One of the main goals of modern dentistry is the prevention of tooth loss. All possible measures should be taken to preserve and maintain your teeth because the loss of a single tooth can have a major impact upon your dental health and appearance. However, it is still sometimes necessary to remove a tooth. Here are some of the reasons why a tooth may need to be extracted.
There are certain risks associated with any surgery. Pain, bleeding, permanent numbness, broken root tips and bone are several of the possible risks. The doctor will explain any associated risks prior to surgery but it is important that you realize that though we take every possible precaution to reduce these risks.
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, do not always erupt properly when they decide to make an appearance. It’s wise to get an early opinion on getting wisdom teeth pulled before they cause pain, swelling, infection, caries and gum disease.
Contact our office today to schedule an appointment or a consultation
Gingivitis is the medical term for early gum disease, or periodontal disease. In general, gum disease can be caused by long-term exposure to plaque, the sticky but colorless film on teeth that forms after eating or sleeping.
Gum disease originates in the gums, where infections form from harmful bacteria and other materials left behind from eating. Early warning signs include chronic bad breath, tender or painful swollen gums and minor bleeding after brushing or flossing. In many cases, however, gingivitis can go unnoticed. The infections can eventually cause the gums to separate from the teeth, creating even greater opportunities for infection and decay.
Although gum disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults, in many cases it is avoidable.
Pregnancy has also been known to cause a form of gingivitis. This has been linked to hormonal changes in the woman’s body that promote plaque production
If gingivitis goes untreated, more serious problems such as abscesses, bone loss or periodontitis can occur.
Periodontitis is treated in a number of ways. One method, called root planning, involved cleaning and scraping below the gum line to smooth the roots. If effective, this procedure helps the gums reattach themselves to the tooth structure.
Oraqix is a revolutionary new non-injection anesthetic for periodontal applications. The anesthetic is delivered to the treatment site without the use of a needle and anesthetizes the site within 30 seconds for a period of approximately 20 minutes, without residual numbness of lips and tongue.
Your child should visit the dentist by his/her 1st birthday. You can make the first visit to the dentist enjoyable and positive. Your child should be informed of the visit and told that the dentist and his staff will explain all procedures and answer any questions. The less to-do concerning the visit, the better .
Recognizing that our office is a new experience for you and your child, we would like to
make that first visit —- and every one after that —- pleasant.
If you refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as needle, pull, drill or hurt. Pediatric dental offices make a practice of using words that convey the same message, but are pleasant and non-frightening to the child
With each visit, your child receives complete preventive dental care — from fluoride treatments to dietary counseling and tooth brushing instruction.
For further prevention of cavities, we also recommends sealants. Especially effective in children without cavities or fillings, a sealant is a plastic material painted directly into the grooves on the biting surfaces of the back teeth, where most cavities occur.
It is best As the science of dentistry expands via research and development of new methods, materials and equipment, we are able to offer your child the newest advances.
According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, nearly 100 percent of Americans believe that a beautiful smile is an important social asset. Your smile is the first impression that others have of you, so why hide it? Cosmetic tooth whitening from Zoom makes it possible for you to whiten your teeth to a beautiful, natural shade of white in as little as one hour. Zoom is an in-office professional tooth whitening treatment that combines a proprietary whitening solution with a specialized light that helps remove surface stains and yellowing. Because the treatment is performed under professional supervision, the solution and treatment time can be adjusted and customized to fit patient needs.
Did you know…
that Zoom tooth whitening has been the choice of more than 10 million people? In fact, Zoom is the most requested professional whitening system in America. In just an hour, patients can achieve better results than are available with over-the-counter whitening treatments that can take several weeks to complete. With Zoom, Fairlawn patients get long-lasting, brilliantly white results that are unavailable with conventional whitening treatments.
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure used to enhance the appearance of the teeth and remove stains on the enamel and in the dentin. If you long for a whiter, brighter smile, Zoom teeth whitening could be right for you. Zoom is only available through dentists, so contact your Fairlawn dentist for more information about using Zoom to get the smile you’ve always dreamed of having.
If you and your dentist determine that you are a candidate for Zoom teeth whitening, you will first need to schedule an appointment to have your teeth cleaned. Once they are free of plaque and tartar, your dentist will place protective coverings over your lips and gums. The Zoom whitening gel will then be applied to your teeth for 15 minutes and a light placed over it to activate the gel. This cycle may be repeated up to four times, after which time your teeth may be lightened by as many as 6 to 10 shades.
Yes. To maintain your whitening treatment results, you’ll need to avoid drinking highly pigmented beverages like red wine and coffee, as these can stain your teeth. You may also wish to switch to a whitening toothpaste that will help remove stains that can accumulate each day. If you receive a Zoom at-home touch up kit, use it to maintain your results according to your dentist’s instructions.
