Adult Dentistry - Root Canal Therapy, TMJ Treatment, & More
The Importance of Hygiene Visits
It's important to have your teeth cleaned by a professional hygienist. Plaque is soft and sticky, but regular brushing can usually remove most of it. But plaque hardens into tartar, which is beyond the scope of your typical toothbrush and floss. Tartar accumulates on the surface of teeth and below the gumline. Plaque and tartar build up on teeth over time. If you don’t remove plaque, you risk more serious problems with your teeth and gums down the road. Recent research shows a definite link between untreated gum disease and other serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Having your teeth cleaned regularly is one of the best things you can do to remain healthy!
Saving Hopeless Teeth
Teeth with roots that have been damaged or infected used to require extraction, which can create a host of difficulties and should be avoided whenever possible. The good news is that we are experienced in advanced root canal therapy. A root canal procedure fixes a tooth by removing the pulp chamber of the tooth and filling it with a filling material. This is often required when dental decay extends to the nerve of the tooth (or the tooth has become infected), and a simple filling will not be acceptable. In the recent past, the situation mentioned above would have required the tooth to be extracted. When dentists began performing root canals, they were quite dreaded, and the root canal has received a reputation as something to be avoided. However, with modern anesthetics and technology, root canals are easily managed.
Senior Dental Care is Different
Like our bodies, our teeth and gums change as we age. Years of plaque buildup and the consumption of coffee, tea, or tobacco can make teeth turn dark. Ask us about procedures that can fight these problems. Saliva reduction is sometimes a side effect of medications. There are simple products that can ease this condition. Your fillings are growing older, too. They may weaken or crack. Regular check-ups will allow us to stay on top of your existing fillings. Gum disease and root decay can be major problems in seniors. Daily cleaning and good nutrition are critical for healthy gums. If your gums become red or begin to bleed or your teeth start to feel loose, contact us immediately.
A Healthy Smile, A Healthy Body
We know that your oral health is not only about looking great. It's about maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Do you know that the cause of most tooth loss is not decay? It's Gum disease. Recent studies have established a link between Gum disease and your overall health. The good news is that Gum disease can be successfully treated, often without surgery. We want all of our patients to have exemplary oral health. We are committed to paying meticulous attention to all of your dental needs so you look your best and have optimum health.
Are You Actively Involved in Sports?
Do you know that 5 million teeth are knocked out each year in the United States alone? Many sports are dangerous to your teeth without the proper mouth protection. The one-size-fits-all mouthguards found in stores often don’t fit well. Not to mention, they can impair proper breathing while running during sports. On the other hand, custom-made sports mouthguards fit well, protect well, and can be worn for any sport. The American Dental Association recommends wearing custom mouthguards for the following sports: Acrobatics, basketball, boxing, field hockey, football, gymnastics, handball, ice hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, roller hockey, rugby, shot-putting, skateboarding, skiing, skydiving, soccer, squash, surfing, volleyball, water polo, weight lifting, wrestling.
TMJ/TMD – Proper Bite Alignment Treatment Helps You Say 'Goodbye' to Headaches and Jaw Pain!
Do you know that dental occlusion (i.e. your bite) is sometimes the cause of frequent headaches, aching or popping jaws, shoulder pain, and neck pain? If your teeth have become worn down over the years or lost due to accident or dental disease, your jaw may not be able to settle into a naturally relaxed position. This causes muscle tension in the jaw and can lead to a variety of pain that you may have already grown accustomed to living with. By repairing your dental occlusion, the jaw can be returned to its naturally intended position. If you have been living with the pain and discomfort described above, we invite you to discover the benefits that this treatment may bring to your quality of life.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide sedation, also known as “laughing gas,” is commonly used to make dental treatment more comfortable. Inhaled through a mask, this sedation allows you to breathe in the medication and induces a state of relaxation. Local anesthetic will be given in conjunction with nitrous oxide to eliminate pain in most cases.
Miraculous Relief from Headaches!
We are delighted to offer our patients the FDA-approved NTI™ device, a drug-free treatment for the prevention of migraine and tension headaches. This little miracle is an oral appliance that works by relaxing the muscles under the scalp and thereby preventing the majority of headaches. Clinical trials demonstrated that 82% of migraine sufferers achieved a 77% reduction in migraine events! It’s painless, fast, and NOT expensive. If you experience migraines or know someone who does, be sure to ask us about this exciting new treatment.
If it’s time for your next cleaning, or if you’re ready to schedule a no-cost/no-obligation consultation, call us now at (203) 746-2459.