Diagnostic

• Dental Examination
  According to the American Dental Association, a child’s first dental exam with a pediatric dentist should happen soon after the first baby tooth comes in, or by the time the child turns 1 year old. Even though baby’s first teeth are temporary, getting an early start on excellent dental hygiene practices will help your child enjoy good oral health for life.
• X-rays
  The two primary types of dental x-rays are intraoral (taken from inside the mouth) and extraoral (taken from the outside). Bitewing x-rays are the most common type of intraoral radiograph. Traditionally, uncomfortable pieces of film were placed inside the mouth for the patient to bite down on while the x-ray was being taken. With digital technology, the small sensors make this type of imaging much more comfortable. A panoramic x-ray is an extraoral x-ray in which a machine rotates around the head. The resulting images allow the dentist to see the entire mouth at once.
• Oral Cancer Screening
  While most people who get oral cancer are over 40 years of age, a growing number of younger people are diagnosed with the disease every year. This disturbing trend is thought to be the result of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV16), which is sexually transmitted. So today, oral cancer screenings are important not just for older folks, but for everyone.

Preventive

• Teeth Cleaning
  Gums and teeth benefit from brushing and flossing, but dental plaque and stains build up on tooth surfaces over time. The buildup of bacteria leaves hard deposits that cause tooth decay and gum disease. At Park West Dental, our dentists, Drs. Drake and Jacobson, create dental plans that include teeth cleanings every six months. Professional dental cleanings are one of the simplest preventive measures that can help you maintain and enjoy a lifetime of good oral health.
• Fluoride Treatment
  Most often fluoride and its use in dental treatments is associated with children and the strengthening of their young, vulnerable teeth. Although fluoride is important for young children, it is beneficial for adolescents and adults of all ages as well. In fact, new research indicates that fluoride’s role in fighting tooth decay as we age is just as important as its role in the strengthening and protection of newly developing teeth. That’s why at Park West Dental, as a part of our commitment to preserving your smile, Idaho Falls, ID dentists, Drs. Drake and Jacobson, encourage patients to receive a fluoride treatment as part of their routine oral healthcare.
• Dental Sealants
  Fortunately, at Park West Dental — your local Idaho Falls, ID family dentists — Drs. Drake and Jacobson can include sealants in your child’s dental plan: a noninvasive, preventive tooth-decay treatment that protects teeth and keeps them healthy while they mature and strengthen. Dental sealants are made from a resin material that is used to coat the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. It is painted on and seals the nooks and crannies in the teeth so that food and other plaque-causing materials that cause cavities are kept out.

Restorative

• Fillings
  You are probably most familiar with gold and silver/amalgam fillings, but these are only two of several options you will have if you find yourself with a cavity. Though both gold and amalgam fillings are good options, they also stand out against the pearly whites they are preserving and protecting. Fortunately, there are less obvious alternatives available.
• Resin Composite
• Veneers
  If properly cared for, dental veneers can last up to 20 years or more. Not only do veneers improve the appearance of your teeth, they also restore your confidence and quality of life. At Park West Dental, we want to help you achieve the smile you have always wanted.
• Crowns
  Also known as a dental cap, dental crowns offer a permanent and protective solution for a compromised, damaged or broken tooth. They can be made out of a variety of materials, such as gold or acrylic resin; however, the natural look of porcelain is the preferred material for most crowns. Crowns are made to blend in with your surrounding teeth, and they help restore your tooth’s look and function.
• Bridges
  Having a complete, natural-looking smile contributes to healthy self-esteem and is essential to your comfort and confidence while performing everyday tasks like eating, speaking, and smiling. At Park West Dental, if you are missing one or more teeth, Idaho Falls, ID dentists, Drs. Drake and Jacobson, may recommend a dental bridge or tooth bridge as an esthetic solution. This solution also keeps the empty space left by missing teeth from causing the surrounding healthy teeth to shift and move into the existing gap.

Endodontics

• Root Canal Treatment
  Persistent pain in the area around a single tooth may indicate that it is extremely infected or decayed. The good news is Idaho Falls, ID dentists, Drs. Drake and Jacobson, at Park West Dental can often relieve discomfort quickly with a root canal treatment, saving a tooth that is severely damaged. Though the term “root canal” has a notorious association with pain, with all of the advances in the field of dental care and pain management, receiving a root canal treatment is now a comfortable and efficient way to preserve and restore your oral health.

