Periodontal Treatment

Periodontal Evaluation

Evaluation of your gums and their surrounding structures is periodontal evaluation and screening. Thorough evaluation involves understanding your medical and dental history, taking all the necessary x-rays and a complete examination of teeth and gums and the surrounding tissues.

Deep Cleaning

Deep cleaning or Scaling and root planning is the most common, conservative and non-surgical therapy used to treat gum disease. Scaling is the process of removing plaque and calculus around teeth especially below the gum line along the root surface. Root planning smoothes the irregular surfaces along the roots after scaling.

Arestin Treatment

The number one cause of tooth loss is not decay or trauma – it’s periodontal disease. Peridontal disease, or gum disease, is an infection of the gum line that causes inflammation and bleeding. Left untreated, it can also cause the gums to recede and begin to pull away from the teeth. Arestin is a solution to periodontal disease.

Fillings

Composite fillings – also known as tooth-colored fillings – are dental restorations designed to be inconspicuous and natural in appearance. They blend well with the teeth and appear more natural than amalgam fillings, which are darker and more easily seen by other people. Composite fillings are made of ceramic and plastic compounds that chemically bond to the teeth.

Crowns and Bridges

Dental crowns and bridges are custom-fitted tooth prosthetics that are used to replace or restore damaged or missing teeth. Crowns – also known as caps – are fixed over the surfaces of natural tooth structures or dental implants. Bridges are used to fill in the gaps left by missing teeth and are anchored in place by the natural teeth or crowns nearest the empty space.

Core Build-ups, Posts and Cores

Whenever a tooth has lost significant coronal tooth structure (the part of the tooth above your gum) due to tooth decay, fractures and root canal treatment, it becomes weak and if not properly strengthened can be lost. This is when the dentist will decide, based on the specific situation, whether a core build-up or a post and core is appropriate. Core build-ups are done more frequently than posts and cores.

Implant Restoration

Dental implants are surgical-grade root devices that support permanent tooth prosthetics that are manufactured to last a lifetime. These artificial roots are anchored in the bone beneath the gums where they become fused into the jaw. A crown is mounted atop the implant for a long-lasting and natural looking smile.

Dentures

Dentures are removable tooth prosthetics designed to look and function like natural teeth. For thousands of years, some form of denture has been used to fill in the gaps left by missing teeth, although today’s dentures are much more advanced and easier to care for. Most dentures are composed of replacement teeth attached to plastic bases that take on the appearance of the gums.

Extractions

Tooth extractions are routine dental procedures used to remove decayed, damaged or otherwise problematic teeth. Dentists usually make every effort to preserve natural teeth, although sometimes an extraction is necessary. Although the procedure is performed in a dentist’s or oral surgeon’s office, it is considered surgery.

Root Canal Therapy

Root canals are valuable dental procedures used to treat and preserve teeth with badly infected roots. The pulp is the live portion of the tooth that extends into the root and contains nerve endings and tissues. When it becomes infected, patients can experience pain, swelling and even total tooth loss unless treated. Root canals remove the damaged parts of the tooth and infected root.

Oral Cancer Screening

The VELscope VX is a groundbreaking technology that is changing the way Lancaster dentists screen for oral cancer. This cordless device is used to painlessly and quickly examine the soft tissues of the mouth for signs of abnormal, pre-cancerous or cancerous cells.

Regular Dental Visits

Preventative care is a foundation of dentistry. The American Dental Association recommends visiting your Lancaster dentist regularly – usually about twice yearly – for full cleanings, examinations, and consultations for potential treatment. Professional dental cleanings help remove built-up plaque that is not removable using conventional brushing and flossing.

Sealants

Dental sealants are very thing coatings used to fill in deep grooves and pits in teeth that can harbor bacteria. Sealants are applied to healthy chewing surfaces of the teeth to prevent decay and cavities – especially among children. According to the Centers for Disease Control, tooth decay affects more than half of children ages 6 – 8, and even more older children and teens.

Flouride

The maintenance of optimum oral health includes regular dental visits and cleanings and great home care. Another key factor towards excellent oral health is the use of fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral that slows down the progression of dental caries or tooth decay. The correct and timely use of fluoride can prevent dental cavities or tooth decay and can reverse the very initial stages of dental carries.

