Patient Education

When it comes to orthodontic treatment you have several options available to you. The two most common orthodontic treatments are braces and clear aligner therapy. Traditional braces are a great option for nearly everyone, and work by using a system of metal brackets and wires to align your teeth. Clear aligners provide the same results, but instead use a system of custom-made and computer generated “trays” to give you a more discreet and comfortable experience. Which type of treatment you choose depends on your orthodontic needs, lifestyle and aesthetic desires.

Chipped teeth are often the results of accidents or tooth decay. Our dentists may recommend treatments such as dental bonding or dental crowns to restore the appearance and functionality of your damaged teeth. We will assess the damage and discuss your options with you to find the right type of treatment for your needs.

Unfortunately, many people experience dental anxiety when visiting the dentist. Our dentists and team offer several strategies to help make your time with us more comfortable and to help you receive the care you need without stress. Please speak with us about your anxiety so that we can help you have a more pleasant experience.

Sleep apnea is a type of sleep breathing disorder characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep. Symptoms include loud snoring and daytime fatigue. If you believe you may have sleep apnea, please work with a sleep physician to diagnose your condition. After you receive a diagnosis our dentists can work with you to provide you with an oral appliance that will let you breathe more easily at night.

Root canals are typically recommended when the dental pulp (inner nerves and tissues) of the tooth becomes infected. Root canal therapy removes the infected tissue, saving the tooth from extraction and helping you regain your oral health and function. Our dentists will examine your tooth to determine if a root canal is the right option for you.

If you have a special event coming up, such as your graduation or a wedding, teeth whitening may be just the solution you need. Dental veneers or orthodontic treatments may also be good options for enhancing your smile. Ask our dentists how we can help brighten and rejuvenate your smile for your upcoming special occasion.

You should receive an oral cancer screening as part of your regular dental exams. These screenings are crucial for early detection of oral cancer, and can significantly increase your chances for successfully treating oral cancer should it be diagnosed. These screenings involve checking for unusual growths, sores or discolorations in the mouth.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is key to keeping your smile healthy for a lifetime. Good oral hygiene includes:

• Brushing at least twice a day – ideally, you should brush after each meal and before going to bed.
• Flossing daily.
• Making and keeping your regular dental appointments for cleanings and exams.
• Using any oral hygiene aids our dentists may recommend, such as a Waterpik or mouth wash.
• Maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet.

Your teeth play a critical role in your quality of life and wellbeing, making it important that you replace any missing teeth as soon as possible. We offer dental bridges, dental implants and dentures as options for replacing your missing teeth. Please speak with our dentists to determine which type of replacement is right for you.

If your dentures are damaged, please make an appointment with our dentists as soon as possible. We will provide any necessary repairs or maintenance, or create a replacement denture if necessary. Do NOT try to fix your denture yourself, as this can cause additional damage and may lead to significant discomfort for you.

Bleeding gums may be a sign of periodontal (gum) disease. This can result from poor oral hygiene, use of certain medications or systemic medical conditions. Bleeding gums can usually be resolved with proper dental care at home as well as professional treatments from our dentists.

Gum recession could be the result of a number of factors, including:

• Overaggressive brushing
• Gum disease
• Genetics

We invite you to meet with our dentists to determine the cause of your gum recession and create a treatment plan to improve the health and appearance of your gums.

Our dentists may recommend a tooth extraction if your tooth is severely damaged or infected. Extractions are also occasionally recommended to resolve issues caused by overcrowded or impacted teeth.

Bone grafts are required if your jaw lacks sufficient bone density to support your teeth and implants. A bone graft helps create a stable foundation for your smile, and helps ensure that implant placement procedures are successful.

Your wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to come in and often do not have enough space to erupt properly. This can cause overcrowding, tooth misalignment, tooth damage, infection and other problems. Our dentists may recommend wisdom teeth removal to help prevent these and other problems so you can maintain a healthy mouth and smile.