- Dental ExaminationAll new patients must have x-rays taken in order for us to perform a complete examination and make a diagnosis. Decay and other pathologies can occur with no visible indication in the mouth, and waiting until pain develops usually means a small problem has now become severe and much more complicated and expensive to fix. Performing a comprehensive examination without consulting x-rays is considered malpractice, therefore all new patients must have a panoramic x-ray and a minimum of 4 bitewing x- rays. The number of additional x-rays is based on individual needs.
- X-rays
- Oral Cancer ScreeningYou don’t have to be a smoker or drinker to be at risk for developing oral cancer. That’s why every patient will have a visual oral cancer screening at every visit to our office.
- Teeth CleaningThe American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a minimum of two dental exams and cleanings each year to prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. This gives your dental professionals an opportunity to look for signs of trouble before they have time to progress further.
- Fluoride TreatmentTopical fluoride treatments are an effective way to deter cavities and remineralize weakened tooth enamel and prevent cavities. All children receive a fluoride treatment at each preventive care appointment, and it is highly recommended that adults also have fluoride treatment at least once per year.
- Dental SealantsSealants are extremely effective at preventing cavities from occurring on new teeth in children as well as adults who are prone to getting new decay. Sealants are basically very shallow fillings that are placed into the deeper grooves on back teeth, preventing food particles from collecting in the grooves and forming cavities. Placing sealants is a quick and painless non-invasive procedure – usually we are able to treat all necessary teeth in just a few minutes!
- Fillings
- Resin CompositeBonding often serves as an inexpensive and effective restoration for small chips and cracks in the teeth. Such minor problems may be functionally and cosmetically repaired with a composite “white filling.” A composite resin material is bonded to the tooth in order to fill in the chip or crack and better protect the surrounding tooth structure. But for more severe cases of dullness, wear, discoloration, mild chipping, cracking, spacing, or uneven/misshapen teeth, veneers may be recommended as a more appropriate solution.
- VeneersDental veneers are custom-designed shells of tooth-like ceramic material that, when applied over the surface of a tooth, can cover worn tooth enamel, uneven tooth alignment or spacing and chips or cracks.
- CrownsDental crowns, also known as “caps,” preserve the functionality of damaged teeth. Crowns may be used to protect a cracked tooth, restore functionality of a tooth with excessive decay or a large existing filling, or replace a pre-existing crown. The purpose of a dental crown is to encase a needy tooth with a custom-designed material.
- BridgesIn cases where tooth extraction is the only solution, the missing tooth may be replaced with a dental implant or dental bridge to maintain functionality. By replacing the missing tooth, a proper bite is maintained and the surrounding teeth are prevented from shifting. Because a severe infection can be very dangerous, it is important to receive a professional evaluation. If an infection spreads beyond the jaw to the head and neck, then more extensive medical treatment, including hospitalization, may be required.
- Dental BondingBecause composite bonding involves the precise placement of filling material, the bonding procedure usually is completed in one dental visit. More complicated or extensive treatments may require additional visits.
- Root Canal TreatmentA root canal is a dental procedure that is used to remove diseased pulp tissue from the interior of a tooth. The narrow channels beneath the pulp chamber in the inner part of the tooth are hollowed out and cleaned, and the roots are filed with flexible nickel titanium files.
- Deep Cleaning-Scaling/Root Planing is a deep cleaning designed to remove calculus deposits from root surfaces. Mild to moderate periodontitis can be effectively treated with Scaling/Root Planing, however the more severe cases may require Flap Surgery. Scaling/Root Planing does not remove diseased tissue, only the calculus deposits which cause the disease. Scaling/Root Planing also does not result in new permanent gum tissue attachment to the root surface.
- DenturesThe beauty of dentures today is that they are designed to be comfortable and functional. They are very similar in appearance to natural teeth, and can improve a smile or facial appearance.
- OverdenturesComplete dentures are used to replace missing teeth for people with no remaining teeth. Dentures may also be used for people who have lost several teeth. In this case, the appliance is called a partial denture or an overdenture.
- Dental ImplantsDental implants are artificial tooth replacements used to replace missing teeth. Although you have a number of restorative options for the treatment of missing teeth, none have proven to be as functionally effective and durable as implants. In many cases, dental implants may be the only logical choice for the restoration of all necessary functionality of the teeth and supporting structures. Strong, durable and natural in appearance, implants are among the most successful dental procedures performed.
- Oral Surgery
- Flap SurgeryCurrently, LANAP is offered as an alternative to traditional methods of treating gum disease, namely Scaling/Root Planing and Flap Surgery.
- Gum SurgeryIt depends. LANAP is a recently developed, higher-technology method of treating gum disease, therefore as of yet there is no specific ADA procedure code for the LANAP surgery. We are able to substitute a few specific traditional gum surgery procedure codes and submit those codes on insurance claims, but please keep in mind that your insurance company may not be willing to pay for all of the treatment. We will do our best to work with your insurance company to cover as much of the fee as possible. The LANAP protocol includes the initial surgical laser procedure, followed by bite adjustments, a nightguard and splinting (if applicable), and follow-up cleanings for up to a year. For the sake of simplicity and because the complete treatment protocol entails several visits, we charge a one-time package fee.
- Tooth ExtractionsLaser treatment is also beneficial for patients who have medical problems requiring medications such as aspirin, Plavix, and Coumadin. Since LANAP causes much less bleeding than traditional surgeries; patients do not have to discontinue using these life-saving medications prior to surgery. Patients with advanced periodontal disease who take bisphosphonate medications such as Fosamax can avoid having extractions because even teeth with a poor prognosis can often be saved with this life-changing procedure. This is especially important because studies have shown that Fosamax can lead to osteonecrosis of the jaw following tooth extraction.
- Invisalign OrthodonticsOver one million patients have benefited from Invisalign—and the number is growing every day. Why? Because Invisalign offers the clinical outcomes your patients want, all with a removable appliance that‘s virtually undetectable when worn. It’s an ideal solution for the majority of adults and teenagers—and now the #1 brand for orthodontic patients.
- BracesBased on your individual treatment plan, a series of custom-made, clear aligners are then created specifically for you. These aligners are made of a smooth, comfortable BPA-free plastic that won’t irritate your cheeks and gums like traditional metal braces often do. Simply wear them throughout the day, and remove them when you eat or to brush and floss your teeth. As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth gently and gradually begin to shift into place. And because they’re virtually invisible, most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.
- Teeth WhiteningWhitening of the teeth is performed for patients who desire a brighter smile. Tooth whitening can be performed to reduce discoloration and staining, or simply to provide the patient with whiter, brighter teeth.
- Cosmetic DentistryIf you’re looking to perfect your smile, then cosmetic dentistry will do the magic. Cosmetic dentistry has been experiencing rapid growth with new technologies making enhanced smiles more affordable for more people. The History of Cosmetic Dentistry Surprisingly, cosmetic dentistry has been around for a long time. Not in the advanced form like today but Read More
- General DentistryDr. Jeremy Carson is a native of Cincinnati and has practiced general dentistry in the Phoenix area since 2001. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois and received his dental degree from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine.