Diagnostic

• Dental Examination
• X-rays

Preventive

• Teeth Cleaning
• Fluoride Treatment
  Boost is a revolutionary tooth whitening procedure. It’s safe, effective and fast, very fast. In just over an hour, your teeth will be dramatically whiter. The convenience of Boost in comparison to days of using strips or wearing trays makes it the perfect choice for the busy individual. The Boost Whitening procedure is simple. It begins with a short preparation to isolate your lips and gums. The clinician then applies the proprietary whitening gel that is activated by a specially designed light. Teeth typically become at least six to ten shades whiter, sometimes more. A fluoride treatment completes the procedure. You’ll be amazed with the results. In most cases, teeth get even whiter the first few days after the procedure. Custom trays with gel are recommended afterward for maximum whitening and touch up maintenance.
• Dental Sealants
  Sealants are used to fill in narrow grooves in a tooth that cannot be adequately cleaned by brushing. In some cases, the tooth structure has fine grooves or pits which accumulate plaque, not because the person doesn’t brush, but because they’re too narrow to allow even one bristle into them. These will develop cavities over time, sometimes without any symptoms. The dentist or hygienist will place a coating that seals the grooves and pits, making it possible to brush off all the plaque and keep your teeth healthy.

Restorative

• Fillings
• Resin Composite
  Bonding involves adhering composite resin material that is matched to the color of the tooth, to the front of the tooth. This is done to repair damage done to the tooth by decay, to alter the alignment of the tooth, close gaps between the teeth, or for cosmetic purposes. First the surface of the tooth is roughened in order to accept the bonding and hold it. A gel is applied to micro etch the tooth surface, and a primer/bond agent is applied so the material adheres to the surface. Then the material itself is placed on the tooth and hardened with intense light. The composite resin material is shaped and polished to get a lustrous finish as a last step.
• Veneers
  Veneers are a dental procedure in which a covering is placed over the outside (visible area) of the tooth. Veneers are usually applied to the part of the teeth that are visible when talking or smiling. The procedure can be direct or indirect.
• Crowns
  Traditionally, it takes two appointments to restore a tooth with a crown. In the first any decay is removed from the tooth and it is shaped (prepared) to accept the crown. Then an impression is made of the tooth for use in fabricating a crown. Between the two visits the crown is made, usually of high-strength porcelain over gold alloy, all ceramic material, or gold. During this time a temporary crown is worn. In the second visit this temporary is removed. Then the permanent crown is adjusted as needed and then cemented in place.
• Bridges
• Dental Bonding

Endodontics

• Root Canal Treatment
  Root canal treatment (also referred to as root canal therapy or endodontic therapy) is made necessary when a cavity is allowed, through neglect, to reach all the way to this pulp. (Regular cleanings and checkups prevent and detect problems early) Sometimes deep restorations or trauma to a tooth may cause the nerve to be damaged to the point it needs root canal therapy, also. Once this occurs the pulp becomes infected, and can even extend through the root tip and begin to eat away at the surrounding bone (this is an abscess). By the time the pulp is infected it must be treated, and cannot heal on its own. It can even weaken the entire immune system. This is dangerous, not to mention very painful. Symptoms that the pulp has become infected may include sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, pain, swelling, pain to biting or pressure, and a bad taste in the mouth. Sometimes, however, no symptoms are apparent and the person is unaware of any problem until a checkup.

Periodontics

• Deep Cleaning
  The gums, ligaments, and bone around the teeth form the foundation and support for one’s teeth. All structures are referred to as the periodontium. When the periodontium is not healthy, it jeopardizes the support of the teeth, just as a bad foundation would threaten the stability of a house. Signs of unhealthy periodontium (gum disease) may be as follows: gums that are red and bleed easily, persistent bad breath, gums that are pulled away from the tooth, loose teeth, and changes in the position or bite of the teeth. Any of these signs may mean something is wrong. With the proper care (periodontal therapy), it may be possible to return them to a healthier state. Routine professional cleanings are vital to maintain a healthy periodontium. If you’re having a problem, come in and see us so we can take care of it right away. The treatment usually involves a deep cleaning or root planing done under a local anesthetic, along with local antibiotic agents. If the gum disease gets too severe, you may need to be treated with surgery or extraction. This is why it is important to get it treated at the first sign of a problem.

Prosthodontics

• Dentures
  There are different types of dentures, but they share their common function. They replace teeth that have become loose or been lost due to bone loss. When bone loss around the roots of teeth is great enough to loosen them or let them fall out, it’s time for dentures. Relax. No one enjoys losing their natural teeth, but you can still eat and talk regularly.

Implants

• Dental Implants
  A dental implant is an option to replace a missing tooth. In this procedure, a small titanium shaft is surgically implanted into the bone and allowed to set. The bone grows around it forming a tight connection, which additionally slows or stops the bone loss that occurs when the root of a natural tooth is missing. Once the implant is firmly set in the mouth, the dentist then works to attach the replacement tooth onto the top of the shaft. This permanent solution has the advantages over bridge work that it does not stress the surrounding teeth for support, and, should the tooth wear out, another can simply be replaced on the shaft.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

• Oral Surgery
• Tooth Extractions

General

• Teeth Whitening
  This is the procedure of making teeth whiter, and therefore more attractive. Our office uses several methods: In-Office whitening (Boost), custom tray whitening, and professional strength white strips.
• Cosmetic Dentistry
  Anything done to correct imperfections in the appearance of the mouth is considered Cosmetic Dentistry. Anyone who is unhappy with their smile can have it fixed. The upper teeth show, usually, only when smiling, while the lower teeth often remain hidden. This is reversed when talking, with the upper teeth remaining hidden while the lower teeth show. The color, alignment, spacing as well as regularity of the teeth are the characteristics that give the overall appearance. Any of these can be repaired to give a stunning look to the mouth.
• General Dentistry
  Dr. P. Shannon Allison earned his dental degree from LSU School of Dentistry in 1988. He then entered the U. S. Army on active duty from 1988-1992. During this time, he served our country in Operation Desert Storm with the 3rd Special Forces Group in Kuwait. Currently, Dr. Allison serves in the National Guard in support of 20th Group Special Forces. Since 1992, Dr. Allison has been practicing General Dentistry in Mandeville, LA. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Louisiana Dental Association, and the Northlake Dental Association. He is an active volunteer providing dental services during mission trips to Burma, Sudan, Guatemala, Haiti, Iraq, and Syria. Dr. Allison serves on the Board of Directors for Christ School (Arden, NC), Louisiana Area Health Education Center, and Free The Oppressed (which supports the Free Burma Rangers). Dr. Allison enjoys cycling, ultramarathon running, and restoring old cars. He resides in Covington with his wife. They have four adult children, two of whom have chosen to follow in dental careers. Dr. Allison is an active member of First Baptist Church of Covington and serves in various capacities in the community of St. Tammany Parish.