Common Dental Procedures

Regular Exams and Cleanings

Regular dental exams and cleanings are important for maintaining good oral health. Each exam includes:

• A thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth
• Checking for cavities or decay
• Inspecting your teeth and gums for gingivitis and signs of periodontal disease

We recommend visiting our office every several months. Regular visits also give you an opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns about your oral health with the doctor. Exams and cleanings are available by appointment, so please contact our practice to schedule your visit.

Bonding

Dental bonding can be used to repair slightly chipped, discolored, or crooked teeth. Tooth-colored composite material is available in a variety of shades and can be matched to the appearance of your natural teeth.

Bridges

A dental bridge can replace missing teeth, help maintain the shape of your face, and reduce stress on your bite. A bridge uses an artificial tooth to fill the gap and connects to the adjacent teeth to restore the appearance and function of your smile.

Crowns

Crowns can protect damaged tooth structure or improve the shape of a tooth. They may be recommended for teeth that are broken, worn, decayed, or treated with a root canal. Onlays are partial crowns that cover only the damaged portion of a tooth.

Dentures

Dentures are removable replacement teeth designed to look natural. Full dentures replace all of the teeth in an arch, while partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth and attach to a framework supported by the remaining natural teeth.

Extractions

Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from the mouth. An extraction may be recommended when a baby tooth blocks the path of a permanent tooth, when wisdom teeth cause problems, as part of orthodontic treatment, or when a tooth is severely damaged by decay.

Fillings

Fillings restore teeth affected by decay. Although fillings can be made from several materials, tooth-colored composite is commonly used because it blends naturally with the surrounding tooth structure. Indirect fillings, such as inlays, are made in a laboratory from ceramic or composite materials.

Fluoride

Fluoride treatments help strengthen teeth and prevent cavities and tooth decay, particularly in children. Treatment takes only a few minutes. Afterward, your child should avoid eating, drinking, or rinsing for 30 minutes to give the teeth time to absorb the fluoride.

Implant Restoration

Replacing a missing tooth can help restore comfortable chewing, prevent neighboring teeth from shifting, and support a natural-looking smile. A dental implant replaces the missing root with a titanium implant body and supports a tooth-colored crown.

With proper care and maintenance, an implant restoration can provide a durable, long-term solution for a missing tooth.

Mouthguards

The American Dental Association recommends wearing a mouthguard during full-contact sports. A properly fitted mouthguard helps protect your teeth and gums from injury.

Nightguards

Nightguards can help protect your teeth from the wear and damage caused by grinding or clenching, also known as bruxism. Signs may include jaw pain, earaches, headaches, or worn teeth. A custom nightguard is made to fit your teeth and provide a comfortable, noninvasive way to protect your smile.

Root Canals

Root canal treatment can save a tooth that might otherwise require extraction. When a tooth is cracked or has a deep cavity, bacteria can enter the pulp and cause an infection. Root canal treatment removes the affected tissue, cleans the inside of the tooth, and seals it. A crown may be recommended afterward to help protect the tooth from further damage.

Sealants

Dental sealants provide extra protection against decay by filling the small pits and grooves that can be difficult to clean. These protective plastic coatings bond to the tooth surface and create a smoother area that is less likely to harbor plaque. Sealants are often placed on children’s permanent teeth after they erupt, although some adults may also benefit from them.

Veneers

Veneers can improve the appearance of gaps, chips, stains, or misshapen teeth. These thin, tooth-colored coverings are designed to fit over the front surfaces of the teeth. The dentist may gently prepare the teeth and take impressions so the dental laboratory can create veneers that fit your smile.

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the molars at the back of the mouth. They may be fully erupted, partially erupted, or impacted. Because they can be difficult to clean, wisdom teeth may contribute to decay, swelling, pain, or gum disease. When they cause problems, extraction may be recommended.

If you have questions about any of these procedures, our team can explain your options and help you choose the care that is right for you. Contact our West Windsor Township dental office to schedule an appointment.