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Dental Cleaning |
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We have two skilled hygienists to provide for your routine cleanings. They are extremely helpful in providing the information and tools you need to keep your gums healthy. Most dental cleanings take approximately 45 minutes. Cleanings should be performed every six months to prevent excessive plaque buildup. Plaque left untreated can lead to unhealthy gums and tooth decay. |
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| Periodontial Care |
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Linda has worked in periodontal speciality offices providing this care for most of her 30 years in practice. We can provide the initial therapy (deep cleanings) in our office and evaluate the response before referring to a periodontist. |
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| Digital X-ray |
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Digital x-rays are much quicker and safer than traditional x-rays . They reduce the radiation exposure up to 90% and we can view them immediately. They are also a tremendous advantage in regard to enhancing patient understanding of the treatment recommended as we have a computer screen in each operatory that allows you the patient to view an enlarged version of the x-ray. |
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| Intraoral Photographs |
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Digital photography is also a wonderful patient educational tool. We can show you the cracks in the filling or tooth or take photos of your smile to discuss what you would like to change from an esthetic standpoint. All of these things facilitate communication between patient and dentist to ensure that we clearly understand what it is you desire and what we can do to meet your expectations. |
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| Velscope |
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The velscope is the newest technology to be developed to allow for the early detection of oral cancer. Oral cancers generally start below the surface of the tissue, long before we can see them visually during a clinical exam. The velscope uses a fluorescent light which identifies abnormal tissue beneath the surface and is an important adjunct for cancer screening. Oral cancer in it’s earliest stages can be treated successfully and we take this responsibility very seriously as oral cancer is on the rise even in people who have no risk factors. |
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| Mercury-Free Fillings |
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There continues to be a controversy over the safetly of amalgam fillings. As of this time, amalgams (silver fillings which contain mercury) are still accepted as an alternative for filling teeth in the USA. However, many countries in Europe have banned them. Dr. James decided over 10 years ago to go to composite fillings for small cavities. Most patients prefer the tooth colored fillings but they also have the added advantage of bonding to the tooth structure making the tooth more resistant to breakage. They also allow us to be more conservative in our preparation of the tooth. |
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| Implants |
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Implants have been around for over 20 years now. They are titanium posts placed in the jaw bone where a tooth has been lost and upon which we can place a crown or a bridge. This gives that patient an alternative for cutting down healthy neighboring teeth which is often time the case in placing a traditional bridge. Implants can also support dentures for superior retention and stability |
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| Smile Makeovers |
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Many patients are interested in improving their smiles. Upon request Dr. James is more than happy to discuss the possibilities with you. Using photos and models she can get a clear understanding of what you like and don’t like about your smile. Often times it requires the combination of several treatment modalities to obtain the result you are looking for. This may include tooth whitening, porcelain crowns, porcelain veneers, composite fillings, tissue manipulation, or orthodontics. Dr. James truly enjoys this process and has had great success. |
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| Air Abrasion |
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We use air abrasion prior to placing sealants to blast out the organic material that lies in the deep pits and grooves on the biting surface of the back teeth and gives us a superior seal. Occasionally it exposes a very early cavity, that is undetectable with the traditional dental probe or x-rays, and allow us to place a very conservative composite filling without the need of dental anesthetics. The more conservative the filling, the less chance of tooth breakage down the road. |
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| Telescopic Loupes |
| Dr. James has used maginifying glasses for years. She has loupes that maginify up to 4x which is a huge advantage in her desire to provide the most meticulous care. |
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| Sealants |
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This is used to fill in narrow grooves in a tooth that cannot be adequately cleaned by brushing. In some cases, the tooth structure has fine grooves or pits which accumulate plaque, not because the person doesn't brush, but because they're too narrow to allow even one bristle into them. These will develop cavities over time, and you don't want that. So the dentist will brush on a coating that seals the grooves and pits, making it possible to brush off all the plaque and keep your teeth healthy. |
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| Crowns and Bridges |
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Crowns and bridges are used to restore and enhance teeth that are damaged or to take the place of missing teeth. A crown (also referred to as a cap) is used to entirely cover a damaged tooth. A crown not only strengthens a tooth, but it can dramatically improve a tooth's appearance, shape and alignment. Crowns may be used to:
- Replace a large filling when there is little tooth structure remaining
- Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
- Restore a fractured tooth
- Attach a bridge
- Cover a dental implant
- Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth
- Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment
A bridge is an ideal method to fill the space created by missing teeth. A bridge is one or more artificial teeth cemented into place using the teeth on either side for support. This is an option for filling the space created by a missing tooth. Bridge work is as much an art as it is an exact science since it replaces a missing tooth both functionally and cosmetically. It is important that a missing tooth be replaced as soon as possible for several reasons. If not treated the teeth surrounding the gap begin to shift inward, creating a whole chain reaction of potential problems.
Bridges and crowns are made by first taking an impression of your mouth. The impression is sent to a dental lab where your crown or bridge will be custom made to fit your mouth and match your natural tooth color. A temporary crown or bridge will be placed into your mouth until your permanent crown or bridge is ready and cemented into place. |
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| Dentures |
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There are different types of dentures, but they share their common function. They replace teeth that have become loose or been lost due to bone loss. When bone loss around the roots of teeth is great enough to loosen them or let them fall out, it's time for dentures. Relax. No one enjoys losing their natural teeth, but you can still eat and talk regularly.
The entire mouth is examined and a determination is made as to which teeth will have to be removed, and which will remain. The loose teeth are then extracted. Dentures are fitted to go over or around whatever teeth remain in the mouth, depending on the type. There is an adjustment period after dentures are placed in the mouth, and it can take some getting used to. But once accustomed to the dentures, all the normal functionality and appearance return and one just carries on as usual. Often implants can used to further stabilize the dentures. |
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