Diagnostic

• Dental Examination
  Dental Hygiene An integral part of maintaining your teeth for life is the removal of plaque and tarter on a regular basis. The frequency of your visits is based upon your individual needs and oral health. During your visit we will review your medical history, thoroughly clean your teeth, perform an oral exam, review oral hygiene instructions and monitor your periodontal (gum) conditions. Fluoride treatments are also provided when appropriate.
• X-rays

Preventive

• Fluoride Treatment
• Dental Sealants
  Sealants are a simple procedure for children in which a tooth colored acrylic coating is painted onto the chewing surface of the molars. They are highly effective in preventing decay on these chewing surfaces by coating over the deep grooves where decay is most likely to start.

Restorative

• Fillings
  When teeth have small cavities, we clean out the existing decay and fill in the area with tooth colored composite (resins) fillings. These composite fillings require less tooth structure to be removed for the preparation, thus more conservative than preparation for a crown. In addition, composite restorations are bonded in, which creates a better seal, as opposed to amalgam fillings, and less chance for leakage.
• Crowns
  A non-removable crown, also known as a "cap", will restore a broken, heavily-filled, or cracked tooth to its original size and shape. Crowns are used to strengthen and protect the remaining natural tooth structure as well as improve the appearance of your teeth. A non-removable bridge can restore your teeth to normal function by replacing missing teeth which can also help stabilize the surrounding teeth and maintain the structure of your face and jaw.
• Bridges

Endodontics

• Root Canal Treatment
  If a tooth's pulp (nerve and blood supply) becomes infected or inflamed, root canal treatment may be the only way to save the tooth. Root canal treatment consists of removing the nerve and blood vessels that lie within the root of the tooth. In most cases, root canal treated teeth must have a crown or bridge made as a final restoration due to the tooth's brittleness after removing the blood supply.

Implants

• Dental Implants
  Dental Implants Dental implants are man-made "anchors" that look like screws and are made of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body. The single tooth implant is placed by surgery in the upper or lower jaw, where it replaces your missing tooth's root(s). An implant looks and acts like a natural tooth. It fits securely even when you chew and speak. A single tooth implant does not involve treatment to your other teeth.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

• Oral Surgery

General

• Teeth Whitening
  In addition to other cosmetic dental enhancements, we offer patients a safe and effective tooth whitening option. Most discolorations are caused by smoking, coffee, tea or aging of the enamel on your teeth. We use the advanced Zoom! Whitening procedure that will quickly remove superficial stains on teeth surfaces to make them look brighter and more attractive in just a little over an hour.
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• General Dentistry
  Dr. Karen Rethmeyer Having spent 5 years as a design engineer in avionics, Dr. Rethmeyer returned to dental school in Kansas City, graduating first in her class. She is a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry (www.agd.org) and has trained extensively with the Pankey Dental Institute (www.pankey.org). The Academy of Dentistry International (www.adint.org) recently inducted Dr. Rethmeyer as a Fellow for her work in Guatemala. She is a member of the American Dental Association, the Missouri Dental Association, and serves on the board of directors for the Greater Kansas City Dental Association. She is a member of several local and national dental study groups and charitable organizations. She enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, cycling and church activities.