STOP TOOTH DECAY AND GUM DISEASE IN THEIR TRACKS
General & Restorative Dentistry
Family dentistry is for patients of all ages offering complete, comprehensive dental care.
At Dentistry by Design, we offer professional dental health care including checkups, oral health consultations and any necessary dental treatment. Teaching children about oral hygiene can help them maintain a healthy and beautiful smile for life.
EXTRACTIONS
In some cases, extracting a tooth is the best treatment option to reduce crowding, prepare for dentures, or eliminate a dead or dying tooth.
HOW WE CAN HELP
Extraction is a common procedure. Your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable throughout your procedure and will then carefully remove all parts of the tooth or teeth scheduled for extraction. Many times, a bone filling material will need to be placed in the extraction site to promote proper healing. Afterwards, be sure to follow postoperative instructions closely so that your gums will heal promptly. If you have questions or concerns following an extraction, don’t hesitate to contact our office immediately.
DENTAL FILLINGS
A small cavity, left untreated, can grow to destroy an entire tooth. Unlike our skin, teeth don’t heal naturally. Only professional dental care can correct your cavities and return you to optimal oral health. A dental filling, made from white composite resin or porcelain inlay, can fill a prepared cavity and reinforce a tooth’s structure.
HOW WE CAN HELP
To place a filling, first we prepare your tooth by removing decay and bacteria. Surface cavities often don’t require anesthesia, but your dentist will make sure you’re comfortable during treatment. After the tooth is prepared, your dentist will insert a small bit of tinted, liquid composite resin into the cleaned cavity and, once the material hardens, will sculpt and polish the filling. Porcelain inlays or fillings may be fabricated in a lab or in the office and are more durable than a composite filling.
ROOT CANALS
In some situations, you can avoid tooth extraction by undergoing a root canal. An internally infected or inflamed tooth may be treatable. Inside every tooth, canals house the pulp (nerve) that sustains the tooth’s life. A deep cavity or crack can compromise the pulp and cause infection or inflammation. As infection and inflammation builds, the tooth begins to ache from internal pressure. At this point, your dentist will recommend extraction or a root canal.
HOW WE CAN HELP
During root canal therapy, infection or inflammation is removed from the canals of a tooth. Your dentist will insert biocompatible materials into the emptied canal and then crown or restore the tooth. A root canal is a common procedure that can often be completed in one visit. Rest assured, your comfort will be maintained throughout treatment.
PERIODONTAL THERAPY
‘Periodontal’ refers to the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums and bone around each tooth. About 80 percent of American adults have gum disease, a bacterial infection that breaks down the bond between gums, the bone and the tooth. Gum disease has serious overall health implications in that it is associated with increased potential for:
Alzheimer's Disease | Diabetes complications | Dementia | Heart attack/heart disease | Low-weight births | Osteoporosis | Respiratory problems | Stroke | Tooth loss
Alzheimer's Disease | Diabetes complications | Dementia | Heart attack/heart disease | Low-weight births | Osteoporosis | Respiratory problems | Stroke | Tooth loss
HOW WE CAN HELP
Depending on your level of gum disease, the appropriate therapy will be recommended. If you have mild gingivitis, changing your oral home care routine could solve the problem. However, a deep cleaning is often recommended for mild to moderate gum disease. This procedure involves scaling to remove hardened plaque (tartar or calculus) from below the gum line and root planing to reduce rough areas on your teeth’s roots where bacteria tend to gather and flourish. We may use laser therapies for early, moderate and advanced cases. Advanced gum disease cases may be referred to a periodontist. In some cases, surgery may be required.
TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DYSFUNCTION (TMD/TMJ Pain)
TMD or TMJ disorder is a misalignment of the sensitive jaw joints. This can cause muscles to become stressed, which irritates nerves and leads to symptoms that range from mild to severe.
HOW WE CAN HELP
For conservative, effective treatment, we can create a custom oral appliance to correct jaw alignment and relieve nagging symptoms. If you suffer from TMJ symptoms, consult with us to determine whether an oral appliance will relieve your pain.
OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA (OSA) and SNORING
Snoring is simply the sound that occurs when soft tissues in the mouth and throat vibrate as a person breathes.
Sleep apnea involves complete airway blockage for periods of 10 seconds or longer repeatedly during a sleep session. While snoring is not dangerous, sleep apnea increases a person’s risk for stroke, heart attack, daytime fatigue, irritability, and other issues.
HOW WE CAN HELP
Sleep apnea should be diagnosed by a sleep lab –your dentist can recommend a reputable facility.
Traditionally, a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) appliance is the gold standard for sleep apnea treatment. However, many patients do not respond well to CPAP because of a poor fit, claustrophobia or discomfort.
For these patients, and others, a sleep guard may be recommended. Your dentist can create a custom sleep guard to hold your lower jaw slightly forward, which prevents soft tissues from blocking airflow. Many patients find relief from this non-invasive solution.
What is General and Family Dentistry?
Your general dentist is, usually, also you primary dental care provider. They are involved with treating and managing your overall dental health, as well as diagnosing any major dental health issues that may arise. Typical issues may include gum condition, root canals, crowns, dental veneers, fillings, bridges, etc.
Why is it Important?
It is much easier to maintain your dental health over your lifetime if you understand the benefits and significance from a young age. If flossing, brushing your teeth, making regular trips to your dentist and eating a healthy and well balanced diet becomes second nature, it will payoff with having great overall health.
