooths the root surfaces to help your gums heal and reattach to your teeth.

Why it's important: Plaque and tartar contain bacteria that release acids, which can cause cavities (holes in your teeth) and gum disease (inflammation and infection of the gums). Gum disease, if left untreated, can lead to bone loss around your teeth and eventually tooth loss.

Benefits: Regular cleanings prevent cavities and gum disease, keeping your teeth and gums healthy. They also remove stains, making your smile brighter and your breath fresher. Deep cleanings help treat existing gum disease, prevent it from getting worse, and can help you keep your natural teeth longer.

Fillings (Address Tooth Damage):

What it is: A filling is how we repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay (a cavity). First, we gently remove the decayed portion of the tooth. Then, we clean the area thoroughly to remove any remaining bacteria. Finally, we fill the cleaned-out space with a material like composite (a tooth-colored material), amalgam (a silver-colored material), or other options. We shape and polish the filling so it blends in and restores the tooth's original shape and function.

Why it's important: If a cavity isn't filled, the decay will continue to spread, making the hole bigger and deeper. This can lead to pain, infection, and eventually, the loss of the tooth.

Benefits: Fillings stop the decay from progressing, restore the strength and structure of your tooth so you can chew properly, and prevent further damage and pain.

Chipped Tooth (Sudden Unexpected Tooth Damage):

What it is: A chipped tooth is when a small piece of your tooth breaks off. This can happen from biting on something hard, an accident, or even grinding your teeth. The severity of a chip can vary from a tiny, barely noticeable break to a more significant piece coming off.

Why it's important: Even a small chip can leave a rough or sharp edge that can irritate your tongue or cheek. A larger chip can affect the appearance of your smile, make your tooth more sensitive, or even weaken the tooth, making it more prone to further damage.

Benefits: We can repair a chipped tooth in several ways, depending on the size and location of the chip. Options include smoothing and polishing the edge, using a tooth-colored filling material to rebuild the missing portion, or in some cases, placing a veneer (a thin shell bonded to the front of the tooth) or a crown (a full coverage restoration). Repairing a chip improves the appearance of your smile, restores the tooth's natural shape and function, and protects it from further damage or sensitivity.

Bridges (Address Tooth Damage):

What it is: A dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. It literally "bridges" the gap where the tooth (or teeth) used to be. A traditional bridge typically consists of an artificial tooth (or teeth), called a pontic, which is held in place by crowns that are cemented onto the teeth on either side of the gap (these are called abutment teeth).

Why it's important: Missing teeth can cause several problems. The remaining teeth can shift out of place, affecting your bite and making it harder to clean, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Missing teeth can also make it difficult to chew and speak properly and can impact your smile and facial structure.

Benefits: A bridge fills the gap left by missing teeth, restoring your smile and allowing you to eat and speak more comfortably. It also prevents your other teeth from shifting, helps maintain your bite, and supports the natural shape of your face.

Crowns (Address Tooth Damage):

What it is: A dental crown is a custom-made covering that fits over the entire visible portion of your tooth, like a cap. We might recommend a crown if a tooth is significantly broken, has a very large filling that has weakened the tooth, is severely decayed, or after a root canal to protect the treated tooth. Crowns can also be used for cosmetic reasons to improve the shape or color of a tooth. To place a crown, we usually need to gently reshape the existing tooth so the crown fits properly.

Why it's important: A crown strengthens and protects a damaged tooth from further breakage or decay. It also restores the tooth's original shape, size, and appearance, allowing you to bite and chew normally.

Benefits: Crowns can save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted. They provide strength, protection, and improve the overall look and function of your tooth.

Dentures (Effective Tooth Replacement):

What they are: Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth and the surrounding tissues. They can be a full set, replacing all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw, or a partial set, replacing only some missing teeth. Full dentures rest directly on your gums, while partial dentures have clasps that attach to your remaining natural teeth to hold them in place. They are custom-made to fit your mouth comfortably.

Why they're important: Losing multiple or all of your teeth can make it difficult to eat a variety of foods, speak clearly, and smile confidently. It can also affect the support of your facial muscles, leading to a sunken appearance.

Benefits: Dentures restore your ability to chew and speak properly, improve your smile and self-esteem, and provide support for your facial muscles, helping to maintain a more natural facial shape.