General Dentistry
Our general dentistry procedures include preventative cleaning, tooth-colored fillings, root canals, crowns, extractions, dentures, veneers, bridges, and gum care. We also strive to teach our patients preventative education and motivate them to keep their teeth in the best shape possible in between visits.
Dental Implants. Dental implants are a great option for individuals who are missing teeth. Our implants are nearly indistinguishable from natural teeth and are set in your gums in a similar way. Through surgery, a titanium post is inserted beneath your gum and into the bone. This metal post acts as the root of the tooth. After the post is inserted, it needs time to heal. Once the healing has taken place and the post is set, a permanent crown is made to blend in with your existing teeth and is fitted to the implant. The end result of implants looks very similar to natural teeth. Caring for implants simply requires proper oral hygiene. This means brushing twice each day, flossing, and continuing regular visits to the dentist.
Root Canals. When a badly decaying tooth becomes infected, a root canal is necessary. This type of treatment can repair and save the tooth. When a root canal is performed, the nerve and pulp are removed from the tooth and then the inside is cleaned and sealed. After the root canal is finished, the treated tooth will need a crown for a permanent restoration.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is the general term used for any kind of dental work that helps to improve the appearance of a person’s teeth, gums, bite, and smile. Some of the common treatments that we do to improve the look of our patients smile include:
Whitening. Everyone deserves a brilliant white smile. To make this possible for patients, custom bleaching trays are made in-office for patients to use at home. After the trays are created, the patient applies a small amount of bleaching gel to the trays and wears them in the evening or overnight. This method is a fast and easy way to brighter, whiter teeth. Additionally, we also offer an in-office whitening system, so you can have your teeth whitening professionally performed and supervised by the team here at Gull Road Dentistry.
Veneers. Veneers are thin layers of restorative material that are placed over the surface of each tooth. They are used to improve the aesthetics of the tooth, or to help to protect the surface of a damaged tooth. Our veneers are made of dental porcelain that is fabricated specifically for each tooth for the best-looking results. With our porcelain veneers, we can take an average smile and elevate it to something truly striking.
Preventative Work
Preventative work is essential to maintaining oral hygiene. Through preventative work, you can avoid more difficult or impactful procedures such as tooth extractions and roots canals while also improving your smile.
Sealants. Dental sealants are made from a plastic material and act as a barrier for teeth. The sealant is typically applied to molars and premolars, which are the teeth located in the back of the mouth. The barrier is created on the chewing surface and thus protects the tooth against plaque and bacteria. While regular brushing and flossing are important for oral hygiene, the bristles on a toothbrush cannot always reach into the deep nooks and crannies. When this is the case, a vulnerable area may need a sealant.
Fluoride. Fluoride is a preventative method for tooth decay. This naturally occurring mineral helps prevent tooth decay by making the surfaces of our teeth stronger and more resistant to cavities.
Flossing. Dentists are famous for preaching the importance of flossing. However, we would not stress how important it is for our patients to floss if it really wasn’t true. Flossing is critical for preventing tooth decay by removing the plaque that builds up between teeth where a toothbrush just can’t reach. Flossing also helps to prevent gum disease, bad breath, and tarter build up, and it even helps to reduce the risk of heart disease!
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are a type of dental restoration that completely cover or encircle a tooth or dental implant. While these are often used to return a tooth to its proper shape and size, crowns also have other purposes. These include:
Improving appearance of teeth. Porcelain crowns are the best way to cover any teeth that may be unsightly or misshapen. Additionally, crowns can be used to cover existing dental implants that may be bothering you.
Strengthening weak teeth. If you suffer from a damaged tooth or a weakening tooth, porcelain crowns are also an ideal way to reinforce them and make them stronger.
Having a crown placed in your mouth will usually require two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the dentist will remove the outer portion of the tooth to make room for the crown. Then, an impression will be made in preparation for the creation of your unique crown. Once these steps have been completed, a temporary crown will be placed in your mouth. Your second visit will be when the actual crown is placed. During your second visit, you’ll receive a finished crown that will blend into your natural teeth and be shaped to maximize comfort in your mouth.
Care for crowns is as simple as proper oral hygiene. Be sure to brush twice daily, floss, and come in for a cleaning at least twice a year.
Crown and Bridge
Another option for tooth replacement is a fixed bridge. A fixed bridge will be cemented in place, should this be the most suitable option for you. A fixed bridge is used to fill a space where one or more teeth have been lost. They look, feel and function just like natural teeth and they do not need to be removed from the mouth for cleaning.
Extractions
A tooth extraction may be necessary in some situations. In the event of an extraction, the area surrounding the tooth will be numbed to reduce any possible discomfort. Nitrous oxide (commonly known as “laughing gas”) is also an option for added comfort. Then after the tooth has been removed, a recovery plan will be advised by the dentist to prevent delayed healing and a dry socket.
Night Guards
Do you grind your teeth while you sleep? This can not only cause headaches and a sore jaw, but it can also severely damage your teeth. Teeth grinding, known as bruxism, can be caused by stress or other factors. At Gull Road Dentistry, we can fit you with a custom night guard to help prevent you from grinding your teeth.
Removable Partial Dentures and Complete Dentures
If you are missing teeth, then a removable partial denture might be the right option for you. A removable partial denture helps you to chew your food properly, which is difficult to do when there are missing teeth. They also help to support your lips and cheeks, prevent your face from sagging and can help to improve your speech.
Removable partial dentures typically have replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases which are supported by a metal framework. They also may attach to your existing teeth with clasps called precision attachments.
Alternatively, a removable partial denture can be taken in and out of your mouth. It will not feel as secure as a fixed bridge, yet they provide the same functions. Advantages of a removable partial denture are that they are usually less expensive and are easier to repair.
Complete dentures, also called full dentures, are used to replace all the teeth in both jaws. Dentures are made to look natural and to fit comfortably. Our fully functional, form-fitting dentures look great, and they can help you to eat the foods you want to eat, speak more clearly, and improve the appearance of your face.
