FIRST APPOINTMENT
At the first appointment all patients will receive a comprehensive exam from Dr. Traynor and necessary X-rays. Dr. Traynor will prepare a customized treatment plan for your specific dental health and esthetic needs. He and his staff will take time to inform you about all the treatment and options available to you. This will allow you to make an educated and informed decision to proceed with confidence knowing that the customized treatment plan will result in reaching your goals of dental health and esthetics.
Our General Treatments Include:
Standard cleaning or prophylactic cleaning is recommended every six months. All plaque, bacteria, and calculus (tartar) are removed and teeth are polished. The doctor will also perform an examination to check for tooth decay and gum disease, as well as perform an oral cancer screening. Any necessary X-rays will be taken; bitewing X-rays are recommended once per year to check for decay between the teeth. A fluoride treatment is also recommended to help teeth become stronger and more resistant to decay. This is especially recommended for those without fluoride in their drinking water.
This is called scaling and root planning and is performed to treat gum disease or periodontitis. The area of the mouth to be treated is anesthetized and all plaque, bacteria and calculus (tartar) are removed from above and below the gum. Arestin is a locally administered antibiotic that will be placed in the worst areas to aid healing.
Sealants are used as a preventive measure to protect teeth from decay. The grooves and depressions that form the chewing surfaces of the back teeth can be extremely difficult to clean, especially for children. Tooth sealants protect these susceptible areas by sealing the grooves and depressions, preventing bacteria and food particles from residing in these areas. Sealant material is a resin applied to the back teeth and areas prone to cavities. It lasts for several years but needs to be checked during regular appointments.
Mouthguards are used to protect your teeth and gums during sports activity. An impression of your mouth is taken and the mouthguard is custom fabricated from a rubber material by the laboratory.
Fillings are used to replace part of a tooth that has decay. The decayed part is removed and a filling is placed to restore the tooth to its proper form and function. There are several types of filling material. Today, metal fillings are no longer needed in most cases as modern composite filling materials have been developed and provide strong, reliable and natural-looking results. The composite materials are superior to the amalgam metal filling in many ways. The obvious advantage is aesthetics but the composite material is also bonded to the tooth structure and thus actually can support or strengthen it. Additionally, because of the bonding less tooth structure has to be destroyed; only the decayed portion of the tooth is removed. In metal fillings more tooth structure is destroyed to give the filling retention and resistance form.
Root Canal therapy is used to save a tooth when the nerve in the tooth becomes damaged or infected. The nerve may be damaged by trauma to the tooth, a large cavity or fracture of the tooth. The damaged nerve can die and can become infected. Root canal therapy involves removal of the damaged tissue and sealing the void to prevent future problems. Root canal therapy is used to save a tooth; the only other alternative is to extract the tooth. After root canal therapy is completed, it is usual for the tooth to require a foundation filling and in most instances a crown to restore its full function and aesthetics.
Bridges are used to replace a missing tooth. The teeth to either side of the missing tooth are used to support the bridge. The bridge is made in the same fashion as a crown and requires two appointments. At the first appointment, the teeth are shaped to allow the bridge to fit and provide optimum function and aesthetics. An impression of the teeth is then taken and delivered to a private laboratory. The laboratory custom fabricates the bridge. The bridge is fitted at the second appointment. A bridge is a permanent replacement for a missing tooth. It is cemented in place and the replacement will look natural.
Partial dentures are used to replace multiple missing teeth in one arch. The partial is made with a metal base and acrylic teeth and gum. The partial has clasps that clip to remaining teeth to provide support and retention. The making of the partial can take up to five appointments for measuring and fitting, to ensure the best result. A partial is not cemented into place; it is a removable appliance, but does improve aesthetics and function. We recommend that all patients remove their partial denture to clean it and to clean their teeth. We also recommend removing the partial denture prior to sleeping.
Complete dentures are used to replace all the teeth in one arch. It is custom fabricated by the laboratory with acrylic teeth and an acrylic base. A complete denture is a removable appliance that will take five appointments to measure and fit. We recommend our patients sleep without the denture and also remove it to clean it and to clean their mouths.
- Occlusal Bitesplint Therapy:
Occlusal bitesplints are used to prevent clenching and grinding, especially at night. Clenching and grinding, or bruxism, can cause wearing of the teeth and soreness in the jaw joint or muscles. An impression of your teeth is taken and the laboratory custom fabricates an occlusal bitesplint. This is fitted to the lower or upper teeth and protects the teeth and helps muscle relaxation.
Nitrous Oxide (also known as "laughing gas") sedation is used to help nervous patients relax during treatment. Nitrous oxide is often used as a conscious sedative during a dental visit. The gas is administered with a mixture of oxygen and has a calming effect that helps phobic or anxious patients relax during their dental treatment. Because it is a mild sedative, patients are still conscious and can talk to their dentist during their visit. After treatment, the nitrous is turned off and oxygen is administered for five to ten minutes to help flush any remaining gas. The effects wear off almost immediately. Nitrous oxide rarely has side effects, although some patients may experience minor nausea and constipation.
Contact Beacon Dental today at 734-424-9671 to schedule a consultation, or browse our website to learn more about cosmetic dentistry, brushing and flossing, or fluoride.
