Taking care of teeth and gums are such an important task. They perform three basic functions: help to give the face its shape and form; help to pronounce different sounds clearly; and help us to chew and digest food. Because they are so important it is just as important to have good oral healthcare. Good oral healthcare involves regular brushing, flossing, good diet, and routine checkups.

Our dental hygienists will provide education on the correct way to brush, floss and provide other helpful tips to keep your teeth and gums healthy. They will also perform PSR (periodontal screening and recording score) this will measure the health of the gum tissue and jawbone. Gum disease will destroy roots and otherwise healthy teeth will deteriorate. An oral exam will be performed after every professional cleaning. This exam will include a head and neck assessment, oral cancer screening, and monitor health of the teeth. For children fluoride treatment will be provided to prevent decay. Sealants may also be placed to provide additional protection from decay. These are clear coverings placed on the tops of teeth.

This treatment is non-surgical and requires the hygienist to thoroughly clean the patient's teeth to help heal inflamed or infected gum tissue. Treatment involves removing the bacterial substance (plaque) and harder mineral deposits (calculus) from tooth surfaces. If treatment is required below the gum line this is called scaling. In some instances roots may need to be smoothed and this is called root planning.

A patient's condition is monitored more closely and may require appointments to be more frequent. During these appointments pocket depths and x-rays will be taken to determine condition of the roots and bone that support the teeth. Medications or special mouthrinses may be prescribed to help heal the tissue and control the growth of bacteria. These professional cleanings will help create an environment for healing and reduce further chances of irritation and infection.

The treatment involved in receiving a crown is covering the entire tooth above the gum line. There are several reasons to receive a crown including teeth damaged by decay, strengthen teeth that have had root canal treatment, and also to improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, misshapen, or spaced poorly. Veneers are applied to the front of teeth to improve their appearance.

Treatment is done in two appointments, the first prepares the tooth and then the second is used to place the crown permanently. There is usually 1 week in between appointments, so a temporary crown will be placed while waiting for the creation of the permanent crown.

An extraction involves removing one or more teeth. During the removal of teeth in may involve removing roots, gum, or bone. To replace teeth a denture, partial, implant or bridge may be necessary to replace the missing tooth or teeth. Dentures and partials are removable and the treatment will require usually more than one appointment to create. Bridges are more permanent and are usually done when one tooth is missing and the surrounding teeth are healthy to provide support. Implant dentistry is another option for missing teeth. They resemble the closest option to natural teeth, other advantages include improved chewing ability, better speech, more secure fit of the restoration, greater comfort, and improved self-esteem. The implant is made from titanium alloy and is place surgically in the jawbone. It will act as the root of the missing tooth. An implant crown will be designed and permanently placed on the implant with the help of a titanium post and screws. Some health conditions do not support having a patient consider this as an option, such as uncontrolled diabetes or a patient using tobacco products. Appropriate hygiene must be established prior to the implant and must continue to ensure success.

Endodontic therapy (root canal) is treatment of the canal or pulp chamber that lies in the middle of the tooth and its root. One advantage of having endodontic therapy is once completed the tooth should feel and last just like the remaining teeth in the patient's mouth. The treatment is done under local anesthesia, and access to the root is obtained by drilling small holes in the top of the tooth, then these canals are cleaned and medication is placed to prevent infection. Once the treatment is completed a crown or filling may be done to support and protect the tooth.