Comprehensive Exams
To maintain the best oral health possible, regular, comprehensive dental exams are a necessity. The American Dental Association recommends that you visit your dentist at least twice a year. Regular exams are vital to assess possible problems such as gum disease, oral cancer, cavity development, and replacing worn out dental work such as metal fillings and discolored crowns. Catching problems early will prevent bigger problems from developing, which will end up saving you time and money.
What Does a Comprehensive Exam Involve?
- We provide a thorough oral cancer screening.
- A series of diagnostic x-rays will be taken so we can analyze the condition of your teeth and bone structure.
- We conduct a complete periodontal screening to check for symptoms and evidence of gum disease.
- We check for any possible bite problems or jaw issues.
- A tooth-specific exam is also provided to all of your teeth to check for cavities, examine the condition of other dental work, and identify cracked or missing teeth.
Maintaining your oral health is top priority for us at Bannister, DDS. Managing small problems and eliminating them is crucial in avoiding serious health issues such as tooth loss, gum disease and oral cancer. So call us today to schedule an exam, and let us maintain your smile to last a lifetime.
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Gentle, Professional Cleanings
Professional Cleanings
Children and adults should visit their dentist for a professional hygiene cleaning at least twice a year. If problems are detected early, they can be treated swiftly to avoid developing more serious issues. Dr. Mike provides comfortable, gentle hygiene cleanings to detect, deter and prevent gum disease. If we find a cause for concern, we may recommend a deep gum cleaning to remove tartar below the gum line, smooth out surfaces where plaque builds up and eliminate bacterial infection.
Important Reasons to Get Professional Cleanings
- to detect possible health risks such as oral cancer and gum disease
- to prevent tooth loss
- to maintain good physical health
- to eliminate bad breath
- to have a brighter, whiter smile
In order to maintain good oral health and a bright smile, please contact us here to schedule a professional hygiene cleaning.
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Gum Disease Treatment
Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is caused by bacteria in plaque. If not consistently removed, this bacteria builds up, infecting your teeth, gums, and eventually the bone that supports your teeth - a common cause of tooth loss. This disease has three stages of progression: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. The longer the disease remains untreated, the more damage it causes. With advancements in detection and treatment, we can discover periodontal disease early and begin treatment before complicated issues arise.
Common signs of Gum Disease
- Red, tender, and swollen gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
- Constant bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
- Gum line receding, or gums are pulling away from teeth and forming pockets
- Changes in your bite or teeth alignment, loose teeth
Gum Disease Treatment Process
- We provide a comprehensive cleaning to remove built up plaque and tartar.
- For more advanced conditions, scaling and deep root planing are effective treatments we provide. These procedures also involve inclusive cleaning, but deeper into areas above and below the gum line. A local anesthetic is administered in conjunction as well.
- We also utilize an FDA-approved antibiotic called Arestin. The Arestin therapy is quick, comfortable, and once applied, antibiotics are released into your gums for up to 21 days.
How Can I Prevent Gum Disease Before it Starts?
Simple, everyday steps can also be taken to avoid gum disease growth, including:
- Brushing and flossing consistently at least twice day
- Using an antimicrobial mouth rinse daily to help control plaque
- Scheduling regular checkups
If you are experiencing the symptoms of gum disease, it’s essential that you begin treatment. Besides tooth loss, studies have linked untreated periodontal disease to the development of severe health issues such as heart disease, strokes, diabetes and pre-term low birth-weight babies. If you think you may have gum disease, please contact us here to schedule an appointment right away.
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Extractions
Despite our best efforts to save a tooth, sometimes extraction is the only alternative. If this is necessary, Dr. Mike is committed to providing you the most comfortable, pain-free procedure possible.
Factors leading to extraction include:
- Extensive trauma
- Substantial tooth decay
- Gum Disease
- Badly cracked or broken teeth
No one likes the idea of losing a tooth, however there are options we can provide to fill the empty space or replace the tooth, such as:
- Implants
- Implant retained dentures, which look and feel like normal teeth
- Traditional dentures
- Dental bridges, which are 3 or more porcelain teeth fused together
The idea of having a tooth extracted is scary for some. Don’t worry though, with our gentle care and pain-free sedation methods, you have nothing to fear. We can also work out payment options to fit your budget and keep you financially sound.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding extractions or to learn more about restorative dental options, please contact us here today.
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Dental Implants
Dr. Mike recommends dental implants as an effective way to restore lost teeth. Dental Implants provide a durable, permanent option for oral reconstruction. In this process, titanium implants are surgically placed in the bone. Once the dental implants are restored with crowns or dentures, you will regain a natural-looking, beautiful new smile!
Dental Implants offer a wide range of benefits:
- Your teeth will look and feel natural, providing a confident smile
- Elimination of discomfort or soreness that may be experienced with ordinary dentures or bridges
- No slipping, allowing you to speak and eat normally
Letting lost teeth go untreated can cause a number of problems:
- Missing teeth can affect what foods or drinks you can consume, which can lead to poor nutrition and overall health
- Your bite can also be affected, causing your teeth to line up improperly which may lead to jaw joint or other bite problems
- Your self-esteem can be reduced, if you feel self-conscious about missing teeth
If you have missing teeth and want to discuss dental implant options, please contact us here and let us help you regain your smile, not just for cosmetic reasons, but for your continued good health.
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Crowns
Ideal for protecting a cracked tooth or covering up discoloration, crowns can be a great solution for improving your smile. A crown is a tooth shaped cap that fits over a problem tooth to improve strength, size and appearance.
The crown procedure is simple:
- First we will anesthetize the area. Once completely numb, the tooth is filed down so that the crown fits appropriately.
- Then, we will take an impression of the tooth to use in the construction of the crown. The impressions are sent away to a dental laboratory to create your crown. Meanwhile, we apply a sturdy temporary crown over the problem tooth while your permanent crown is manufactured.
- Once your permanent crown is ready, you will come back to finish the procedure.
Crown placement can offer several benefits:
- Long term durability
- Protection from further decay, infection and cracking
- Improved chewing and talking
- An improved, natural and healthier smile
Don't wait another day, contact us here to learn more about crowns, and how we can help you have the smile you deserve!
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