Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to erupt within the mouth, usually in a person’s late teens or twenties. When they align properly and gum tissue is healthy, wisdom teeth do not have to be removed. Unfortunately, this does not generally happen. The extraction of wisdom teeth is necessary when they are prevented from properly erupting within the mouth. They may grow sideways, partially emerge from the gum and even remain trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impacted teeth can take many positions in the bone as they attempt to find a pathway that will allow them to successfully erupt. Your dentist can determine if you need your wisdom teeth removed from the x-rays taken during your usual hygiene cleanings.

Learn More

Dental implants are changing the way people live and are often the best option for people who have experienced tooth loss. They are the closest thing to natural teeth that modern dental technology has to offer. They are a desirable alternative to dentures as these are “permanent teeth” that look, feel and function similar to natural teeth. Dental implants are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The posts act as tooth root substitutes and, within three to six months, the bone bonds with the titanium to create a strong foundation for artificial teeth. If you are considering dental implants, give us a call and we will thoroughly examine your mouth and dental records to determine if they are a good option.

Learn More

This is needed when jaws don’t meet correctly and/or teeth don’t seem to fit with the jaws. Teeth are straightened with orthodontics, and corrective jaw surgery repositions a misaligned jaw. This not only improves facial appearance, but also ensures that teeth meet correctly and function properly.

Reconstructive procedures restore the hard and soft tissues of the head and neck. Among the more common of these services are bone grafts to restore defects caused by tumors, soft tissue grafts to replace areas of the oral soft tissue that have been injured or diseased, and ridge augmentation procedures to restore the dental ridges in preparation for dentures.

These services involve the diagnosis and treatment of the hard and soft tissues of the head and neck area. When indicated, any lesions found are removed and submitted for laboratory biopsy.

Powerful pain-killing medications known as anesthetics can not only help a patient avoid discomfort during a procedure, but post-operatively as well. Some patients may require higher doses of anesthetic than others. Sedation dentistry can help patients relax throughout the dental treatment. It is safe and effective, as patients are closely monitored by our trained professionals. Your dentist will talk to you about the most appropriate sedation option to address your particular needs.

• Local anesthesia: Anesthetics can be topically applied, injected or swallowed. Topical anesthetics are often applied with a cotton swab to numb the affected area. This approach is often used with tooth restoration. Topical anesthetics are also used to prepare an area of injection of an anesthetic. Lidocaine is the most common injectable anesthetic and is often used for fillings and root canals.
• Sedation and general anesthesia: Sedatives are medications designed to help a patient relax. This can be a powerful tool in avoiding pain. Sedatives are sometimes used in combination with other types of pain relievers. Conscious sedation involves administering a sedative while the patient is alert and awake. Intravenous (IV) sedation is usually in the form of a tranquilizing agent; patients given IV sedation are often awake but very relaxed. Deep sedation or general anesthesia involves administering a medication that places a patient in a state of monitored and controlled unconsciousness.