Mouthguard and Nightguards

Dental mouth guards have long been used to protect the teeth, gums and supporting tissues from damage, injury and trauma. There are two types of dental mouth guards – over the counter and custom. While OTC guards are helpful for occasional use, many Lancaster dental patients require the benefit of a customized dental mouth guard fitted by a dentist to effectively prevent injury.

Undergoing dental x-rays can be an uncomfortable and invasive experience. Traditional x-rays are taken intra-orally, requiring patients to bite down awkwardly onto hard and bulky sensors. Not to mention, it can take several minutes to complete a full mouth series of x-rays. At our office, we believe patients deserve a better experience. That is why we feature fully digital imaging via the Planmeca Promax. With this technology, Lancaster digital x-rays are taken from outside the body in much less time and using far less radiation than traditional x-rays require.

Planmeca Promax is an innovative new technology that is capable of producing highly detailed images without sacrificing patient comfort or safety. The images produced by our digital x-ray machine enhance our diagnostic capabilities and make it easier to store and share images as needed. Furthermore, Planmeca Promax generates a comprehensive view of each patient’s anatomy, making it easy to map out restorative and cosmetic dental treatment plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate for x-rays using the Planmeca Promax Digital technology?

Because Planmeca Promax is safer, faster, and less uncomfortable than traditional x-rays, it is appropriate for patients of all ages. From children to the elderly and everyone in between, the Planmeca Promax can make getting dental x-rays in Lancaster a breeze.

What should I expect when getting a Planmeca Promax Digital X-ray in Lancaster?

Dental x-rays with the Promax are quick and effortless. You will be placed in front of the machine and bite down onto a very small digital sensor a fraction of the size of traditional x-ray sensors. Promax has an open face architecture, meaning you will never feel cramped or claustrophobic getting x-rays at our office.

I thought traditional x-rays were safe. Is a Planmeca Promax Digital X-ray a better alternative?

Though film x-rays are safe, they still emit small quantities of radiation. Planmeca Promax has raised the bar in dental healthcare, emitting far less radiation than outdated film radiology. In fact, the Planmeca Promax produces up to 10 times less radiation than some traditional x-rays!

Amalgam is an economical blend of metals used to fill cavities in the mouth. Also known as ‘silver fillings’, Lancaster amalgam fillings are comprised of silver, copper, mercury and tin. The majority of Americans have dental fillings – most of whom have at least one amalgam. Many prefer amalgam because it is the most affordable and long-lasting filling material available today. In fact, amalgam fillings are less likely to fall out or break than other filling material.

Did you know…

that amalgam has been the filling material of choice for millions of dental patients over the past 150 years? It remains a commonly used filling material today, with the Food and Drug Administration ruling it safe for dental patients age 6 and up. Amalgam can be place in a single visit and is made to be self-sealing – resisting the development of further decay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate for amalgam fillings in Lancaster?

Nearly anyone with tooth cavities over the age of 6 is a candidate for amalgam fillings. However, the decision to get silver fillings can only be made between you and your dentist. Be sure to tell your dentist if you have any metal
from getting an amalgam filling.

What should I expect when I get my amalgam filling?

Your dentist will numb the nerves surrounding your tooth at the start of your visit. Then, your tooth will be drilled to remove decay and prepare the surface for your filling. Amalgam is mixed at the time of filling using a combination of metal alloy and liquid mercury. Blended together, these ingredients make a putty that hardens and typically requires no follow-up visit.

How long will my amalgam filling last?

Lancaster amalgam fillings are made to withstand biting pressure and last for many years. Instances of breakage are rare, and repair frequency is low. When properly cared for, most silver fillings last a minimum of 10 to 15 years. Your dentist will check the condition of your fillings during your periodic dental exams and cleanings.

Six Month Smiles® is an innovative alternative to traditional braces in Lancaster. Metal braces have long been the standard in orthodontics, often used during childhood and early teen years to correct problems with overcrowding, bite, and alignment. But adults and older teens may avoid highly visible braces despite their desire for straighter and more cosmetically appealing teeth. Thanks to Six Month Smiles®, now they can maintain discretion while getting the treatment they need. This revolutionary system combines the powerful results of metal braces with the subtlety of clear aligner trays. Using clear brackets and wires that blend into natural tooth color, Lancaster Six Month Smiles® can deliver fast, effective results in as little as six months.

