EXTRACTIONS
Saving your natural teeth is our priority. However, sometimes a tooth extraction is necessary due to severe decay, crowding or trauma. The doctor will apply a local anesthetic to help make the extraction as comfortable for you as possible. Once the tooth has been carefully and gently extracted, the doctor will go over post-op instructions for you to follow.
FILLINGS
Dental fillings are most commonly used to treat cavities, but they can also used for cracked or worn teeth. We use tooth-colored composite fillings that look natural and can withstand chewing.
INLAYS AND ONLAYS
When the damange or decay is too much for a filling but not enough to warrant a crown, inlays and onlays may be an option to strengthen tooth structure. An inlay is similar to a filling, whereas an onlay covers the entire chewing surface.
CROWNS
A crown can be used to help save a tooth that has been damaged by decay or trauma. It restores tooth function while improving its appearance. It is often used following a root canal or in conjunction with bridges to replace missing teeth. With crowns, your smile will look and work great again.
ROOT CANAL THERAPY
When infection has spread to the core of a tooth, root canal therapy may be needed to save it and eliminate any pain it is causing. During this procedure, the damaged pulp (core) is removed and nerve chamber is filled and sealed. After the root canal, a crown is usually placed over the tooth for protection. Root canal therapy allows us to save your natural teeth, giving you a healthier smile.
SCALING AND ROOT PLANING
If you have gum disease, the doctor will likely recommend periodontal therapy to help prevent it from progressing. Our hygienists may perform scaling and root planing, a non-surgical procedure often used in periodontal therapy to scrape off tartar and get rid of buildup around the tooth roots.
LANAP®
Another option is Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP®) is a surgical therapy that treats gum disease using a laser instead of a scalpel. LANAP® is much more comfortable than traditional cut and sew periodontal therapy and is equally effective in treating gum disease. Dr. McGraw is a LANAP® certified dentist.
BRIDGES
Whether you’re missing one tooth or multiple consecutive teeth, bridges are a great option for filling in the gaps in your smile. When you’re missing teeth, the teeth around it shift and weaken, which can lead to numerous problems with chewing, speaking and gum disease. With a bridge, natural-looking prosthetic teeth are anchored to two surrounding teeth using crowns. The effect is a beautiful, functioning natural smile.
FULL AND PARTIAL DENTURES
A denture is a removable prosthesis that replaces some or all of your missing teeth. We can make both partial and full dentures. Partial dentures are used if you still have some natural teeth remaining, while full dentures replace all of your teeth. Because we have our own in-office lab, we can also provide you with immediate dentures after your teeth are extracted so you will never leave the office without teeth.
Over time dentures will wear, and relines or replacements may be needed. Routine exams will still be necessary so the doctor can assess the tissues for any changes or diseases.
With dentures, you will regain the function and appearance of your smile, as well as your confidence!
DENTAL IMPLANTS
When you lose teeth, your bone ridge inevitably shrinks, which causes your face to sink in and appear older. Dental implants stop the bone loss, which is why they are considered the best option when replacing a single tooth, multiple teeth, or a full arch. Implants are surgically placed in the jawbone and mimic the root of the tooth, making them feel like real teeth with strength to match.
With a single tooth replacement, an abutment is fixed to the implant, and a crown is fitted to the abutment. Implants can also be used to support a bridge or denture when several teeth are missing. Many patients favor implants because they keep dentures from moving around and allow them to eat tough foods like steak with no issues. Dental implants greatly improve your health and quality of life.