Prophy & Exam aka “cleaning appointment” 

• Comprehensive examination of head and neck area including palpation of muscles, glands, thyroid, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

• Comprehensive examination of all intraoral tissues, teeth and gums

• Oral cancer screening 

• Removal of all plaque and calculus (hardened plaque) on teeth with special hand instruments and ultrasonic tools if needed

• Polish all teeth with special paste followed by flossing

• Oral hygiene instruction

• Fluoride application if needed

Scaling and Root Planing aka “deep cleaning”

• This treatment is to remove hardened plaque (calculus) that has occurred well below the gum line and has started to cause bone loss

• Areas being treated are anesthetized (numbed) so that the patient is comfortable at all times

Radiographs aka “x-rays”

• Bitewing X-rays are recommended to be taken once per year (or less often if patient is low cavity risk) - checks for decay in between the teeth (which can not be seen visually until the decay is so large that it will result in removal of more tooth structure and/or nerve involvement)

• Full mouth series of X-rays are recommended once every 3-5 years (pending risk factors) - X-rays show all teeth in the mouth and are used to check root structures and bone - these X-rays can show infections, cysts, bone abnormalities, etc. as well as possible decay (cavities)

• Single xrays can be taken for emergencies or more specific tooth issues as needed

• Removal of a tooth

• Tooth and surrounding gum tissue are numb so that patient is comfortable

Composite restoration aka “white filling” 

• Removal of decay (cavity) and filling material placed 

• “Bonding” is when a front tooth has a small chip or fracture. White composite material that matches the tooth is placed and sculpted, recreating the missing portion of the tooth

Ceramic Crowns aka “caps”

• Like a hat for your tooth

• Needed when there is a fracture or minimal remaining natural tooth structure

• Always needed following root canal treatment on back teeth (they are at a higher risk of fracture following root canal treatment)

• Tooth is shaped in a specific way and then an intraoral scanner creates a 3D model - this is sent directly to a dental lab to fabricate a custom fit crown

  • I only use certified dental labs with excellent reputations - we make sure that they only use authentic materials that are safe for a patient

• Made out of various ceramic materials

Similar to a crown but multiple teeth are worked on so that a fake tooth sits where a tooth is missing

Complete or Partial Dentures

• Complete dentures replace all teeth in someone that is missing all of their teeth 

• Partial dentures are for ppl who still have some teeth and want to replace the ones they are missing 

  • Usually have a metal substructure

• Complete and partial dentures should be taken out every night before bed for proper tissue health

Veneers

• Partial covering of front teeth for cosmetic purposes - to fix large chips, change tooth shapes, or fix color discrepancies

• Sort of like a “press-on-nail” for your tooth (but much more custom)

Single Tooth Implants with Crown or Bridge

• Implants are used to replace missing teeth, and are not removable. They are screwed into the bone by a periodontist or oral surgeon and I place the crown or bridge into the implant in order to create a functional tooth or teeth

Implants with Removable Denture or Partial

• Implants can help better hold a denture or partial in place. The implants are placed by a periodontist or oral surgeon and I place the parts that attach the denture or partial to the implant. The denture or partial is still able to come in and out of the mouth (must still be taken out at night), but they often feel “tighter” and more stable when used with implants

• Not removable by patient

• Implants placed by periodontist or oral surgeon

• I place the prosthetic that gets screwed into the implants, and replaces all teeth

• Patient must use water flosser routinely to ensure it stays clean

• Should be removed every year (or more depending on home care) by the dentist to clean and check oral tissue

• Routine cleanings still recommended for proper maintenance of implants and prosthetic

Occlusal Splint aka “nightguard”

• An occlusal splint, commonly known as a nightguard, is a custom-removable dental appliance worn over the teeth to protect them from the destructive forces of bruxism (teeth grinding) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Unlike flexible athletic mouthguards designed to absorb sudden external impacts, nightguards are engineered from dense, flat-surfaced plastics to guide jaw movement, distribute biting forces evenly, and prevent wear on tooth enamel during sleep.

Athletic Mouthguards

• Athletic mouthguards are specialized oral devices designed to protect the teeth, gums, and jaw from blunt force trauma during physical activities. The American Dental Association (ADA) strongly recommends them for both collision sports like football and hockey, as well as non-contact activities like gymnastics and skateboarding. A properly fitted mouthguard absorbs impact energy, reduces the risk of broken teeth, and shields the soft tissues of your lips and cheeks from painful lacerations.

Clear Aligner Therapy aka “Invisalign”

Invisalign is a popular, FDA-approved orthodontic treatment that uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligner trays to gradually straighten your teeth without the use of traditional metal brackets or wires. Manufactured by Align Technology, the system relies on specialized 3D imaging software to map out your precise tooth movements and create a highly personalized treatment plan. Because they are virtually invisible and completely removable, they offer a highly discreet and flexible alternative to metal braces for children, teens, and adults.

Key Benefits

• Discreet Appearance: Made from clear SmartTrack plastic material, the trays are barely noticeable while being worn.

• No Food Restrictions: You remove the trays entirely to eat and drink, meaning you can enjoy all your favorite foods.

• Better Oral Hygiene: Because the trays are removable, you can brush and floss your teeth normally without navigating wires.

• Increased Comfort: The smooth plastic edges are custom-trimmed to your gumline, preventing the cuts and sores common with metal brackets.

We offer both in-office or at-home teeth whitening.

Teeth whitening primarily enhances the aesthetic appearance of your smile, leaving you with boosted confidence, a more youthful look, and better first impressions. Beyond cosmetics, the process often encourages improved daily oral hygiene habits and removes surface plaque, which actively lowers your risk of gum disease.

Key Advantages

• Boosted Confidence: Getting rid of stubborn stains allows you to smile and speak freely without self-consciousness, positively impacting social and professional interactions.

• Youthful Appearance: Teeth naturally darken and stain over time due to aging and consumption of foods like coffee, tea, and wine. Whitening reverses these signs of aging.

• Better Oral Hygiene: Patients who invest in a brighter smile are generally more motivated to maintain it, leading to better brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups.

• Improved Professional Image: A bright smile is frequently associated with vitality and trustworthiness, which can translate into better networking and interview impressions.