General & Family Dentistry

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We have dental services for the whole family

Restorations

  • Tooth Colored (Composite) Fillings
  • Crowns (Caps)
  • Bridges
  • Root Canals
  • Implants

Cleanings &  Prevention

  • Dental Exams & Cleanings
  • Dental X-Rays

Gum Disease

  • Diagnosis
  • Maintenance
  • Periodontal Deep Cleanings (Scaling and Root Planing)

Dental Cleanings:

A cleaning is a gentle procedure done to irradiate any plaque or calculus build up on all surfaces of every tooth in the mouth, thus helping prevent the development of any gum disease.  Without a cleaning by a Dental Hygienist, research shows that a progression towards gum disease will occur in almost every patient.

Exams:

A regular examination with a Dentist 1-2 times every year to prevent or detect many health issues, ranging from tooth decay and gum disease to cancer and diabetes.  Dr. VanderLaan performs a thorough examination of the TMJ, chewing muscles, salivary glands, lymph nodes in the face and neck, tongue, cheeks, gums and teeth on every patient at least one time per year.  A yearly periodontal chart is also done on every patient to ensure no development of gum disease.

Digital X- Rays:

X-rays are a very safe and extremely effective way to get an in depth view of every patient’s hard and soft tissues in their mouth.  While we only take radiographs when completely necessary,  it is entirely impossible for a full evaluation to be completed by the Doctor without the proper x-rays.  X-rays help us identify decay, abscesses, extra teeth, gum disease, and even early instances of cancer.

Periodontal Cleanings:

If you are someone who has developed gum disease, or Periodontal disease, Periodontal Cleanings may be necessary.  We offer advanced cleaning techniques for deep cleanings (Scaling and Root Planing) as well as maintenance cleanings once the Periodontal disease has been stabilized by the deep cleaning.  Occasionally, referral to a specialist is necessary for advanced cases of Periodontal disease.

Tooth Colored Fillings:

If an area of decay is developed on a tooth, if the cavity is within a certain size range, a direct tooth color filling is recommended.  This process includes numbing the tooth, removing the tooth structure that is softened or had bacterial invasion, and then applying a bonded white filling.  If cared for properly, fillings are able to hold up and withstand the forces in the mouth for many years.

Root Canals:

A root canal is a procedure performed on a tooth when the nerve inside the tooth dies, which in many cases will cause the tooth to develop an abscess.  While the need for a root canal is often preceded with severe pain, on occasion teeth can develop abscesses without any pain.  A root canal is prescribed taking into account symptoms, nerve tests, and x-ray evaluations.  Contrary to what most think, a root canal can be performed in a quick and painless fashion.  More difficult cases may be referred to a root canal specialist, or Endodontist.

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Extractions:

When a tooth is broken, decayed, or abscessed to the point that it cannot be saved with conventional dental treatment, an extraction may become necessary.  This is the removal of the tooth, and it may involve cutting or removal of bone and dissolvable stitches.  Extractions are also recommended for orthodontic purposes, as well as to prevent problems with wisdom teeth (3rd molars).

Porcelain Crowns:

A porcelain crown is a structure fabricated custom to the individual tooth by a dental laboratory to cover the entire tooth and keep it from breaking.  Crowns are made to look and feel exactly like natural teeth, without anyone knowing that it is actually there. Crowns are prescribed in many situations.  Common situations include large cavities, cracked or chipped teeth, after root canals, or for esthetic reasons.

Porcelain Bridges:

Porcelain bridges can done to fill a space when a tooth has been lost.  They are made to mimic natural teeth and create an esthetic and functional appearance.

Implants:

An implant is titanium screw that is inserted into the bone and used to replace a tooth.  Several implants can be placed to hold a bridge (that can replace several teeth).  Implants can also be placed underneath complete and partial dentures and used to help with retention.  Implants are a very comfortable, and nearly painless procedure with a very high success rate.