Clever Family Dental

Keeping a regular preventative maintenance schedule with your hygienist and dentist helps you prevent not only tooth decay and periodontal disease but also avoid costly procedures and extra time in the hygiene chair. Another significant factor in your oral health is your diet. Acidic foods and drinks can erode enamel just as a balanced diet can help keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy. Regular professional exams and cleanings, a dedicated at-home hygiene routine, and a healthy, balanced diet can help prevent minor issues from becoming major procedures.

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease that affects the soft and hard structures that support the teeth. In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums become swollen and red due to inflammation, which is the body’s natural response to the presence of harmful bacteria. In the more serious form of periodontal disease called periodontitis, the gums pull away from the tooth and supporting gum tissues are destroyed. Bone can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or eventually fall out.

Chronic periodontitis, the most advanced form of the disease, progresses relatively slowly in most people and is typically more evident in adulthood. Although inflammation as a result of a bacterial infection is behind all forms of periodontal disease, a variety of factors can influence the severity of the disease. Important risk factors include inherited or genetic susceptibility, smoking, lack of adequate home care, age, diet, health history, and medications. 

Treatment includes scaling and root planing, or deep cleaning, in which the infected surface of the root is cleaned or root surface debridement. From there a maintenance schedule will be followed to maintain what structure is remaining and keep the disease from becoming worse.

Composite restorations are a tooth colored filling material which match the natural color of your adjacent teeth. Unlike the silver fillings, composite restorations bond to the tooth so less natural tooth structure needs to be removed. The composite material hardens in seconds, so you can eat as soon as you are done with your appointment!

Root canal treatment is designed to eliminate bacteria from the infected tooth in order to save the natural tooth. When one undergoes a root canal, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed. Root canals are needed for a cracked tooth, a deep cavity, or issues from a previous filling.  After a tooth has had a root canal treatment, a crown will need to be placed on the tooth to preserve remaining tooth structure and prevent the tooth from breaking. 

We make every effort to save your natural teeth. However, there are some circumstances where an extraction may be necessary. Extractions are the removal of teeth due to decay, infection, fractures or periodontal disease. Extractions can be simple or surgical. After an extraction you will want to make sure and follow all post operative instructions given to you.

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped “caps” that can be placed over your tooth. Think of it like a snug hat for your tooth. The crown restores the tooth’s shape, size, strength and appearance. 

You may need a dental crown for several reasons, including:

• Covering a tooth that has been treated with a root canal. 
• Protecting a weak tooth (possibly from decay) from breaking or to keep the weak tooth together if parts of it are cracked. 
• Restoring a broken tooth or a severely worn down tooth. 
• Covering and supporting a tooth with a large filling and not much tooth remaining.
• Holding a dental bridge in place. 
• Covering misshapen or severely discolored teeth. 
• Covering a dental implant.

Bridges: If you have one or more missing teeth, a bridge can replace the missing tooth/teeth with one or more artificial teeth. A bridge is typically made of crowns on either side of the missing tooth or teeth supporting the false tooth and is permanently cemented in place.

Partials: If you have one or more missing teeth on the same arch, upper or lower, a partial can replace as many teeth on that arch as needed. Partials are removable. They can be taken in and out to clean when necessary.

Dentures are removable appliances that can replace missing teeth and help restore your smile. If you have lost all of your natural teeth, whether from gum disease, tooth decay or injury, replacing missing teeth will benefit your appearance and your health. Dentures make it easier to eat and speak better than you could without teeth—things that people often take for granted.

When you lose all of your teeth, facial muscles can sag, making you look older. Dentures can help fill out the appearance of your face and profile. They can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth so that your appearance does not change much. Dentures may even improve the look of your smile. 

Types of dentures: 

• Conventional: This full removable denture is made and placed in your mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed, which may take several months.
• Immediate: This removable denture is inserted on the same day your teeth are removed. You do not have to be without teeth during the healing period, but will need to have the denture relined after your jaw has healed. 
• Overdenture: Implants can be placed to preserve your jawbone and provide stability and support for the denture. An overdenture fits over the implants for a more secure fit.

Traditional braces are used to properly align your teeth and jaws to produce an even bite and pleasing smile. Treatment consists of metal brackets which are placed on your teeth with an adhesive and connected by a wire. The wire will be changed every 4-6 weeks. Proper alignment of your teeth and jaws may improve not only the appearance of your teeth but also the health of your mouth and the way you bite, chew and speak.

Invisalign is a clear aligner system used to straighten teeth as an alternative to traditional braces. Compared to traditional wires and brackets, clear aligners are comfortable, removable, and less noticeable.  It is easy to remove aligners and eat whatever you like. There are no wires to trap food or get in the way when you floss. Clear aligners show off your smile, so most people will not even notice you are wearing them. 

If you have anxiety when it comes to dental procedures, Nitrous Oxide may be a good option for you.  Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative agent that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose to help you relax. It is not intended to put you to sleep. You will be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions. You will breathe normally through your nose, and within a few short minutes you should start to feel the effects of the nitrous oxide. You may feel light-headed or a tingling in your arms and legs. Some people say their arms and legs feel heavy. Ultimately, you should feel calm and comfortable. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off soon after the mask is removed. It will be safe for you to drive when your procedure is complete.