Orthodontics, Oral Surgery & Periodontics

We are proud to be your complete dental provider by offering you these great specialty services. Because your oral health is our number one priority, we are committed to making your dental experience as convenient and cost effective as possible. If you have questions about any of these services, please contact us for more details.  

Orthodontics

Orthodontics Want straight teeth? We can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Get the process started today by contacting us immediately.

Orthodontic treatment can improve your dental health and change your facial appearance for the better, and it can boost your self-esteem. It can provide you with the chance to participate in improving the way you look. Patients often feel more self-confident even before treatment is completed.
The AAO estimates that up to 75 percent of people could benefit from orthodontic care. Nearly 5 million people in the United States and Canada are presently in orthodontic treatment, according to the AAO. One in five is over age 18. Some are as young as 2 or 3, and some are in their 50s, 60s, and older. Healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age.
- The American Association of Orthodontics

Oral Surgery

After an initial oral examination, it may be determined that the patient needs to see an oral surgeon for a surgical procedure beyond the scope of the general dentist. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are the surgical specialists of the dental profession. After dental school, they complete at least four additional years of training encompassing anesthesiology, diagnosing and treating diseases found in the mouth, and the prevention, reconstruction or emergency care for teeth, jaws, mouth and facial structures. Oral Surgeons are best known for extracting wisdom teeth, but in reality they do much more. During an initial consultation, the general dentist may conclude that the patient’s needs go beyond his or her scope. Reasons may include, but are not limited to:
  • Oral SurgeryImpacted teeth (usually third molars, a.k.a. wisdom teeth) - the tooth is moving either into or against an adjacent tooth, and it has not fully erupted out of the bone.
  • A possible lesion –Some pathological tissue that needs further investigation.
  • A biopsy – tissue is removed and sent to a laboratory for microscopic examination to determine the proper treatment.
  • The tooth has broken to the gum line, or there are pieces of roots that must be removed.
  • Full mouth extraction for a denture.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Third molars begin to erupt in the teenage years coinciding with adulthood and, to some, the age of wisdom—thus the term "wisdom teeth." Unfortunately, these teeth are usually erupting into a jaw too small to hold them, and thus are determined to be "unnecessary." When this occurs, teeth are considered "impacted," meaning they are prevented from fully erupting through the gumline and are not in a normal position to function properly.

When teeth are impacted, they’re not only useless in helping us chew, but they actually can cause damage. Since they can’t be cleaned properly, food debris, plaque and bacteria collect around them resulting in tooth decay, gum disease, infection and even abscesses. These issues are not limited to wisdom teeth; they can affect adjacent molars and surrounding gum tissue. Cyst formation and other destructive pathology are also common around impacted wisdom teeth .

Periodontics

The word periodontal literally means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums around the teeth and the bone supporting the teeth. Periodontal (gum) diseases are serious infections that, if left untreated will deteriorate the bone and ligaments that support the teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss.
What Causes Periodontal Disease?
  • H Periodonticsarmful, living bacteria found in the mouth increase in quantity and form a sticky white substance known as plaque.   Plaque must be removed on a daily basis by brushing and flossing to prevent excess accumulation.  If left unchecked, plaque will form a hard, mineral-like substance known as calculus or tartar, which can only be removed during a professional cleaning (prophylaxis). 
  • The bacteria in calculus and plaque release toxins which irritate the gums and cause a breakdown of the fibers holding the gums to the teeth, creating pockets between the teeth and gums.  If left undisturbed, the pockets extend deeper and the bacteria begin to destroy the bone holding the teeth securely in place. 

What are the Warning Signs? 
Very often there are no physical signs – especially with people who smoke.  This is why it is know as a “silent” disease.  If there are signs, here is what you might expect:

  • Red, swollen, tender gums
  • Receding gums
  • Presence of pus/abscesses
  • Bleeding while brushing or flossing
  • Teeth that are loose
  • Constant bad breath
  • Change in fit of partial denture
  • Tooth pain or sensitivity

Remember, there is NO CURE for periodontal disease; it can only be managed or controlled.  The condition will only worsen without proper treatment and home care.  Fortunately there are many treatment options available, including both surgical and non-surgical procedures.