| Definitions and terms of services/technologies
Click through the terms below to learn about the procedures we offer.
Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth and teeth clean in order to prevent dental problems and bad breath.
Implant Restoration
dental implant is an artificial tooth replacement procedure that helps individuals to replace teeth that have been lost or removed due to various circumstances. The implant procedure typically starts with insertion of a titanium pin, which has a “roughed up” surface, into the jawbone; titanium is used because of its unique ability to be fused to bone, allowing for a solid setting for the replacement crown.
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Dental Cleaning
Teeth cleaning is the removal of dental plaque from teeth, in order to prevent cavities (dental caries), gingivitis, and periodontitis. It is part of a complete program of oral hygiene.
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Dentures/Partials
Dentures are prosthetic devices constructed to replace missing teeth, and which are supported by surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity. Conventional dentures are removable, however there are many different denture designs, some which rely on bonding or clipping onto teeth or dental implants. There are two main categories of dentures, depending on whether they are used to replace missing teeth on the mandibular arch or the maxillary arch.
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Veneers
A veneer is a thin layer of restorative material placed over a tooth surface, either to improve the aesthetics of a tooth, or to protect a damaged tooth surface. There are two main types of material used to fabricate a veneer, composite and porcelain. A composite veneer may be directly placed (built-up in the mouth), or indirectly fabricated by a dental technician in a dental laboratory, and later bonded to the tooth, typically using a resin cement such as Panavia. In contrast, a porcelain veneer may only be indirectly fabricated.
Sealants
Dental sealants act as a barrier, protecting the teeth against decay-causing bacteria. The sealants are usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars) where decay occurs most often.
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Gum Treatment
Gum treatment is the treatment of active gum and jaw bone disease. Gum disease treatment can slow or stop the progression of gum disease. Since there are different stages of gum disease (from gingivitis to advanced periodontitis), there are different levels of treatment. In some cases, the patient may be referred to a specialist.
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Bonding
Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material (a durable plastic material) is applied and hardened with a special light, which ultimately "bonds" the material to the tooth to restore or improve person's smile.
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Night Guards
Custom designed mouthguards and nightguards are made of flexible plastic and molded to fit the shape of your teeth. Mouthguards are recommended to protect the jaw and teeth during physical activity and sports such as boxing, football, basketball, or other activities where your mouth may get hit. In addition, these guards protect the soft tissues of your tongue, lips and cheek lining. Nightguards are recommended for patients who clench or grind their teeth at night as a way to protect their teeth and bite.
Fillings
Sometimes cavities happen. A filling can help restore a tooth damaged by decay back to its normal function and shape. If you have a tooth that requires a filling, we will first remove the decayed tooth material, clean the affected area, and then fill the cleaned out cavity with a filling material. A filling also helps prevent further decay by closing off any cracks or spaces where bacteria can enter.
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Crowns
Crown refers to the restoration of teeth using materials that are fabricated by indirect methods which are cemented into place. A crown is used to cap or completely cover a tooth.
Whitening
Tooth whitening is a popular procedure to make teeth whiter and brighter, and therefore more attractive. Bleaching can be used to whiten stained and discolored teeth, or simply to enhance a dull smile. Either way, tooth whitening is a safe and relatively painless procedure ideal for most patients.
Bridges
A bridge, also known as a fixed partial denture, is a dental restoration used to replace a missing tooth by joining permanently to adjacent teeth or dental implants.
There are different types of bridges, depending on how they are fabricated and the way they anchor to the adjacent teeth. Conventionally, bridges are made using the indirect method of restoration however, bridges can be fabricated directly in the mouth using such materials as composite resin.
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Root Canal Therapy
Root canal is a term for a dental operation i.e., endodontic therapy, wherein a sequence of treatment for the pulp of a tooth whose end result is the elimination of infection and protection of the decontaminated tooth from future microbial invasion.
Intra Oral Camera
Through the use of still pictures and videos, patients are able to see exactly what’s going on with their oral health. This is an amazing educational tool that helps to bridge our patients’ understanding of their dental needs.
These instruments are as much of a tool for us as they are for our patients. The camera’s magnification allows us to see impossible or difficult areas not visible with a dental mirror alone. With the use of these cameras, Dr. Mayes and our hygienists are more likely to discover problems before they become more extensive.
Although intra oral cameras are not a complete answer to dental examinations, they are an invaluable asset in partnering with our patients in their oral care. We look forward to taking you on a tour of your teeth…
What's involved in a dental checkup or exam?
A check up or exam can include some or all of the following procedures:
- Screening – your dentist and hygienist look for anything unusual and catch small problems before they become big ones (ie: early signs of gum disease, eroded fillings, infections, oral cancer.)
- Treatment – your dentist may be able to fix problems before they become painful or more extensive.
- Cleaning – your hygienist removes tarter, calculus, and plaque buildup (that clear sticky layer of harmful germs) from your teeth.
- Advice – your dentist and hygienist can give advice and answer your questions based on the results of your checkup.
BE A PARTNER IN YOUR DENTAL HEALTH!
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