Dental imaging is a foundation of oral health diagnostics. Intra-oral cameras play a key role in office imaging, with many dentists using intra-oral cameras to detect the tiniest grooves, pits, cracks, and caries. Using a chairside unit and hand-held photographic wand, Fairlawn dentists can acquire images of the teeth from angles not previously available. These images can be used in treatment planning and also stored digitally for quick reference and easy transfer between care providers.
Insert before and after photos here
Did you know…
intra-oral cameras are capable of magnifying the teeth by 25 times or more? Images are displayed on an in-office screen, making it possible for patients to finally see the same views their dentists are seeing. For some patients, intra-oral camera images are the first time they have seen the inside of their mouths. Many patients enjoy becoming a part of the examination and treatment process, and they can better understand treatment recommendations and the importance of good oral care in the future.
By choosing a dentist with an intra-oral camera, you could be increasing the chances that you will find decay early enough to pursue conservative treatment options. Furthermore, you are more likely to leave your dental appointments feeling informed and aware of your oral health and how it is impacted by your daily habits.
Intra-oral images are painless and take only seconds to capture. Your dentist can take photos of an entire mandibular or maxillofacial arch in just two minutes or less.
If the early signs of decay are found on your intra-oral images, your dentist may obtain additional photos at subsequent visits for comparison. Monitoring the progression of decay can help determine whether treatment is necessary.
Invisalign is an orthodontic appliance system used to inconspicuously treat crooked and crowded teeth in adults and teens. This modern take on braces features a system of clear aligner trays that are worn at all times with the exception of during meals and when brushing or flossing. The trays are custom fitted to the teeth, making them virtually unnoticeable when laughing, talking, and eating with other people. Patients receive a sequence of trays, each of which is slightly different than the one before. The aligners provide slight resistance to the teeth, forcing them to move into alignment over time. With Invisalign, adults and teens can achieve the smiles they’ve always wanted without feeling self-conscious about the mode of treatment.
Did you know…
wearing Invisalign is in no way as restrictive as traditional braces? Many adults opt for this system not only because it is discreet, but also because there is no need to change your diet to avoid foods that could damage braces. This is because the Invisalign system is free of braces and brackets, instead opting for a removable tray that can be taken out prior to meals. Also, Invisalign fits well into busy Fairlawn adult schedules, as there is no need to attend frequent visits for wire tightening. Most patients simply change to a new aligner tray every couple of weeks.
If you have crooked or crowded teeth that are embarrassing to you or otherwise preventing you from achieving optimal oral health, Invisalign could be the solution for you. Visit your Fairlawn Invisalign dentist for a complete consultation to find out if you could benefit from clear orthodontics.
You will wear your aligners nearly all of the time, with the exception of about two hours per day. Invisalign treatments in Fairlawn are different for everyone, but most patients can achieve their ideal smiles within one to two years. During that time, you can expect to make occasional dental visits to monitor your progress.
Following your treatment, you will no longer need to wear Invisalign trays. However, you will need to wear a retainer each day to help protect your new smile. It is also important to continue visiting your dentist for routine check-ups and twice-yearly cleaning.
Modern dentistry has made it possible for everyone to enjoy a beautiful, white smile. Many Fairlawn patients choose Lumineers to achieve esthetic goals, as the entire procedure is painless, fast and easy. In fact, most patients get the smile they have always wanted in just two dental visits. Lumineers are very thin and customized patient-by-patient. Each unique set is created to bond directly to natural teeth, leaving as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. There is no pain or sensitivity following placement of Lumineers, and the results are proven to last for more than 20 years.
Did you know…
that Lumineers are less painful and much less invasive than getting veneers? Patients who get veneers are choosing an irreversible procedure that strips away a significant portion of the natural teeth. Patients require shots to be anesthetized, and many are left with pain and sensitivity. With Lumineers, there are no shots and no drills, and patients get to keep nearly all of their original teeth without having them reduced. What’s more is that Lumineers leave patients with a bright and beautiful smile in just two visits – without any post-treatment pain and sensitivity.
Lumineers can be used to treat teeth with gaps or teeth that are discolored, misshapen or otherwise cosmetically unappealing. If you wish you could change the imperfections in your teeth without damaging your natural teeth, Fairlawn Lumineers treatment could be right for you. Call your Fairlawn dentist for more information and to find out if Lumineers are the esthetic solution you’ve been looking for.
At your first visit, an impression will be taken of your teeth. That impression is used to fabricate Lumineers just for you. Your dentist will ask you to return at a later date, during which time he or she will carefully texturize the teeth in preparation for bonding. The Lumineers will then be bonded to the teeth using a curing light. You’ll walk out of your dental visit with the brand new smile you’ve always dreamed of having.
Lumineers are made of very thin porcelain. Caring for them does not require a special diet, but it is recommended that wearers avoid biting down on hard objects, such as ice. Like natural teeth, Lumineers are also subject to staining; so avoid repetitious consumption of highly pigmented foods and beverages.