Periodontics

• Periodontal Surgery
  All periodontal therapy starts with the evaluation of your oral hygiene techniques and instruction for improving them, followed by the mechanical removal of plaque and any calcified deposits (tartar or calculus) that are present on the root surfaces. This is accomplished with a cleaning technique known as scaling, root planing or debridement using hand instruments and/or ultrasonic (high frequency vibrational) instruments. Locally applied antimicrobial products or antibiotics might also be recommended during various parts of periodontal treatment to assist in healing and pocket-depth reduction, hopefully eliminating the need for periodontal surgery. Sometimes surgical procedures may be necessary to remove the deep pockets that form between inflamed gum tissue and teeth. There are many different types of surgery to handle a variety of problems. And many times, combinations of procedures are used to attempt to reduce the number of surgeries as well as the cost of treatment.
• Deep Cleaning
  Generally speaking, anyone who needs a deep cleaning of the teeth, both above and below the gum line, can benefit from ultrasonic scaling. This treatment is especially important as a preventive measure for people who may be prone to periodontal (gum) disease. In many instances, ultrasonic scalers are used in combination with traditional hand scalers for a thorough cleaning.

Prosthodontics

• Dentures
  At the Idaho Falls ID dental office of Park West Dental we understand that preserving your natural smile is important for your quality of life. Sometimes, teeth are lost or must be extracted. When this happens, it can affect your ability to perform simple daily tasks, such as eating and speaking, as well as your self-esteem. As your partner in dental health, it is our job to help you find the tooth-replacement solution that best fits your lifestyle. For many, dentures are the perfect option.
• Overdentures
  Though slightly more expensive, overdentures are an extremely stable, long-term option. They are supported by natural teeth, if available, or by dental implants, which support the overdentures but also help maintain bone volume and your natural facial structure.

Implants

• Dental Implants
  Did you know that dental implants are now a viable option for many who were once considered poor candidates? Find out about the latest technological advances in dental implants and how they affect your ability to receive implants as your restorative solution.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

• Oral Surgery
• Tooth Extractions
  At Park West Dental, we understand that having a complete, natural smile is key to feeling confident in your daily life. We also know that on occasion, circumstances may arise that require a patient to receive a routine or emergency tooth extraction in order to preserve overall oral health. As your Idaho Falls, ID dentists, Drs. Drake and Jacobson, know that the decision to extract can be a difficult one, so they makes sure that every aspect of the procedure is as stress-free and comfortable for our patients as possible by keeping you well informed, aware of what is happening, and aware of what your choices are along the way.

Orthodontics

• Orthodontics
  Crooked teeth are not only a cosmetic concern — they can also lead to oral and health related issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, difficulty chewing, and chronic headaches. At Park West Dental, our staff detects potential alignment issues early on, in order to protect your overall health and quality of life. After we diagnose a teeth-alignment issue, we’ll then identify the best method of teeth straightening–otherwise known as Orthodontics.
• Invisalign Orthodontics
  Your Invisalign treatment begins with a consultation with Drs. Drake and Jacobson. They will analyze your bite and discuss your dental goals with you. Once Invisalign has been determined to be the best tooth-straightening system for you, Drs. Drake and Jacobson will...
• Braces
  No. Only patients with misalignment problems need to wear braces. The best way to find out if you or your child will need braces is to call and set up an appointment for a consultation with Drs. Drake and Jacobson.

General

• Teeth Whitening
  Tooth stains fall into two categories: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains are the yellow and brown stains that occur on the surface of your teeth. Intrinsic stains occur inside your teeth, making them appear gray or blue. Some surface stains can be removed with whitening toothpastes and over-the-counter teeth whitening kits. However, these approaches are limited and can be painful or can cause tooth and gum sensitivities. Professional-grade products are needed to remove deeper extrinsic and intrinsic stains and to treat individuals with sensitive teeth and gums.
• Cosmetic Dentistry
  Teeth that are crooked, cracked, discolored, or missing can greatly impact your life. Park West Dental offers patients in the Idaho Falls ID area cosmetic dentistry services that can significantly improve your teeth within a time frame that suits your needs. Cosmetic dentistry consists of a suite of dental procedures designed to improve the appearance of your teeth. Our cosmetic dentists and their team are extensively trained and experienced with a wide range of procedures that can brighten, straighten, or reshape your smile.
• General Dentistry
  At Park West Dental, we work hard to form long-term, trust-based relationships with you by getting to know your lifestyle as well as your oral-health history and goals. We then implement and oversee a personalized dental treatment plan that helps you meet those goals. Most dental treatment plans employ a variety of our general dentistry services as needed.