- Dental ExaminationIf left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which is characterized by loss of bone and potentially tooth loss. There is no cure for periodontal disease; however, it can controlled and managed through periodontal therapy, maintenance cleanings, and meticulous home care. Periodic screenings for gum disease are an important part of the dental exam in order to detect the presence of this disease in the mouth.
- X-rays
- Teeth Cleaning"I had my mouth-guard fitted as well as my teeth cleaned. Dr. Nichols did a fine job with the fitting - quick and painless. Then I was surprised he did my teeth cleaning himself. Again, efficient and painless. The office staff are all friendly and very helpful."
- Dental SealantsPediatric dentistry focuses on preventive care. Emphasis is placed on home care, regular check-ups, and cleanings. There are many preventive measures available to keep children’s teeth healthy and clean, including sealants and mouth guards. Part of preventive dentistry also focuses on educating the parent about common dental issues kids may have such as bruxism, thumb sucking, and baby bottle tooth decay.
- Fillings
- VeneersLumineers are similar to veneers but require less preparation and little to no removal of enamel from the surface of the tooth. Both types of veneers cover the visible portions of the teeth, repair imperfections, straighten and lengthen teeth, conceal stains or discoloration, and are naturally stain resistant. However, there are distinct differences between the two types of veneers.
- CrownsA dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that fits snuggly over a tooth, completely covering it. Usually a crown is required to restore the size, shape, strength, or appearance of a tooth. Crowns fix these issues by encasing the visible portion of the tooth that lies above the gumline.
- BridgesTraditionally, patients missing only one tooth select a fixed bridge for tooth replacement; however, this treatment is not without complications. A bridge often damages the remaining natural teeth, which may otherwise have remained healthy. Bridges often need to be replaced once or twice over a lifetime, depending on the patient’s age. Similar complications exist with partial dentures. Within 5-7 years of treatment, there is as large as a 30% failure rate in either fixed bridge or partial denture replacements. Given the potential complications and required repair, these options can become more costly in the long-run, particularly for patients who receive replacements earlier in life.
- Dental Bonding
- Root Canal TreatmentRoot canals are necessary when the pulp layer of a tooth becomes infected. Infection can lead to the loss of a tooth so it is necessary to remove the infection with root canal therapy. The procedure is generally comfortable and saves the natural tooth, prevents the spread of infection, and returns the smile to complete health.
- Gingivectomy and GingivoplastyA gingivectomy is usually performed when a patient has severe periodontal disease that cannot be cured with scaling and root planing or other periodontal procedures. Gingivectomies are performed to remove and reshape loose, diseased gum tissue and to reduce the depth of pockets between the teeth and gums.
- Periodontal SurgeryA leading general dentist, Dr. Brent O. Nichols offers the cutting-edge LANAP procedure to patients looking for a treatment alternative to traditional cut-and-sew surgery. If you’ve been told you need periodontal surgery because of moderate to severe periodontal disease, call our office to find out if you are a candidate for LANAP. LANAP is minimally invasive as it does not require the cutting of the gums. Instead, laser technology is used to gently remove the harmful bacteria that cause gum disease and leaves healthy tissue unharmed. Call today to find out if you’re a candidate, or click here to learn more about LANAP !
- Deep CleaningThe general steps of the scaling and root planing treatment may include a local anesthetic to numb the root of your tooth being treatment. Your doctor may suggest a form of sedation, if necessary. The treatment may require an ultrasonic tool to remove the calculus. Your doctor or dental hygienist will use the instruments below the gum line to clean the root of your tooth. The goal of this deep cleaning process is to clear away the tartar and smooth the surface of the tooth to encourage the gum to reattach to the tooth.
- DenturesDentures are replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out and put back into your mouth. While dentures take some getting used to, and will never feel exactly the same as one’s natural teeth, today’s dentures are natural looking and more comfortable than ever.
- Dental ImplantsAlthough modern implant dentistry has been practiced since the 1970s, archeological evidence reveals that the genesis of implants actually dates back hundreds if not thousands of years earlier. The Mayans were the first civilization on record to experiment with using dental implants to replace missing teeth. Archeologists discovered Mayan skulls with tooth replacements dating back to 600 AD!
- Oral SurgeryPiezosurgery is a recently developed system for cutting bone without damaging soft tissue using ultrasonic micro-vibrations. Developed for use in Oral Surgery, Implantology, and Periodontics, this innovative technology allows doctors to perform procedures that were not previously possible.
- Jaw Surgery
- Gum SurgeryMost patients that opt for laser gum surgery can go straight back to their daily activities the same day!
- Tooth ExtractionsDental extractions are performed for a variety of reasons including tooth decay, injury, and for orthodontic treatment. Extractions are a relatively common procedure in most dental offices. The difficulty of the procedure varies depending on the case and the patient, however anesthesia is used to numb the area and prevent pain during the procedure.
- Bone GraftingThe dentist may place a mixture of your bone marrow and some bone-grafting material around the bone graft to help speed healing. The incision is then closed with stitches.
- Orthodontics
- Invisalign OrthodonticsAfter your dentists finds that you are a good candidate for Invisalign, you will have x-rays and impressions of your teeth made. From these x-rays and impressions a digital 3-D image is made allowing your dentist the ability to map out a treatment plan for the movement of your teeth. From these 3-D images, your custom-made aligner trays are made specifically for you. You wear them throughout the day and night, removing them only to eat and clean your teeth. Over time, the aligner trays gradually move your teeth into position.
- Braces"Yes I would certainly recommend DR. Nichols to anyone. Me and my partner were recommended by our friend tony cordino and we are truly happy he did so. Dr. Nichols made us feel so welcome and got to the point right away. Thanks to him now i got my teeth taken care of and next is off to get my braces. And none other his assistant Dariya is so amazing and wonderful as well, she went over everything we needed to know. Thanks a lot"
- Teeth WhiteningThere are many ways to whiten your teeth, including toothpastes, over-the-counter gels, rinses, strips, and trays. However, to get the best and fastest results, make an appointment to see your dentist. The whitening products used by dentists and other dental professionals are the safest and most sure way to see immediate results. Some procedures are done in office and some are at home; make an appointment today to see which type of teeth whitening is best for you!
- Cosmetic DentistryPorcelain veneers allow us the ability to completely transform your smile into one you can be proud of for years. Advanced technology in the field of cosmetic dentistry has allowed us the ability to give patients white, straight, and natural looking teeth without the use of braces or surgery.