Imagine driving your car for 100,000 miles without changing the oil! You would definitely run into some problems, and, chances are, they would prove more costly than a routine oil change. Well, your teeth are no different. Generally speaking, routine checkups combined with regular flossing and brushing help preserve oral health. By investing in preventive treatments and other general dentistry services now, you can keep your smile healthy and avoid costly dental treatments later.
We take a proactive position against enemies that threaten the health of your smile. Our dentists offer non-invasive treatments to combat gum disease and restore periodontal health. Dental clenching and grinding, a condition called bruxism, destroys tooth structure and causes a host of problems. We treat bruxism with customized oral appliance therapy that puts an end to dental wear and tear. Additional general dentistry services include snoreguards, athletic mouthguards, and bad breath treatment. As our number one priority, you’ll experience full-service dental care for an improved smile and long-term oral health.
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings come in all shades and are quite natural looking. In addition, the dentist does not have to remove as much natural tooth structure to place a composite fillings as compared to placing the century-old old amalgam ones.
Root Canals
A root canal is a conservative treatment to restore the health of an internally damaged tooth. Our dentists make root canal therapy a comfortable and positive experience. If you’re currently experiencing dental pain and pressure, then we recommend that you schedule an appointment to find out if you’re a candidate for root canal therapy.
Teeth are amazing structures. Each tooth contains pulp, commonly called the nerve, with canals that extend to the root. These canals can become infected when impacted by advanced dental decay, a tooth fracture, or other dental trauma. Without proper treatment, the infection worsens and the pulp dies, leading to potential tooth, gum, and bone loss.
A root canal alleviates the intense pain and pressure of internal tooth damage and prevents extraction. The dentist removes the infected tissue, replaces it with biocompatible filler, and then seals the tooth with a custom-made crown. Patients experience an end to discomfort, along with a structurally sound tooth that’s strengthened and protected for years to come.
Dentures
Dentures are removable prosthetic devices that replace missing teeth and restore your smile. Dentures can be “full” replacing a whole arch of teeth, or “partial” replacing just a few teeth. Whether full or partial, no matter how well your dentures are made, you must realize that they are never going to function as well as your natural teeth. Replacing teeth is the same as replacing any other body part; a wooden leg is good, but never as good as your original leg. When you are getting acclimated to your new full or partial denture, eat soft foods or foods that have been cut into pieces. Practice reading out loud until you can speak comfortably. Practice taking your full or partial denture in and out in front of a mirror; never force them or bite down to try to get them in place. If your full or partial denture is loose, causes soreness, or is bent or broken in any way, please call our office for an appointment.
Partials
A partial can replace missing teeth. A partial has clasps that hold it in place. It takes several visits to replace missing teeth with a partial. Impressions are made on the first visit. A couple of weeks later, the partial is tried in; about two weeks later the permanent partial is inserted. It should be removed at night and cleaned.
Extractions
After a dental extraction you must allow the tooth socket time to heal. You should not drink through a straw or smoke during the healing phase as these habits can dislodge the clot. Rinsing with warm salt water can help the healing process. An ice pack can help reduce any swelling. The area should feel a little better every day. Sometimes, however, the clot may not form or may become dislodged. If this happens, the tooth socket will become very painful. At that point, you must return to the office and have a special dressing placed to help heal the “dry” socket.
Oral Sedation
Many people put off going to the dentist because they have had an unpleasant experience in the past. Thanks to modern dentistry, you can be confident that your dental visit can be as painless as possible. At Ashburn Divine Dental you can stretch out and relax in our all-leather chairs while you watch your favorite TV show snuggled up in our soft, comfortable blankets! We use a numbing gel on your gums and give nearly painless injections. We also have nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas” available to relax you while you get your dental work completed. We can even use “conscious sedation” where you take one pill the night before to give you a sound sleep, and then one more pill an hour before your dental appointment to relax you even more. We are committed to making your dental visit as comfortable as possible!
Mouth Guards
Athletic mouth guards help protect your teeth while playing contact sports such as baseball, basketball, field hockey, football, gymnastics, lacrosse, soccer, softball, track and field, and volleyball. The American Dental Association (ADA), the American Academy of Endodontists (AAE), and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD) are all strong proponents of mouth guard use. John S. Olmstead, D.D.S., M.S., President of the AAE was quoted in a press release as stating, “Just as helmets help protect an athlete’s head from trauma, mouth guards are essential to protect teeth from serious injury.” The three categories of athletic mouth guards can be custom fitted in the dental office, or bought over-the-counter in most sporting goods stores.