Few people are born with a perfect smile. Did you know that approximately 5 million people per year are wearing braces at any given time? Most are children between ages 9 and 14 – an age when patients are generally less concerned about the appearance of metal braces. By the middle teen to adult years, however, patients who desire straighter teeth may be reluctant to wear traditional braces due to their prominence. Six Month Smiles® is a cosmetically appealing solution for fast and social distraction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Six Month Smiles® right for me?

You may be a candidate for Six Month Smiles® if you are embarrassed or bothered by smile imperfections but do not want to spend years wearing traditional metal braces. Patients must be at least 15 years of age to undergo Six Month Smiles® in Lancaster. Schedule an oral consultation for more information about this revolutionary clear orthodontic system or to find out if you could qualify for treatment.

What should I expect during a Six Month Smiles® treatment in Lancaster?

The Six Month Smiles® brackets and wires are administered to the teeth in the same way that traditional braces are. This initial visit is usually the longest, though additional visits will be necessary during treatment to monitor progress and tighten the braces. Six Month Smiles® works quickly because treatment is generally isolated to the most visible teeth in a patient’s smile. Additionally, the low-force method utilized by Six Month Smiles® causes less discomfort than traditional braces during the treatment process.

Will I need to make any lifestyle modifications to facilitate my treatment?

Because Six Month Smiles® is a bracket and wire system, you will have some limitations during treatment. Primarily, you will need to make certain dietary changes that restrict hard or ‘gummy’ foods. Examples include whole, raw fruits and vegetables, bubblegum, popcorn, nuts, croutons, and caramel candies. At the conclusion of treatment, you will also need to wear a retainer to maintain results.

Start Pure teeth whitening is an advance in-office cosmetic whitening treatment in Lancaster that offers fast, effective results to patients who want to take years of discoloration off their smiles. The system includes a proprietary blend of ingredients activated by violet light to powerfully dissolve stains and brighten the teeth to a brilliant shade – all in just 20 minutes. In fact, some patients achieve teeth up to 8 shades lighter after just a single treatment!

Did you know…

that Start Pure’s system is 30 percent more powerful at removing tooth yellowing than the leading whitening brands? Created by a dentist and a physician, this treatment is specifically designed to reduce tooth sensitivity, minimize treatment time, and prolong results. Most patients find their teeth to be several shades whiter with results that last up to a year or more after treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate for for Start Pure teeth whitening in Lancaster?

You may be a candidate for Start Pure teeth whitening if you want a brighter smile in under a half hour. Perhaps you have tried at-home teeth whitening products with mediocre results. Start Pure features whitening ingredients in concentrations not available from over-the-counter products. Schedule your Lancaster cosmetic tooth whitening consultation to find out more about Start Pure and whether it is right for you. Start Pure is only effective structure – not dental implants, crowns, bridges, or veneers.

What should I expect during a Start Pure teeth whitening treatment?

Your Start Pure treatment will take place in your dentist’s office.
Your teeth will be cleaned and dried prior to treatment
You will wear a bib and goggles to protect your clothes and eyes during the procedure
Vitamin E will be swabbed onto your lips and gums to protect them during treatment
The Start Pure whitening tray will be placed into your mouth
You will bite down on the tray, transferring the gel to your teeth
A violet light will be place directly over the teeth, activating the whitening process

After just 20 minutes, the light and whitening gel will be removed, revealing your brighter, whiter smile. Results will vary from patient to patient and are not guaranteed. Keep in mind that your teeth cannot be whitened beyond their natural shade, and they may not respond to treatment if they are stained by tetracycline.

Will I need to follow any special instructions after my visit?

There is no need to change your lifestyle after Start Pure professional teeth whitening in Lancaster. However, you will need to avoid consuming dark-colored foods and beverages in the first couple of days after treatment. This includes red wine, dark juices, coffee, sodas, and tea. To sustain your results, talk with your dentist about at-home maintenance whitening systems from Start Pure.