Children
We have the mindset that nearly 100% of all dental problems are preventable, but it does require compliance from the patient. For kids we can for sure prevent a lifetime of dental problems, but we need to see them every 6 months. Teeth cleaning and fluoride treatments are important, so also is assessment of their home care and oral hygiene instruction. We also can place dental sealants on posterior adult teeth to prevent the most common surface cavities. And early detection of a cavity keeps the restoration very small. This is important in the long run as the bigger the cavity is allowed to get, the larger the filling will be and the easier the tooth will break down again in the future.
Amalgam Replacement
One of the best preventative steps we can take for most patients is to replace their silver/mercury fillings. As the years pass, this type of filling material is very destructive to the tooth. It very commonly will act as a wedge and crack teeth which often leads to a crown or root canal and crown. With time the metal fillings also will corrode. This allows bacteria to live in and around the margins of the filling and eventually leads to decay. In most cases if we can replace the amalgam filling early enough we can also assure that the tooth won’t end up with a root canal and crown.
Adults
For adults early detection and through treatment of gum disease is also one of the greatest benefits we provide. If detected early, treated properly, and then consistently maintained there will be no fear of ever losing your teeth and ending up with a denture. It also will prevent expensive and painful gum surgery.
Appliances
We provide an array of appliances for the prevention and treatment of grinding and clenching of teeth, commonly known as nightguards or occlusal splints. This will not only protect the teeth from excessive wear but also protect the jaw muscles and joint from stress and pain. We also fabricate snoreguards for the treatment of sleep apnea and snoring, and custom mouthguards for the protection of sports injuries.
