Periodontal Therapy
At each and every cleaning, our hygienists will perform a complete periodontal assessment to determine which type of cleaning will be best for your oral health. This could include a traditional cleaning or a gross debridement to remove heavy calculus resulting from many years without a dental cleaning. Sometimes a deeper cleaning is necessary when it is determined that there is bone loss surrounding the tooth. This deeper cleaning is called Non-surgical Periodontal Therapy. Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) reduces inflammation and bacterial debris below the gumline. This provides a smooth, clean surface to which the gum can reattach, reducing pocket depth.
1-year-old exams
Do you know when your child’s dental care should begin? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that the appearance of the first baby tooth is a good indicator. For most babies, this occurs when they are between six months and one year of age. A simpler way to remember for your child is…first dental visit by first birthday. It’s important to remember that baby teeth serve as place-holders for adult teeth. If baby teeth are damaged, permanent teeth can grow in out of position, resulting in crowding and/or crooked teeth.
Tooth Extractions
Sometimes injury or decay extensively damages a tooth. And, in certain cases, extraction is the proper treatment option to start you on the path toward complete dental health. Dr. Kingsley and Dr. Peters will do their best to gently extract your troublesome tooth; however, in some cases, it may be necessary to refer you to an oral surgeon for the extraction. Your dentist will then give you treatment options for replacing the tooth to complete your beautiful smile once again.
Fillings
Are you embarrassed about your smile because of decayed, disfigured, or discolored teeth? If so, you may be a good candidate for composite resins, also known as tooth-colored fillings or restorations. When the decay has been removed from the tooth, it is replaced with “filling” material. The new tooth-colored material is bonded to the teeth for a stronger restoration. In the past, amalgam (silver) fillings were placed into the cleaned-out portion of the tooth. However, with new advancements in dentistry, you can now have tooth-colored fillings instead of silver fillings, resulting in a longer-lasting, brighter, whiter smile.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer affects tens of thousands of Americans every year. As with most cancers, the key to beating the disease is catching it before it progresses to a later stage. With early detection from a routine oral cancer screening, there is a 90% successful rate of cure after diagnosis. During your dental visit, your dentist will talk to you about your health history and will examine you for signs of mouth and/or throat cancer. The screening will consist of a visual inspection of the mouth. Regular visits to the dentist can improve the chances that any suspicious changes in your oral heath will be caught early. With the help of the latest dental technology, even a diagnosis of oral cancer can be successfully treated through early detection.
Nightguards
A nightguard is a simple solution that protects your teeth and jaw from the harmful results of nighttime teeth grinding and clenching. Elgin Family Dentistry provides a custom-molded, plastic nightguard to comfortably fit over your upper or lower teeth, creating a barrier between your teeth. The cushion of the nightguard between the teeth absorbs the force of teeth grinding. A nightguard reduces teeth clenching and grinding and TMJ problems by helping the jaw muscles to relax. Finally, you may rest comfortably again!
Mouthguards
If your child plays sports or other similar activities, mouthguards are a great way to protect their teeth from potential injury. They are easy to clean, come in many color combinations, and are custom made to fit comfortably in your child’s mouth.
Tooth Whitening—At-home with Opalescence®
Opalescence®―At-home tooth whitening
You may be quite happy with the size and alignment of your teeth, but dentist-supervised tooth whitening gives you the dazzling smile you always wanted. Tooth whitening is safe, effective, and long-lasting. At Elgin Family Dentistry, Dr. Kingsley and Dr. Peters trust the Opalescence tooth whitening system.
New Patients
During your first appointment, your overall dental and oral health will be assessed with a comprehensive oral evaluation. Upon completion of your medical/dental health form, we will ask you to tell us your goals regarding your smile, teeth, and gums. Digital photos and X-rays will be taken of your teeth to identify areas of decay, cracked teeth, and malfunctioning restorations. Our goal is to preserve as many of your teeth as possible by catching decay in its earliest stages. We will also assess your gums and will recommend the appropriate hygiene treatment for you―if possible, starting it that day.