For years, dental x-rays have been used to diagnose oral health complications and detect decaying or damaged teeth. X-rays provide a unique view of the mouth that isn’t possible with a visual exam alone. When x-rays are taken, the teeth and bones absorb the majority of the ray, making them highly visible on film or on a screen. Nearly all new Fairlawn dental patients are x-rayed, although you may instead request that previous x-rays be transferred from another dental provider to your new dentist. By comparing your x-rays with your full mouth examination and dental history, your dentist can prescribe effective treatment and recommend a plan for preventative care.
Did you know…
that dental x-rays deliver very low levels of radiation and are considered completely safe? In fact, x-rays are even considered safe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding so long as a leaded apron and collar is used to protect your body from exposure. If you are pregnant or think you may be, tell your dentist so proper precautions can be taken.
Yes. Dental x-rays are capable of identifying tooth decay and damage beneath the surface of the teeth where caries are less visible during an examination. Furthermore, x-rays provide a reference point for the progression of decay in your mouth over time. You should have x-rays taken on a regular basis, but especially if you are experiencing oral health complications or are planning to undergo a dental procedure, such as a root canal.
Getting traditional dental x-rays can take several minutes. A thick paper tab is placed into the mouth, which you will be asked to bite down on. Most patients find that dental x-rays are completely painless and do not inflict any level of discomfort. In some cases, dentists intraoral x-rays as well as extra-oral x-rays that snap images of the face, jaw and skull. Extra-oral x-rays are typically used to identify impacted teeth, such as wisdom teeth.
Your x-rays will be saved either on film or digitally. In the future, your dentist may request additional dental x-rays every few years to monitor the health of your teeth, gums and jaw over time. If you are considered to be high risk for oral disease or are exhibiting symptoms of complications, your Fairlawn dentist may prefer to take x-rays more frequently.
When dental emergencies happen, waiting several days for an appointment with a dentist is not an option. Our dentists & staff are committed to helping patients manage sudden injuries and complications that require immediate treatment. Some emergencies are extremely painful, and a visit to the dentist can provide palliative relief. On the other hand, some emergencies can threaten the health of the teeth, and receiving rapid dental treatment could mean the difference in saving a tooth or losing it.
Did you know…
that the steps you take after a dental emergency happens can greatly improve your outcome once you receive emergency care. Even though your dentist will see you very quickly, there are some precautionary steps you can take in the time it takes to arrive at your dentist’s office. The American Dental Association has a few recommendations:
If you are experiencing sudden and chronic tooth pain, or if you have sustained trauma to your teeth and surrounding tissues, you may need to see an emergency dentist. Even if you do not currently have a dental emergency, it is important that your dentist be capable of treating you quickly in the event that an emergency does arise.
Urgent problems that threaten the health of your teeth or leave you in pain should not be ignored. You can expect to be seen by your emergency dentist quickly and without an appointment, though it is recommended that you call your dentist’s office if possible before you arrive.
Some of the most common dental emergencies can be prevented by taking a few simple precautions. Avoid chewing hard foods, such as candy and ice, as these can cause your tooth to crack or chip. Also, be sure to wear a properly fitted dental mouth guard during sports and other high impact activities. Protecting your mouth on a daily basis can significantly reduce your risk of injuring your teeth, as well as your tongue, lips, and the walls of your mouth.
DIAGNOdent is the future of dental decay detection, providing a highly accurate and reliable means of identifying dental caries. With DIAGNOdent, our dentists can discover the beginnings of decay before it has a chance to progress. DIAGNOdent is capable of detecting even the tiniest of caries, pits and crevices that are potential sources of decay. It uses a special wavelength of light that causes bacteria and decayed tooth matter to fluoresce. The decay not only becomes visible, but a small audio effect helps ensure every questionable spot is identified. The DIAGNOdent laser technology is successful in detecting more than 9 out of 10 caries, allowing our dentists to better monitor the progress of decay over time and also treat it early enough to preserve as much of the natural tooth structure as possible.
Did you know…
that DIAGNOdent is among the most effective means of identifying decay? Where x-rays are 67 percent accurate and magnified exams are about 56 percent effective, DIAGNOdent is 90 percent effective, which improves outcomes. Even studies by the National Institutes of Health confirm that DIAGNOdent is more effective than conventional methods in detecting caries located within the enamel.
With DIAGNOdent, you can benefit from increased accuracy in cavity detection. Many of our patients also appreciate that the DIAGNOdent laser is more comfortable than the traditional dental probes that can cause anxiety in some patients.
DIAGNOdent is a completely painless procedure that is best used as a supplement to dental x-rays. Your hygienist or dentist will calibrate the laser and carefully scan each tooth. The laser is completely safe and harmless to surrounding tissues, so you should experience no discomfort during your visit.
If your DIAGNOdent exam reveals the presence of cavities or decay, your dentist will make a recommendation for treatment. If you do not have any decay, or if DIAGNOdent discovers the beginnings of potential trouble-spots, your dentist will use the results of your exam to track the progress of decay at future appointments.