General Dentistry
Comprehensive Evaluation / Oral Examination
An oral examination is a visual inspection of the mouth, head, and neck, performed to detect abnormalities. Radiographs allow for a more complete examination, helping the doctor to detect cavities, problems in existing dental restorations, gum and bone recession or other abnormal conditions within the mouth, head and neck area.
Dental Cleaning
A dental cleaning, also known as an oral prophylaxis, is the removal of dental plaque and tartar (calculus) from the teeth. Specialized instruments are used to gently remove these deposits without harming the teeth. First, an ultrasonic device that emits vibrations and is cooled by water is used to loosen larger pieces of tartar. Next, hand tools are used to manually remove smaller deposits and smooth the tooth surfaces. Once all the tooth surfaces have been cleaned of tartar and plaque, the teeth are polished.
Custom Mouth Guards
If you are anything like we are, you like to play hard. That’s why we offer sports mouth guards. Mouth guards protect smiles from all kinds of injuries – because no matter how good you are at your chosen game, accidents happen!
We also really encourage parents to choose dentist-made mouth guards for their children. Over-the-counter, boil-and-bite mouth guards don’t fit as well or protect as thoroughly as a mouth guard created by your dentist from dental impressions.
Teeth Grinding
Bruxism comes from the Greek word brygmós, which means “gnashing of teeth.” If you have ever slept near someone who suffers from bruxism, you know this is an apt description. Many people grind their teeth and never realize it. Often, patients discover that they grind their teeth when serious pain or damage results.
The primary symptoms of bruxism are:
- Grinding or clenching of teeth
- Tooth sensitivity
- Jaw pain
- Headache and facial pain
- Worn, chipped, breaking teeth
- Flattened tooth surfaces
- Exposure of tooth layers and loss of enamel
- Earache from jaw muscle tension and contraction
- A scalloped tongue or irregular tongue edges
- Damaged mouth tissue
If you notice any of these symptoms, please call Dr. Graziano. He can help you find relief and protect your teeth!
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure used to treat gum disease. During the scaling process, specialized dental instruments are used to remove dental plaque and calculus from beneath the gums. Planing is the procedure used to smooth the tooth roots after the scaling process. Root planing helps the gums heal and reattach themselves to a cleaner and smoother root surface.
Root Canal Treatment
Root canals are most often necessary when decay has reached the nerve of the tooth or the tooth has become infected. When root canal therapy is performed, infected or inflamed pulp is removed from the tooth chamber. The inside of the tooth is then cleaned and disinfected before being filled and sealed to limit the possibility of future infection. Soon after the root canal is performed, the tooth is restored with a dental crown or filling to protect the tooth and restore normal tooth function.
Fluoride Treatments
Every day you do something that can potentially damage your teeth – you eat sugary foods and drink acidic drinks. Even if you never touch a soda, juice and wine can take a toll on your enamel.
One way to help strengthen your teeth and reverse this damage is through re-mineralizing Fluoride treatments.
While you may have always thought of Fluoride treatments as something for children, adults can benefit from Fluoride as well. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral known for its benefits in fighting tooth decay, stopping the progress of newly formed cavities and making the tooth more resistant to attacks from plaque bacteria, acids and sugars. We don’t push Fluoride for our adult patients, but if you are decay or cavity prone, or drink un-fluoridated water, we will suggest Fluoride treatments.
Dr. Graziano also likes to use Fluoride to treat anyone who has had major restorative work.
Extractions
A tooth that can not be saved with restorative procedures may need to be removed. Before removal of the tooth, the area will be numbed with anesthesia. The tooth is loosened from the jawbone and surrounding ligaments and tissues with a gentle rocking motion. Once it is loose, it is gently removed. Stitches may be necessary after the removal of a tooth.